Issue 483

Tool for Your Practice: U-500 Conversion Sheet

U-500 Conversion Sheet - This easy to use sheet gives you the method to convert patients from U-100 insulin to Humulin U-500. This will work for patients whether they are on a pump, a pen or vial and syringe. I have included an example...

Certain Diabetes Therapies May be Associated with Pancreatic Cancer Risks

Metformin appears to reduce the risk for pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes, whereas insulin therapy appears to increase the risk, according to the results of a large case-control study.

Vitamin D: Potential Difference Maker in Diabetes Mellitus

  Ingrid Dean, PharmD Candidate David Joffe, BSPharm, Preceptor   Florida A & M University College of...

Test Your Knowledge #483: A 74-year-old man who has had Type 2 diabetes for 20 years is evaluated

A 74-year-old man who has had Type 2 diabetes for 20 years is evaluated for possible initiation of insulin treatment. He takes metformin 1000 mg twice daily and glyburide 10 mg twice daily. He recently began measuring his...

Injuries Related to Being Active with Diabetes: Part 1 (Common Overuse Injuries)

By Sheri...

Letter from the Editor: August 26, 2009, Issue #483

Humulin U-500 insulin once again is on my agenda, as I had three calls from hospital pharmacists and educators asking for a method to convert and write orders for patients on pumps and for sliding scale use. Many of our syringe or pen...

Metformin Reduces Risk of Pancreatic Cancer

Metformin appears to reduce the risk for pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes, whereas insulin therapy appears to increase the risk, according to the results of a large case-control study. 

New Vaccine to Prevent Heart Attacks

A vaccine to prevent heart attacks could transform the treatment of heart disease. The new vaccine works by reversing the narrowing of the arteries, a leading cause of heart attacks.

Poor Glycemic Control is a Risk Factor for Low HDL Cholesterol

From the results of a new study, it was concluded that poor glycemic control appears to be an independent risk factor for low HDL cholesterol in Type 2 diabetes. 

Diabetes and pre-diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, 8% of the US population has diabetes. Approximately 2% are still undiagnosed and unaware of their condition, and...

Why Diabetics Are at Greater Risk of Cancer

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah have uncovered new information on the notion that sugar "feeds" tumors. The findings also have implications for other diseases such as diabetes....

The Link Between Obesity and Diabetes

A team of researchers in Sweden, found that people classified as obese and those with pre-diabetes have raised levels of a protein called SPARC, that can cause tissue scarring. 

It’s Not Over for "Rosi" -- Safety Questioned Again

A retrospective analysis based on outpatient data from across Ontario, showed that the risk of dying or being hospitalized with heart failure, but not of MI, is lower among older diabetic patients taking pioglitazone (Actos, Takeda...

Glycemic Control an Independent Risk Factor for Low HDL Cholesterol

This study was done to determine whether the association observed between poor glycemic control and low HDL cholesterol in Type 2 diabetes is dependent on obesity and/or hypertriglyceridemia.

New Vaccine to Prevent Heart Attacks

A vaccine to prevent heart attacks could transform the treatment of heart disease. The new vaccine works by reversing the narrowing of the arteries, a leading cause of heart attacks.

Islet Transplants Provide Lasting Metabolic Control

French researchers report, that with good graft function, islet transplantation can achieve long-term metabolic control in patients with brittle Type 1 diabetes.

FDA Safety Changes for DiaBeta and Chantix

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved safety labeling revisions to warn of the risk for serious effects from Chantix and DiaBeta.

Medium to Vigorous Exercise Improves Cardiac Function in Type 2 Diabetes

While an exercise program generally leads to improvements in metabolic function in patients with Type 2 diabetes, it only improves myocardial function when activity is at least moderate to vigorous, according to a new study.

A Wearable Kidney?

Researchers are developing a Wearable Artificial Kidney for dialysis patients which provides continuous dialysis 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Comparative Effectiveness Between Drugs Nearer

Having comparative studies between drugs can show which drugs are cost effective. Why pay the price for newer drugs, if the older generic drugs do the same or better?

Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Smoking Can Lead to Dementia

Middle-aged people who smoke or have high blood pressure or diabetes are more likely to develop dementia later in life, a new study shows.

Testosterone May Affect Women's Choice of Risker Careers

High levels of testosterone increases appetite for risk in women: high levels connected to choice of riskier careers.

Screening for Asymptomatic Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. L.H. Young and colleagues reported the lack ofutility of MPI for predicting myocardial events in the DIADstudy.

Pharmacist House Calls Help Keep Heart-Failure Patients out of the Hospital

Collaboration between doctors and pharmacists can reduce medication-related problems and hospitalizations and improve health outcomes in patients with heart failure.

Test Your Knowledge Issue 472

Hypoglycemia is a major concern for people with diabetes. There are a number of drugs that treat diabetes and also many patients are on multiple drugs. It is important to be aware of what drugs increase your risk of...