While at ADA, I had the chance to catch up with Vijaya Juturu, Ph.D.,
Nutrition Scientist with Nutrition 21, Inc. Nutrition 21 is a leading
therapeutic supplement company and the researcher and developer of a
new nutritional product for people with diabetes called Diachrome™.
Dr. Juturu and I discussed this interesting new product.
DJ: How was the Diachrome composition of chromium
picolinate plus biotin discovered?
VJ: Chromium, an essential trace mineral, has long been known to have
beneficial effects on glucose control. Chromium picolinate is the most
bioavailable form of chromium, supported by the most research in diabetes.
Nutrition 21 has been involved in chromium research for over 10 years.
In developing Diachrome, we screened different nutrients using a human
skeletal muscle cell model to study the effect of different nutrients,
alone or in combination with chromium picolinate, on glucose uptake
and glycogen production. Trace elements are known to have interaction
with other nutrients. We were hoping to find a complementary interaction
between the nutrients. Over 15 bioactive nutrients were screened including
biotin, also known as vitamin H, which is one of the B-vitamins. The
chromium picolinate/biotin combination showed significant results by
enhancing glucose uptake and glycogen production. As a matter of fact,
this combination exhibited more than additive effects. A patent was
issued based on this synergistic action.
DJ: Why did you think that Diachrome would be
effective in diabetes management?
VJ: Two of the most important treatment goals for people with diabetes
today are controlling blood sugar levels through normalizing insulin
function and maintaining healthy lipid profiles. Pre-clinical and clinical
studies suggest that Diachrome not only improves blood glucose control
but also increases HDL levels and reduces total and LDL cholesterol
levels. Clinical data additionally show significant improvements in
HbA1c profiles. Diachrome has been tested in research studies in combination
with other treatment modalities, such as oral hypoglycemic medications
and insulin. No adverse events have been reported in the clinical studies.
This nutrient combination is delivered at safe, yet effective, dose
levels and can be used alone or in combination with other treatment
regimens.
DJ: What is the potential for Diachrome’s
application in clinical practice?
VJ: Diachrome’s once-a-day dosing schedule and lack of unwanted
side effects makes it a convenient adjunct to existing treatment protocols.
As a non-prescription nutrient formulation, it is extremely affordable.
All of these factors should help to improve compliance and, as we all
know, improved compliance usually leads to improved outcomes.
DJ: Are there any on-going clinical studies
of Diachrome?
VJ: Yes. Nutrition 21 currently has a 600-patient double-blind, placebo-controlled
study with a leading diabetes disease management organization. In addition
to clinical endpoints, pharmaco-economic outcomes will be measured.
Interim results from this study are expected by the end of this year.
Another study is being conducted at Oakland Children’s Hospital
where Diachrome is being tested in type 2 adult and pediatric patients.
These results are expected early next year. Finally, a new study is
about to initiate evaluating Diachrome’s impact on glycemic response.
DJ: Are there any cautions or contraindications
for Diachrome?
VJ: Because Diachrome helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose
utilization, patients are advised to monitor their blood sugars regularly.
In two clinical studies, some people with diabetes were able to reduce
their levels of hypoglycemic medication or exogenous insulin. Since
Diachrome is a nutrient combination, this beneficial effect probably
will not occur overnight. Most patients begin to see a positive response
within the first month although others may need to consistently take
Diachrome for a longer period of time before they begin to see any benefit.
Post-prandial blood glucose levels seem to be reduced first, followed
by fasting levels. In terms of HbA1c levels, the higher the baseline
value (i.e. the more out-of-control) the greater the impact seen in
clinical studies. Diachrome is a safe product and a new nutritional
addition to existing diabetes treatment options. As with all interventions,
we recommend that people with diabetes work with their healthcare professional
when using Diachrome to safely achieve their health goals.
DJ: Is Diachrome commercially available?
VJ: Diachrome is not yet available in stores. The only way that Diachrome
currently can be purchased is through a toll-free number or Web site.
Nutrition 21 wants to communicate first with the health professional
community prior to launching the product to consumers in the retail
channel. We are exhibiting here at ADA and will be exhibiting at AADE
and other health professional conferences throughout the year.
For More Information on Diachrome call 1-866-DIACHROME (1-866-342-2476)
or going on-line to: www.diachrome.com.
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