December 19, 2020 : Issue #1090

TOP STORIES — Diabetes News and Research

Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction in T2D

Green Tea and Coffee Benefits for Diabetes

Could Vitamin D Have a Role in T2DM?

The first batch of COVID-19 vaccines has made its way into places across the US. This first wave will be the easiest to give as we focus on healthcare workers and other first line responders. As more doses become available, we will have more decisions to make. Should the injections go to nursing home residents, or should they go to patients with diabetes who have an increased risk of death if they contract the coronavirus? Although the news networks make it seem like this will solve all our problems, it appears that it will be mid-summer before at least 50% of the US population is inoculated.

We are still going to have to keep up our safety precautions, disinfecting, mask wearing and the like. My fear is that we will relax our vigilance, and people who would be protected easily will let down their guard. Please don’t let your patients stop wearing masks or social distancing, or this pandemic will last much longer than we would ever want it to.

Thank you for your continued care for your patients and have a safe holiday season.

*****************************

We can make a difference!

*****************************

Dave Joffe

Editor-in-chief

A study based on the Look AHEAD trial examined how weight loss and physical activity impact the risk of HF, MI, and T2DM.

Study finds green tea and coffee may offer significant health benefits in people with diabetes, particularly when both are consumed.

A recently published meta-analysis evaluates whether vitamin D supplementation could prevent type 2 in patients with prediabetes. 

COVID-19 deaths are predicted to be possibly ½ million by February 1; worldwide, in the 20–99 years age range, approximately 5 million deaths/year are attributable to diabetes.

T2D can no longer be considered, as it once was, a disease of affluence or developed nations, with more than 60% of all individuals with the disorder residing outside the developed countries. China and India are the two major epicenters of the diabetes epidemic. Still, sub-Saharan Africa, Oceania, and Latin America also have extensive (and rapidly increasing) numbers of people with diabetes. The increase in the prevalence of diabetes is intimately linked to economic development and the subsequent changes in lifestyle that promote an obesogenic environment. Although the link between Obesity and T2D is linear, certain ethnic groups (such as Asian Indians) develop T2D at relatively low BMI levels. Defects in beta-cell function, mediated by genetic or early-life influences, may underlie many of these cases of “lean” T2D. A thorough understanding of the etiopathogenesis of diabetes in various ethnic groups is essential to plan the most cost-effective therapeutic and preventive strategies. It is unlikely that “one size” would fit all. When translating the results of international trials to middle- and low-income countries, low-cost, culturally adaptable solutions will have to be used along with community empowerment if the increasing diabetes epidemic is to be halted in its tracks, or at least slowed down. The time to act is now!
Diabetes  2017 Jun; 66(6): 1432-1442

Diabetes in Control gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following pharmacy doctoral candidates in the preparation of this week’s newsletters:

Abdullah Al-Ajmi, PharmD Candidate, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences  

Shana Indawala, PharmD Candidate, University of South Florida Health, Taneja College of Pharmacy

Leyany Feijoo Ramos, PharmD. Candidate, LECOM School of Pharmacy

Melinda Rodriguez, PharmD Candidate 2021, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – L|E|C|O|M School of Pharmacy

A’Kira Shavers, PharmD Candidate, South College School of Pharmacy

Your Friends in Diabetes Care
Steve and Dave
Diabetes In Control
810 Bear Tavern Road Suite 102
Ewing, NJ, 08628
USA
www.diabetesincontrol.com