Diabetes In Control. A free weekly diabetes newsletter for Medical Professionals. News and information for Medical Professionals.
Letter from the Editor
Last week, I had a little blurb about the Dubai Tour and Team Novo Nordisk. Eight riders, all with type 1 diabetes, headed to the United Arab Emirates for their first Tour de France quality race of the year.
Team veteran Javier Megias was Team Novo Nordisk’s best-placed rider, finishing 27th in the general classification, just over one minute behind the race winner, Marcel Kittel. Dutch sprinter Martijn Verschoor finished just outside the top ten in two stages, while both Charles Planet and David Lozano rode in major breakaways on two separate days, showcasing what may be possible with diabetes to fans watching around the world.
Ten of the 16 teams invited to this year’s race were World Tour squads, and Team Novo Nordisk held their own against some of the best sprinters in the world. With a great start to the season, they are looking forw3ard to upcoming races in the Philippines and Portugal. Stay tuned for more updates.
This is a good example of what good management can do for patients with diabetes, and this week we finally have a new glucose monitoring device that will make managing your diabetes during physical activity easier.
Last week, Dr. Sheri Colberg presented information on interval training — one of the methods that cyclists use to increase speed and power — and many of you had questions for her. She joins us this week to answer some of them.
Announcements:
Free CME Courses
Our web site CME resource is back online! Be sure to check out the new CME courses posted there. Courses are currently available on topics including: Advances in the Medical & Surgical Management of Obesity; Diabetic Retinopathy; Strategies to Improve Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes; and more!
dLifeTV.com: Sunday, February 14, 7PM ET
From dLife.com: “dLife’s Benno Schmidt reports on the controversial topic of medical alert tattoos, and gets inked himself. Plus, a look at how diabetes may impact memory, and how to keep yours sharp; and a low carb chocolate treat from the dLife kitchen.” Sundays live online at dLifeTV.com at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, and 4 PM PT. Keep up on the latest dLife news at dLifeTV.com.
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We can make a difference!
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Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief
This Week's Poll
Which format would you like to see for interviews? Video, audio (podcast), written transcript? Follow the link to respond!
Featured Product: All-in-One Dario BGM System Receives FDA Clearance
After two years at the FDA, LabStyle Innovations recently announced FDA clearance for its all-in-one smartphone blood glucose monitoring system and app, Dario. A US launch is expected in the “coming months,” though we don’t have greater specificity than that at this point. We assume insurance coverage will be limited to start.
The Dario system consists of a plastic unit that holds the small meter, an integrated lancing device, and an integrated strip cartridge. The whole unit is about four inches long, less than one inch wide, and under half an inch deep – small enough to fit in a pocket. It also does not require a separate charger or batteries. The meter plugs directly (no cords needed) into the headphone jack of an iPhone or Android phone and operates through the Dario mobile app. The app includes a data log for blood glucose, food intake, data sharing tools, pattern recognition, and insulin recommendations. Learn more about the device and app here.
Last week, our Featured Writer Dr. Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM invited reader questions on her most recent article. See her responses to your questions here.
Test Your Knowledge
Mr. Hernandez is an overweight (BMI 30 kg/m2), 45-year old plumber of Hispanic heritage who arrives at your office for a first-time visit. He has not been to a physician during the last 7 years because he hasn’t always had health insurance and “doesn’t like going to the doctor.” However, he has been noticing lately that his vision seems a little blurry and he’s developed a red, itchy rash in his groin. He is a non-smoker and recalls being told a long time ago that he should eat a low salt diet, but he can’t remember why. On examination, his BP is 154/96 mm/Hg, and his pulse is 72, RR 22. His physical exam is notable for signs of a yeast infection in his groin. You order a CBC and A1C to be drawn that day before he leaves. You advise him how to treat his skin infection. When you receive the results of the chem 12 panel, it shows a random plasma glucose of 162 mg/dL and A1C 7.3%. You call Mr. Hernandez and ask him to return the next morning, before he has eaten, for additional labs. In this individual, you might order all the following labs EXCEPT…follow the link to select your answer!
Did You Know: How Best To Deliver Bad News to Your Patients
A recent survey found that nearly 88% of participating physicians said bad biopsy results should be delivered in person rather than through virtual consultations or phone calls. Several physicians said that telehealth services may be preferred when a patient is not otherwise available or the news is time-sensitive. The survey also found that delivering bad news in a timely, compassionate and patient-centered manner can relieve some of the anxiety associated with in-person consultations. They further noted that telemedicine delivered via electronic means enables the physicians to focus more on the message, so that the patients better understands the news and can move more quickly into an appropriate treatment plan. JAMA Oncology Nov 2015
New study shows that taking anti-psychotic medications decreased diabetic complications.
New research shows that eating potatoes during pregnancy may increase a woman’s risk of acquiring diabetes.
New research shows duration a greater predictor than glycemic control or A1C.
Endothelial dysfunction is the link between ED, DM, and CAD.
Study suggests better coping strategies might have a role to play in prevention.
Last week, our Featured Writer Dr. Sheri Colberg, Ph.D., FACSM invited reader questions on her most recent article. See her responses to your questions here.
Quote of the Week!
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
…Oprah Winfrey
Diabetes in Control gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following pharmacy doctoral candidates in the preparation of this week’s newsletter:
Javeria Fayyaz, LECOM College of Pharmacy
Samantha Ferguson, FAMU College of Pharmacy
Sabair Pradhan, University Of South Florida College of Pharmacy
Your Friends in Diabetes Care
Steve and Dave
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