Over the last 7 years we have heard all about the benefits of GLP-1 analogs. One of the benefits that is often touted is the increase in first phase insulin release. In simple terms, we define this as “the quick release of insulin at the first bite of food,” but …

Male, 26 years of age, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension. Strong family history of type 2 diabetes with complications. Has been a patient since diagnosed 2 years ago. Has met with dietitian. Hasn’t made dietary changes, increased activity, or taken meds prescribed to lower his glucose. A1C 9.2% and rising every 3 months. He would also miss many of his appointments. Stated, “Nothing is going to bother me. Maybe it did my family, but that was a different time and it’s not going to happen to me. I’m going to go on enjoying my life.”

In part 1 of this Exclusive Interview, Kimberly Ward explains the goal and use of the Accu-Chek Connect System.

In this week's Homerun Slides, the principles of the AACE/ACE comprehensive type 2 diabetes management algorithm.

Dynamics of insulin secretion: Biphasic insulin secretion -- insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in response to glucose is characterized by biphasic kinetics: an initial component (1st phase), which develops rapidly but lasts only a few minutes, followed by a sustained component (2nd phase). It has been thought that the biphasic response of insulin secretion reflects primarily the dynamics of spatially and functionally distinct insulin granules. The prevailing hypothesis is that the 1st phase of insulin secretion is attributable to fusion of predocked granules from a readily releasable pool (RRP) that accounts for less than 5% of total granules, while the 2nd phase involves recruitment of granules from a more distant reserve pool (RP) that accounts for the great majority of total granules.