Issue 211 Item 8 Improved Sugar Levels Help Memory

A U.S./Scottish study found that improving blood sugar levels significantly improves working memory in people with Type 2 diabetes. Christopher Ryan at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Mark Strachan at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, presented their findings at the American Diabetes Association meeting in Orlando, Fla., Saturday.

The study demonstrates that the effective treatment of Type 2 diabetes may have a critical impact on cognitive function in older adults.

“The specific cause of diabetes-related cognitive impairment is an area that warrants further research. However, these data demonstrate that reductions in blood sugar can positively affect cognitive function in people with Type 2 diabetes,” said Ryan.

“Patients taking the combination of rosiglitazone and metformin experienced cognitive benefits, but equally important, they experienced these benefits with the fewest side effects, which may potentially influence patient adherence. As such, this is a promising treatment regimen to consider for type 2 diabetes patients.” ADA 64th Scientific Sessions

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FACT: Eligibility Communication with Medicare Beneficiaries: Medicare beneficiaries will shortly begin to receive acceptance or rejection notices regarding their eligibility for the Community Care RxSM Medicare card. You may have already been asked by your patients what information they will be receiving in the mail. If your patient is accepted they will receive a Community Care RxSM Member Handbook, Membership Card, Discount Drug List, and Pharmacy Directory (specific to patient’s geographic area). Should your patient be rejected for the Community Care RxSM Medicare card, they will be provided with an explanation as to why they were rejected. National Community Pharmacists Association, Community Care Update, 6-04-04