July 3, 2021 : Issue #1146

TOP STORIES — Diabetes News and Research

Can Diabetes Affect Your Ability to Exercise in Hot Weather?
By Sheri Colberg, PhD

Are Older Adults Being Overtreated for Diabetes?

Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes when Discontinuing SGLT-2 Inhibitor

Now that the weather is heating up, it is more likely that people getting outdoors and exercising will have some unwanted effects. Dehydration, cramping, dizziness, are just a few of them that we are familiar with. Since many of our diabetes patients are also out exercising, is there a chance that they will suffer from even more?

This week our Ph.D of exercise, Dr. Sheri Colberg, has a great article on what other problems  diabetes patients have to avoid, and a whole plan on how to avoid any problems.

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We can make a difference!

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Dave Joffe

Editor-in-chief

• Bydureon Pen to be discontinued:
  Bydureon BCise recommended as replacement.

• Walmart launches private-brand analog insulin ReliOn NovoLog:

This first and only private brand analog insulin is projected to save patients 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded insulin products. Walmart’s ReliOn NovoLog offering includes analog insulin vials for $72.88 and FlexPens for $85.88, savings of between 58% and 72% off the cash price of branded insulin products. The new private label ReliOn NovoLog Insulin (insulin aspart) injection, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, will be available in Walmart pharmacies this week and Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July across the United States. ReliOn NovoLog is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. Customers will need a prescription to purchase the products and should always consult with their doctor regarding their diabetes management.

By Sheri Colberg, PhD

The arrival of summer brings to mind visions of people having fun in the sun and recreating on the beach. Still, hotter weather also creates more significant risks related to dehydration and heat stress for people who are physically active outdoors. Aging by itself negatively affects the body’s ability to dissipate heat in both dry and humid environments, but having diabetes further increases the risk of developing heat stress during outdoor activities, especially when hot and humid.

Older adults may be at risk of adverse events such as hypoglycemia when overtreated with certain medications. 

After starting SGLT-2i, is the discontinuation of therapy necessary if there is an immediate decline in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) in patients?

by Fay Smith, Guest Author
According to 2018 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), close to 100 million adults are estimated to have prediabetes. Since poor weight maintenance and inactivity cause prediabetes, lifestyle changes are encouraged to prevent prediabetes and diabetes. If not treated promptly, prediabetes may develop into diabetes type II and result in serious complications, such as heart diseases, stroke, and kidney diseases.

Supporting Prediabetes Patients: After the doctor discusses the causes of prediabetes, the possible treatments must be explored. Typically, physicians recommend lifestyle changes to prevent prediabetes patients from developing type 2 diabetes. However, these changes are easier said than done. Doctors should suggest or create specific plans that will tailor to their patients’ needs. The downside is not everyone is ready to take the leap and start these changes immediately. Most patients need assistance from their healthcare specialists to begin these lifestyle alterations and keep track of their progress. By addressing these difficulties, doctors can assist patients in finding strategies and programs they are comfortable starting. In planning the potential schedule for patients with prediabetes, healthcare specialists should consider the following methods.

Engage in Motivational Talk: This method is patient-centered counseling that tackles prediabetic individuals’ challenges and addresses them with a positive attitude. The motivational interview aims to assist patients in understanding the advantages and disadvantages of their current lifestyle. This conversation also promotes self-efficacy and goal-setting in patients. Motivation talks use various communication strategies to reach out and inspire patients to make a change. Affirmations are used to build confidence and recognize the patient’s strength. Reflective listening is also used to empathize with the patient’s concerns and validate their feelings.

Encourage Shared Decision-Making: Using this approach empowers patients to decide which program or health outcomes matter. With shared decision-making, doctors list down all the pros and cons of the possible lifestyle choices to help patients make informed decisions. Then, after looking at the options, the doctor will help the patient decide which is the best choice based on the patient’s preferences and goals.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (n.d.), Incidence of Newly Diagnosed Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic, (n.d.) prediabetes

US Department of Health and Human Services: DIABETES: A NATIONAL PLAN FOR ACTION. THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIABETES DETECTION

NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, (n.d.), DOs and DON’Ts for the Initial Conversation About Prediabetes

Fay Smith worked in communications for five years before settling down with her husband.
She’s now a mother of two young children and takes care of three lovable Pomeranians. She
maintains blogs regarding beauty, fashion, and wellness. She also works as a freelance
writer and researcher on wellness topics.

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

Macrina Ghali, PharmD Candidate 2021, Florida A&M University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Zahra Hashemy, PharmD. Candidate, USF Taneja College of Pharmacy

Oluwatayo Ishola, PharmD. Candidate, South College, School of Pharmacy

Alan Martinez, PharmD Candidate, University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy 

Brenda Oppong, PharmD Candidate, LECOM School of Pharmacy 

Your Friends in Diabetes Care
Steve and Dave

Diabetes In Control
www.diabetesincontrol.com