Letter from the Editor #521

It appears that all the hubbub about tight control of glucose and increased mortality which has been in the news for years may be wrong. When the ACCORD study first came out, the increase in the mortality rate was attributed to intensive control and hypoglycemia associated with tight control but now it seems that is not true.

When ACCORD was first released I looked at the data and realized that the way they went after tight control was to increase insulin amounts rather than providing better education or making changes in patients’ dietary habits. Now a new review by Dr. Matthew Riddle and others, published in the May 2010 issue of Diabetes Care (See this week’s Item #1.) proves that I was right in my assumption. This new review points to the fact that it is unsuccessful intensive therapy, and not intensive therapy that caused the higher cardiovascular rate. If only we could get the newspapers and TV news shows to spread that around.

Many of us have patients who are already in the “doughnut hole” on their part D plan and are asking us for samples. Part of the new healthcare plan unveiled this past spring gives patients an easier way to get through this non-coverage time. Drug companies and third party providers are working together to help patients and now CMS has released information on how this will work.

Our PharmD candidate, Lindsey Harris, gives us a look at what is going on, by simplifying CMS’ “Guidance on the Doughnut Hole Discount Program.”

Announcements:

Taking Control of Your Diabetes: Raleigh, North Carolina, Saturday, May 22
The TCOYD team will be in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Raleigh Convention Center for a conference and health fair on Saturday, May 22. Special Guests: Nicole Johnson, (MA, MPH, Miss America 1999) and Charlie Kimball (Indy Lights, Race Car Driver). For more 2010 upcoming conference details, please go to TCOYD.org.

dLife.com: May 16, 7PM ET on CNBC
Topics:   The life and legacy of the man who shattered baseball records and racial barriers, but struggled against diabetes — Jackie Robinson. Also, a look at the language of diabetes; and the facts on an important women’s health issue that could be affecting you. Special Guest: Don Newcombe. Sundays on CNBC at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, and 4 PM PT. Catch up on dLife.com.

Please answer this week’s Poll question:

Do you recommend any “alternative” remedies to help manage your patients’ diabetes?

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We can make a difference!

 

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Check out this week’s “Test Your Diabetes Knowledge” question!

Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief