Editor’s Note, DCMS #182: Basal Insulin Incorrectly Withheld

Multiple studies have shown that patients who are overweight or obese are more likely to have impaired pulmonary function, obstructive sleep apnea, and the obesity hypoventilation syndrome. These problems are in addition to the more recognized ones such as diabetes and heart failure. The best thing we can do for our patients is help them work through their obesity and our Homerun Slides from Dr. Stanley Schwartz focus on why this is important.

Our Clinical Text from Dr. Ramzi Ajjan starts a fantastic discussion on the basics of the pancreas and and moves through the treatment process. This is a great text for both novice and experienced professionals — however, be careful when it comes to insulin dosing as all the mixed insulins are written in the European fashion (short acting/long acting). Our Diabetes Disaster this week looks at recent occurrences of basal insulin being withheld and what one hospital did in response to this situation, and we continue our Mastery In Minutes video interviews with Dr. Philipp Scherer which include a discussion of how stimulating brown fat cells to burn off excess calories could be one way to help patients lose weight.