July 16, 2016 : Issue #842

• Will 2017 Bring Us the First Artificial Pancreas for Type 1 Diabetes?
• GLP-1 Agonist/Basal Insulin Combinations: New Headway for Diabetes Treatment
• High Cholesterol: a Silent Killer that Needs Immediate Attention
• How Type 1 Diabetes Affects Twin Pregnancies
• Gestational Weight Gain and its Impact on Pregnant Women
• Metformin and Alzheimer’s: A Potential New Therapy?

When I was was doing a lot of diabetes management and pump starts, U-500 was always a fear causer for many medical professionals. Part of this came from problems with the conversion from a U-100 dose to an equivalent U-500 dose. Even though you simply divided the unit dose by 5 —  i.e. 100 units of U-100 became 20 units of U-500 — there was a fear of making a mistake. For years Lilly asked us to think of the syringe as “unit markings” rather than units, and that made it easier. But many health professionals still never took advantage of the higher strength insulin, and it was only in the last year that Lilly came out with a U-500 pen that takes the guesswork away. This would be perfect, except the vial is a cheaper option, and so many insurers will only cover the vial. This week B-D announced that they had come up with a syringe made for U-500 insulin. There were no pictures available with this announcement or at their website, so we will have to see what B-D has done to make this syringe “safe.”

Back in 2005 we ran an article on Type 3 diabetes, but not much more has been written about how it may be a precursor to Alzheimer’s. This week our LECOM Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, Priscilla Sakyi, has found some new information that links the use of anti-diabetic medications to the reduction in Alzheimer’s.

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We can make a difference!

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Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief

Recently we learned the identity of the new British Prime Minister, Theresa May, who, according to a post on www.jdrf.org.uk, is a type 1 diabetic. Guest writer David Kliff from Diabetic Investor shares his thoughts.

The agency noted that this is now the lone device approved for use with U-500 insulin. This approval eliminates the need for conversions that were once the norm.  The new syringes should be prescribed with U-500 insulin. The FDA wants patients to understand the following:

• U-500 insulin syringes should only be used with the U-500 insulin vials;
• Switches between different types of syringes should not be done;
• Adequate supply of the U-500 insulin syringes should be maintained.

Click here to read the announcement.

Diabetes affects one out of every 20 people on Earth. That equates to almost 347 million people, which is greater than the population of every country in the world except China and India. This infographic from Irish clinic Union Quay Medical Centre gives a well-informed overview of the key points relating to diabetes and tips on how to tackle Type 2 diabetes.

For a patient with an A1c of 5.7% who has been on metformin plus diet and exercise for the last 6 months, would you add another diabetes medication to the patient’s treatment? Follow the link to share your opinion.

Based upon a meta-analysis of cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes studies, findings suggest that a 15% relative risk reduction in nonfatal myocardial infarcts is associated with an A1C reduction of approximately:
a) .50%
b) 1.0%
c) 1.5%
d) 2.0%

Did you get it right? Follow the link to find out!

Researchers who analyzed data from nine studies found butter did not significantly increase the risk of premature death, had no effect on heart disease risk and possibly offers a little protection against diabetes. Could it be that butter may not be the unhealthy food many Americans believe it to be, new research suggests.  The researchers added that, “Butter remains a very high-calorie and high-fat food with little nutrient density to offer, and therefore still needs to be consumed in strict moderation.”

Average butter consumption for individuals in the study ranged from about one-third of a serving to just over three servings per day. One serving equals about one tablespoon of butter, the team said. More research is needed to show any benefits for protection against diabetes.

System shows significant improvement in HbA1c compared to current best therapy available.

With Sanofi’s LixiLan® filed for FDA approval, GLP-1 agonist/basal insulin combinations may be potential game changers.

Is high cholesterol associated with risk of type 2, cardiovascular diseases and high mortality rates?

Increasing need for insulin in mothers carrying multiple babies as compared to mothers carrying single.

Is weight control possible in pregnant women?

The diabetes drug may have a beneficial effect on neurodegenerative diseases.

Quote of the Week!

“What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible.”

…Theodore Roethke

Your Friends in Diabetes Care
Steve and Dave
Diabetes In Control
810 Bear Tavern Road Suite 102
Ewing, NJ, 08628
USA
www.diabetesincontrol.com