Diabetes was in the news quite a bit this past week as Paula Deen disclosed she has diabetes. She was diagnosed three years ago. Deen also confirmed this past week that she is a paid spokesperson for Novo Nordisk. Novo Nordisk manufactures Victoza, the diabetes medication which Deen currently takes.
Minnesota researchers claim to be close to a cure for diabetes. According to Minnesota Public Radio (MPR), scientists are experimenting with stem cells. The researchers use the islet cells from pigs. Like in humans, the islet cells are the insulin producing cells. Their goal is to find a cure in the next 10 years.
Drug Topics reported that patients can now use wireless technology in conjunction with a glucose meter to send results to their physicians. A new cellular-enabled blood glucose meter (BGM) was developed by Telcare in Bethesda, MD, to wirelessly send patients’ readings to their doctors, pharmacists or even caregivers.
Reuters Health reported that a recent trial in children with type 1 diabetes may have been compromised by parents' fear of hypoglycemia. The study was to evaluate the benefit of continuous glucose monitoring in T1 children. The conclusion of the trial, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), was that CGM did not improve control in children age four through nine.
Metformin users got a slimmer of good news this past week. The Montreal Gazette reported that a team of Montreal scientists concluded that Metformin may also play a role in preventing colon cancer. Past studies have already shown that diabetics taking Metformin show a 40% less chance of being diagnosed with cancer compared to diabetics not on Metformin.
A 10 year study has revealed that pollution can be linked to diabetes in black women. Black women who live in high pollution areas supposedly showed a higher risk of diabetes and high blood pressure than those who did not. The study only involved black women and all were from the Los Angeles area. The article was published on a Canadian Diabetes Community Site but did not refer to the study by name.
The US Food & Drug Administration (USDA) cleared Roche for its Accu-Chek Nano SmartView blood glucose monitoring system this past week.
MedPage Today reported that more diabetics will receive coverage through Medicaid when the Affordable Care Act takes full effect in 2014.
And finally …the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reminds diabetics not to share insulin pens.
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