Novo Nordisk announce launch of NovoPen Echo®

Novo Nordisk has announced the launch of a new insulin pen called NovoPen Echo®.  The insulin pen is designed for children and comes in two different colours: red and blue. 

NovoPen Echo® comes with a unique feature which means it has a memory function which allows the time of the last insulin dose to be recorded; the pen also allows half doses to be given.

I think the time memory function is a great idea and not just for children with diabetes.  Taking insulin is such a routine thing I sometimes struggle to remember if I've taken it before a meal especially if I've been distracted so this pen may be a good option for adults too and this is something I'll ask about when I go for a check-up.

Commenting in a press release, Viggo Birch, Managing Director for Novo Nordisk Limited, said:

"Novo Nordisk is committed to continually improving our diabetes medicines and devices that can help solve some of the major challenges people with diabetes face every day. We are very proud to make NovoPen Echo® available to children living with diabetes in the UK, as it is designed to benefit both them and their parents, ensuring that they control their diabetes with minimal worry and interference in their lives."

Biochip could enable diabetics to use saliva to test gloucose levels

Researchers at Brown University say that they have developed a device which could mean diabetics would be able to test their glucose levels through saliva rather than regular glucose testing.

The biochip uses plasmonic interferometers and could be used to test a number of substances including levels of glucose.

Engineers at Brown University were able to achieve this by etching plasmonic interferometers onto a microchip and then measured the concentrations of glucose on the chip.  The test results showed that the chip could "could detect glucose levels similar to the levels found in human saliva".  The amount of glucose contained in saliva is 100 times more concentrated than in blood, according to researchers from Brown University.

Domenico Pacifici, assistant professor of engineering and lead author of the paper published in Nano Letters, a journal of the American Chemical Society, said:

“This is proof of concept that plasmonic interferometers can be used to detect molecules in low concentrations, using a footprint that is ten times smaller than a human hair."

Further testing is now planned and biochips and sensors especially tailored to measure for glucose will be used.

It is early days and at the moment there is no news on how long it will be before the sensor could be tested by diabetics.

US Doctor recognised for his research into diabetes

Dr. Philipp Scherer,  a professor and the director of  the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, is among three other doctors who have received recognition for their work in medicine.

The award was given by The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST).  A $25,000 honorarium, a citation and a trophy was given as part of the award.
Those who receive the award will also be given the opportunity to speak at a conference.

Dr. Scherer was given the award for his work on fat derived hormones and how they control sensitivity to insulin.  Dr. Scherer also discovered the protein adiponectin during research carried out in 1994.  A decline of this hormone can be an indicator of diabetes, heart disease and cancer risk, according to the press release.

The committee also cited the work carried out by Dr. Scherer into fat cells called adipocytes.

In a press release, Dr. Scherer explains:

“Fat tissue remains one of the most enigmatic tissues we have. It fulfills an essential role in storing excess calories, yet too much of it increases our risk to develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer."

“We hope that our efforts highlight new avenues of how we can maintain proper function of fat cells, while still allowing them to effectively absorb the excess of toxic lipids that we expose ourselves to in our daily diet.”

Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, president of UT Southwestern, said

“Dr. Scherer’s research contributes to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of how fat cells communicate with organs and may lead to new ways of fighting diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.” 

Insulin signaling distorted in type 2 diabetes

New research published by The School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and the Joslin Diabetes Center shows that insulin signalling is distorted in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

The distortion of the signalling interferes with the number and quality of the beta cells - the cells responsible for insulin production.

Franco Folli, M.D., Ph.D and Rohit Kulkarni, M.D., Ph.D took part in the study and the details have been published in the journal Plos One.

In the study they say:

“People knew there was a lack of beta cells because they die off in type 2 diabetes. Here we show the beta cells attempt to replicate, but this is unsuccessful because of the altered signals.”

The study has helped researchers gain some important new information about diabetes which could help in the research for new treatments.  The press release suggests that restoring the insulin signalling could stop insulin producing cells from being depleted.



 

Researchers restore normal glucose metabolism in mice

A team of researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine have used a natural compound to restore normal glucose metabolism in mice, the researchers say that it could mean that eventually patients with type 2 diabetes would be able to take the compound in the same way that they would a vitamin tablet and it could be used as a means to prevent type 2 diabetes.

The compound used is an enzyme called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMH), commenting in a press release, Shin-ichiro Imai, MD, PhD, associate professor of developmental biology, said:

“After giving NMN, glucose tolerance goes completely back to normal in female diabetic mice."
“In males, we see a milder effect compared to females, but we still see an effect. These are really remarkable results. NMH improves diabetic symptoms, at least in mice.”

The trials have so far been carried out in mice and it was found that after having NMH administered, glucose tolerance returned to normal in the female mice and improved in the male mice.

The researchers are hopeful that the NMH could one day used as a treatment for humans and they hope to do a human trial at some point.

New research identifies potential new target for beta cell stimulation

New research published in Cell Metabolism could prove to be beneficial to patients with diabetes. The study is a joint collaboration between JDRF- funded researchers and the pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche.

The study has identified a protein that regulates beta cell growth and a chemical that stimulates cell growth; this could lead to a new drugs target for the treatment of type one diabetics

The study was headed by Markus Stoffel, M.D., Ph.D., a professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, and could lead to new drugs which could stimulate beta cell regeneration.

The research is a continuation of a study carried out five years ago which identified a protein called Tmem27. During a mouse trial the researchers discovered that increased amounts of the protein in beta cells were associated with an increased number of islets. It was also found that if the protein was cut, the protein was no longer effective.

Further research showed that if another protein named Bace-2 was inhibited then this could encourage the growth of beta cells.

Commenting in a press release, Patricia Kilian, Ph.D., scientific program director of regeneration research at JDRF, said:

"This is an exciting and potentially impactful finding.”

"It's an example of how researchers make an early observation and follow up on it, and then take it to the next level where it has translational potential - the potential to be developed into a drug that promotes the growth of beta cells for diabetes."

Source: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=116203

Researchers detail study about 'swamp gas' and its role in preventing diabetic complications

Hydrogen sulfide, which is also known as swamp gas, could play a role in preventing some of the complications of diabetes, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch say.
According to the study, hydrogen sulfide is present in the human body, albeit in limited amounts, and it plays a protective role in the circulatory system. The study used diabetic rats and assessed the importance the sulfide plays in protecting diabetics from blood vessel damage,damage to the small vessels in the eyes and kidneys are just two of the problems associated with patients who have had diabetes for a long time.

The researchers tested what would happen if endothelial cells (the cells from deep inside the blood vessels) were exposed to a high concentration of sugar as Dr. Csaba Szabo, a UTMB professor and the paper’s lead author, commenting in a press release, explains:

“Upon exposure to such high sugar levels, the cells started to produce increasing amounts of highly reactive toxic free radicals, and as a consequence, they began to die.”

“Low hydrogen sulfide levels accelerated this process, while constant replacement of hydrogen sulfide protected the cells against the toxic effects of high sugar.”

Further research demonstrated that rats naturally have lower levels of hydrogen sulfide in their systems and the team also discovered that by treating the rats with hydrogen sulfide, the health of blood vessels improved.

In a press release Szabo said:

“The loss of endothelial cell function in diabetes is a first step that leads to many complications, such as eye disease, heart disease, kidney disease, foot disease and others.”

“The observation that hydrogen sulfide can control an early checkpoint in all of these processes may open the door for new therapies.”

New research that could lead to new approach for the complications of diabetes has to be a good thing especially when you look at the statistics relating to diabetic complications. According to figures from the American Diabetes Association, from 2005-2008, 4.2 million diabetics had retinopathy, a condition that means the small vessels bleed into the back of the eye, and in 2008 48,374 diabetics underwent treatment for end-stage kidney disease.

There are some supplements which may be beneficial to diabetics because of their protective effects on blood vessels. It is well documented that Bilberry helps to strengthen vessels and research has also shown that benfotiamine could protect against some of the complications of diabetes.

Sources:

http://www.utmb.edu/newsroom/article7068.aspx

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/

http://www.webrn-maculardegeneration.com/bilberry-health-benefits.html

http://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/benfotiamine-a-new-tool-in-preventing-diabetic-complications.htm

New study indicates that higher muscle mass could lower risk of pre-diabetes

Higher muscle mass could reduce the risk of pre-diabetes according to a new study by The Endocrine Society.

The study, which will be published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, shows that the higher the muscle mass, the lesser the chance of developing insulin resistance, one of the main precursors to type 2 diabetes.

More than 13,000 took part in the study. Those taking part in the study were all aged 20-years plus and all weighed more than 35kgs. According to the news brief “researchers examined the association of skeletal muscle mass with insulin resistance and blood glucose metabolism disorders”.

Preethi Srikanthan, MD, of the University of California (UCLA), and senior author of the study, said:

“Our findings represent a departure from the usual focus of clinicians, and their patients, on just losing weight to improve metabolic health.”

“Instead, this research suggests a role for maintaining fitness and building muscle. This is a welcome message for many overweight patients who experience difficulty in achieving weight loss, as any effort to get moving and keep fit should be seen as laudable and contributing to metabolic change.”
Srikanthan also stated that further research would be required to establish “the nature and duration of exercise interventions required to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in at-risk individuals.”

Dentists could identify undiagnosed diabetes

Dentists could play a key role in spotting undiagnosed diabetes or pre diabetes, according to a new study by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Details of the study were published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Research.

Dr Ira Lamster is dean of the College of Dental Medicine and senior author of the study, commenting in a news release Dr. Lamster said:

“Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year.”

“Prior research focused on identification strategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively.”

600 people from the Northern Manhattan area took part in the study which aimed to identify patients with hyperglycaemia. The patients were divided into two groups: 40-years-old plus and non-Hispanic white and those aged 30 plus, Hispanic or non-white.

According to the press release, around 530 patients had at least one risk factor for diabetes such as a family history. Each of the patients received a periodontal check and an A1C test, which monitors longer term glucose levels.

The press release explains that there were only two dental factors needed to identify those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, the two factors being the number of missing teeth or the percentage of periodontal pockets.

Dr. Evanthia Lalla, an associate professor at the College of Dental Medicine, and lead author of the study, said:

“Early recognition of diabetes has been the focus of efforts from medical and public health colleagues for years, as early treatment of affected individuals can limit the development of many serious complications.”

“Relatively simple lifestyle changes in pre-diabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important."

“Our findings provide a simple approach that can be easily used in all dental-care settings.”

Diabetes is a condition that can often go undiagnosed leaving patients at a greater risk of developing of developing complications. Previous studies have shown that gum disease can make diabetes harder to control and also leave patients at a higher risk of heart disease which is already a risk factor for patients with diabetes.

LifeScan Verio Pro glycaemic management system

Last year, LifeScan released a meter called OneTouch^® Verio^® Pro glycaemic self-management system. According to their website, it offers “close-to-lab accuracy”. What I especially like about it is the idea of the GlucoFilter which filters out substances which can affect the accuracy of test results.

Another idea that sounds good is the high and low pattern tool. I have days when I run low and can find no obvious reason for it so something that can help me read low patterns more easily would be an advantage.

The meter is suitable for people with type or type diabetes and comes with a tagging function for before meals, after meals, before bed. There’s also no coding, which is always a good thing.

I like the meter I currently use but I do occasionally get the odd result from it and I’d like to try something that could help me figure out the low patterns so I think this meter would be worth trying.
You can find out more about the meter on the following link:

http://www.lifescan.co.uk/ourproducts/meter/one-touch-verio-pro

For people in the UK, there is a free meter offer available at this link:

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/promotions/onetouch-verio-pro-giveaway.html

Pioneering surgical technique could treat type 2 diabetes

Surgeons based at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center are pioneering a new technique to help treat type 2 diabetes.

The sleeve gastrectomy - a technique used for weight loss surgery - has been found to be effective in treating gastroparesis, a condition that causes delayed stomach emptying and can further compromise blood glucose control.

Dr. Melissa Bagloo, is leading the gastroparesis at the Presbyteria Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, commenting in a press release, she said:

"We had previously observed that after sleeve gastrectomy, patients who had difficulty emptying their stomachs showed significant improvement in their digestion. We do not know precisely why this is: Sleeve gastrectomy may have the effect of 'resetting' the natural gastric pacemaker, or it may be that the smaller size of the stomach increases intragastric pressure so that it helps facilitate gastric emptying. There could also be other reasons why the surgery helps."

Four patients underwent the sleeve gastrectomy last year, each of the patients had diabetes and gastroparesis and were unable to undergo the alternative treatment of a gastric pacemaker.

The gastric bypass has been found to reverse type 2 diabetes, a condition often associated with obesity. The bypass proved effective in reducing glucose levels and in reducing or eliminating the need for medication. Surgeons will continue to offer this type of surgery as a way of treating type 2 diabetes as part of a medical trial.

In a press release, Dr. Marc Bessler, director of the Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery at the New York Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center, said:

"This breakthrough approach can put diabetes into remission for most patients and promises to transform the way we treat this disease.”

To find out more about gastroparesis visit:
http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide-to-Diabetes-extra-pages/Gastroparesis/

Five tips to balance your blood sugar

Poorly balanced blood sugars can affect your moods, your energy and your stress levels. Poor glucose control can also cause concentration problems, weight gain and insomnia as well as an array of other health issues. Here are five ways that can help better balance your blood sugar levels.

Start the day with a good breakfast

Begin the day with an oat based breakfast like porridge, oatmeal or muesli. Oats have a low glycemic value which means they’ll keep your blood sugar steadier for longer than wheat based breakfasts like toast and some cereals.

Curb the Caffeine

Too much coffee can cause spikes in your blood sugar. Some studies say that caffeine can increase in your blood sugar so if you are having problems balancing your blood sugars, then giving caffeine a miss, or at least cutting down on it would be a wise
move.

Stress
Stress, whether it’s good or bad, can cause a surge in your cortisol levels which in turn can cause a swing in your blood sugar levels. Find ways of balancing out your stress levels or try yoga or mediation has a way of relaxing.

Sugar
Sugar in small quantities is fine but too much will cause your blood sugar to swing high to low if you eat too much of it. Sugary foods should be limited and they’re best eaten as part of a meal to avoid any sudden surge in your blood sugars.

Low glycemic diet

Low glycemic foods like oats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains cause a gradual rise in your blood sugars as opposed to high glycemic foods which can cause your blood sugar to see saw which can have an impact on your long-term health.
Originally published on Triond.

Lack of sleep can cause insulin resistance

Research published last year shows that a lack of sleep can cause insulin resistance.  To read an article about the research visit:

http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/lack-of-sleep-can-increase-insulin-resistance/

New research into insulin resistance

Obesity can be one of the contributing factors to insulin resistance which can lead to Type 2 diabetes and now researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center have recently identified a new enzyme called PKC-delta, which, according to the press release, can act “as an important molecular modifier for development of insulin resistance, diabetes and fatty liver in mice”.

The researchers have also discovered a similar enzyme in humans which could lead to the development of new drugs for diabetes.

Dr. Kahn is the Mary K. Iacocca Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, talking about the research, he said:

“The ‘B6’ mouse is very prone to develop both obesity and diabetes, and the ‘129’ mouse is quite protected from both, even if it possesses a genetic defect in insulin signalling.”

“Comparing the two models, it’s as if there’s an on/off switch for insulin resistance and diabetes between them. We reasoned that if we could find out the differences between B6 and 129 mice, we could identify a factor that could be a major modifier of insulin resistance, and a good drug target for treatment of type 2 diabetes.”

In earlier trials it was found that mice with the PKC-Delta gene were more insulin resistant and had an increased incidence of fatty deposits in their livers. Research carried out using biopsies of human livers showed the levels of PKC-Delta were also high in people who are obese or have diabetes.
Dr. Kahn said:

“Drugs that inhibit the activity of PKC-delta in the liver and other tissues potentially could aid treatments for diabetes and fatty liver disease, which is second only to alcohol as a cause of liver failure.”

*Previously published on http://newsfordiabetics.wordpress.com

Free video for patients with diabetic nerve pain

Diabetics who suffer from nerve pain from neuropathy, a common complication of long-term diabetes, can now get access to a free new guidebook and educational video.

Actor Jerry Mathers, known for his role in the American sitcom “Leave it to Beaver “ is presenting a new video called “Diabetic Nerve Pain: A Guide for Patients and Families” - a new educational video from the American Academy of Neurology Foundation, the release is part of National Neuropathy Week. Mathers will also appear on the May/June issue of Neurology Now®.

The video offers advice to patients suffering from painful neuropathy and gives details of the different treatment options available to patients.

The video and guidebook are available by going to this link:

http://patients.aan.com/go/videos

Accu-Chek Mobile Review

I received some information about the Accu-Chek Mobile meters in the post a while back and I liked the idea of strip free testing.

The meters cost over £50 on the high street,at least they did when I last checked,and they are also available on prescription.

I had to go to the diabetic clinic recently so I asked about them. I was lucky that they had some available so they let me have a meter.

Instead of the usual test strips, they have a cassette which needs replacing after 50 tests and the finger pricker comes attached to the side of the meter.

They're great if you are on the move and it's supposed to be less painful(I'm holding them to that).

I've tried it a few times. You can't beat it for convenience.

Just one thing though, I tried it last night and I got an unexpectedly high glucose of 12.5 but then tested using the Accu-chek Active which came in at 2 mmol lower. Not sure what went wrong there, all of my other readings have matched.