Long Acting Insulin Information
Photo credit: Simon Howden
DiabeticLifestyle.com has upgraded its website to provide even more advice and information on living and thriving with diabetes. Here’s a recipe for diabetic friendly pita chips courtesy of the new site:
Baked Pita Chips
Servings: 12
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
• 6 6-inch pita breads
• cooking spray
• Mrs. Dash or various spices to taste
Directions: Read the full article
Doctors and researchers have known for a while that excess weight, diet and lack of exercise can all be contributing factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is known as an immune disease, type 2 diabetes is generally considered a metabolic disorder, and is attributed to poor lifestyle choices. A new study shifts some of the responsibility for the development of their condition away from the patients by shedding light on other possible influences.
For this study, the results of which were published in Nature Medicine, researchers tested blood samples of 32 obese people, and found that the half who had insulin resistance had antibodies that were not present in the half who were obese but not insulin resistant. This suggests that type 2 diabetes may be an immune disorder, and that there is a possibility of developing a vaccine for the condition. Read the full article
WebMD has put together a slideshow with a wealth of information for type 2 diabetes patients, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and complications. The overview will be of value to newly diagnosed and veteran diabetics, from those managing their diabetes with diet and exercise, through those using oral diabetes medications, to those relying on insulin injections to control their blood sugar.
To see the slideshow on WebMD, >CLICK HERE.<
Photo of Mayo Clinic. Copyright Nephron 2011
The experimental anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory drug, pirfenidone, not only stopped kidney deterioration, it actually improved kidney function in study participants. A randomized, double-blind of 77 diabetes patients showed dramatic results in the group receiving the lowest dose of pirfenidone.
Pirfenidone works differently than the diabetes drugs currently in use, which treat high blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels. Pirfenidone seems to work by shutting down the growth factors that cause fibrosis, or scarring in blood vessels.
The next step is to perform larger clinical trials. To read more about this exciting potential advance in treating kidney disease online at Science Daily, >CLICK HERE<.
Photo: healingdream
Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes can allow too much glucose to build up in your blood. Over time, high glucose levels can damage nerves and blood vessels. People who have diabetes often have trouble with their feet because of nerve and blood vessel damage, and about one in ten will develop foot ulcers. Two main concerns for diabetics are:
Sensory diabetic neuropathy: If you have damaged nerves in your legs and feet, you might not feel heat, cold, or pain. You may not feel a cut or sore on your foot, which could lead to its being ignored and getting infected. Check your feet regularly for cuts, cracks and blisters.
Peripheral vascular disease: Damaged blood vessels can lead to poor circulation, especially in the extremities. Poor blood flow impedes healing and puts diabetics at risk of developing foot ulcers, or even gangrene.
If you’re diabetic, you should avoid going barefoot, wear well-padded socks and comfortable shoes, wash your feet and apply lotion daily, and keep your feet warm and dry. Follow your doctor’s advice on diet and exercise, and take your diabetes medication exactly as prescribed to help control your blood glucose.
WebMD has created an informative Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow which includes helpful advice on foot care. To view it, >CLICK HERE<.
Photo credit: Aspen04
Qnexa is in phase 3 clinical trials to treat obesity, and in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. The most recent clinical trial of Qnexa as a weight loss drug resulted in an average 10 percent weight loss in study participants.
Qnexa is a combination of the appetite suppressant phentermine, (best known as the “phen” in fen-phen, a controversial weight loss drug that was pulled off the market in 1997), and the anticonvulsant topiramate, prescribed to treat epilepsy and prevent migraine headaches. Read the full article
Lithograph from a 1918 edition of Gray's Anatomy
Gastroparesis happens when the vagus nerve is damaged, and the muscles of the stomach and intestines do not work normally. Food then moves slowly or stops moving through the digestive tract. So, if your stomach has been feeling sluggish, read on for some common gastroparesis symptoms.
Read the full article
There’s good news coming out of Britain for type 1 diabetics. Researchers conducting tests with a closed loop system artificial pancreas were able to better stabilize blood sugar in two groups of study participants than with a conventional insulin pump and – most importantly – to keep their blood sugar from dipping overnight.
An artificial pancreas combines an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitoring system, and a high tech that provides sophisticated instructions to the insulin pump and glucose monitor depending on blood sugar readings. For example, the computer algorithm computes insulin doses according to rising or falling blood sugar levels, and sends instructions to the insulin pump to deliver the optimum dose. The goal is to have the system act as much as a normal pancreas as possible.
The researchers tested the artificial pancreas in 24 insulin dependent diabetics in two real-life scenarios – an evening meal eaten at home, and a dinner eaten out, including alcohol. Half of the diners were given the artificial pancreas system, while the other half used conventional insulin pump therapy.
To read more on this story online at WebMD, >CLICK HERE.<
Photo credit: Daquella manera
According to Gary Gilles, About.com’s Diabetes Guide and a health writer, educator and counselor, 2010 was an auspicious year in diabetes research and treatment, with many exciting developments.
Gilles has compiled what he considers to be the Top Ten Diabetes Research Stories of 2010. They include the first generation artificial pancreas, an implantable blood glucose sensor, the world’s smallest insulin pen needle, a potential diabetes vaccine, and an organ-like insulin-producing cell pouch implant.
To read more about Gilles top picks in his article on About.com, click >HERE<.
Old insulin syringe. Photo: Markus.Michalczyk
1) Insulin pens. Most types of insulin are now available in convenient prefilled pens. Some insulin pens are entirely disposable when empty, and others use a replaceable insulin cartridge, usually containing 300 units. There is a dial on one end to set your desired dose. The pens offer discreet, push button insulin delivery. Some claim the injections are more comfortable than from a needle that has already been dulled by insertion into an insulin vial. Many people prefer to use an insulin pen if they are caring for a diabetic child or pet.
Read the full article
RSS