Type II

Standard Test May Not Detect Diabetes in African-Americans

A common test used to diagnose type 2 diabetes is influenced by 60 genetic variants, according to a study by an international team of scientists. One genetic variant which is found only in African Americans significantly reduces the accuracy of the HbA1c blood test used to diagnose and monitor type 2. As a result, as […]

One Small Benefit for Type 2: Reduced Aortic Aneurysm Risk

Patients with type 2 diabetes were less likely to develop a serious aortic aneurysm, and had better short-term survival after an aortic aneurysm rupture than those without the disease, according to a large study. The new study supports older, smaller studies that suggest diabetes makes the aortic wall stronger. Unfortunately, patients with type 2 still […]

Seniors with Type 2 at Higher Risk of Fractures

According to researchers, seniors with type 2 diabetes have a higher fracture risk, even if they have normal or higher bone density than their peers. Most concerningly, they have a 40 percent to 50 percent increased risk of hip fracture. Researchers believe type 2 contributes to bone weaknesses that are not visible on standard bone […]

Report Says Type 2 Diabetes “Reversible through Weight Loss”

A new report by British researchers says that there is consistent evidence that “total remission” of type 2 diabetes can often be achieved by losing about 33 pounds (15 kilograms). If this were better known by doctors and patients, the authors state, many patients could escape the burden of living with type 2 diabetes, and […]

Alert: Medtronic Recalling Defective Diabetes Infusion Sets

Medtronic, a maker of medical devices, announced on Sept. 11 it would recall certain infusion sets used with its insulin pumps Infusion sets help connect insulin pumps to the body. According to Medtronic, a vent membrane in some of the infusion sets could be blocked by fluid during the process of priming, or removal of […]

The Rights of Patients with Diabetes in the Workplace

In the United States, many people have health insurance through their employers. It’s important for any patient with diabetes to know their rights pertaining to that insurance. Companies offer different options of healthcare coverage plans and are required to provide a summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) to their employees.  It is illegal under federal […]

New Guidelines for Managing High Blood Pressure with Diabetes

New recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) call for blood pressure to be measured in patients with diabetes at every routine clinic visit. The ADA Professional Practice Committee says the new recommendations are based on  “unequivocal evidence” that supports targeting blood pressure goal to <140/90 mm Hg in most adults with diabetes, as it […]

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Linked to Diabetes

Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and are diagnosed at an earlier age, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. This is the first study to show a link between the two conditions. PCOS is a common endocrine […]

Can Cocoa Help Delay Type 2?

BYU researchers have found that certain compounds found in cocoa can help your body release more insulin and respond to increased blood glucose better. Unfortunately, eating chocolate will not help. The compound would have to be ingested in very high volume, and without the accompanying sugar you would find in prepared chocolate products. Read more

Semaglutide Outperforms Trulicity

A new drug from Novo Nordisk, Semaglutide, was tested in a head-to-head comparison with Eli Lilly’s Trulicity. Both medications belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. This class of drug offers many benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes, as they can lower blood glucose while minimizing the chances of hypoglycemic events. A […]

Heart Benefits from Canagliflozen

Canagliflozin, (marketed under the brand names Invokana or Sulisent) is one of the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor class of drugs. Introduced relatively recently, these drugs have been widely studied for both their potential complications (kidney issues and amputation risk), and potential benefits for heart health. Now the CANVAS study finds canagliflozin significantly reduces risk for cardiovascular death, […]

What is DSMES?

DSMES stands for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support. It’s an important tool that can help prevent diabetes complications.  DSMES incorporates lifestyle changes designed to help people with prediabetes delay, or even prevent, progression to diabetes. Read more

Early Menopause Linked to Increased Risk of Type 2

A new study found that the earlier the onset of natural menopause, the greater the risk of a woman developing type 2 diabetes. The risk was independent of other risk factors such as BMI, glucose levels, genetic factors and hormone levels. Read more

Diabetes Increases in the Young

Diabetes is increasing in young people aged 18-34, and this age group is also showing the greatest growth in obesity rates, according to a new national study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Diabetes is more prevalent in the Southeast and Central South United States. Read more

Is Type 2 Like Mad Cow Disease?

New research raises the possibility that type 2 diabetes could be transmissible, similar to prion disorders like “mad cow disease.” The research suggests that type 2 diabetes has similarities to transmissible neurodegenerative diseases known as “prion diseases,” a group that includes bovine spongiform encephalopathy (a.k.a. “mad cow disease”) and the human equivalent, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Read more

Is Pharma Research Doing Enough for Diabetes?

With prediabetes and type 2 on the rise in the U.S., are pharma companies doing enough to develop new treatments? Harvard researchers argue that companies are doing less R&D into diabetes drugs than would be expected given the prevalence of the disease, and suggest FDA requirements to determine the cardiovascular safety of new drugs may […]

Slacking on Sleep May Speed Type 2 Progression

Previous studies have suggested that sleep deprivation is linked to type 2. A new study from South Korea provides more evidence for this, finding that adults with prediabetes who report sleeping 5 hours or less per night were nearly 70% more likely to progress to type 2 diabetes over 2 years compared with those who reported sleeping […]

Ramadan Fasting with Type 2 Diabetes

Studies have found that Muslims with type 2 diabetes who observe fasting for Ramadan can experience problems with their blood sugar control. The fast is observed from sunrise to sunset for 30 days during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. While patients with type 2 are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, many individuals still choose […]

What’s the Value of Home Blood Sugar Monitoring?

A new study casts doubt on whether regular home blood sugar monitoring is really helpful for many patients. The study divided patients with type 2 into two groups, one of which monitored blood sugar closely; the other did not. After one year the researchers found that the patients who self-monitored did not have improved blood […]

Depression Linked to Gestational Diabetes

A new study found that gestational diabetes (GDM) increases the risk of depression in women both during and after pregnancy. While the study did not investigate the role a woman’s social support system and other factors might have in increasing her depression risk, it suggests doctors and their patients with GDM should be extra vigilant for signs […]