A new study found that prolonged exposure to the air pollutant PM2-5 may be responsible for over 200,000 diabetes deaths worldwide. While there have been previous studies that have shown a link between air pollution and chronic diseases like diabetes, this study shows the impact that this association has on peoples’ lives and, more importantly, […]
“Diabetes distress” refers to the emotional burden, stress, and worry people with diabetes experience about their condition. Although it’s often overlooked by doctors, it can contribute greatly to the burden of managing the chronic disease. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high in minorities, and diabetes distress is thought to also be frequently experienced […]
Some studies have suggested that migraines and diabetes may be linked, but the idea remains controversial. A new study found that people with diabetes seemed to be at no greater risk of migraines than people without diabetes. Read more
Transplants of the pancreas have been an option to diabetes for many years, but were seldom used due to their high failure rate. Today, advancements in treating rejection and a better understanding of the procedure have led to more frequent use of the procedure for people suffering from severe cases of diabetes. While still a […]
If you plan to travel by commercial airplane and have diabetes, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance for how to travel with the supplies you need. In the USA, the TSA allows diabetes-related supplies and medication through security checkpoints once they’ve been screened; they advise you to declare these items and separate them […]
A new mobile app from Medtronic called Sugar.IQ™, applies AI technology from IBM Watson Health to help people with diabetes make more informed decisions. In studies the app has shown that it can help people with diabetes in normal ranges more of the time. Read more
A new study found that pregnant women who have any type of diabetes have increased risk that their child could develop autism. While the risk level varied depending on whether a woman had type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, all forms of diabetes showed some increase in risk. The researchers say this does not […]
Bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypasses can have a dramatic impact on diabetes, even reversing the disease. However, it’s widely considered a treatment of last resort. Now many doctors and surgeons are starting to agree that surgery should be seen as a crucial aspect of diabetes care — perhaps even the best tool we have […]
A new study found that more than half of adult diabetes patients will seek treatment for stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health problems each year, compared to about one in four people without diabetes. The researchers urge that mental health be considered an integral part of diabetes management. Read more
Whatever your political views, it’s important to understand the implications of the new information issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) describing how the Trump administration plans to drop the prices for prescription drugs for all Americans. The first part of this plan will be implemented right away, while the second part […]
Vision problems are a common complication of diabetes. A new high-tech contact lens, developed by researchers from the California Institute of Technology and Caltech, may offer new hope to those at risk of retinal damage from diabetes. The “glowing” contact lens is designed to prevent further damage to the blood vessels of the retina. The […]
Many people with diabetes are encouraged to undergo self-care education. These courses can teach patients about blood sugar control and how to manage their diet and exercise, and can be extremely helpful. But they are also a revenue source for hospitals, and many patients are shocked to find out how expensive the courses are. Read […]
How can you decide which Continuous Glucose Monitor is best for you? Advice from Dr. Stephen W. Ponder, MD, FAAP, CDE-AADE Educator of the Year, Board Certified Pediatric Endocrinologist, Pediatric Residency Program Director at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital and 50 year Joslin Medalist, on the difference between the Freestyle Libre and the […]
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recently issued a set of guidelines for glycated hemoglobin (A1c) treatment targets in patients with type 2 diabetes. These guidelines generated immediate controversy. An endocrinologist reviews the new guidelines and explains exactly why she disagrees with several of their key points: setting most A1c targets between 7% and 8%, […]
Surgery places physical stress on the patient, and patients with diabetes and hyperglycemia are especially vulnerable to complications from surgery. A recent study found that poor glycemic control before surgery (elevated HbA1c levels) was a major risk factor for adverse outcomes after surgery. The research demonstrates the need to assess patients’ glycemic levels prior to […]
New research finds people with type 1 have higher risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions. The risk is highest for those who develop type 1 diabetes after the age of 40, especially women. Thyroid disease, vitigilio, alopecia, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis are all conditions which can be associated with type 1. Read more
Diabetes activists, including both physicians and patients, joined together in Washington, DC this past weekend to protest the high cost of insulin in the U.S. The protest was held on April 8 and organized by the Right Care Alliance, an activist group that states their mission is to hold “health care institutions accountable to communities […]
Nearly one in ten American adults now have diabetes, according to the latest CDC research. 21 million of these cases are due to type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for a much smaller number, at 1.3 million cases. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors all seem to play a role in who develops diabetes, and […]
Dental exams may be an earlier predictor of disease than even blood tests, according the authors of a new study. They found a progressive increase in the number of patients with missing teeth as glucose tolerance declined, and conclude that patients with at least 3 or more missing teeth should be tested for diabetes. Read […]
Previous research has shown that eating a diet high in fiber can benefit patients with type 2 diabetes. Now, a new study may have determined why. A certain type of gut bacteria has been identified as the reason for the benefits of high-fiber diets. Eating the right dietary fibers can help rebalance the gut microbiome, […]