Balancing blood glucose levels during (and after) exercise with type 1 diabetes is key if you want to be successful at being physically active as an insulin user, and want to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during exercise. Diabetes exercise expert Dr. Sheri Colberg shares some tips for managing insulin, food, and exercise. Read more
Currently there is no such thing available as a once-weekly insulin product. However, a new type of insulin, called insulin icodec, is showing promise in testing, and may one day offer people with type 2 a more convenient option for taking insulin. Read more
Blood glucose control among youth with diabetes has not improved since 2002 levels, and has actually gotten worse in some subgroups, according to data presented at the virtual American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2020 Scientific Sessions. This is despite increased availability of diabetes technology and new therapies in recent decades, and despite more aggressive recommended blood […]
An international team of researchers reported they have developed the world’s smallest, fully functional version of the insulin hormone. This version combines the potency of human insulin with the fast-acting potential of a venom insulin produced by predatory cone snails. Read more
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) joined the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in announcing the Part D Senior Savings Model, which will limit the cost of insulin for participating seniors to a maximum of $35 for a 30-day supply. Read more
A recent study has found that elevated pre-pregnancy hemoglobin A1c, which measures average blood glucose concentration, is associated with higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, even in women who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. Read more
People who have type 2 diabetes do not only lack the right amount of insulin, they also produce excess glucagon, researchers say. Both these factors contribute to poor blood glucose control, researchers have said. Glucagon, which is produced by alpha cells in the pancreas, helps the body to regulate glucose and fats; both it and […]
Irl B. Hirsch, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, argues that insulin treatment should begin earlier to improve outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes. While many people with type 2 have early success with standard treatment — including weight loss, diet changes, and various oral medications — the majority […]
Researchers have found that people whose blood glucose readings are classified as prediabetes are already at increased risk for many complications of diabetes, including retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy, and some experts suggest that treatment should begin far earlier to prevent these complications. Read more
Researchers have found that people with diabetes and poorly managed hyperglycemia who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have a death rate, and longer length of hospital stay, four times higher than people without these conditions. Read more
Glucagon is a pancreatic hormone which contributes to glucose production. A new study found that patients with type 2 diabetes secrete not only too little insulin but also too much glucagon, which contributes to poor blood glucose control. Read more
“Authorized generic” versions of two popular insulins made by Eli Lilly are now available to order by U.S. pharmacies, with list prices 50% lower than the Lilly’s branded equivalents. The two insulins are insulin lispro protamine and insulin lispro injectable suspension (Humalog Mix 75/25 KwikPen) and insulin lispro injection 100 U/mL (Humalog Junior KwikPen). Read […]
A study conducted among Medicare patients looked at whether some forms of insulin and breast cancer risk may be linked in elderly women with diabetes. Read more
Scottish researchers have developed a test using a diabetes patient’s saliva as potential less invasive and painful alternative to the current practice of monitoring blood glucose. Lab tests of the saliva process had an accuracy rate of 95.2%. Read more
Drugmaker Eli Lilly has announced it has capped the out-of-pocket cost for insulin to $35 per month to help diabetes patients across the United States, many of whom face increased financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This new co-pay scheme covers most of Lilly’s insulins, including the Humalog injection, and is available to people […]
A diabetes educator shares a real-life example of how misunderstanding insulin dosing almost led to a disaster. A patient who had had diabetes for over a year visited the office complaining that her A1c was high, but when she checked her blood sugars, they were low almost every day, and she’s had many hypoglycemic reactions. […]
More than 40% of people with type 2 diabetes initially decline insulin therapy recommended by their doctors, and compared with those who began insulin therapy, those who refused had worse glycemic control, and took longer to achieve healthier blood sugar levels , according to new research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Read more
The collaboration enables a seamless data transfer of data from Dexcom’s CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) devices into DreaMed Advisor, a platform designed to assist healthcare professionals in the optimization of patient-specific insulin therapy for people with diabetes by analyzing information from CGM, self-monitoring blood glucose, and insulin delivery devices. Read more
Overtreatment and undertreatment can both pose serious problems for people with diabetes. It’s a fine line between enough treatment to prevent the complications caused by high blood sugars, and too much treatment, which can cause blood sugar levels to fall dangerously low (hypoglycemia). Individualized treatment could help avoid these issues. Read more
Researchers have made progress in developing a smart insulin-delivery patch that may one day monitor and manage glucose levels in people with diabetes, and deliver the necessary insulin dosage. The adhesive patch is about the size of a quarter, is simple to manufacture, and is intended for once-a-day use. Read more