Metformin, also called Glucophage, is prescribed to more than 120 million people with diabetes worldwide. The drug works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by increasing a patient’s sensitivity to insulin. However, a recent study found that in about 10% of patients taking metformin, it is also causing varying degrees […]
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new physical activity guidelines to update their previous, decade-old set, in November 2018. Given that there are already sets of activity guidelines, including one for type 2 from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Diabetes Association, and a 2016 ADA position statement on […]
A new research review examined what role, if any, fructose plays in diabetes. Fructose occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is also added to many products as a sweetener. The researchers found that soda sweetened with fructose may increase risk factors for diabetes more than naturally-occurring fructose consumed in fruits and fruit juices. […]
People with type 2 diabetes may need more intense medications as their diabetes progresses. Patients often regard these changes in medication as a sign of decreased health. However, a new study found that intensifying diabetes medication regimes does not negatively impact their mental health or quality of life. Read more
The United Kingdom’s NHS (National Health Service) will attempt to reduce type 2 diabetes in the UK by prescribing a very low calorie diet to thousands of people with type 2. Under this pilot program, participants will be restricted to 800 calories a day, consuming only soups and shakes for three months. A trial of […]
A new study of people with type 2 diabetes found that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy than in people without the condition. The study found that vitamin D deficiency is linked with painful and painless diabetic peripheral neuropathy despite age, BMI, activity level, or sun exposure. Read more
The number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, and access to insulin will fail to keep up with the growing demand, a new study says. The researchers predict that 79 million adults with type 2 diabetes will need insulin, but only half that number will be able to get an adequate supply if […]
Subetta is a new drug currently under review for approval by the FDA and undergoing phase 3 clinical trials. By activating insulin receptors, Subetta has an antihyperglycemic effect, stimulating uptake of glucose by muscle cells. The trials suggest Subetta has a small but statistically significant additional blood glucose-lowering effect in people whose type 1 diabetes […]
The combination of working night shifts and having an unhealthy lifestyle add up to increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes in women more than either alone, according to a new study. According to the researchers, every 5 years of rotating night shift work increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by around 30%. […]
Type 2 diabetes used to be considered a disease of older people, but it is occurring more often in children and teenagers, especially those between 10 and 19 years of age. Young people with type 2 tend to have faster progression of the disease and loss of beta-cell function than adults. A new study looked […]
Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes, and many patients may not even feel or notice an ulcer developing until the sight of blood. Worse, because these ulcers can’t heal on their own, 14 to 24 percent of people with diabetes in the U.S. who develop ulcers end up losing their toes, foot or […]
There have been a number of small studies and research looking into whether or not intermittent fasting can impact the lives of those with type 2 diabetes and possibly prevent diabetes for those with prediabetes; the results of a recent small study are promising. Read more
A new treatment may have the potential to put diabetes into remission in some type 2 diabetes patients, researchers say. The treatment involves regrowing the cells on the surface of a patient’s small intestine; the new cells spur the pancreas to produce adequate amounts of insulin again. Read more
Exercise is so important when you have diabetes, but many factors can interfere with your planned exercise routines. It’s a big help to always have a “Plan B” that accounts for issues like weather and access to exercise facilities. A diabetes educator can help you make a backup plan that can work for you. Read […]
There has been little research to date on how cannabis use might affect people with type 1 diabetes. A new study of people with type 1 in Colorado, where cannabis use is legal, says they may be more likely to develop potentially fatal complications when they use cannabis. Researchers surveyed 450 patients, about 30 percent […]
The GLP-1 agonist class of diabetes drugs is known to be effective in helping patients reduce weight and HbA1c. Oral semaglutide, currently in phase 3 trials, would be the first non-injectable drug in this class. Compared with placebo, the trial found people with type 2 diabetes had significant reductions in HbA1c and weight loss while […]
While men are more likely to have heart attacks than women, women who smoke, have diabetes or high blood pressure increase their risk of heart attack more than men who smoke, have diabetes or high blood pressure, a new study found. The researchers say women should receive the same treatments as men for diabetes or […]
Poor blood sugar control has been implicated in dementia for people with type 2 diabetes. A new study looked at dementia risk for type 1 diabetes, and found that good glycemic management can help maintain cognitive function in people who have type 1 diabetes. Keeping HbA1c under 7.9% for long periods of time was especially […]
Many experts believe that where you store fat on your body is determined by your genes, and that where extra fat is stored matters more than the amount of extra fat where insulin resistance and risk of diabetes are concerned. Now new research has defined 14 genetic variants that dictate where the body stores surplus […]
If you have a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional in your family, it may be natural for you to take advice about your diabetes treatment from them. But even medical professionals may not be up to speed on all the types of insulin available, their uses, and the complexities of dosing, or on other […]