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The holidays can be a magical time, but if you are a person with Diabetes, you might be worrying about controlling your blood sugar. This is a common thought, but the holidays dont have to be a time for throwing in the towel on all the hard work youve done the rest of the year.

Series 3 of the Fresh Focus Podcast was created by Marion VA Healthcare System Diabetes Educators to help you tackle the 2020 holidays.

We understand the holidays can also be a challenging time, especially with modifications this year, including smaller gatherings. This year, instead of making a large turkey, you might find yourself utilizing an herb roasted turkey breast instead. Similarly, you could try mini pumpkin pie-letsto reduce the overall calories and carbs while still getting your pie fix.

For people with Diabetes, when you choose to eat all of your calories and carbohydrates at one meal, you are taking a chance of having hypoglycemia or low blood sugar during the day. Then there is a possibility to have hyperglycemia or high blood sugar after eating too much that night with one large meal. Take a listen to the podcast to learn these key points in controlling a blood sugar roller coaster:

1. Eat consistently: dont skip meals during the day, which can lead to overeating at the big holiday meal.

2. Remember to always take your medications as ordered.

3. Utilize the healthy plate method even at the holidays to help fill your plate with all those good foods. Bring a delicious holiday inspired salad to the meal for a pop of green and bright red.

Now that you have your game plan, stay tuned for more Diabetes inclusive holiday eating tips. We hope you have happy, healthy holidays!

Kerri Hayden is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Read the original here:
Fresh Focus #13: Taste of the Holidays: Meal Planning with Diabetes - VAntage Point - VAntage Point Blog

It has been known for some time that there is a reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes for those who follow a Mediterranean diet. However, it has not been clear which factors are key to those beneficial effects.

While a reduction in body mass index (BMI) may be somewhat obvious, other mechanisms include beneficial effects on insulin resistance, lipoprotein metabolism and inflammation.

However, the diets antidiabetic effect does not appear to extend to people whose weight is considered healthy (BMI under 25), according to a recent study, which supports the idea that by improving their diet, people can improve their future risk of type 2 diabetes. This is particularly true if they are overweight or obese.

While metabolism can change over a short time on the Mediterranean diet, the study indicates that there are longer term changes happening that may provide protection over decades.

The Mediterranean diet, with an emphasis on healthy olive oil as the predominant source of oil, favors fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, fish and dairy products, while limiting intake of red and processed meats as well as sweets.

The diet has been linked to as much as a 30% reduction in the risk of diabetes in previous observational studies.

To investigate the precise mechanisms that underlie the prevention of diabetes, the Harvard researchers examined data from 25,317 healthy women participating in the Womens Health Study who had baseline assessments between September 1992 and May 1995. They started out with an average age of 52.9 years.

Over the course of the study, 2,307 participants developed type 2 diabetes.

After a follow-up averaging almost 20 years, those who had the highest self-reported adherence to the Mediterranean diet (a score of 6 on a scale of 0 to 6) at baseline, had as much as a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes after some other factor adjustments compared to those with a lower Mediterranean diet score (a score of 3 or less).

The diabetes-related biomarkers that were most closely related to the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes included insulin resistance, accounting for 65% of the reduction, followed by BMI (55.5% reduction), high-density lipoprotein measures (53%), and inflammation (52.5%).

Other factors, though to a lesser degree, included branched-chain amino acids (34.5%), very low-density lipoprotein measures (32.0%), low-density lipoprotein measures (31.0%), blood pressure (29.0%), and apolipoproteins (23.5%).

Differences in glycohemoglobin A1c levels only had a limited effect on the risk (2%).

Further analysis looking at effects of the diet according to baseline BMI showed the reductions in type 2 diabetes associated with higher intake of the Mediterranean diet only extended to those with an above normal weight (BMI 25) as noted above.

The study was not originally designed to look at the baseline BMI as a factor. But the findings are consistent with the well-known increase in diabetes risk seen with a higher BMI.

Other studies, such as the Nurses Health Study, have shown that the risk for type 2 diabetes in women increases with age, even at BMI levels below 25. But the risk goes up exponentially at around a BMI of 25 and higher.

The strong role of insulin resistance was a surprise to the researchers. Since insulin resistance can precede by years and decades the elevated blood sugar and clinical diagnosis of diabetes, it could represent an opportunity to intervene earlier and more intensively by improving insulin resistance through dietary approaches such as the Mediterranean diet.

Another surprise was that glycohemoglobin A1c had no substantial effect on the reduction of diabetes risk with the Mediterranean diet. This could suggest that a rise in glycohemoglobin A1c likely occurs later in type 2 diabetes development.

Like every large population study, there are some limitations in what should be projected from the analysis results. But the findings suggest that more intensively following the Mediterranean diet might have substantial benefits over many years in preventing diabetes, among other health benefits such as lowering insulin resistance and inflammation, improving lipid metabolism, and lowering blood pressure.

Hopefully, more studies will help us understand the relationship. But for now, I would recommend that anyone who is overweight (especially with a family history of diabetes) may want to follow the Mediterranean diet.

More here:
Diabetes: Sunny news about food choices and better health - KPCnews.com

- FreeStyle Libre 2 system continuously measures glucose data every minute with customizable, optional real-time alarms1to alert users when their glucose is high or low without scanning

- Now for children (ages 4 and older) and adults with diabetes, this latest technology sustains excellent performance for up to 14 days, providing trends, insights and actionable data on a reader or with the FreeStyle LibreLink mobile app all at the same price as the current FreeStyle Libre system

- Latest sensor-based glucose monitoring technology will be available in the coming months to the more than 3.7 million Canadians with diabetes2

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Dec. 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Abbott (NYSE:ABT)today announced its next-generation, sensor-based glucose monitoring technology, FreeStyle Libre 2, received approval by Health Canada for adults and children (4 and older) with diabetes. With new features such as optional, real-time alarms1 that measure glucose levels every minute, FreeStyle Libre 2 gives users the option to be alerted in real-time of critical events such as hypoglycemia (low glucose levels3)or hyperglycemia (high glucose levels4). The wearable technology, which eliminates the need for painful fingersticks5, also provides people with diabetes with excellent accuracy and actionable information to better manage their condition, and will be priced at the same cost as the current FreeStyle Libre system.

"For the millions of Canadians with diabetes, Abbott's next-generation FreeStyle Libre 2 system expands on the life-changing capabilities of our original FreeStyle Libre system with enhanced accuracy, optional alarms and now available for children," said Marie-Flore Nabor, general manager of Abbott's diabetes care business in Canada. "This latest technology will transform the way diabetes is currently managed. The FreeStyle Libre 2 is designed to simplify this often complicated-to-manage condition and is accessible and affordable to people with diabetes in Canada."

How FreeStyle Libre 2 Works

As the world leader in sensor-based glucose monitoring,6Abbott continues to transform how people with diabetes test their glucose levels. Using Bluetooth technology, the FreeStyle Libre 2 system automatically alerts7users when their glucose is high or low without needing to scan the sensor.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is worn on the back of the upper arm for up to 14 days and measures glucose every minute to help users and their healthcare providers make informed treatment decisions. With a one-second scan using FreeStyle LibreLink, a smartphone app,8or handheld reader, users can see their glucose reading, trend arrow and eight-hour history. Users can also share data with their physicians or family members via the LibreLinkUp mobile app.

AbbottsFreeStyle Libre 2 system utilizes the same proprietary wired enzyme technology as the FreeStyle Libre system, which was the first to remove painful fingersticks5 and is associated with better glucose control9, decreased time in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia10, more time in optimal glucose range7, and improved HbA1C11. A real-world study published in the British Medical Journal shows that the use of FreeStyle Libre system over one year is often associated with improved quality of life and that work absenteeism rate and diabetes-related hospital admissions decreased by two thirds.12

"Adding an alarm to this glucose sensing technology is definitely a major step to help people with diabetes live more confidently with less fear of high or low glucose levels," said Dr. Bruce Perkins, M.D., Director, Leadership Sinai Centre for Diabetes and Clinician-Scientist, University of Toronto. "We have seen from research with similar technologies that this kind of innovation can improve glucose level control, and even prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations. For kids and adults alike, it means less pain from fingersticks, much greater insight into patterns, and much more reassurance."

AbbottsFreeStyle Libre 2 system will be available for people with diabetes ages 4 and up in Canada in the coming months.

As the #1 sensor-based glucose monitoring system used worldwide,6Abbott's FreeStyle Libre portfolio has changed the lives of more than 2.5 million people across more than 50 countries.Abbott has also secured partial or full reimbursement for the FreeStyle Libre system in 37 countries, including Canada where residents of Ontario and Quebec13who manage diabetes with insulin are covered. Other countries include France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.

About Abbott Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 107,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at http://www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Abbottand on Twitter@AbbottNews.

1Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet of the reading device.

2Diabetes Canada. https://diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Advocacy-and-Policy/Backgrounder/2020_Backgrounder_Canada_English_FINAL.pdf. accessed November 24, 2020.

3FreeStyle Libre 2 User Manual. Based on low glucose alarms set at 70 mg/dl.

4FreeStyle Libre 2 User Manual. Based on high glucose alarms set at 180 mg/dl.

5A finger prick test using a blood glucose meter is required during times of rapidly changing glucose levels when interstitial fluid glucose levels may not accurately reflect blood glucose levels, or if hypoglycemia or impending hypoglycemia is reported by the system, or when symptoms do not match the system readings.

6 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Data based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading personal use, sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.

7The FreeStyle Libre 2 system has optional glucose alarms. Alarms need to be turned on in order to receive low and high glucose alarms.

8The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the website for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of FreeStyle LibreLink requires registration with LibreView.

9Dunn, T., et al. Real-world flash glucose monitoring patterns and associations between self-monitoring frequency and glycaemic measures: A European analysis of over 60 million glucose tests. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice; 137(2018) 37-46

10Ajjan R. Insights from real world use of flash continuous glucose monitoring. Symposium conducted at: American Diabetes Association 78th Scientific Sessions; June 2018; Orlando, FL

11Seibold A, Ells S, Schlaeger C, Welsh Z. A meta-analysis of real-world observational studies on the impact of flash glucose monitoring on glycemic control as measured by HbA1c. Poster presented at: 78th Scientific Sessions; June 2018; Orlando, FL.

12FokkertM,van DijkP,EdensM, et al, Improved well-being and decreased disease burden after 1-year use of flash glucose monitoring (FLARE-NL4), BMJ Open Diabetes Research and Care2019;7:e000809.doi:10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000809

13The following three criteria must be met: intensive insulin therapy, frequent or severe hypoglycemia problems and the necessity of glycemia self-monitoring a minimum of eight times per day.

SOURCE Abbott

http://www.abbott.com

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Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 2 Now Approved for Adults and Children with Diabetes in Canada, Featuring Unsurpassed 14-Day Accuracy and Optional Alarms -...

New Delhi | Updated: December 7, 2020 10:26:46 am

Written by Ambrish Mithal

There are no established easy solutions to mitigate . While the world is battling the pandemic together, the graveness of the situation is felt more in countries such as India that simultaneously have a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to tackle. Reports have revealed that people with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney problems are more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with COVID-19 virus. And India, known as the diabetes capital of the world, has one in six people with diabetes. With an estimated 77 million diabetics, the ninth edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas projected that India would continue to be at the second spot among the top 10 countries with diabetes till 2045.

As the alarming statistics of people with diabetes continue to rise across the country and the world, the role of nurses and healthcare professionals (who account for over half of the global health workforce) has become increasingly important in managing the impact of the disease. Adherence to insulin and correct injection technique plays a vital role when it comes to managing diabetes. The role of the diabetes nurse in India is performed by the diabetes educator, whose background is usually nutrition. Nurses role in insulin administration and managing hypoglycaemia is largely in the hospitalised patient, where it is very important too. Hence, the ward nurses require training on all aspects of insulin storage and administration technique. OPD is usually taken care of by diabetes educators/nutritionists.

Governments and healthcare industry must recognise the importance of investing in educating and training frontline workers who can make a huge difference in the lives of people with diabetes. Besides counselling patients with diabetes, nurses and diabetes educators can also guide them about the complications associated with incorrect injection technique, reuse of needles and wrong insulin storage. Therefore, there is a need to acknowledge how nurses as well as diabetes educators make a difference in managing diabetes.

Due to lack of awareness and training on the correct injection practices, a significant proportion of people reuse insulin pens and syringe needles that are intended for single use only. Reuse of the needle causes bending and blunting of the needle tip, increasing bleeding, pain, dosage inaccuracy and the chances of lipohypertrophy which is a thickened, rubbery swelling under the skin that develops under the usual injection site. Lipohypertrophy can lead to poor glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia, and glycaemic variability. Studies show that the frequency of needle re-use, significantly increase the risks of developing lipo., Moreover, used needles are prone to contamination by bacteria. At times, macroscopic blood regurgitation into a cartridge is also observed. In this case, if the needle is reused, it could lead to transmission of blood-borne infections.

Along with proper injecting guidance, it is imperative to know that insulin should be stored under favourable conditions. When exposed to extreme heat or cold, Insulin loses its ability to control the blood sugar. Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator (2-8 degrees C) and once opened, a vial can be stored at a room temperature of around 15-25 degrees C or in the refrigerator (2-8 degrees C) for up to 28 days.

Now that we know how to store insulin and choose the right site for injecting insulin, here are a few other things to keep in mind if you have diabetes. Ensure that you do not use expired insulin as that may no longer be sterile and will likely not provide the expected outcome. As insulin needs to be given at room temperature, it is recommended to take it out from the refrigerator 30 minutes before the injection. Before injecting yourself, wash your hands properly with soap. After ensuring there are no bubbles in the syringe, draw the right dose of insulin. Push the needle into the skin while holding a skin-fold, inject slowly and steadily until it is all in and leave it in place for at least 10 seconds after injecting. Release the skin-fold after removing the needle from the skin.

Adherence to accurate medication is a major factor in determining treatment outcomes for people living with diabetes. At a time when the world is already grappling with COVID-19, patients with diabetes on insulin need to be all the more careful about managing their condition optimally. There is a need to educate patients and their families about the disadvantages related to inappropriate insulin injecting practice and to push patients to consult diabetes educators in case of any complications.

(The writer is chairman & head (endocrinology and diabetology), Max Healthcare)

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The diabetes nurse in Covid times - The Indian Express

Global Chiropody & Podiatry Market: Snapshot

Escalating number of sport injuries and diabetes patients is likely to generate promising demand opportunities in the global chiropody & podiatry market during the tenure of 2020 to 2030. Physiotherapy and surgery practices are two types of services available in the market for chiropody & podiatry.

An upcoming research report by Transparency Market Research on the chiropody & podiatry market intends to give inclusive analysis of drivers, trends, challenges, restraints, threats, and opportunities in this market. Moving forward, this report delivers reliable data on shares, volume, and revenues of the market for chiropody & podiatry. Thus, the study works as a helpful tool to gain complete synopsis of the chiropody & podiatry market for the forecast period of 2020 to 2030.

The study performs segmentation of the global chiropody & podiatry market based on many important parameters such as type, application, and region. Based on application, the market for chiropody & podiatry is classified into hospitals, clinics, and others.

Request Brochure of Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=80235

Global Chiropody & Podiatry Market: Growth Dynamics

The global chiropody & podiatry market is all set to trace prodigious curve of expansion during the period of forthcoming years. This growth is attributed to plethora of factors. Chiropody and podiatry refer to healthcare services that are used in the treatment of numerous health issues including ingrowing toenails and thickened toenails, dry skin, calluses, corns, verrucae, cracked heels, ulcers, blisters, arthritic foot care, and diabetes. Thus, increased number of all these health issues is likely to fuel the demand opportunities in the chiropody & podiatry market in the upcoming years.

The chiropody & podiatry market is estimated to experience promising sales opportunities on the back of increased cases of sports injuries. In addition to this, the increased number of older population living in all worldwide locations is one of the key factors stimulating growth opportunities for vendors operating in the market for chiropody & podiatry.

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Global Chiropody & Podiatry Market: Competitive Analysis

The global chiropody & podiatry market experiences presence of quite considerable number of active players. As a result, the competitive landscape of the market for chiropody & podiatry is moderately intense. Vendors working in this market are using diverse strategies to gain the leading position.

Some of the key strategies executed by players in the chiropody & podiatry market include partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, product launches, and collaborations. Apart from this, many companies working in this market are increasing investments in research and development activities. This move is helping vendors to improve the services they offer. Owing to all these activities, the global chiropody & podiatry market is likely to develop at moderate pace during 20202030.

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The research report profiles key players working in the global chiropody & podiatry market. The list of important players in this market includes:

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Global Chiropody & Podiatry Market: Regional Assessment

In terms of region, the global chiropody & podiatry market shows existence in many regions including Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Of all regions, Europe and North America are major regions in the market for chiropody & podiatry. This growth can be attributed to increased older population and increased instances of sports injuries in these regions. Apart from this, the market for chiropody & podiatry is likely to witness prodigious expansion opportunities in Asia Pacific. This growth is attributed to increased number of people living with diabetes.

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Chiropody & Podiatry Market: Escalating number of sport injuries and diabetes patients is likely to generate promising demand opportunities -...

Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition whereby the pancreas does not release enough insulin to regulate blood sugar or the insulin it does produce is not absorbed by the cells. Blood sugar is the main type of sugar found in blood. It performs important functions in the body but it must be regulated - unconstrained blood sugar levels can inflict permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.

Stripped of the regulating hormone insulin, a person with type 2 diabetes must make healthy dietary decisions to control blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrates that rank high on the glycemic Index (GI) - a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels - are to be avoided or eaten in moderation.

High GI carbs are broken down quickly by the body and therefore raise blood sugar levels quickly.

White bread ranks high on the glycemic index so it is best to swap it for brown bread, which causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.

READ MORE:Type 2 diabetes warning - four fruits that could be raising your blood sugar levels

However, you should inspect the packaging of brown bread products before purchasing because "a lot of brown bread is just colour-dyed white bread", according to Dr Michael Mosley, founder of The Fast 800.

As he explains to the Express.co.uk, these colour-dyed culprits often contain more sugar to make them more palatable.

"You have to read the side of the packet. If it is dense brown bread, rye, things with seeds or nuts in it there's a good chance it's okay. But often they've just processed it, so be cautious."

Dr Mosley added: "Id switch instead to quinoa, bulgur (cracked wheat), whole rye, whole-grain barley, wild rice and buckwheat.

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According to Dr Mosley, other healthy swaps include opting for lentils, beans, quinoa, wild rice and buckwheat over white pasta and white rice.

"The complex carbohydrates contain more fibre which supports the growth of friendly bacteria in your gut," he explains.

Dr Mosley says to completely cut back on cakes, sweets, biscuits, crisps, fruit juices and soft drinks.

"These foods rapidly turn into sugar in your blood causing sugar spikes and weight gain - they are like the tip of the iceberg," he warns.

In addition to modifying your diet, exercising regularly is integral to blood sugar control.

According to Diabetes UK, there isnt one type of activity thats best for everyone with diabetes.

Its about finding what works for you and depends on lots of things, like what you enjoy, where you are and how much time you have.

"Its best to do a mixture of different types of activity, because different types have different benefits. And doing the same thing can get boring after a while," the health body advises.

Many people have type 2 diabetes without realising - this is because symptoms do not necessarily make you feel unwell.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

According to the NHS, you should see your GP if you have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes or you're worried you may have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

As it points out, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better.

Original post:
Type 2 diabetes warning: The 'so-called' brown bread that could be raising blood sugar - Express

This article was originally published here

Cureus. 2020 Oct 31;12(10):e11278. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11278.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a marker that reflects the control of diabetes mellitus (DM) over a three-month period. We sought to compare cardiovascular outcomes of diabetic patients with and without controlled levels of HbA1c post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) presenting to King Faisal Cardiac Center. Methods: A retrospective single-center study of all patients with type two DM who were treated with PCI during the period between January 2015 and January 2018. All data were obtained from health informatics system. Demographics, clinical data, and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were collected to compare outcomes among diabetic patients with and without controlled HbA1c.

RESULTS: The study included 177 patients with type two DM who underwent PCI. The mean age was 63.3 (SD12). Males represented 73.4% and 26.6% were females. The mean HbA1c on admission was 8.7%. At presentation 31% of the patients had relatively controlled blood sugar (HbA1c mean 7.5%, SD0.5) and 69% presented with poorly controlled type two DM (mean HbA1c 9.1%, SD0.25). The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidaemia were higher among the uncontrolled group, but there were no differences between both groups in the control of blood pressure or dyslipidaemia. Patients in the uncontrolled group had higher rate of prior PCI (36.6%) compared to the controlled arm (16%, p=0.0195) The prevalence of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, and renal impairment was similar. The use of insulin was higher among the uncontrolled arm. Patients in the controlled arm had lower incidence of composite endpoints of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction and stroke (MACCE) (14% vs 41%, p=0.001) compared to the uncontrolled arm.

CONCLUSION: Among patients with type two DM that were treated with PCI, achieving targets of blood sugar control reflected by glycated haemoglobin is associated with improved survival and lower incidence of composite MACCE.

PMID:33274153 | PMC:PMC7707909 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.11278

Continue reading here:
Glycated Haemoglobin and Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Among Type Two Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia - DocWire News

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time, especially for seniors with diabetes.

Dr. Martin Nejat, a family medicine doctor at Conviva Care Centers, has provided some insight on why its so important to stay healthy during the pandemic.

What exactly is diabetes?

Our body breaks down the food we eat into sugar or energy, stated Conviva Care Centers. The pancreas makes insulin to help push the sugar into your cells. When you have diabetes, your body either cant make enough of the insulin, or is not able to use it as well as it should.

Diabetes is a very serious condition its a complex medical problem that is very prevalent in the San Antonio area, according to Nejat.

There are four types of diabetes. In the San Antonio area, when we talk about diabetes, we are usually referring to Type 2 diabetes, Nejat said. Its a disease of basically obesity. The sugars are high because the body simultaneously has decreased insulin production and insulin resistance and both of these conditions are caused by obesity.

Is all sugar created equal?

Absolutely not. One way to monitor this is by using the glycemic index, said a representative for Conviva Care Centers.

Nejat said any organ in the body can be affected by high sugar.

Right now we are in a pandemic, and one of the ways that makes you more likely to have serious complications of COVID is poorly controlled diabetes, Nejat said.

How should I read a nutrition label to assess if this food is OK for me to eat?

You want to pay close attention to the carbohydrates, which are broken down into sugar, specifically, the added sugar.

Another rule of thumb is to do most of your grocery shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store, picking up fresh fruit and produce, meats, etc., and stay away from the packaged goods, known as processed foods.

How do I lower my blood sugar?

Take medication, have a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and exercise frequently.

If you are looking for a new health care group, Conviva Care Centers has eight locations in San Antonio -- and each location has activity centers that are free and open to anyone ages 55 and older for primary care. To learn more, click here.

Visit link:
Have diabetes? Health care group provides tips on how to manage the disease - KSAT San Antonio

A novel lower-cost noninvasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM) combined with a digital education/guidance program is set to launch in the United States and Europe this month for use in type 2 diabetes.

With the goal of improving management, or even reversing the condition, Neumara's SugarBEAT device is thought to be the world's first noninvasive CGM.

Its cost is anticipated to be far lower than traditional CGM, and it's aimed at a different patient population: those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes who may or may not be performing fingerstick glucose monitoring, but if they are, they still aren't using the information to guide management.

"This isn't about handing out devices and letting patients get on about it on their own accord. This is really about supporting those individuals," Faz Chowdhury, MD, Nemaura's chief executive officer, told Medscape Medical News in an interview.

He pointed to studies showing improvements in glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who were instructed to perform fingerstick blood glucose testing seven times a day for 3-4 days a month and given advice about how to respond to the data.

"This is well-established. We're saying we can make that process a lot more scalable and affordable and convenient for the patient...The behavior change side is digitized," Chowdhury said. "We want to provide a program to help people reverse their diabetes or at least stabilize it as much as possible."

Asked to comment, Nicholas Argento, MD, diabetes technology director at Maryland Endocrine and Diabetes, Columbia, told Medscape Medical News: "It's interesting. They're taking a very different approach. I think there's a lot of validity to what they're looking at because we have great CGMs right now, but because of the price point it's not accessible to a lot of people."

"I think they're onto something that could prove to be useful to a larger group of patients," he added.

Instead of inserting a catheter under the skin with a needle, as do current CGMs, the device comprises a small rechargeable transmitter and adhesive patch with a sensor that sits on the top of the skin, typically the upper arm. Glucose molecules are drawn out of the interstitial fluid just below the skin and into a chamber where the transmitter measures the glucose level and transmits the data every 5 minutes via Bluetooth to a smartphone app.

Despite this noninvasive approach, the device appears to be about as accurate as traditional CGMs, with comparable mean absolute relative difference (MARD) from a gold standard glucose measure of about 11%-12% with once-daily calibration versus 10%-11% for the Abbott FreeStyle Libre.

Unlike traditional CGMs, SugarBEAT is meant to be worn for only 14 hours at a timeduring the day and for 2-4 days per month rather than every day.

It's not aimed at patients with type 1 diabetes or those with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for hypoglycemia. It requires once-daily fingerstick calibration and is not indicated to replace fingersticks for treatment decisions.

SugarBEAT received a CE Mark in Europe as a Class IIb medical device in May 2019. That version provides real-time glucose values visible to the wearer. In the United States the company submitted a premarketing approval application for the device to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2020, which awaits a decision.

However, FDA is allowing it to enter the US market as a "wellness" device that won't deliver real-time values for now but instead will generate retroactive reports available to the physician and the patient.

And last month, UK-based Neumara launched the BEATdiabetes site, which allows users to sign in and link to the device once it becomes available.

The site provides "scientifically validated, personalized coaching" based on a program developed at the Joslin Diabetes Clinic, and will ultimately include monitoring of other cardiovascular risk factors with digital connectivity to a variety of wearables.

"Fingerstick monitoring for type 2 diabetes is only so useful," Argento told Medscape Medical News.

"It's difficult to get people to monitor in a meaningful way." If patients perform them only in the morning or at other sporadic times of the day, he said, "Then you get a one-dimensional picture...and they don't know what to do with the information anyway, so they stop doing it."

In contrast, with SugarBEAT and BEATDiabetes, "I think it does address a need that fingerstick monitoring doesn't."

Argento did express a few caveats about the device, however. For one, it still requires one fingerstick a day for calibration. "If people don't like needles, that might be a disincentive."

Also, despite the apparently comparable MARD to that of conventional CGMs, that measure can still "hide" values that may be consistently either above or below target range.

"MARD is like A1c in that it's useful but limited...It doesn't tell you about variability or systemic bias."

Argento also said that he'd like to see data on the lag time between the interstitial fluid and blood glucose measures with this noninvasive method as compared to that of a subcutaneous catheter.

However, he acknowledged that these potentials for error would be less important for patients with type 2 diabetes who aren't generally taking medications that increase their risk for hypoglycemia.

In all, he said, "Stay tuned. I think this is part of a movement going away from point-in-time to looking at trends and wearables and data to enrich decision-makingThere are still some unanswered questions I have but I think they're onto a concept that's useful for a broader population."

Chowdhury is an employee of Neumara. Argento consults for Senseonics and Dexcom, and is also a speaker for Dexcom.

For more diabetes and endocrinology news, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Noninvasive, Low Cost CGM for Type 2 Diabetes Coming in US and EU - Medscape

November was National Diabetes Month. WJZs Nicole Baker spoke with LifeBridge Health Dr. Asha Thomas about what diabetes is and how to prevent getting at least one form of it.

Thomas, who is the Division Head of Endocrinology & Metabolism and Vice Chair of the Department of Medicine at Sinai Hospital, answered questions about diabetes prevention and treatment.

You can watch the full interview above. Heres some of the Q&A:

Nicole Baker: So we know that you work in Endocrinology and Metabolism at Sinai, which means you really know how diabetes works, but for people who may not specifically know about diabetes explain in simple terms, what it is.

Dr. Asha Thomas: Absolutely, in terms of diabetes, a word we hear a lot, I think automatically when we hear the word, we think of sugar and blood sugar and all of this. But in general, diabetes is a disorder where there is a mismatch between how our body handles carbohydrates and sugars. And how insulin works in our bodies, and you know there are different types of diabetes which we can talk about, but in essence, that is really the issue. Its just our bodys inability to kind of manage and handle our sugars or carbohydrates.

NB: What are some of the habits lifestyle changes folks can make if they are prediabetic or is it too late at that point?

Dr. Thomas: That is the population, honestly that for myself, Im most excited to try to capture because there are certain things that are actually pretty low tech and not very expensive that are very, very effective. So primarily diet, exercise and weight, either at least even maintenance or weight loss. So if we capture folks in that range, were really able to prevent diabetes.

The other thing to talk about that I think is very important is whos at risk for this. So its a whole host of people these are people who have a strong family history of diabetes. Folks, particularly women, whove had gestational diabetes or diabetes during a pregnancy. They have a higher risk of developing diabetes later on. Different ethnic groups have a higher risk of diabetes including African American, Hispanic, Asian Americans, Native Americans. Then obviously young people, children who are overweight during their youth and teen years as another high risk group, so if we can target that and really work with them early big benefits later on.

NB: What is the difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes? People may not know how they differ.

Dr. Thomas: Thats actually a distinction thats becoming more and more complicated. But generally Type 1 Diabetes is a disorder. That is an autoimmune problem, where our bodys pancreas is really getting sort of damaged from an autoimmune process, such that we just dont make enough insulin. Traditionally, we think of it as younger people who get it, that they may develop it, you know when theyre young sort of between 4 and 6. And then theres another sort of peak like in the early teen years where they present and many times they present, theyre not feeling well and they need insulin from the beginning.

Type 2 Diabetes is more traditional, what we think of like a more of an adult who presents with diabetes with an abnormal blood test. It can be because they had issues with weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, going to the bathroom a lot to urinate and feeling really thirsty. Generally those are folks that are diagnosed and they can be managed either with pills or with insulin, depending on how far along. Sometimes its not that easy to tell between the two and there are different genetic components of each one as well.

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Ask A Doc: Everything You Need To Know About Diabetes - CBS Baltimore

A growing body of research suggests that people with diabetes are more likely than others to develop severe COVID-19. Those with difficulty managing their diabetes may be at particularly high risk.

In a study published earlier this month, researchers from Kings College London in the United Kingdom evaluated patients with diabetes who had been admitted to the hospital for COVID-19.

They found that patients who had a complication known as diabetic retinopathy were more likely than other patients with diabetes to develop severe breathing problems from COVID-19.

Patients with diabetic retinopathy were five times more likely than other patients with diabetes to be intubated and put on a ventilator to help them breathe.

This is the first time that retinopathy has been linked to severe COVID-19 in people with diabetes, lead author of the study, Dr. Antonella Corcillo, said in a press release.

Retinopathy is a marker of damage to the blood vessels, and our results suggest that such preexisting damage to blood vessels may result in a more severe COVID-19 infection requiring intensive care treatment, she added.

Diabetic retinopathy is a type of eye disease that develops when small blood vessels in the eye are damaged. Its one of many potential complications of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy itself may not cause more severe COVID-19. Rather, its possible that the underlying blood vessel damage that causes retinopathy also contributes to an increased risk of complications from COVID-19.

Over time, high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can damage blood vessels in not only the eye but also other parts of the body.

Preexisting blood vessel damage may put people with COVID-19 at heightened risk of complications from the infection.

Dr. Mangala Narasimhan, SVP, director of critical care services at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, New York, told Healthline that developing diabetic retinopathy may indicate that diabetes is affecting a persons overall health.

We know people with more comorbidities do worse with COVID, so this study would be consistent with that overall theme, Narasimhan said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that people with type 2 diabetes are at heightened risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Those with type 1 or gestational diabetes might also be at increased risk.

To protect their health, its important for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and other risk factors including blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and weight.

This can help reduce the chances of developing complications from diabetes, including blood vessel damage. It may also lower their risk of developing severe COVID-19 if they contract the novel coronavirus.

Gaining control of [unmanaged] diabetes can be a daunting task, but its important for patients to remember that even small efforts can result in significant improvement and therefore a reduction in risk of complications from COVID-19, Dr. Minisha Sood, an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, told Healthline.

To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, practicing healthy habits is key. Its also important for people with diabetes to schedule regular health checkups and follow their doctors recommendations for blood sugar testing, said Narasimhan.

Regular physician follow up, ophthalmology follow up, and control of diet and exercise, along with social distancing and mask wearing, are the best steps you can take to prevent severe COVID infection, Narasimhan advises.

The more you manage your diabetes, the better you will do with COVID, she added.

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The Link Between Diabetes and Severe COVID-19 - Healthline

The impact Covid-19 has had on people with chronic conditions has been dramatic. Among those younger than 65 who died from the virus, 20% had diabetes, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on data collected through November 14.

The virus poses myriad challenges for people struggling with Type 2 diabetes, which requires constant, long-term management. But the stress caused by Covid-19s impact on the economy, and indirectly by the CDC guidance to reduce risk of contracting Covid-19 by social distancing, can also cause depression, which many people with chronic conditions struggle with as it is.

More than 200 healthcare professionals from 47 countries have ranked diabetes as the condition that will be most impacted by the reduction in healthcare resources due to Covid-19, according to a new report from Omada Health: 5 reasons why Covid-19 makes digital diabetes treatment critical.

The public health crisis drives home the need for diabetes management programs with an effectiveness that can help vulnerable people weather this trying time.

The rapid scaling up of telehealth options by hospitals to reduce the number of people coming to the hospital has been a significant development that could be a great source of comfort long after the virus is no longer a public health crisis. And yet, gaps remain in telehealth services.

Covid-19 has made the need for personalized care even more important. Its critical that people with diabetes have access to support that fits their lifestyle, and is accessible when they need it most, according to the Omada Health report.

Omada for Diabetes program participants achieved meaningful outcomes four months after beginning the program, even prior to the inclusion of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), according to a new study conducted between November 2019 and July 2020. Four months after beginning the program, participants decreased total cholesterol by 39 points on average for people with high cholesterol.

All study participants also reduced average Hemoglobin A1c by 0.8 percent, including a 1.4 percent average reduction for individuals with starting values at or above 9 percent.

To learn more about the impact of Covid-19 on people with diabetes and the Omada for Diabetes program, Fill in the form below to download 5 reasons why Covid-19 makes digital diabetes treatment critical.

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Covid-19's terrible toll on diabetes patients. What can be done? - MedCity News

Author Irene Richardson - November 30, 2020November 30, 2020Exercise is an important step in preventing type 2 diabetes. Photo via Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (photo taken in 2019)

As we close out National Diabetes Awareness month, its important to remind ourselves of the risks attached to diabetes. By changing a few habits, you can prevent type 2 diabetes and manage it. We caught up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabamas senior medical director, Dr. Anne Schmidt, to learn what resources are available.

One of the things that always stands out to me is when you look at national statistics from the CDC, they state if we changed diet and activity level along with peoples use of tobacco we could prevent 80% of type 2 diabetes.

You read that right80%. A 2019 report from the CDC states that from the over 34 million Americans who have diabetes, approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes. Lets look at how we can lower this statistic.

Diabetes isnt just about blood sugar. It affects kidney health and can cause higher rates of kidney failure and dialysis. Diabetes also affects blood sugar and how your body metabolizes fat. There are all kinds of different impacts of diabetes beyond just blood sugar. So, thats why its really important we help patients manage that.

Most people look at any lifestyle change as a daunting task. Even getting up 10 minutes earlier than your normal routine can prove difficult.

Its true that redirecting daily habits isnt always as easy as it appears on the surface. But, in order to prevent type 2 diabetes, these modifications wont require a complete overhaul of your life.

Incorporate changes into your daily life. We know if you lose 5-7% of your body weight and get 150 minutes of physical activity a week, it can make significant improvements.

This might look like finding ways to add in an extra green vegetable at lunch and dinnertime as you begin to develop new healthier habits.

In terms of exercise, its the same deal. You hear it over and over for a reasonuse the stairs, park a little further away, walk around the block on your lunch break.

When it comes to 20 minutes of exercise a day versus kidney disease, Ill side with the former. We even rounded up 19 trails in Birmingham you can enjoy while also staying socially distanced.

A common myth Dr. Schmidt says people tend to believe is that if diabetes runs in your family, youre doomed. Too often, people give up trying to prevent type 2 diabetes with the notion that their fate is already crystal clear.

Even if you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, its not unrealistic to manage it and live a comfortable life.

Its possible to manage diabetes. Some people who have relatives with diabetes might have a fatalistic attitude of, I might as well give up because Im going to end up like my aunt or dad or grandfather.'

While you cant prevent type 1 diabetes, BCBSAL has great resources like lifestyle management programs for living with type 1 diagnosis that well talk about later. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is avoidable. Prevention practices should take place as early as possible.

We are seeing Type 2 diabetes in elementary school-aged children now. Its never too young to start thinking about preventing the diagnosis.

Its really about exercise, in addition to your diet. Exercise changes the way your body processes the sugar that you eat.

Whether youre hoping to prevent diabetes or looking to navigate your condition, BCBSAL has many valuable resources for its members including myBlueWellness. This program provides important information about making better choices when it comes to managing habits and becoming compliant with a treatment plan.

BCBSAL offers chronic condition coaching programs. Type 2 diabetes is one of the diagnoses most prevalent in our state. We use clinical guidelines and offer educational materials and self-management support strategies for members.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, BCBSAL ensures youre on the best track to managing it.

If you manage your diabetes well, you can live a long and healthy life. BCBSAL can definitely help through diabetes prevention programs and chronic condition coaching. We also have lifestyle management programs.

Its also imperative you maintain routine doctors visits. If youre not comfortable heading into the doc right now, take advantage of BCBSALs telehealth services.

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Prevent type 2 diabetes with 5 tips from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama - Bham Now

Editor's note: Find the latest COVID-19 news and guidance in Medscape's Coronavirus Resource Center.

Risk of intubation for COVID-19 in very sick hospitalized patients was increased over fivefold in those with diabetic retinopathy compared to those without, in a small single-center study from the UK.

Importantly, the risk of intubation was independent of conventional risk factors for poor COVID-19 outcomes.

"People with pre-existing diabetes-related vascular damage, such as retinopathy, might be predisposed to a more severe form of COVID-19 requiring ventilation in the intensive therapy unit," said lead investigator Janaka Karalliedde, MBBS, PhD.

Karalliedde and his colleagues note that this is "the first description of diabetic retinopathy as a potential risk factor for poor COVID-19 outcomes."

"For this reason, looking for the presence or history of retinopathy or other vascular complications of diabetes may help health care professionals identify patients at high risk of severe COVID-19," added Karalliedde, of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

The study was published online in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is thought to be around 55% in people with type 1 diabetes and 30% in people with type 2 diabetes, on average.

Karalliedde is part of a research group at King's College London that has been focused on how vascular disease may predispose to more severe COVID-19.

"COVID-19 affects the blood vessels all over the body," he said, so they wondered whetherhaving pre-existing retinopathy "would predispose to a severe manifestation of COVID-19."

The observational study included 187 patients with diabetes (179 patients with type 2 diabetes and eight patients with type 1 diabetes)hospitalized with COVID-19 at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust between March 12 to April 7 (the peak of the first wave of the pandemic in the UK).

"It was an ethnically diverse population who were very sick and provides a clinical observation of real life," Karalliedde said.

Nearly half of patients were African Caribbean (44%), 39% were White, and 17% were of other ethnicities, including 8% who were Asian. The mean age of the cohort was 68 years (range, 22-97 years), and 60% were men.

Diabetic retinopathy was reported in 67 (36%) patients, of whom 80% had background retinopathy and 20% had more advanced retinopathy.

They then looked at whether the presence of retinopathy was associated with a more severe manifestation of COVID-19 as defined by the need for tracheal intubation.

Of the 187 patients, 26% were intubated and 45% of these patients had diabetic retinopathy.

The analysis showed those with diabetic retinopathy had an over fivefold increased risk for intubation (OR, 5.81; 95% CI, 1.37 - 24.66).

IOf the entire cohort, 32% of patients died, although no association was observed between retinopathy and mortality.

"A greater number of diabetes patients with COVID-19 ended up on the intensive therapy unit. Upon multivariate analysis, we found retinopathy was independently associated with ending up on the intensive therapy unit," stressed Karalliedde.

However, they note that "Due to the cross-sectional design of our study, we cannot prove causality [between retinopathy and intubation]."

"Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms that explain the associations between retinopathy and other indices of microangiopathy with severe COVID-19."

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Published online November 2, 2020. Full text

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Diabetic Retinopathy May Predict Greater Risk of COVID-19 Severity - Medscape

Following authorization allowing pharmacists to administer childhood vaccines, some pediatricians have expressed concerns that this deprives children of medical care or could lead to missed vaccines.

The researchers launched the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects Study to better understand the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals within the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, several promising drugs are expected to hit the market in late 2020 and early 2021.

Beta-blockers could be used as a potential treatment for COVID-19, according to a study by Italian and Australian researchers.

Patients with relapsed/refractory leukemia and lymphomas generally have a grim prognosis, which has paved the way for immunotherapy treatments.

Researchers find no clear therapeutic benefit of intravenous immunoglobulin for the prevention of postnatal relapses of multiple sclerosis.

Further, the findings suggest that cancer survivors are also likely to be at an increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, given that both influenza and COVID-19 are both epidemic respiratory viruses.

Four case studies demonstrate common OTC treatments for cough.

Compared with patients with focal epilepsy, those with genialized epilepsy have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea.

FDA grants fast track designation to irinotecan liposome injection (Onivyde; MM-398) as second-line monotherapy for patients with small cell lung cancer whose disease progressed following a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen.

Warning letters requested that companies immediately stop selling these unapproved products and said consumers concerned about COVID-19 should talk to their health care provider.

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People With Type 2 Diabetes Have a Greater Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Even With Risk Factors Optimally Controlled - Pharmacy Times

Newswise EL PASO, Texas November is National Diabetes Month, a time when the nation comes together to shed light on one of the leading causes of death and disability among U.S. citizens. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is joining the fight against the disease through innovative research made possible through a recent $1.2 million grant by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance understanding of a critical diabetic heart condition.

The project will use 3D bioprinting to better understand how type 2 diabetes progresses inside the human body. The research team will re-create cardiac tissue, made up of human cardiac cells from both diabetic and healthy donors, to form a heart model closely resembling actual heart tissue found inside the human body with an electrical rhythm that can contract, relax and function as a human heart would.

Binata Joddar, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical engineering in the metallurgy, materials and biomedical engineering department at UTEP, is leading the cutting-edge research.

We are going to compare how the progression of diabetes is affecting the functions of healthy and diabetic cells and tissue, Joddar said. We are going to study the effect of diabetes progression and how it affects the normal electrical rhythm of the heart when diabetes is advancing in these cells and how it impacts the individual behavior of the cells.

Joddars research will focus on cardiomyopathy, a heart condition often experienced by patients with type 2 diabetes, where the heart wall remodels itself and can become either thinner or thicker and affect the hearts ability to pump blood and properly oxygenate the body. This condition often leads to catastrophic outcomes for patients such as heart failure and death.

Cardiomyopathy is a huge problem for type 2 diabetes patients, Joddar said. There is a lack of targeted treatment for this condition. It can only be diagnosed by clinicians, and once diagnosed, there is only symptom management available with no real cure.

Once Joddar and her team of student researchers successfully creates the cardiac tissue model, they also will be able to use it for cardiac toxicity screening to see how certain common drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration impact the heart.

Patients with diabetes, cancer and other diseases typically take a lot of drugs to treat their symptoms, but often a little of the dose gets mixed in the bloodstream and circulates through the heart muscle and is toxic to cardiac tissue. The cardiac model we create can be used to screen the toxicity of certain common drugs, Joddar said.

The project will expose UTEP students to bioengineering research and provide hands-on experience to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers to advance diabetes research and awareness.

Dr. Joddars research is both innovative and impactful, said Patricia Nava, Ph.D., dean of UTEPs College of Engineering. We are proud to have the facilities and capacity for her to carry out her comparative studies of diabetic and healthy cardiac tissue and changes invoked by medication, as this is sure to shed light not only on basic research, but also clinical treatment of patients. This innovative research is important to the community and global population of diabetes patients and will be a prime opportunity for UTEP engineering students to contribute to impactful, life-changing research.

The University of Texas at El Paso is one of the largest and most successful Hispanic-serving institutions in the country, with a student body that is 83% Hispanic. It enrolls nearly 25,000 students in 166 bachelors, masters and doctoral programs in 10 colleges and schools. With more than $100 million in total annual research expenditures, UTEP is ranked in the top 5% of research institutions nationally and fifth in Texas for federal research expenditures at public universities.

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UTEP Awarded $1.2 Million by NIH to Advance Research on Diabetes-Related Cardiac Complications - Newswise

Last of 3 parts

By Maridith YahlNKyTribune reporter

Embedded within St. Elizabeth Physicians in Covington, The Regional Diabetes Center (RDC) offers the only diabetes education classes in Northern Kentucky.

The RDC sees anyone having a physicians referral, says Kate Moser, MSN, RN, CDCES, Diabetes Education Quality Coordinator. American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education-Certified Diabetes Program, the RDC provides diabetic and endocrinology care.

Kate Moser

There are so many decisions, every single day, that someone with diabetes has to make and it can be really overwhelming, says Moser.

The center works with patients who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and diabetes during pregnancy, which is somewhat different than gestational diabetes, she says.

It is hard for newly diagnosed patients to know where to start or the types of changes needed.

We like to be their first touchpoint, getting them educated, giving them the tools, they need, says Moser. Individual appointments or group classes are available.

We run the gamut from someone who has pre-diabetes or is newly diagnosed with type 2, through someone looking for the most advanced technology, Moser says.

Comprehensive diabetes classes are taught in groups by a Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Dietitian (RDN). Healthy eating, medication, healthy coping, exercise, healthy problem solving are some topics discussed.

Registered Dietitians offer Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). In a one-on-one meeting, the RDN works with the client on what the client wants to focus on.

Meal planning, thats the number one question we get asked is, what can I eat? but it is wildly important, Moser says.

The RDC is creating a program for those diagnosed with prediabetes. It will be a series of workshops in which clients can pick and choose the topics from which they will benefit the most. Realizing most insurances do not cover this education, Moser plans to make it low-cost.

Receiving their five-year recertification in January from the ADA, the RDC, Moser says, has someone to talk to about anything. There is an exercise physiologist on the staff, four registered dietitians, six registered nurses, of which eight are Certified Diabetes Care Education Specialists (CDCES). The CDCES certification requires an exam and the RN must have taught about living with diabetes over 1000 hours.

Anyone that you meet within our team is going to be very seasoned and have experience with all different types of people, from all different places in life, with different kinds of concerns and needs, Moser says.

Plan your meals carefully.

We want people to know they can reach out anytime they have a change in their circumstance. We really want to be there to support people in the community, to give them information and resources, and make sure that they know what to say to their provider, financial issues, or emotional distress issues, depression, and chronic disease. Those things are certainly linked to diabetes and we want to make sure that they know it is okay to reach out.

They get a lot of phone calls from those who are uninsured and want to know their options. Moser keeps up on local resources.

I always encourage them to check with their insurance provider because a lot of them do cover dietitian services for prediabetes, Moser says. Im always saying, I cant imagine its not going to change soon just because the medical costs are two to three times more.

But Moser knows cost can be a huge barrier for education, so she can direct them to other resources, like the Northern Kentucky Diabetes Coalition, for support groups and resources.

The Kentucky Diabetes Coalition has a resource finder on their website. Search by county to find diabetes classes and support groups near you.

Being able to build a good, trusting relationship with her clients is one thing Moser loves about her job. Being able to coordinate all those pieces and really meet somebody where we are spending the time talking to them about all of the daily decisions and things that impact their life is really nice, Moser says. It stems from just the basic desire to help people, but theres just something about supporting someone with what can be such a ravaging chronic disease.

Things have changed so much in this field. Thankfully, were just getting better and better but, I think that just maintaining that relationship with your education team can be really important, Moser says.

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Diabetes: Regional Diabetes Center offers education classes so clients can learn to live with the disease - User-generated content

Researchers have identified a link between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health issues even in people with optimally controlled cardiovascular risk factors.

In a new study, scientists have discovered a link between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, even for people who optimally control the common risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The research, which appears in the journal Circulation, suggests that early treatment of people with type 2 diabetes for cardiovascular disease may significantly reduce cardiovascular events and mortality.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 10 people in the United States have diabetes, and of those, 9095% have type 2 diabetes.

The cells of a person with type 2 diabetes do not react to insulin in the way they should. A persons pancreas produces insulin, which enables the sugar carried by the bloodstream to enter the cells of the body.

Because blood sugar is not being removed from a persons bloodstream, their blood sugar levels can increase to dangerous levels. According to the CDC, this can cause vision loss, kidney disease, and heart disease.

Researchers have shown that having type 2 diabetes increases a persons risk of developing both non-fatal and fatal forms of cardiovascular disease.

Studies also state that people with type 2 diabetes who optimally control common cardiovascular risk factors can reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular events. The authors of the new Circulation study cite research showing that this may prolong a persons life by up to 8 years.

According to the CDC, risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, an unhealthy diet, low physical activity, and diabetes.

Researchers suggest that people who optimally manage their cardiovascular risk factors could completely negate the associated risk between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In the present article, the researchers wanted to see if this latter studys findings, conducted with a Swedish population, were reproducible in a population from the United Kingdom.

According to Dr. Alison Wright, first author of the study and research associate at the Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety at the University of Manchester, U.K., [p]revious studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes had little or no excess risk of cardiovascular disease events or death when all risk factors are optimally controlled.

Our team sought to determine how the degree of risk factor control in people with type 2 diabetes impacted cardiovascular disease risk and mortality, compared to people with type 2 diabetes who had all risk factors optimally controlled and to people who do not have type 2 diabetes.

To go about this, the researchers looked at clinical data gathered during 20062015. The data included over 101,000 people with type 2 diabetes. The team matched these with another group of almost 331,000 people with type 2 diabetes, as well as a group of nearly 379,000 without type 2 diabetes.

Following U.K. clinical guidelines, the researchers looked at five cardiovascular risk factors: cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking, blood glucose, and blood pressure.

They looked particularly at the association between optimally controlling these risk factors and cardiovascular events or mortality in people with type 2 diabetes, compared with people who did not have the condition.

The researchers found that even when optimally controlling the five risk factors for cardiovascular issues, people with type 2 diabetes still had a 21% increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with those without type 2 diabetes.

They also had a 31% increased risk of hospitalization due to heart failure.

For Dr. Wright, the findings suggest that early intervention in cardiovascular risk for people with type 2 diabetes is important:

People with type 2 diabetes should be treated for cardiovascular risk factors as early as possible, regardless of whether they have cardiovascular disease or not.

There is real potential here to reduce the overall impact of type 2 diabetes on future cardiovascular events, especially for patients with type 2 diabetes who have not yet been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

The researchers also discovered that people with type 2 diabetes tended to have poor management of cardiovascular risk factors, which scientists note is an international issue, following recent research.

In the present study, only 6% of the participants with type 2 diabetes were optimally managing their risk factors.

As a consequence, Dr. Wright and her co-authors also suggest that [g]reater use of guideline-driven care, clinical decision support, drug intervention, and self-management support should be encouraged.

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Study suggests link between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk - Medical News Today

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in South Carolina, according to health officials.

COLUMBIA, S.C. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in South Carolina and over half a million South Carolinians are estimated to have diabetes, according to the latest data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

"I tell my patients all the time, diabetes is a disease of the diet," said Dr. Jaqui Jones with Prisma Health. She suggests limiting processed foods, exercising, and eating healthier foods, like vegetables and lean meats to avoid type two diabetes.

"I have diagnosed patients in my clinic as young as 21, 22 years old, which is so young. Its too young to have type 2 diabetes, but it is happening," Jones said.

Diabetes is especially prevalent in South Carolina.

In 2018, the Palmetto State ranked 8th in diabetes deaths in the nation, according to DHEC. Over 1,500 South Carolinians died from the disease that year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says someone with diabetes is more likely to have a severe case of COVID-19.

"[if you have diabetes] youre already chronically inflamed, youre already at risk of other things, your immune system is not as optimal as we want it to be. So, something that comes along like COVID, which is already hard and new to treat, you have an increased risk of poor outcome," Dr. Jones explained.

This year, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina started an initiative called Diabetes Free SC, which is dedicated to improving health outcomes for people in South Carolina who have diabetes.

Dr. Timothy Lyons, director of the initiative, said, "its not something which is directed at insured lives of BlueCross, its for a whole population of South Carolina with a big emphasis on people who are disadvantaged and people who live in underserved rural areas and of course health disparities."

Dr. Lyons said they fund programs that help reduce the risks of diabetes in children, pregnant women and adults. Theyve invested nearly 12 million dollars so far in diabetes prevention.

If someone is at risk for diabetes, Dr. Jones says the first step is to go to the doctor and get tested.

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The impact of diabetes in South Carolina - WLTX.com

A whopping 93% of adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)are at a high risk of experiencing a fatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke, according to new research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The study was focused on data out of Catalonia, Spain, but its findings will likely still grab the attention of researchersand patientsall over the world.

Traditionally, cardiovascular risk in the region has been lower than in central and northern Europe or the U.S., co-author Manel Mata-Cases, PhD, of the Catalan Institute of Health in Barcelona, Spain, said in a statement. Therefore, our results should generate concern and a call for action to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with T2D managed in primary care.

Mata-Cases et al. explored data from nearly 374,000 adult patients in Catalonia. Each patient had a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes as of Dec. 31, 2016. The average age was 70.1 years old. Each patients risk was determined by identifying such factors as a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obesity.

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93% of patients with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke - Cardiovascular Business