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A chemical called sulforaphane could be a new option for people with Type 2 diabetes who need help managing their blood sugar.

In a studyjust published inScience Translational Medicine, researchers randomized 97 people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to take a concentrated broccoli sprout extract containingsulforaphane once a day for 12 weeks or a placebo with the same regimen. All but three of the participants were taking metformin, a standard treatment for controlling blood sugar.

Broccoli at a market in Vienna. A new study shows yet another health benefit for the vegetable: A chemical it contains could help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar. Leonhard Foeger/Reuters

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Glucose production was reduced among patients taking the ultraconcentrated sulforaphane. The compound improved fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, an indicatorof blood sugar levels in obese patients with dysregulated Type 2 diabetes. And sulforaphane also showed a protective effect against some complications linked to diabetes, such as neuropathy and kidney failure.

How did the researchers light upon sulforaphane as a blood sugar manager? Genetics and math. Led by Annika Axelsson, of Lund University Diabetes Centre in Sweden, the scientists created a genetic profile for Type 2 diabetes based on 50 key genes, alterations of which are associated with the disease. They then screened 3,852 different compounds to find any that might reverse that genetic signature. Sulforaphane stood out.

Before studying the compound in humans, Axelsson and colleagues first gave sulforaphane to animals.In rats with diabetes, the compound, which occurs naturally in cruciferous vegetables, had the intended effect, reversing the genetic signature in the animals livers. The chemical also controlled blood sugar at a level comparable to metformin.

The human study that followed indicated that concentrated sulforaphane could be a viable treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Because up to 15 percent of the 300 million people with Type 2 diabetes worldwide cannot take metformin due to the risk of kidney damage, new ways to help patients manage blood sugar are needed. The researchers emphasize that high doses of sulforaphane cannot yet be recommended to patients as a drug treatment, the study results are a clear sign that the approach is worth pursuing.

The rest is here:
Sulforaphane, a Chemical in Broccoli, May Help Diabetics Control Blood Sugar - Newsweek

For about a week, Griffin Kyes will get to be a normal child at summer camp. He'll do all the traditional camp activities: running through the woods, swimming, watching skits and playing in the GaGa ball pit his favorite.

Along the way, Kyes will also master how to control his Type 1 diabetes.

"I've learned that you need to control your diabetes or else your body could get really harmed," said the soon-to-be fifth-grader at Pioneer Elementary School in Bismarck.

This will be Kyes third time at Camp Sioux, which is for children ages 8 to 15 who have diabetes. It's the only camp like it in the state, located in Park River, just northwest of Grand Forks.

Camp Sioux is sponsored by various organizations, including several Lions Clubs, such as the one in Mandan. The American Diabetes Association runs the camp, according to Carol Holten, associate manager of community health strategies for the Midwest Division of the ADA.

"We just want them to be normal kids and know that their diabetes won't hold them back," Holten said.

The kids do this while also learning independence. There aren't any formal educational sessions or classes, but instead "teachable moments," Holten said.

There will be dietitians to help count carbs. Some of the children will learn to take an insulin shot for the first time.

Kyes was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 4 years old. His mother, Lisa Rask, said the chronic disease doesn't run in the family, and she began noticing Kyes' symptoms, such as being constantly thirsty, weak and wetting the bed,when he was younger.

It was super hard to drop him off the first year when a kid is diabetic you cant just let them go to a party or sleepover, it doesnt work like that," she said. "When you walk into camp, you have a parent meeting and they line up all the nurses and doctors, and you just feel better."

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2014

In 2014, about 49,000 adults in North Dakota were living with diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 37 percent of the population, or more than 202,000 people, had prediabetes.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 is most common in people under age 20, and it occurs when insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are damaged. In this instance, little or no insulin is produced, and patients need insulin injections to control their blood sugar.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed in people who produce insulin, but not enough. This type can be managed by controlling a person's weight, diet, regular exercise or by taking oral medicine or insulin injections.

There are some serious complications associated with diabetes, including lower limb amputation, blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Holten said 150 children plan to attend Camp Sioux this year, which will be held Saturday through next Thursday. This year's registration is up from 134 in 2016. She said the increase in children attending the camp can be attributed to a general rising trend in the number of children with diabetes, but also to more doctors getting the word out to newly diagnosed patients.

Such gatherings aim to help children control the disease while also helping them meet others who are experiencing the same things. Many of the camp counselors are former campers.

"Many of the younger kids aspire to (become a counselor), and the older kids love being able to be in that staff position," Holten said.

KateyNick, a nurse and diabetes educator at Sanford Health in Bismarck, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3.

"I don't remember it any other way," said Nick, 26, who has gone to Camp Sioux on and off since she was 8 years old.

Nick has been a camper, counselor and, this year, she'll go back as a nurse.

"Growing up, I didn't really want to take care of myself. I wanted to be a normal teenager; eat what I wanted," said Nick, who struggled to control her diabetes.

But the camp helped her feel normal, and she's made some lifelong friends along the way.

"It helps kids really learn that they're not so different. They have this chronic disease, but it's manageable," Nick said.

See the original post:
Children with diabetes find comfort at camp - Bismarck Tribune

Here are some data to file under Drugs do things that we dont expect. The SGLT-2 inhibitors are a class of diabetes medications that work by inhibiting the sodium/glucose transporter 2 protein in the kidneys. That keeps glucose from being reabsorbed there; instead, more of it is removed in the urine, and that lowers circulating glucose levels. One side effect, as you might imagine, is an increased risk of urinary tract infections, but overall, the class seems to have a lot of beneficial effects.

Too many beneficial effects, actually. One of the major drugs in this category, Jardiance (empagliflozin) from Boehringer and Lilly (NYSE:LLY), has recently been the subject of a big outcomes trial by the two companies. And the results were good the drug reduced cardiovascular mortality, all-causes mortality, and hospitalizations from heart failure. Good news! But when the team dug further into the data, things got weird. Youd think that these benefits would be due to reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lower LDL cholesterol, lower blood pressure, etc. But when they corrected for all these factors, the effects persisted.

Its quite clear that the results that we see from the drugmakers Empa-Reg Outcome studyincluding the 38% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular deathreally is not explained through these classical risk factors we have all been aware of for some decades now, Thomas Seck, Boehringers VP of clinical development and medical affairs for its primary care unit, said in an interview.

So what the heck is it explained by? At this point, no one knows. This is reminiscent of the situation with statins, whose good outcomes are not completely explained by their reduction of LDL levels. This should serve as a reminder that (1) there are a lot of biochemical mechanisms that we dont know about yet and (2) the ones that we know about arent necessarily as important as weve made them out to be.

Meanwhile, at the same ADA meeting where these results where released, J&J presented data on their own SGLT-2 inhibitor, Invokana (canaglifozin). And with this one, too, patients were notably less likely to suffer cardiovascular events, which is good news. But there was also an unexpected increased in the risk of amputation (which is already a risk in advanced Type II diabetes patients). This is not something thats turned up with the other SGLT-2 compounds so far, and is also a mystery.

We do not know what a new drug is going to do, not really, until its gone into a large patient population. And that means, most of the time, until its made it to the market. Clinical trials are absolutely necessary to clear out the biggest, most noteworthy problems, and will show you the biggest, most noteworthy benefits that can be shown in the time it takes to run the trial. But the longer, more subtle things (or the ones that happen in very low incidence) will only appear once the drug is out there in the real world, being taken by a large number of people under all kinds of conditions.

Disclosure: None.

Originally posted here:
2 Diabetes Drug Mysteries - Seeking Alpha

From left, Rebecca Merriman (Medtronic), Melissa Louis (Medtronic), Shelley Blonheim (Insulin Pump User), Laura Cameron (Medtronic), Linda Hepner (Surrey Mayor), Neil Fraser (Medtronic) cut the ribbon to officially open a new Medtronic diabetes resource centre in Surrey. (Submitted photo)

Fraser Health says Surrey and Abbotsford have the largest proportion of diabetics in the region

SURREY Canadas first Medtronic Resource Centre for patients with diabetes held its grand opening in Surrey this Wednesday (June 14).

Located on the main floor of the City Centre 1 building across the street from Surrey Memorial Hospital, the new centre will serve as a one-stop shop for those with diabetes.

Its intended to be able to provide support in between clinic visits, explained Laura Cameron director of Medtronic Canadas Diabetes Group. To allow them to better utilize their technology so that they can have better support in managing their diabetes. We hope it will provide additional support to the clinics who will be doing some of the less-basic things with them. Well take care of some of the stuff in between.

The goal, she noted, is to elevate their ability to manage their disease and as a result, have better outcomes and fewer complications, thus, improving lives.

The new centre will offer insulin pump classes, lessons on CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) and educate patients on carb counting and best travel practices.

The centre, within the Innovation Boulevard health tech district, will also provide networking opportunities and one-on-one time with certified insulin pump trainers.

Cameron said Surrey was chosen as the location for their centre because of the high prevalence of diabetes in the city, and all of Fraser Health.

Its estimated that 29 per cent of British Columbians (or 1.5 million people) have either diabetes or pre-diabetes. Over the last decade, the province has seem a 74 per cent spike in the number of people diagnosed with diabetes and by 2027, its projected to grow by another 44 per cent.

According to Fraser Health, Surrey and Abbotsford have the largest proportion of diabetics within its region, which the health authority says may be due to the large South Asian populations living there.

Surrey diabetes specialist Dr. Chris Mahony said the centre has been much anticipated as a real-world solution to a real-world problem, offering post-marketing care of our clients on an intensive insulin regimen using Medtronic insulin pump technology.

He said the centre will raise the bar to a new level of support.

Jodie Steen has been living with Type 1 Diabetes for 31 years and started on her first insulin pump almost 17 years ago.

It has given me so much freedom and better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections, she aid. More recently, I have been wearing CGM on a regular basis which has resulted in the best A1C I have had in years.

Steen said she looks forward to having the access to experts at her convenience.

Cameron said thats why she does what she does to help people live better lives.

We hear stories about parents who had their first good night sleep since their child was diagnosed, as a result of being able to trust the pump, said Cameron. Thats why were so passionate. Its very rewarding.

The new Medtronics Resource Centre is located in the City Centre 1 building, located at 13737 96th Ave.

amy.reid@surreynowleader.com

Excerpt from:
Canada's first Medtronic diabetes resource centre opens in Surrey - Surrey Now-Leader

People with diabetes do not get to pick and choose when they want to deal with it. Diabetes is an ongoing disease that requires 24/7 work. But does having diabetes stop people from living their life to the fullest?

There are probably many different answers to that question. According to Ginger Vieira, the author of, Dealing with Diabetes Burnout, on a daily basis, she tries to balance three things: diabetes, life, and happiness.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to control the bodys blood sugar levels. Because of the daily testing of blood sugar and the management of the disease through medication, activity and diet, people with diabetes can feel, as described by Linda Von Wartburg in Diabetes Health, ground down by the appalling endlessness of self-care. This causes burnout, which, in the context of diabetes, means ignoring blood sugar levels and neglecting the diet. This can harm a persons health and contribute to diabetes complications.

Experts advise making good enough the goal, rather than perfection when it comes to blood sugar readings. Striving for perfection can cause frustration, which can lead to people abandoning checking their sugar in fear of another bad reading. Other ways to avoid burnout include: learning more about diabetes, working with doctors to come up with a plan when you are overwhelmed by self-care, and joining diabetes support groups.

Although a person with diabetes may get burned out, they dont have to stay that way. Seeking help from health care providers, family and friends can get them back to living their life to the fullest.

Resources: Vieira, G. (2014). Dealing with diabetes burnout: how to recharge and get back on track when you feel frustrated and overwhelmed living with diabetes. New York: Demos Health. Von Wartburg, L. (2007). Diabetes Burnout. Diabetes Health, 16(3), 27-29. http://www.joslin.org/info/avoid_diabetes_burnout.html http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/type-2-diabetes-live-better-guide/maintain-motivation/ http://www.diabetes.co.uk/emotions/diabetes-burnout.html

Content for this segment was created by Sidney Brockmeyer as part of a project for SC301: Foundations of Health Communication, taught by Ms. Clubbs.

Read more here:
Diabetes Burnout - KRCU

BBC News

Family's mission to raise profile of type one diabetes BBC News The family of a teenager who died from type one diabetes has made it "their mission" to raise the profile of the condition. Peter Baldwin, 13, from Cardiff, died in 2015, just days after he was diagnosed. His family are working closely with Diabetes UK ... and more »

Continued here:
Family's mission to raise profile of type one diabetes - BBC News

By Garrett Ohlmeyer Staff Writer

An 11-year-old from Raceland will be joining about 160 other kids and celebrities in Washington, D.C., next month to advocate continued support of Type 1 diabetes research.

Rory Monier was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in November 2007 when he was just 2 years old.This fall, he will be a seventh-grader at Lockport Middle School, and he doesnt let his disease stop him from being a normal kid. Monier plays on a soccer team, plays drums in his middle school band and is involved in school clubs.

He said he was happy to be selected by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to represent those who have the disease and to share his family's story with Congress.

I want my congressman to know that kids battling Type 1 diabetes have a constant reminder that we have diabetes every time we eat or want to take part in activities, Monier said. We have daily schedules that are important in saving our lives.

The children and other delegates will share personal experiences and explain the daily struggles associated with living with the disease. The goal is to push for continued support of the Special Diabetes Program, which pays for research projects related to the disease. The program is set to expire Sept. 30.

Nine celebrities will join the children in the event. They include athletes and actors.

Type 1 diabetes is a condition that causes a person's pancreas to stop producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to gain energy from food. This happens when the immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that create the insulin.

Since Moniers diagnosis, his family has been involved with the foundation and has raised about $123,000 over the past nine years, said his mother, Kristy Monier.

Rory will travel to the nations capitol to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Childrens Congress July 24-26. He was selected out of six applicants in Louisiana and more than 1,300 throughout the country.

-- Staff Writer Garrett Ohlmeyer can be reached at (985) 850-1149 or garrett.ohlmeyer@houmatoday.com. Follow him on Twitter @GOhlmeyer.

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Raceland boy to advocate diabetes research - Daily Comet

Johnson & Johnson still faces troubles over its Invokana diabetes drug. (Kadmy-Fotolia/stock.adobe.com)

Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ) diabetes drug, Invokana, cut down on cardiovascular events during a long-termstudy but Eli Lilly (LLY) stands to benefit most asdoctors steer clear of the medication on worries it increased the risk of amputation.

The study, dubbed Canvas, was presented late Monday. In it, Dow stock Johnson & Johnson said Invokana reduced the risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack and nonfatal stroke by 14% vs. a non-drug placebo.

Additional analysis showed that Invokana lowered the risk of hospitalization for heart failure by 33%. Invokana also delayedthe progression of albuminuria the presence of a specific chemical in the urine indicating kidney disease.

RBC analyst Glenn Novarro says the Canvas study is unlikely to reverse the negative trajectory of Invokana sales. In the first quarter, Invokana and Invokamet sales dropped 17% year over year. For 2017, Novarro forecasts a 6% dip in sales to $1.2 billion.

Eli Lilly, on the other hand, will benefit from Johnson & Johnson's study as Merck (MRK) trails, analysts say.Lilly's Jardiance is a SGLT2 inhibitor, which works by helping the kidneys to lower blood glucose levels. Merck's Januvia is a DPP-4, which blocks glucagon release, triggering insulin secretion.

"Validated cardiovascular benefits should boost the SGLT2 class," Credit Suisse analyst Vamil Divan wrote. In a similar study, Lilly's Jardiance also showed a 14% benefit on cardiovascular outcomes. Jardiance also cut the risk of cardiovascular death and all mortality.

Even without the Canvas study, Lillywaspoised to grab a chunk of Invokana's sales after the Food and Drug Administration required Johnson & Johnson to warn physicians of the potential for amputation associated with Invokana.Invokana doubled the risk of amputation in a recent study.

Experts cited by Leerink analyst Seamus Fernandez say the amputation worry could be the "biggest differentiating factor" in physicians' decision to prescribe Jardiance over Invokana, as both show a similar cardiovascular benefit in diabetes patients.

At the close on the stock market today, Johnson & Johnson stock ticked up 0.2% to finish the regular trading session at 132.02. Lilly stock added 0.4% to 81.25 and shares of diabetes drugmaker Merck dipped 1% to end the day at 63.27.

IBD'S TAKE:Johnson & Johnson stock has an IBD Composite Rating of 77, meaning it outperforms more than three-quarters of all stocks in terms of key growth metrics. For more of IBD's ratings visit IBD Stock Checkup.

Meanwhile, the DPP-4 class of diabetes drugs, which includes Merck's Januvia, could face incremental pressure, Credit Suisse's Divan said.

"Over time, however, we expect the enthusiastic response to the Canvas efficacy data driving use of the SGLT2 class earlier in the course of treatment, while concurrently pushing the DPP-4s further back," he said in a note to clients.

Merck and Pfizer (PFE), a Dow stock, are jointly working on an SGLT2 inhibitor called ertugliflozin.Regulators could approve the drug in December, but it won't have data on cardiovascular outcomes for several years.Pfizer will take a chunk of thosesales, meaning a shift from Januvia toertugliflozin will be a net negative for Merck.

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Dow's J&J Hosted A Diabetes Study And Lilly Will Benefit Most - Investor's Business Daily

Johnson & Johnson's type 2 diabetes drug Invokana significantly reduced the risk of serious heart problems in patients with established heart disease or at elevated risk in a pair of large studies, according to data presented at a medical meeting on Monday.

The medicine also led to a reduced risk of hospitalization for heart failure and protection against kidney function decline. But the risk of amputations, particularly of toes or feet, was double versus placebo in the studies of 10,142 patients with type 2 diabetes.

On the study's main goal Invokana, known chemically as canagliflozin, reduced the combined risk of heart-related death, nonfatal heart attack and nonfatal stroke by a statistically significant 14 percent compared with placebo.

"What we actually got here was not just evidence of safety but evidence of benefit," said lead investigator Bruce Neal, professor of medicine at the University of New South Wales Sydney.

"It's a really positive result. This (heart disease) is the main thing that people with diabetes die from," said Neal, who presented the data at the American Diabetes Association meeting in San Diego.

The study was required to prove Invokana did not cause heart complications. The expectation bar was raised, however, after rival drug Jardiance from Eli Lilly and Co and Boehringer Ingelheim in 2015 demonstrated heart protective qualities in a similar large trial. Reduction of heart-related death is now included in the Jardiance label.

"We look forward to working with the FDA and regulators around the world with respect to getting this in the label," James List, head of cardiovascular and metabolism for J&J's Janssen unit, said of the new data.

Two-thirds of patients had confirmed heart disease and the rest were deemed at high risk. They were followed for an average of about four years.

The number of amputations was small but about double that of the placebo group. A warning of increased amputation risk was added to Invokana's prescribing label after it was discovered by safety monitors during an interim analysis of the study.

"Care is warranted in the use of canagliflozin in patients at risk for amputation," a New England Journal of Medicine article on the study said.

Invokana is the market leader among a newer class of type 2 diabetes treatments called SGLT-2 inhibitors, along with Jardiance and AstraZeneca Plc's Farxiga. They work by removing blood sugar through the urine.

Results from a large Farxiga heart safety trial are expected in 2019.

"I think we're going to see much greater use of canagliflozin and the class in type 2 diabetes," Neal said.

Invokana and related combination treatment Invokamet had sales $284 million in the first quarter, J&J reported.

(Reporting by Bill Berkrot in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

A federal jury has cleared Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson of liability in the second trial to stem from thousands of lawsuits blaming injuries on the blood thinner Xarelto, the drug companies said on Monday.

Influential proxy firm ISS on Monday turned up the heat on Mylan NV, advising its institutional clients to voice their dissatisfaction with the generic drugmaker's board of directors and its chairman's pay package at its June 22 shareholder meeting.

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J&J diabetes drug shows heart benefit in large safety study - Reuters

This overestimate could lead a doctor to target a black patient's blood sugar levels aggressively, causing dangerously low blood sugar.

"I believe our study, for the first time, definitively shows there is a component of higher A1c that is due to biologic or genetic differences in glucose attaching to the red blood cell," said Dr. Richard Bergenstal, executive director of the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis and lead author of the study.

The study notes that race only partially explains the hemoglobin A1c differences, and more research is needed to identify social and economic factors that may influence blood sugar levels in various groups of people.

For black patients in America, who have traditionally faced a history of barriers and disadvantages in health care, those factors might also include having limited access to care or medications.

Bergenstal offered one specific question that concerned patients could ask their doctors: "Are we depending just on the hemoglobin A1c to measure how my diabetes control is doing, or are we actually looking at the blood sugars to get a little better reflection of my blood sugars?"

He added that "the A1c, you know, is kind of an average marker, and no patient is average. One of our take-home messages is, it's probably time to be looking at blood sugars and personalizing therapy for each individual a little more than just this average blood sugar test."

In the US, type 2 accounts for about 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, which occurs most often in children and young adults but can appear at any age, accounts for about 5%.

High hemoglobin A1c levels tend to correlate with complications, Bergenstal said.

"Glucose attaching on to proteins in the eye, kidney, nerve and blood vessels may be one way diabetes with high glucose is part of the cause of complications -- like blindness, kidney disease and nerve disease and amputations," he said.

The new study included data on 104 black patients and 104 white patients with type 1 diabetes. The data were taken from 10 diabetes centers across the US between October 2015 and January of 2017.

Bergenstal has received grants from and served on consulting/advisory boards for Abbott Diabetes Care, as well as other health-care companies, including Novo Nordisk, Becton Dickinson, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb/AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson, during the conduct of the study.

The researchers found that the average hemoglobin A1c levels in black patients were higher than those in white patients, with a difference of about 0.8 percentage points. Based on the average glucose concentrations in the patients, however, the difference should have been only about 0.4 percentage points, the researchers found.

Yet the study came with limitations.

"We didn't study type 2, but I think there's no reason to think the pathophysiology or the chemistry of how glucose attaches to red cells is any different in type 2 than type 1," Bergenstal said.

"We just studied non-Hispanic African-Americans," he added. "We did not study Asians or Native Americans or Hispanics to see if there is a difference from whites, but we have a good model of how to test that in the future."

Other diabetes researchers also have called for more research, but not necessarily with a focus on race.

The new study calls for more focus on personalized medicine, taking into account a patient's ethnic background as well as other factors, said Dr. Alvin Powers, president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association and a professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

"The A1c is an important measurement that the person with diabetes should know and should monitor with his or her health care provider, because if the A1c is elevated, your chance of having diabetes-related complications increases," said Powers, who was not involved in the new study.

"So, moving the A1c as close to the goal determined by the patient and his or her doctor is important, but this study shows that in interpreting the A1c, there may be some variation, whether an individual is of African-American descent or of Caucasian descent," Powers said.

Though interesting, the new study findings should be interpreted with caution and not necessarily be applied clinically until more research is conducted, said Dr. Leonard Egede, a professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, who was not involved in the study.

"The key thing is that when you look at racial differences, we have social factors, clinical factors, and we also have what some people would consider genetic factors. I think the social and environmental factors are larger contributors to differences than the genetic factors," Egede said. "When you look at what they're describing, the idea that glucose variability may differ ... I don't think that's enough to neglect the fact that we actually have major issues around access to care, quality of care, access to medications."

He added that the study "should not detract from the core message we've been trying to get across to patients, which is that they need to take ownership of their disease, and they need to be very aggressive in their diet, their physical activity and taking their medication."

All in all, "these findings suggest next steps for the field," they wrote.

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Why a key diabetes test may work differently depending on your race - CNN

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North DeSoto pitcher E.C. Delafield (right) has awarded her $1,000 stipend from Gatorade to the fight against diabetes in honor of Max Abernathy.(Photo: Jimmy Watson/The Times)Buy Photo

STONEWALL Max Abernathy sat curled up in a chair inside the North DeSoto field house Monday afternoon with his knees pulled up over his chin and his face partially hidden by his knees. No amount of encouragement could get the 7-year-old Stonewall youngster, who battles juvenile diabetes on a daily basis, to sit on the leg of Lady Griffins pitcher extraordinaire E.C. Delafield for a photo opportunity. The son of North DeSoto football coach and athletic director Scott Abernathy, Max has spent a lot of time around Delafield and the team that has won three consecutive LHSAA Class 4A state softball titles. Delafield babysat for Max during the past couple of years and the duo developed a bond.

EC Delafield and Max Abernathy talk about diabetes Jimmy Watson/The Times

Thats why the recent NDHS graduate and Northwestern State signee has decided where to assign the $1,000 stipend shell receive from The Gatorade Company for recently being selected the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year. I have decided to give the money to Shreveport Diabetes Sports, Inc. because of my buddy Max right here, Delafield said patting the youngster on the back as he leaned forward in his chair. Max has been a big part of my life since I came here to North DeSoto. Hes one of my best buds. Abernathy has watched his idol hurl inning after inning of softball to become perhaps the most decorated softball player in northwest Louisiana in at least a decade. She was the Most Valuable Player in the state title game after pitching and hitting the Lady Griffins (31-3) to a 10-0 run-rule-shortened victory over West Ouachita. She was chosen the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Outstanding Player on the recently released Class 4A All-State team. Her community service includes annually working in the Gladiators for Maximus, a 5K run designed to benefit the fight against diabetes through the SDS, Inc. Lindsay and Scott Abernathy serve on the board of the organization. Im really excited, said Max about Delafield selecting SDS, Inc. for the funding. She is really good. Delafield said she thanks all of the people who assist with the run. Its fun to see the people come out and support this little guy, she said. The donation is another step in a fight against a disease that affects at least 12 percent of the population and that can be especially difficult to control on youngsters like Max. When I feel low, I feel like my energy is half full, Max said. When Im low, I eat and I drink. Anyone who would like to help can donate at shreveportdiabetessports.com. Twitter: @JimmyWatson6

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North DeSoto's Delafield opts to support diabetes fight - Shreveport Times

A mans finger is pricked to test cholesterol and blood sugar on August 13, 2009 in Newark, New Jersey. Rick Gershon / Getty Images

Tests done in 67 adults with type-1 diabetes showed the drug appeared to boost their body's own production of insulin, Dr. Stephen Gitelman of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine told a meeting of the American Diabetes Association.

On average the people that got the medicine used less insulin, Gitelman told NBC News.

He stressed that it is a small trial meant to show the drug can safely do in people what it did in mice.

We just wanted to get a sense if this showed some benefit in adults so we could get to the target population in kids, Gitelman said.

The conservative estimate is that beta cell function was maybe 19 percent better at one year. So its not a slam-dunk home run.

About 5 percent of the

Its an autoimmune disease, caused when the body mistakenly destroys pancreatic cells that produce hormones like insulin and glucagon that control blood sugar. High glucose levels damage tiny blood vessels, which in turn can lead to blindness, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. People can lose toes, feet or legs to amputation.

Related:

When levels fall too low, patients can pass out and sometimes die.

There's no cure and the only treatment is to keep blood sugar under tight control with diet and insulin.

Most people with type-1 diabetes must constantly check their blood sugar throughout the day, administering insulin according to what they are eating and how much they are exercising.

If those dying pancreatic cells could be saved, they might have to do this less often.

That would be one potential pathway -- to use the drug to try to get in as early as possible when there are still as many beta cells remaining as possible and to slow down progression and potentially even keep people off insulin, said Andy Rakeman, director of discovery research at JDRF, the diabetes research charity that funded the study.

Its estimated that people at the time they are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that they have anywhere between 10 and 15 or maybe even 40 percent of their beta cells still remaining, Rakeman added.

Some people maintain beta cell function for years. We used to think all or nearly all of the beta cells are destroyed very rapidly.

The organization is paying for research looking at several ways to preserve these cells. Gleevec would be a good candidate because its been around for nearly 20 years and while it causes side-effects such as a vomiting and rash, they are usually not severe in the diabetes patients.

Its taking an old drug and repurposing it for a new use, Rakeman said.

Gleevec, known generically as imatinib, and Sutent, known generically as sunitinib, interfere with an enzyme called tyrosine kinase. In patients with cancers such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, cutting back on this enzyme stops the cancer.

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Cancer patients who also had autoimmune diseases who took Gleevec and Sutent reported that the drugs also appeared to ease the symptoms of the other conditions. Thats when a team at UCSF started testing Gleevec in mice bred to develop diabetes.

Gitelman says his team believes Gleevec may be taking some of the pressure off the pancreatic beta cells.

He is a little worried his study may be misunderstood. The team just finished the research last week and theyve rushed to put together a quick presentation to the Diabetes Association meeting. It will be weeks before they can analyze the data and put it into a form that can be reviewed by other experts in a medical journal.

Its early and the message could be misconstrued, Gitelman said.

This definitely does not show that Gleevec is curing type 1 diabetes, Rakeman stressed.

Related:

Plus, Gleevec is expensive.

It costs more than $140,000 a year, according to Dr. Hagop Kantarjian of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the original Gleevec trial leaders. A generic version, however, costs $400 in India.

Link:
Cancer Drug Gleevec Might Slow Type-1 Diabetes - NBCNews.com

At 58, Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett has played a wide range of roles and now shes set to be part of the ground breaking new movie, Black Panther, the first Marvel Comic book movie to feature a black super hero.

Its thrilling you know, its all new to me, the whole super hero and huge franchise [movies], said Bassett. It was cast from actors from all over the globe. I think that fans have been asking for it, looking for it, expecting it, and youre going to be satisfied.

The movie is slated to hit theaters next year and casts Bassett as mother of superhero TChalla, the Black Panther. Bassett co-stars with Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o.

She was also recently cast in another big franchise movie: Mission Impossible 6.

Thats another one. Im like whats going on? I love it, its thrilling, said Bassett.

Related: Shape Shifter: Condola Rashad on Third Tony Award Nomination

Bassett revealed that she owes it all to her mother, Betty. It was her mother who pushed her to follow her dreams and gave her advice that she still remembers to this day.

Youre a prize, said Bassett. Think well of yourself. Every one is, but you are one and dont forget.

Her mother was her inspiration and its because of her mother that Bassett has taken on a new role to raise awareness about diabetes.

My mother had Type 2 diabetes as well as her brother, her eldest brother, said Bassett. At that time we were unaware about this link, this connection between Type 2 diabetes and heart disease which is what she passed from.

Actress Angela Bassett attends the panel discussion for Netflix's "Master of None" For Your Consideration Event at the Saban Media Center on June 5, 2017 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images For Netflix) Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

In fact, Type 2 diabetes is linked to multiple complications. According to the Mayo Clinic, those affected with Type 2 diabetes are at higher risk not only for heart disease, but also for amputations, blindness, kidney damage and more.

There are more than 29 million Americans with Type 2 diabetes and it affects African-Americans at a higher than average rate. There is also a genetic link with the disease. Because of Bassetts family history, she revealed that she recently had a health scare during a yearly physical and has to pay attention to her diet and exercise.

Prevention and access to health care are key to keeping type two diabetes in check, said Bassett.

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I think its extremely important. Its life and death. Whether you can see a doctor whether you can get your medication whether you can afford it."

In Bassett's latest role, she gets to play the advocate who could save real lives, off the movie screen.

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Angela Bassett Talks Role in 'Black Panther', Diabetes - NBCNews.com

The 77th Annual American Diabetes Association conference is set to begin today in San Diego. Running through Tuesday, the convention will highlight advances for the metabolic disease and likely bring further attention to ongoing issues that have been plaguing the space particularly, the rising cost of insulin and problems with patient adherence to treatment.

This years conference will include more than 15,000 participants looking to consume the 378 abstracts and 2,152 poster presentations. Much like the ADA conference last year, which was dominated by cardiovascular outcomes data for Eli Lilly & Co.s SGLT-2 inhibitor Jardiance (empagliflozin), some of the most pressing data will be further CV outcomes results.

The show isn't as relevant as it once was due to a dwindling diabetes pipeline, but there are still major pharma companies working diligently in the space. "This show has changed so much over the years because the business has changed so much. Diabetes drugs have really become commodities," said David Kliff long time investor, diabetic and author of industry newsletter the Diabetic Investor in an interview.

Here are several items from the conference that could get your blood sugar up:

Now that Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim have garnered an updated label from the Food and Drug Administration for Jardiance that includes cardiovascular outcomes data from the EMPA-REG trial, other drugmakers are looking to prove that its a class-wide effect.

"If you look at Jardianceand the EMPA-REG data, which was really revolutionary it didn't really help them sales-wise," said Kliff. "This tells you about the power of the payer, it tells you that a lot of the experts believe it was a class-effect; these drugs are really becoming a commodity in a way."

Johnson & Johnson will be presenting data on Monday from its own cardiovascular outcomes trial for its SGLT-2 inhibitor Invokana (canagliflozin). The first in the class approved by the FDA, Invokana grew the market and has long been the market leader, but having outcomes data in hand has allowed Lilly and Boehringer to gain ground.

The 10,000-patient strong CANVAS clinical trial program will provide further insight into the cardiovascular benefits of one of diabetes youngest classes of drugs. Lilly and Boehringer will also be making six presentations beginning Saturday further discussing EMPA-REG.

J&J isnt the only company presenting cardiovascular outcomes data. Novo Nordisk will be presenting further data from the 7,000-patient DEVOTE study comparing its basal insulin Tresiba (insulin degludec) with long-time market leader Lantus (insulin glargine).

The initial results were announced last November and showed that Tresiba was non-inferior to Lantus although not superior. Although the Novo drug did show superiority on the secondary endpoint of hypoglycemia.

Novo Nordisk is now seeking approval from the FDA to get the info added to the label. Yet, the agency has been fairly strict with diabetes companies and hasnt considered things like hypoglycemia to be major differentiators.

Keep an eye out Monday for more insight on how the struggling Danish drugmaker might seek further differentiation from competitors.

Amgen and competitors Regeneron and Sanofi have been making headlines for two years now for their pricey cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitors. Those headlines have gotten ugly, as both Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) continue to struggle commercially. Those struggles are further compounded by the ongoing legal battle between the companies over patent rights.

Diabetes is an area that PCSK9 inhibitors have only dabbled in. The high-risk patient population has been included minimally in previous clinical trials, but new data to be presented on Sunday will focus on trials specifically geared toward diabetes patients.

Previous clinical data has shown correlations between PCSK9 levels and insulin levels, but the new studies will look at the safety, tolerability and efficacy in the glycemic-related endpoints.

If the PCSK9 inhibitors are successful in this patient population, then this could be the commercial boost that these players need to finally make a dent in the market.

Both Apple and Google have been moving beyond their respective realms of computer hardware and the internet to get into healthcare.

While neither company has yet to enter the realm of clinical trials and drug development, they are about to make a splash on the diabetes landscape. Apple has partnered up with Dexcom to bring constant glucose monitoring to the Apple Watch. This addition could be a major advancement for patient adherence, allowing patients to have easier access to glucose numbers and better monitor their blood sugar.

Meanwhile, Googles sister company Verily teamed up with Sanofi to launch OnDuo, a company meant to combine Verilys software expertise with Sanofis diabetes experience to bring disease management solutions to patients.

Both of these deals are part of a larger trend toward using technology to bring better drug adherence solutions to patients. Technology is bringing to patients tools such as smart pill bottles to help them track doses, and cell phone apps that give them reminders about both taking medications and getting to physician appointments.

One of the many symposia to be presented throughout the long-weekend will deal with the rising cost of insulin. On Saturday, conference goers will be able to hear about how the diabetes staple has risen in price and what it means for the market and patients.

Companies including Novo Nordisk, Lilly and Sanofi have been under fire even facing law suits over how insulin prices have risen in recent years.

Yet, some in the industry argue the pharma companies arent to blame, that they are just complying with market forces while dealing with a complex payment system. "This isn't simple math, it's algebra. There are just tons of variables," said Kliff. "Insulin really doesn't cost too much. People get lost in the cash-paying side of the market, which is small percentage. If you have insurance it costs like nothing. A lot of patients don't understand rebates and net prices and all these other things."

While the industry will continue to point to the third-party payers as the evil doers of pricing, expect that debate to rage on, especially as more biosimilar insulins enter the market and put further pressure on pricing dynamics.

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ADA preview: 5 things to watch in diabetes - BioPharma Dive

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A new study from the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute in La Jollashows that texting could be as good as medication at improving Type 2 Diabetes management.

The study looked at a low-income Hispanic community, known to have a high-rate of diabetes.

Lower income individuals sometimes dont havethe education to know what is the right approach to taking care of diabetes," said Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, who spearheaded the study.

The 63 participants who were randomly assigned to the study group received 354 texts over six months--about two to three short messages a day.

Some of the reminder texts read: "Use small plates! Portions will look larger and you may feel more satisfied after eating."

Another text said, "Time to check your blood sugar. Please text back your results."

Ninety-sixpercent of the study group participants said the text messages helped them to manage their diabetes "a lot" by the time the trial ended.

"I lost weight," said Gloria Favela, a mural artist from Valley Center. "My blood sugars dropped. They were at a really healthy level.

Published at 9:49 PM PDT on Jun 9, 2017 | Updated at 10:08 PM PDT on Jun 9, 2017

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Study Shows Texting Could Help Type 2 Diabetes Management - NBC 7 San Diego

Diabetes management is a focus area for a number of digital health companies, and increasingly large medical device companies like Medtronic and Dexcom are turning to smartphone apps and connected devices for their consumer offerings. So its no surprise that at the 77th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, which start today, there is a significant health tech presence. We didnt make it out to San Diego ourselves this year, but a lot of the digital health companies have already announced their major news from the conference. As we did last year were rounding up that news here, and well update this piece as more news breaks. Were even including a few news tidbits from this week that werent announced in connection with ADA but impact the diabetes space. Read on for the latest from small startups to major movers and shakers. Dexcom

Its been a big week in the news for the continuous glucose monitor maker. On Monday Dexcom got an important name drop at Apples WWDC: The company will be one of the first to take advantage of Apples addition of native Bluetooth to the Apple Watch. Dexcom has an Apple Watch app at the moment for users of its CGM, but it currently requires the phone to be in range. Now the Watch and the CGM will be able to communicate directly. Then on Wednesday the company announced its long-awaited Android app for Dexcom Share. The Android app just now received FDA clearance, and the company will roll it out this month. At the conference, Dexcom will announce an update to CLARITY, the companys diabetes management software platform. Dexcom is working with the International Diabetes Center (IDC) to incorporate the Ambulatory Glucose Profile, a report developed by IDC. AGP is a standardized way of reporting patient glucose data. AGP reports have been used for several years by physicians, Dr. George Grunberger, chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute, explained in a statement. [It] presents the most relevant statistical and graphical information that would allow clinicians to quickly assess the glucose control of a patient and make meaningful clinical decisions. By having a wider adoption of this report by medical device companies, it allows the information to be agnostic to the manufacturer. AGP can become the EKG report of diabetology where there is one standard glucose report that all clinicians can interpret. One Drop

One Drop Medical, a direct-to-consumer diabetes management system that consists of a lancing device, test strips and a companion app, has expanded its subscription program and launched an Amazon Alexa integration. One Drop subscribers can command the voice assistant to track blood glucose, food and physical activity within the One Drop app, eliminating the need to manually enter any information.

"Accessibility is a foundational value at One Drop," One Drop CEO and founder Jeff Dachis said in a statement. "Now, with new voice and alternative visual interfaces, we are extending our commitment to accessible care with features and programs that allow access to data-driven diabetes care for those with vision challenges, advanced neuropathy, or limited dexterity/mobility, the elderly, caregivers, as well as those challenged by the visual/tactile interfaces associated with smartphones."

Additionally, One Drop is now offering two new specialized diabetes education and coaching programs one on how to deal with the burnout that comes from having a chronic condition, and another for advanced carb counting. The New York-based company will also share results from clinical studies of their system during the ADA conference. Medtronic

Medtronic will present results from several studies, ranging from clinical effectiveness of devices to how machine learning is impacting personalized diabetes management. Scientific presentations will cover insulin pump therapy performance for the MiniMed and SmartGuard systems as well as an update on the performance of SugarIQ, the app Medtronic developed with IBM Watson last year.

The app includes a manual food log and integrates data from Medtronic MiniMed Connect. As users record data about what they eat, when they use insulin, and their blood glucose levels, Watson machine learning generates predictive insights. Medtronic will also delve into notification and engagement strategies, such as in-clinic versus at-home management with email notifications. The company will also host a webcast on June 10 to update their diabetes product pipelines, market outlook and clinical data. T1D Exchange & Admetsys

Boston-based nonprofit T1D Exchange, which is solely focused on spurring innovation and research in type 1 diabetes, is now working withartificial pancreas technology provider Admetsys. The exact terms of the partnership werent disclosed, but T1D Exchange will allocate resources to continue the development of Admetsys Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) system for hospital use. The technology, which has been used in three clinical trials, uses a standard IV to draw a small blood sample every few minutes, measure glucose levels and return the blood back to the patient. From there, Admetsys creates a computational model to direct insulin dosages from syringe pumps. Glooko

Diabetes management company Glooko will detail results from two retrospective studies at ADA. The studies show that the Glooko mobile app led to a decrease in average blood glucose, estimated A1C (eA1C) and hyperglycemia rates in people with diabetes. Users of the mobile application also did more blood glucose testing than the control group.The drop in average blood glucose was 3.54 percent. App users were 4.38 percent less likely to experience hyperglycemic events. We are thrilled to see this additional clinical evidence that shows the positive impact Glooko can have on people with diabetes, Rick Altinger, CEO of Glooko, said in a statement. Glookos mission has always been to improve the clinical outcomes for people with diabetes by making diabetes management easier through digital tools. Our user satisfaction rates coupled with this clinical evidence adds credence to the investments that digital health companies have been making to improve the lives of people with chronic diseases. Ascensia & Voluntis Ascensia, a business unit created last year when Panasonic Healthcare Holdings acquired Bayer Diabetes Care, is now working with Paris, France-based app maker Voluntis. Ascensia makes the Contour Next One and Contour Next Link, a pair of connected glucometers that received FDA clearance last year, and Voluntis will develop an app called the Insulia Diabetes Management Companion for people with type 2 diabetes. The glucometers will connect via Bluetooth to the app, allowing blood glucose readings to be used to calculate insulin dosing.

Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition, especially for people using insulin therapy as part of their management. Were excited to be working together with Voluntis to empower people with Type 2 diabetes by helping them to better manage their insulin treatment, Ascensia CEO Michael Kloss said in a statement. This partnership helps us move further towards our ambition of providing integrated diabetes management, which we see as the future. It is our first partnership in the area of medication management, which is a critical component of integrated diabetes management, and we see Voluntis as a key partner in helping to deliver this goal.

DarioHealth

Israel-based smartphone-connected glucometer company DarioHealth isnt announcing data or new features at ATA but will announce a new social initiative called DarioCares. DarioHealth will donate a portion of its proceeds to charitable and nonprofit organizations working in the field of diabetes. "The ADA conference is one of the biggest annual events in the diabetes industry, Chairman and CEO Erez Raphael said in a statement. Many NGOs will be there and we look forward to strengthening our relationships with them and raising diabetes awareness. Furthermore, DarioCares is an excellent chance to play an active role with leading organizations that are driving change for people with diabetes. This is a win-win opportunity where we can make a significant contribution to the diabetes community."

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News and announcements from the American Diabetes Association conference - MobiHealthNews

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals has posted upbeat data from another phase 3 trial of its Sanofi-partnered dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibitor sotagliflozin. More patients in the treatment arm hit an established target for glycemic control than did in the control cohort, resulting in Lexicon chalking up its third phase 3 success for the diabetes tablet.

The latest trial enrolled 1,402 patients with type 1 diabetes and randomized them to receive either sotagliflozin or placebo. Going into the study the subjects had A1C levels ranging from 7% to 11%. Diabetes associations recommend that patients reduce their A1Clevels to below 7%. A1C is a marker that gives an average blood glucose level. The phase 3 trial assessed the proportion of participants in the sotagliflozin and placebo arms whose A1C levels fell to below 7% over 24 weeks of treatment.

Lexicon said the trial linked sotagliflozin to a statistically-significant improvement in the proportion of patients who met the A1C target. The finding adds to evidence that sotagliflozin helps patients with Type 1 diabetes to control their glucose levels.

Exactly how positive the data are is unclear. In the top-line release Lexicon said the trial met its primary endpoint but provided no details about what proportion of patients in each arm saw their A1C levels fall to below 7%. That datapoint will go some way to showing whether sotagliflozin can go beyond beating the placebo and establish itself as an effective treatment for type 1 diabetics.

The FDA and other regulators have already approved inhibitors of SGLT2, one of the targets hit by sotagliflozin, for use in type 2 diabetics. AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibbs Farxiga, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lillys Jardiance and Johnson & Johnsons Invokana all compete for this niche.

Lexicon thinks sotagliflozin can improve on these existing therapies by also hitting SGLT1, which mediates the absorption of glucose in the intestines. SGLT2 plays a similar role in the kidneys.

Sanofi identified sotagliflozin as a way to enter and disrupt the nascent market for SGLT2 inhibitors in 2015, prompting it to pay $300 million upfront and up to $1.4 billion in milestones for the global license to the experimental drug. And with sotagliflozin having now come through three phase 3 trialsthe first two of which assessed the change in A1C from baselineit is nearing the day on which it can start recouping some of its outlay.

We look forward to pursuing regulatory submissions for the treatment of type 1 worldwide, Sanofi SVP Jorge Insuasty said in a statement.

Sanofi plans to pursue approvals of sotagliflozin in type 1 diabetes while developing the drug for use by people with the type 2 form of the condition. The French Big Pharma is running three phase 3 trials to assess the effect of sotagliflozin on the A1C levels of patients with type 2 diabetes. Sanofi expects to complete the trials in 2018 and 2019.

Continued here:
Lexicon diabetes pill hits endpoint in another phase 3, teeing up regulatory filings by partner Sanofi - FierceBiotech

Wayne State University has received a $3.05 million grant from the National Institute of Health for a five-year trial focused on helping parents and other caretakers assist diabetic adolescents to complete their daily care.

The trial is aimed at African-American young people diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, because they are considered to be at higher risk for poor diabetes management, according to Wayne State's website.

The five-year trial will study a computer-delivered intervention during doctor visits that reminds and motivates parents to stay involved in their child's care, the university said in a statement. During visits to the clinic, caretakers will be given a tablet on which an avatar will take them through a sort of multimedia course that includes informational video clips, testimonials, motivational content and goal-setting strategies. Test trials have already been conducted and indicate that the intervention is effective.

"Research has shown that maintaining high levels of parental involvement and supervision of daily diabetes care is a critical predictor of youth diabetes management," said Deborah Ellis, Ph.D., professor of family medicine and public health sciences in Wayne State's School of Medicine. "However, physicians do not always have time to discuss parenting behaviors during busy clinic visits."

It will be rolled out in October at the Children's Hospital of Michigan as well as three sites in Chicago, Ellis said. Between 200 and 250 African-American adolescents will be included in this trial.

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WSU gets $3 million NIH grant for improving diabetes care in youth - Crain's Detroit Business

Its become a punchline in the tech industry that every start-up is out to change the world. When it comes to medical technology, however, some of the biggest names in Silicon Valley are poised to do just that.

Apple, Google and Amazon have announced or are reported to be developing cutting-edge technologies for managing diabetes, one of the fastest-growing chronic illnesses, affecting more than 420 million people worldwide.

Experts say were at the dawn of a new era of personal technology for a variety of chronic conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

It really isnt a surprise youd see companies like Apple and Google focusing on this, said Mike Matson, a senior analyst at the investment firm Needham & Co. Theyre always looking for new opportunities for growth and healthcare is a big market.

Managing a chronic condition can depend on easy access to data, he said. If youre a Google or Apple, you know how to manage data.

The latest diabetes-related tech endeavor to be announced is the Alexa Diabetes Challenge, which focuses on finding ways for the Amazon Echo smart speaker and its Alexa digital assistant to assist people with Type 2 diabetes in living healthier lives.

Type 2 is by far the most common form of diabetes, frequently associated with obesity. Roughly 95% of the nearly 30 million Americans with diabetes are Type 2.

The Alexa challenge features a $125,000 grand prize for whoever comes up with the best diabetes app for the Amazon Echo, as well as $25,000 each for up to five finalists. Funding is being provided by the drug company Merck, manufacturer of the Type 2 meds Januvia and Janumet.

Not surprisingly for the tech industry, the contest boasts a very fast pace. It was announced in April. The deadline for submissions was last month. Finalists will be announced in July. Demos of selected apps will be conducted in September and a grand prize winner will be announced in October.

Its thus entirely possible that people with diabetes may be using some of these apps by the end of the year. An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment.

Theres so much information for diabetes management available, said Sara Holoubek, chief executive of Luminary Labs, a New York consulting firm thats organizing the Alexa Diabetes Challenge on behalf of Merck and Amazon. So why is it still so hard to get that information? Maybe we can change that.

Alexas voice control is the key. Whereas someone newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes might not know where to start in researching and managing the disease, being able to ask Alexa basic questions may help get people on the right track.

What can I eat? How much exercise should I get? Holoubek said, citing some of the unknowns that suddenly arise with a diabetes diagnosis. Normally youd ask your endocrinologist or diabetes educator. Alexa could be like having an educator in your home.

But thats just a start. Holoubek said Merck and Amazon envision a networked household that incorporates various smart devices. For example, a person with Type 2 diabetes might weigh himself on a smart scale, which would transmit data to the Echo. The persons blood-glucose monitor would do likewise.

Now imagine if the person asks Alexa if it would be OK to eat some potato chips. Alexa theoretically would be able to calculate the effect this could have on his or her blood sugar. The system would be able to suggest how much activity would be needed to balance things out or, better still, come up with a more healthful snack.

I have Type 1 diabetes the autoimmune form that requires daily insulin injections and managing the disease is a full-time job. I already have some very cool gizmos. I wear a glucose sensor on my torso that sends data to my iPhone, which in turn feeds my blood sugar level to my Pebble smartwatch for easy viewing.

I have an Amazon Echo at home. It would be awesome if I could simply ask Alexa what my blood sugar is if Im puttering around the house without my watch on, or if Im in any danger of my sugar level crashing.

How great would it be if I could ask Alexa how many carbs are in a plate of spaghetti carbonara? Or even have Alexa calculate my insulin dose before a meal?

To be sure, theres much testing to be done and federal approvals to be obtained before such systems are handling anything like that. But the Alexa Diabetes Challenge offers a clear indication that the tech industry is pushing boundaries.

Apple reportedly is busy on this front as well, but, as usual, the company is keeping its cards close to the vest.

According to recent, anonymously sourced reports, Apple is devoting significant resources, and big bucks, to giving its Apple Watch the ability to monitor blood sugar without a sensor being inserted under the skin (such as the one I use).

Others have tried and failed to accomplish this feat, so if Apple can pull it off, this would represent a huge breakthrough in diabetes care.

The company reportedly has dozens of biomedical researchers trying to measure blood sugar using optical sensors, perhaps implanted within the band of the Apple Watch. The sensors would shine a light through the skin that would provide readings in a painless, noninvasive fashion.

CNBC reported last month that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook was spotted wearing a prototype glucose-tracker with his Apple Watch. As best as I can tell, Cook doesnt have diabetes, so hes apparently been using himself as a guinea pig to see how well his companys technology responds to different foods he eats.

No one at Apple got back to me.

For its part, Googles parent company, Alphabet, announced last year that its life-sciences subsidiary, Verily, was partnering with the French drug company Sanofi on a $500-million joint venture aimed at improving diabetes care. Verily has a separate partnership with the British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.

Among the various technologies Verily is pursuing is a smart contact lens that would monitor blood sugar levels. Its being developed in conjunction with the Swiss drug company Novartis.

Like Apple and Amazon, Google clammed up when I got in touch.

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'Alexa, what's my blood sugar level and how much insulin should I take?' - Los Angeles Times

A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors could increase the risk of a rare, life-threatening complication of the disease called ketoacidosis, a new study warns.

SGLT2 inhibitors include prescription medications such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. Brand names are Invokana, Invokamet, Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance and Glyxambi.

These drugs first became available in 2013, but in 2015 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about an increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis when SGLT2 inhibitors are used.

The condition typically occurs in people with type 1 diabetes. And while it is uncommon in people with type 2 diabetes, case reports have shown it can occur with type 2 disease, according to the study authors.

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Some diabetes patients are begging doctors for free samples of life-saving insulin because of costs. Between 2002 and 2013, the price of insulin ...

Ketoacidosis can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and swelling in the brain. Left untreated, the condition can be fatal, the researchers said.

The new study "essentially confirms what doctors had already suspected," said diabetes expert Dr. Stanislaw Klek, an endocrinologist at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.

"Fortunately, the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis is still very low and should not prevent the usage of this medication class," he added. "It is important to be aware of this potential complication and monitor for symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, particularly during periods of illness."

In the new study, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston analyzed data from 40,000 people with type 2 diabetes. They found that those taking SGLT2 inhibitors were twice as likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis than those taking another class of diabetes drugs called DPP4 inhibitors (drugs such as Januvia and Onglyza).

Still, the risk to any one patient remains very slim, the researchers stressed. They estimated that among patients taking an SGLT2 inhibitor, only about 1 in every 1,000 patients would develop ketoacidosis.

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A new World Health Organization report says that cases of diabetes have skyrocketed, quadrupling from 108 million worldwide in 1980 to over 420 m...

The findings were published June 8 in theNew England Journal of Medicine.

Even though diabetic ketoacidosis is uncommon, doctors need to closely monitor type 2 diabetes patients for signs and symptoms of the complication, said study author Dr. Michael Fralick. He's from Brigham and Women's division of pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacoeconomics.

"This is a side effect that's usually seen in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus -- not type 2 -- so doctors are not 'on the lookout' for it," Fralick said in a hospital news release. "That means that the risk of this side effect might actually be even higher than what we found due to misdiagnosis/under-recording."

Dr. Minisha Sood is an endocrinologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Reviewing the findings, she explained that SGLT2 inhibitors "have been a welcome addition to the arsenal of glucose [blood sugar]-lowering medications. They lower blood glucose by increasing the amount of glucose eliminated through the urine."

But the drugs may interfere with levels of a particular hormone, glucagon, which in turn leads to an unhealthy rise in acids called ketones. "When ketone acids build up in the system, this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis," Sood explained.

She agreed that patients and doctors should be alert to the rare but potential risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, especially in the early weeks after a person starts taking an SLGT2 inhibitor.

But Sood believes the study findings are not reason for patients to immediately switch to another form of diabetes medication.

"SLGT2 inhibitors work extremely well to control diabetes [and they have the added benefit of lowering blood pressure and weight as well] so the benefits definitely outweigh the risks of therapy," she said.

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Diabetes drugs linked to higher risk for rare but deadly complication ... - CBS News