StemCell Therapy

When you think of diabetes, you probably think of glucose. Insulin. High blood pressure. Your pancreas.

But what about your eyes?

Although they may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to diabetes, your vision can be heavily impacted, and permanently damaged by it, with one in three people aged 40 or older with diabetes showing signs of diabetic retinopathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.

MORE FROM MICHIGAN: Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Your eyes are an important window into the health of the rest of your body, said Julie Rosenthal, M.D., M.S., an ophthalmologist at the Kellogg Eye Center who specializes in diseases of the retina and vitreous. Below, Rosenthal shares essential information about the disease and eye health.

1. At first, the eye damage from diabetes may not be noticeable

Often, Rosenthal explains, there arent clear early warning signs that you have diabetic eye disease, that its developing, or even progressing.

And the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk you have of it affecting your eyes.

Early changes can include bleeding within the retina, which may not affect your vision at first. At any stage, you can develop swelling in the macula, which often leads to blurred central vision, known as macular edema, said Rosenthal. The macula is where you have your sweet spot of vision. It's what helps you recognize faces, read and see objects up close.

As your diabetes advances to the later stages, the blood flow to the retina can decrease, depriving your retina of oxygen and nutrition, recruiting new blood vessels, called neovascularization, one of the hallmarks of a condition called diabetic retinopathy.

While those new blood vessels sound like a really great solution to not getting enough nutrients and oxygen, they're not good blood vessels, said Rosenthal. And, if left untreated, they can lead to vision loss."

2. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy could cause irreversible vision loss

Diabetic retinopathy has two stages:

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or NPDR: The retina can have spots of bleeding, areas where blood flow is disrupted called cotton wool spots, and fatty tissues that leak from the blood vessels into the retina. This can result in serious vision loss if left untreated.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR): The more advanced form of the disease develops when new blood vessels form on the retina by way of neovascularization. The blood vessels, which break easily and are extremely fragile, can lead to bleeding within the eye, causing cloudy vision. Left untreated, the disease can result in retinal tears or detachments, both which can severely damage your vision.

Macular edema can happen at either of these stages.

3. Luckily, there are treatment options available for diabetic retinopathy

According to Rosenthal, the gold standard for PDR is a laser treatment.

When your eye is not receiving great blood flow, it sends a signal to bring these new blood vessels, said Rosenthal. Were trying to stop that signal from being sent by putting laser in those areas.

At Kellogg, laser surgery is considered the mainstay of treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Most of us at Kellogg, and many other retina specialists, feel that its probably the best option, said Rosenthal.

Another treatment option involves medicine injections into the eye, which can sometimes treat the new blood vessels being formed.

Although sometimes these new blood vessels can be treated with these injections, the treatment is temporary and needs to be repeated, often monthly, Rosenthal said.

The injections are a great treatment for macular edema, however, and can help improve your vision if you have this.

4. Good health maintenance and consistent doctor visits are key in preventing severe disease

Since these eye complications stem from an underlying, chronic disease, the problem must be attacked at the root by regulating your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol with your primary care provider.

But Rosenthals biggest piece of advice? Visit an eye doctor yearly.

You might not notice any problems during the earlier stages, so its important to get your eyes examined regularly, said Rosenthal. If we can detect the issue early, we have a much better chance of preventing irreversible vision loss and the later stages of the disease.

She adds that warning signs of advancing diabetic eye disease may include new floaters, decreased vision or spots in your vision.

As a patient with diabetes, you may already feel as if your schedule is filled with medical appointments and its difficult to make time for another. However, eye health is critical, and vision loss from diabetes is preventable with timely interventions.

Like Podcasts? Add the Michigan Medicine News Break oniTunes or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Follow this link:
Diabetes and your eyes: 4 things to know - University of Michigan Health System News

MUMBAI, India, Dec. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In India, more than 80 million people are diagnosed with diabetes. By 2030, the number stated will see an increase to 130 million if no action is taken. Diabetes is an alarming issue in our country that requires immediate attention and precaution. With over 90 million people with prediabetes, 70% of them will convert to type 2 diabetes in the next 5-10 years.Diabetes is a chronic disease developed mainly due to one's lifestyle choices and family history. It is a combination of factors- environmental and genetic factors. Pre-diabetes which is a precursor to diabetes - is when one's body is insulin resistant. When not treated and identified, this can further convert to Type -2 diabetes.

Fitterfly Healthtech, a leading Indian Digital Therapeutics company, pioneered the #FightPrediabetes campaign, in partnership with top doctors of India, Roche Diabetes, USV and Lal Path labs. The campaign created awareness about prediabetes and reached over a million Indians via online events, social media, corporate reach, etc. It was kickstarted on 14th August - 90 days before diabetes day - to draw attention to the prediabetes situation in India. As part of this, a nationwide study was conducted to assess the risk of prediabetes in Indian adults, the first-of-its-kind initiative in India. The test is an evidence-based, clinically-validated tool to assess an individual's risk of Pre-diabetes, following international protocols for prediabetes detection such as the American Diabetes Association and Centers for Disease Control (USA).

5000 people from the top 10 cities of India took the test and people were asked questions about their health profile, family history of diabetes, other health conditions and lifestyle. The online survey generated a report and classified the people into various risk profiles for diabetes and prediabetes- low, moderate or high. Detailed reports and recommendations to prevent progression to diabetes were shared after the test with all participants.

The data was then studied using statistical analysis for the calculation of relative risk of prediabetes with factors like age, BMI, physical activity, family history of diabetes and the presence of high blood pressure.

Dr Arbinder Singal, CEO & Cofounder of Fitterfly said, "This is a first-of-its-kind study in India which highlights the high metabolic risks that people need to take seriously by using an online risk calculator made for the Indian population -www.fitterfly.com/prediabetes-risk-test. The keys are to lose weight and bring BMI under 23 and increase physical activity. I was also diagnosed to have prediabetes in 2019 and with a strong family history of diabetes, I was really worried. I used advanced technology built by Fitterfly to understand blood sugar response to various foods using a CGM sensor, make the right food choices and get a variety of physical activities to reverse my prediabetes. We would suggest that prediabetes is the right stage for us to work together at a national level to fight the incoming tsunami of diabetes."

Further to the analysis conducted, weight is considered a big contributor in developing type 2 diabetes. Our findings gathered about 89.1% of people with BMI (above>23) in the overweight and obese category had a moderate to high risk score for developing prediabetes. Additionally, if they have a family history of diabetes and less than the recommended level of physical activity (150 mins per week), the risk goes up by 40 times.

Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle by constantly monitoring one's calorie intake and calories burnt. With links between obesity and diabetes established, reducing even a small amount of weight can help improve one's body's insulin sensitivity. With the Fitterfly study conducted, an average weight reduction between 8-12 Kg can significantly reduce the risk to low risk categories.

About Fitterfly

Fitterfly is a smart, personal digital therapeutic solution that is an anytime, anywhere companion for patients to truly achieve their health goals. The company offers a clinically validated, digital-led therapy that connects patients, health coaches and healthcare providers in meaningful ways to enable sustainable behaviour change that is at the core of good health.

Fitterfly achieves transformational outcomes for patients with personalised, data and coaching-led behaviour change via Vogital (voice and digital) touchpoints with a user-centric app. The programs are based on glocally accepted, evidence-based protocols and cutting-edge research.

Fitterfly's current product suite includes scientific and hyper-personalized DTx programs for diabetes, PCOS, obesity, pregnancy, and child wellness. They are the preferred digital therapeutic partner for many doctors, hospitals, organisations like pharma companies, corporates and medical device companies.

Fitterfly was Co-Founded by Dr Arbinder Singal- CEO, Shailesh Gupta- COO, and Jayesh Sawant- CTO/CPO.

Website:https://www.fitterfly.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1522090/Fitterfly_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Fitterfly HealthTech

Read this article:
Age over 40, BMI above 23 and a Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Increases Diabetes Risk by 40 times - Findings from the Fitterfly Campaign - PR...

Since 2014, actor Anthony Anderson has starred as Andre "Dre" Johnson, on Black-ish, which will begin airing its eighth and final season in January. But while he's earned 11 Emmy nominations for his work on the show, his story goes far beyond just acting. Back in 2001, Anderson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and in the decades since, he's spoken about his experience and become an advocate for others like him. In discussing his symptoms, Anderson has also shared the one sign that helped him realize something wasn't quite right, leading to his diagnosis. Read on to learn more about the 51-year-old's first sign of type 2 diabetes, and his history with the medical condition.

RELATED:If You See This On Your Skin, Get Checked for Diabetes Now, Experts Say.

In 2001, at the age of 31, Anderson found himself feeling under the weather, but didn't know why. "I was taking midday naps, something that I had never done before," he recalled to WebMD in 2016. "I was developing a television show, I was doing movies. I was fatigued, but I thought that it was just everything catching up to me."

Aside from this exhaustion, Anderson experienced a much more jarring symptom. He told WebMD that after he drank five gallons of water in one night, he knew it was time to see a doctor. This led to his diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition where a body resists or doesn't produce enough insulin, resulting in too much sugar in the bloodstream, per the Mayo Clinic.

Excessive thirst is one of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The site notes that other symptoms include fatigue, urinating frequently, feeling very hungry while eating, and numbness in hands or feet.

RELATED:If You Notice This In The Bathroom, It Could Be an Early Sign of Diabetes, Experts Say.

While speaking to Diabetes Voice, an online magazine produced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Anderson said that he felt like he didn't know how to deal with his diagnosis, as a busy actor in his thirties and father to a 1-year-old. Ultimately, his family became a big part of his journey with the disease, including his stepfather, Sterling Bowman, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes right after Anderson.

"Looking back one thing is pretty clear, my father probably lived with diabetes for more than 20 years undiagnosed," Anderson said. "Now that I know diabetes symptoms, I can see that my father exhibited them. He was living with diabetes when I was a teenager, he just didn't know it." The actor shared that his mother, Doris Hancox, was later diagnosed with type 2 diabetes as well.

Unfortunately, in 2008, Bowman passed away from type 2 diabetes complications. For Anderson, the loss of his father encouraged him to think more about his health. "My dad just didn't know what happens when you don't take control of your diabetes," he said in a 2018 interview with Get Real About Diabetes, a campaign that Anderson worked on with pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. "That was a real wake-up call for me. I didn't want to just be a memory for my family, I wanted to be there. So, I vowed right then and there that things would be different, that I would get serious about managing my diabetes."

Anderson told Diabetes Voice that he's gone through some major lifestyle changes, including a new workout routine. He started walking and jogging on the treadmill twice a day, and he has a trainer in Los Angeles that he works with four times a week. "It's a mixture of cardio, strength, and boxing," he explained. "So, we work out with weights and then do some boxing, then cardio."

Besides exercising, he also focuses on eating things in moderation. "Healthy eating is equally important, Anderson added. "I have better control of the things I consciously do. I have more control of my health in terms of being diligent such as making time for the gym and eating the right foods."

Managing his diabetes goes beyond physical activity and diet, however. The actor revealed to Get Real About Diabetes that he uses injectables, which delivers liquid medications, like insulin, into the body.

RELATED: For more celebrity health news,sign up for our daily newsletter.

Anderson had the opportunity to incorporate his experience with diabetes into his hit show. During a 2017 episode of Black-ish, Dre is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. While speaking to Diabetes Voice, Anderson detailed how Dre struggles to come to terms with his diagnosis.

"It's the first integration of its kind where the main character I play is diagnosed with a disease that the lead actor, me, actually lives with for real," he said. "We wanted to talk about Andre's challenges publicly to bring greater awareness. That's why I want to talk about diabetes on Black-ish. I wanted to show how diabetes has affected me personally, and how devastating its effect can be."

Although living with the disease can be difficult, Anderson has no intentions of letting it hold him back. In his interview with Get Real About Diabetes, he explained that he's found his own way to "run with" his disease, and he's hoping others will do the same.

"Whether it's being there for your family, the things you still want to accomplish in life, the places you want to gofocus on all those things and let them drive you," he said. "Changing what food you eat, consistently being active, and taking an injectable medicine may seem a bit daunting at first, but just give it a shot, pun intended."

RELATED:This Was the First Sign of Parkinson's That Michael J. Fox Noticed.

Read more from the original source:
This Was the First Sign of Diabetes Anthony Anderson Noticed Best Life - Best Life

(Fargo, ND)--The Cass County Extension Office will be offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program starting January 4th, 2022. The National DPP is a lifestyle change intervention arming residents with skills to make lasting changes to lose weight and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

Starting in January, program participants will learn how to eat healthy, be more physically active, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of healthy changes. Groups meet once a week for 16 weeks, then once a month for 8 months from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Cass County Annex at 1010 2nd Avenue S. Fargo.

Eligible participants are at least 18 years old, overweight, not pregnant, and do not currently have diabetes. Interested participants are encouraged to check with their health care provider to find out if they have pre-diabetes or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Preregistration is required. For more information or to register for the program, contact Rita Ussatis at 701-241-5700.

Read the rest here:
NDSU offering diabetes prevention program - AM 1100 The Flag WZFG

Half of Houstonians who died of COVID-19 had diabetes, a Houston Health Department review concluded late last month.

The virus killed more than 3,600 city residents as of November, nearly 52 percent of whom had diabetes, according to health department data. One quarter were obese.

Stephen Williams, director of the Houston Health Department, said the findings are not surprising, given the citys high rate of diabetes. The chronic endocrine condition, which results from too much sugar in the bloodstream, is more prevalent in Houston than most other major cities. Diabetics account for 13.5 percent of the Houston-area population; the national average is 10 percent.

COVID HELP DESK: Does the omicron variant mean you shouldn't get together with family for Christmas?

People with underlying health conditions, including diabetes, are more vulnerable to severe outcomes if they get COVID-19, Williams said.

The prevalence of diabetics among the citys COVID dead may help explain why the virus has disproportionately sickened and killed minorities, said Dr. Luis Ostrosky, chief of infectious diseases with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and Memorial Hermann. Racial and ethnic minorities are more susceptible to diabetes, in part due to what researchers believe are biological differences in insulin secretion and obesity rates.

We have large Hispanic and African American populations, as well as some Asian populations, that are prone to diabetes, Ostrosky said. That the chronic condition played a role in half of Houstons COVID deaths is perhaps a function of our racial and ethnic make-up.

While diabetics have extra cause for concern should they contract the virus, the infectious disease specialist urged anyone with underlying conditions to protect themselves with vaccines and diligent masking. People with diabetes, heart problems, neurological conditions or other complications have a lower reserve for dealing with the infection and inflammation that characterize COVID, he said.

Williams, of the city health department, said the clear connection between diabetes and fatal COVID highlights the need for more public education.

COVID Q&A: Dr. Peter Hotez answers COVID variant questions

In some communities, diabetes is not taken seriously, the health director said. Oftentimes multi-generations have it, and its considered just a little sugar or whatever. Thats where education and awareness come into play.

Free diabetes education is available at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center and the Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center. Both offer classes on nutrition, fitness and chronic disease management. The city-run Diabetes Awareness and Wellness Network, which operates the centers, is looking for funding to open at least two more facilities in the coming years.

The centers are critical to the community, said Dr. Faith Foreman-Hays, chronic disease director at the health department. They provide free behavioral support that aligns with what doctors recommend for preventing or managing diabetes to help improve quality of life.

Staff nurses and dietitians at the centers teach life-saving preventative care, Foreman-Hays said, and are on hand to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels.

nora.mishanec@chron.com

Here is the original post:
More than half of Houstonians who died from COVID had diabetes - Houston Chronicle

Also known as borderline diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, one needs to know when their blood sugar levels are normal and when they are in the pre-diabetic or diabetic range.  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Diabetes, be it type-1 or type-2, is becoming increasingly common in our world where life is all about seeking convenience. In our diet, workout routines, work-life, or education what we seek is ease and a way out to get the job done without having to put in too much effort. Amidst this, our diet goes for a toss and in turn affects the health resulting in chronic diseases in the long run diabetes being the most common one. However, whats worse is ignorance overlooking the telltale signs of a serious health crisis. For diabetes patients, the alarm rings first when one enters the pre-diabetes stage.

What is the pre-diabetes range?

Pre-diabetes refers to a state wherein the blood sugar levels are higher than normal, yet not high enough to be diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. In this stage, a person can make lifestyle changes like switching to a low-carb diet and working out regularly to manage the state and return to a healthy being.

Also known as borderline diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, one needs to know when their blood sugar levels are normal and when they are in the pre-diabetic or diabetic range:

In an interaction with Times Now Digital, Dr Aditya S Chowti, Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital spoke about the causes of pre-diabetes and diabetes and how it needs to be managed timely.

We all know that diabetes is an exploding disease and is catching up amongst even the younger age group. We see these as a consequence of poor lifestyle, lack of physical activities, and other factors in the younger age groups. Unhealthy eating habits like untimely meals, intake of high-calorie food, carbonated beverages, and high intake of trans-fat content food are factors that can tip the patient to the edge of diabetes mellitus. They also pre-dispose to other metabolic diseases such as hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels. The consequence is obesity, which again helps develop these diseases and ultimately gives the patient cardiac problems, he explained.

Therefore, for metabolic diseases, the younger generation (from childhood) must be very careful about the childrens diet and make sure they have some form of physical activity. Also, childhood obesity is a significant problem we are facing nowadays. It pre-disposes to the metabolic conditions that we have been discussing. We must be aware that these conditions can be prevented, as we all know prevention is better than cure. Exercise and diet are the two mainstream preventive strategies and must be taken seriously, Dr Chowti concluded.

Are there any symptoms of pre-diabetes?

Sadly, borderline diabetes has no symptoms in most patients. Some of the signs, however, may clash with diabetes symptoms like:

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

See the original post:
Are you in the pre-diabetes stage? Know the blood sugar range and symptoms - Times Now

BALTIMORE -- Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had finished his pregame warm-ups and was walking off the field in Chicago on Nov. 21 when he saw a sign that immediately caught his attention.

In purple lettering, it read: T1D.

Few in Soldier Field knew what it meant, but Andrews did -- its shorthand for Type 1 diabetes.

Andrews veered over to 10-year-old Rhys Kinney, who made the placard for the Pro Bowl tight end. After giving Kinney a fist bump, Andrews told him: Anything you want to do is possible."

A Type 1 diabetic since childhood, Andrews has made it his mission to motivate those diagnosed with this chronic condition at a young age. His message: Dont let this disease define you.

Why ex-NFLers are coaching high school Heinicke keep proving doubters wrong Miami's Phillips on a pass-rushing tear Bengals botch latest try for 3-game run Sorensen signals Chiefs' D turnaround

Andrews goal has never been to become the best tight end with diabetes. He wants to become the best tight end in football, and his 22 receiving touchdowns since 2019 -- the most by any tight end -- are a testament to his determination. Still, Andrews knows his success can make a difference off the field.

Type 1 diabetes is a 24/7 fight, and for a young kid to see someone performing at the highest level, I think thats encouraging, Andrews said. Thats a big moment.

Kinney, who lives approximately 30 miles outside of Chicago, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 5. He was in the hospital and scared, according to his father, Brett. His one question was whether he would ever play baseball again.

"Its not something that I can relate to him about, Brett said. "I can say that I can understand him getting frustrated, but I cant say that I can understand from experience.

I just like to get him around people like Mark so that he can laugh and make a joke about it, and theyre like, 'Yeah, I know exactly what youre talking about. That sucks. Why I really appreciate Mark is he made Rhys feel special, and not different. He has plenty of days where he feels different.

Rhys and Brett reached out to the Ravens a few weeks before they traveled to the road game against the Bears, and they soon received a letter. Andrews wrote to Rhys and explained diabetes made him the person he is today, and that he should view the disease as a benefit, not a hindrance. Andrews said he was forced to grow up very quickly because of his condition. At an early age, he learned how to count the carbs he would consume and calculate the correct insulin dosage he would inject into his body. Andrews said it pushed him to respect his body and his health.

Rhys was determined to meet Andrews in Chicago, and the Ravens told the Kinneys the best way to make it happen was to make a sign. So Rhys went to work. The sign had T1D on one side and Mark 89 Andrews on the other. To make sure Rhys, wearing his Andrews jersey, was perfectly positioned, his father got tickets by the tunnel where Ravens players entered and left the field.

The preparation paid off. After talking with Andrews before the game, Rhys made sure to wave goodbye after Baltimores 16-13 victory, and Andrews provided a souvenir by handing over his gloves. Rhys has rarely taken them off since, whether hes simulating one-handed grabs in the living room or even eating dinner.

"The amount of kindness that Mark showed my family, and the effect that he had on my son cannot be overemphasized, Brett said. "He really changed my sons life. Hell remember this forever.

The American Diabetes Association estimates 1.6 million people have Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that prevents your pancreas from producing insulin. Andrews has become one of the leading advocates for the diabetes community. Last year, he wrote a column for USA Today about how he didnt let the disease stop him from achieving his dreams. Over the years, Andrews has mentored boys and girls on eating right and staying active. Hes also counseled some who have become depressed after being diagnosed with diabetes.

"To be able to have that kind of impact, that means a lot to Mark. But, more importantly, he wants it to mean something to kids, said Martha Andrews, Marks mother. Whether you want to be a ballerina, a football player or baseball player, or you just want to be a fireman, you cant let this stop you. You've got to find a way to make it work. And Mark, he found a way. Hes lucky. But he just never took no for an answer.

Andrews life changed after a near-death experience.

Andrews experienced his first hypoglycemic incident, which caused him to lose consciousness, as a freshman at Oklahoma. His glucose levels dropped extremely low while he was napping after football practice. When Andrews roommate found him unresponsive, he shoved fruit snacks in Andrews mouth and called 911.

That kind of woke myself up and my family, Andrews said.

Andrews doctor told him about a continuous glucose monitor, which Andrews now wears every day. No more daily finger pricks. No more uncertainty about his blood sugar level.

His Dexcom G6 monitor uses a tiny sensor to send glucose levels to his phone, alerts him when his levels are too low or high and discreetly attaches to his hip. He wears it under his uniform.

Honestly, I dont even notice it, even when I get hit there, Andrews said. I forget its on me sometimes.

The glucose monitor provides real-time updates on his blood sugar level through an app, and the information is shared with family members, his agent and the Ravens' trainers. Andrews mother acknowledges she will check two or three times per day -- being a little bit nosey.

She intervenes only when she receives an alert, which indicates Andrews blood sugar level is below 60. If she sees double arrows down -- which means his levels are dropping fast -- Martha will send a one-word text to her 6-foot-5, 256-pound son: Sugar. This typically happens once a week.

Everything you need this week: Full schedule | Standings Depth charts for every team Transactions | Injuries Football Power Index rankings More NFL coverage

"Its very important to my sound mind, Martha said. "You can say, out of sight, out of mind, but you cant do that with diabetes. Its a worry 24 hours a day. But now I dont have to. I know my phone will buzz if I have to get involved.

Blood sugar levels can drop when someone exerts a lot of energy, so its important to keep an eye on Andrews when he suits up. During practices, Andrews gives his phone to a trainer, who follows him all around the field. After Andrews runs a couple of plays, hell come off the field and the trainer will give him his exact readings. In games, Andrews keeps a diabetes bag on the sideline thats filled with snacks and other supplies to help him maintain his blood sugar levels.

Ravens backup tight end Nick Boyle has become more educated about diabetes because Andrews is one of his best friends on the team. He knows what the numbers mean and often looks at them when Andrews checks the readings on his phone.

"A lot of people dont even notice it because he does such a good job of managing and going out there and doing his job, Boyle said.

During the hot and humid training camp practices, Andrews never asks for a day off and battles linebackers and defensive backs like its a playoff game. He fights for contested passes over the middle and leaps for throws in the end zone.

But the sweat and grass stains still don't cover up the chip thats been on Andrews shoulder since he slipped to the third round of the 2018 draft.

"I know just going through the combine process and all that, Im sure theres teams and people that saw me and said, 'Oh, hes a Type 1 diabetic. Thats negative, Andrews said. "I dont think that, I know that.

It didnt take the Ravens long to know they had landed a special talent. Two days into Andrews' first offseason camp, then-tight ends coach Greg Roman told everyone in a meeting Andrews has a great feel for the game and natural instincts. Andrews knew how to set up defenders and get open consistently.

By the start of the regular season, Andrews had moved past first-round pick Hayden Hurst on the depth chart. By the end of it, he had already established himself as the favorite receiver for Lamar Jackson.

Andrews has now recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 50 receptions, 700 receiving yards and five touchdowns catches. Only the Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce owns a longer such streak by a tight end with five season.

We have high expectations for Mark, said Roman, who is now the Ravens' offensive coordinator. "He does for himself, and thats where it all starts.

A week before this years opener, Baltimore rewarded Andrews with a four-year, $56 million extension. At $14 million per season, Andrews is the third-highest-paid tight end in the league, trailing the San Francisco 49ers' George Kittle ($15 million per season) and Kelce ($14.3 million).

The Ravens couldnt let Jacksons most trusted target reach free agency. Whenever Jackson needs to make a play downfield, it seems like hes looking to Andrews. Andrews' acrobatic catch in the end zone was the difference in the Ravens 16-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night. Andrews has now caught 187 passes from Jackson, 29 more than any other Ravens player.

He makes my job way easier, Jackson said. If a defensive back is guarding him, a safety, linebacker, it doesnt really matter hes going to get open and hes going to catch a touchdown nine times out of 10.

For Andrews, hes not just playing for the Ravens. Hes playing to inspire others.

"Theres a lot of people breaking that mold and showing people that we can do anything and we can be just like anybody else. We just have to do more than the average person, Andrews said. Thats one of the things that drives me is going out there and showing people that hey, Im a Type 1 diabetic, but Im going to go out and compete with the rest of them."

Visit link:
'He changed my son's life': How the Ravens Mark Andrews inspires others with diabetes - Baltimore Ravens Blog- ESPN - ESPN

Posted: Dec 6, 2021 / 10:00 AM CST / Updated: Dec 2, 2021 / 09:42 AM CST

(Baptist Health) Many people put off healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemicincluding care for diabetes. Among adults under 30 with diabetes, nearly 9 in 10 delayed care during the pandemic, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). More than 60% of people ages 30 to 59 with diabetes did the same.

If you have diabetes, you probably know that managing your condition is important for your long-term health. But in the era of COVID-19, diabetes care is more important than ever. People with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19. According to theAmerican Diabetes Association, controlling your condition may lower that risk.

If you delayed diabetes care during the pandemic, getting back on track doesnt have to be stressful. Start with these four steps, based on advice from CDC.

Keep up with daily care.Eating well and getting exercise every week can help keep diabetes in check. And make sure to take any medications your doctor has prescribed.

Schedule regular checkups.See your doctor at least once every six months. If youve been finding it harder to manage your diabetes during the pandemic, go every three months. Get a checkup for your mouth too: See your dentist at least once a year.

Catch up on tests.Make sure you have an A1C test at least every six months. And ask your doctor what other tests you may need. These may include eye or foot exams, a cholesterol check, or a kidney test.

Get vaccinated.The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Theyre the best way to avoid serious illness from COVID-19. If youre already vaccinated,get your booster shot.

Take charge of your health

Staying on top of diabetes care can help you stay well during the pandemic and in the yearsand decadesto come. Get more help to live well with diabetes in ourDiabetestopic center.

Original post:
Diabetes care and COVID-19 - KARK

Diabetes is an umbrella term for three primary conditions: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. According to guidelines established by experts in the field, there are multiple stages of diabetes, each of which are defined by physiological changes within the body.

In this article, well explore the stages of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as defined by diabetes experts, as well as information about long-term diabetes management.

Within the past decade, professional organizations, like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), have created guidelines that outline the various stages of diabetes development.

According to the literature on these guidelines, understanding the various stages of diabetes can allow physicians and patients to take a more comprehensive approach to preventive care and disease management.

Below, weve outlined the various stages of beta cell dysfunction, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes, as established by current experts in the field of diabetes research.

In 2015, the ADA released a joint statement with the JDRF and Endocrine Society outlining the various stages of type 1 diabetes. Using the guideline below, clinicians can more easily diagnose this condition at an earlier stage, even when symptoms might not be present.

Its important to note that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for producing insulin.

In this stage, genetic analysis can help identify underlying genotypes that are commonly associated with type 1 diabetes.

According to the research, a specific region on chromosome six called the HLA region is associated with up to 50 percent of the risk for developing this condition. Other factors, like having a sibling or close relative with type 1 diabetes, can also increase disease risk.

In this stage, at least one diabetes-related autoantibody is present in the blood. At this point, these autoantibodies have already begun to attack the beta cells in the pancreas. But blood sugar levels still remain within the normal range, and no symptoms are present.

In this stage, at least two or more diabetes-related autoantibodies are present in the blood. As the beta cells continue to be destroyed by the immune system, a lack of insulin leads to rising blood sugar levels due to glucose intolerance. Although beta cell dysfunction is more serious at this stage, there are still no symptoms yet.

In this stage, theres a significant loss of beta cells due to autoimmunity and symptoms are present, resulting in a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. During this stage, the symptoms of type 1 diabetes may include:

In 2018, the AACE created the dysglycemia-based chronic disease (DBCD) multimorbidity care model. Much like the previous guidelines above from 2015, the DBCD care model helps clinicians take preventative steps to reduce type 2 diabetes complications.

This stage, defined as insulin resistance, is where muscle, fat, and liver cells become resistant to insulin and have trouble bringing glucose into the cell. But the pancreas compensates for this by producing more insulin, which helps keep blood sugar levels within normal range.

In this stage, also known as prediabetes, cells become so insulin resistant that the extra insulin isnt enough to lower blood sugar levels back to normal. In some cases, beta cell dysfunction may also be present. During this stage, blood glucose levels remain higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

In this stage, blood sugar levels remain abnormally high, leading to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Both insulin resistance and beta cell dysfunction can lead to high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. Without treatment, these elevated levels can cause long-term damage to the body.

In this stage, vascular complications can occur as a result of high blood sugar. As blood sugar levels remain high, damage can occur within the vascular system, leading to potential complications like:

While end-stage diabetes isnt a commonly used term, diabetes can lead to whats known as end-stage diabetic complications, or advanced complications. In people with diabetes, advanced complications, like end-stage renal disease, occur after many years of living with diabetes.

A study from 2019 found that microvascular complications from diabetes, like nephropathy, increase risk for cardiovascular events and death in people with type 1.

While theres no cure for diabetes, it can be managed through the appropriate treatment, which may include medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle interventions.

Although it can feel overwhelming to manage a chronic health condition like diabetes, your healthcare team is there to help you create a diabetes treatment plan that works best for you.

If youre concerned about managing your diabetes, the first step is to reach out to your doctor or care team to create a diabetes treatment plan. Depending on your diagnosis and personal needs, your treatment plan may include reaching out to:

According to experts in the field of diabetes research, diabetes staging plays an important role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes. Understanding the various stages of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes allows physicians and patients to see the progression of the disease so that treatment and long-term management can be improved.

If youve been diagnosed with diabetes, its important to stay educated about your condition so that you can more easily manage it in the long-term.

Go here to see the original:
Stages of Diabetes: Stages, Symptoms, and Treatments - Healthline

NEW YORK, Aug. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ORMP), (TASE: ORMP) (www.oramed.com), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of oral drug delivery systems, today announced that Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, has published an original article titled "Efficacy and safety of 28-day treatment with oral insulin (ORMD-0801) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - A randomized placebo-controlled trial" authored by Dr. Roy Eldor, Dr. Joel Neutel, Kenneth Homer and Oramed's Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Miriam Kidron.

Oramed Pharmaceuticals Logo

The article presents the results of a trial that assessed the safety and efficacy of Oramed's lead drug candidate ORMD-0801 in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The trial met its primary endpoint and found that in patients with T2DM, bedtime ORMD-0801 curbed increases in night-time glycemia, 24-hour glycemia, and HbA1c without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or safety events as compared to the control arm.

"I'm proud and excited that this paper, exploring the interesting and important results of Oramed's Phase 2 study of oral insulin has been published by Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism," said Roy Eldor, M.D. Ph.D., Director, Diabetes Unit, Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Hypertension, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and a member of Oramed's Scientific Advisory Board.

About Oramed Pharmaceuticals

Oramed Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq/TASE: ORMP) is a platform technology pioneer in the field of oral delivery solutions for drugs currently delivered via injection. Established in 2006, with offices in the United States and Israel, Oramed has developed a novel Protein Oral Delivery (POD) technology. Oramed is seeking to transform the treatment of diabetes through its proprietary lead candidate, ORMD-0801, which is being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 studies and has the potential to be the first commercial oral insulin capsule for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, Oramed is developing an oral GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) analog capsule.

Story continues

For more information, please visit http://www.oramed.com.

Forward-looking statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. For example, we are using forward-looking statements when we discuss the potential efficacy and safety of ORMD-0801, the ability of Oramed to transform the treatment of diabetes and the potential of ORMD-0801 to be the first commercial oral insulin capsule for the treatment of diabetes. In addition, historic results of scientific research and clinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials will suggest identical or even similar conclusions. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Oramed only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of clinical trials and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection for our product candidates; competition from other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; and our ability to obtain additional funding required to conduct our research, development and commercialization activities. In addition, the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; delays or obstacles in launching our clinical trials; changes in legislation; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; lack of validation of our technology as we progress further and lack of acceptance of our methods by the scientific community; inability to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products; unforeseen scientific difficulties that may develop with our process; greater cost of final product than anticipated; loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition; laboratory results that do not translate to equally good results in real settings; our patents may not be sufficient; and finally that products may harm recipients, all of which could cause the actual results or performance of Oramed to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Oramed undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Oramed, reference is made to Oramed's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/647544/Oramed_Pharmaceuticals_Logo.jpg

Company ContactJosh Hexter +1-844-9-ORAMEDjosh@oramed.com

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oramed-announces-publication-of-oral-insulin-study-in-peer-reviewed-journal-diabetes-obesity-and-metabolism-301355754.html

SOURCE Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Read more from the original source:
Oramed Announces Publication of Oral Insulin Study in Peer-Reviewed Journal: Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism - Yahoo Finance

CASES of diabetes are on the rise in young people, driven by the obesity crisis.

Being aware of the signs could prevent serious complications from the disease if a child or young person gets an early diagnosis.

1

Diabetes is a serious condition which needs lifelong management.

Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes - which accounts for 90 per cent of all cases - is accelerating as a result of factors including obesity.

More often than not, the condition is triggered by poor lifestyle habits like eating too much unhealthy food or not exercising.

The effects are now being seen in children, some younger than 12 years old, who previously were more likely to get type 1 diabetes, which is genetic.

New figures show a 60 per cent increase in under 25s with type 2 diabetes being treated at paediatric diabetes units in England and Wales over five years.

There were 866 under-25s who got treatment in 2019/20 compared with the 322 in 2014/15, according to the stats published by Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

Just over 84 per cent of the patients were registered as obese, broadly in line with previous years.

Nikki Joule, policy manager at Diabetes UK, said: Type 2 diabetes is no longer just a condition found in older people; it can affect any age.

We also know that type 2 diabetes is likely to have more severe and acute consequences, if they develop it as children especially if they do not have access to the right specialist treatment and support.

Childhood obesity is the main driver behind the rise in cases."

It comes after a new report revealed almost 1,600 children under 19 in England have type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK warned that the NHS Digital data on August 12 confirms a recent growing trend of serious health conditions related to obesity that are becoming more prevalent in a younger demographic than ever before.

It highlighted nearly a third of children aged two to 15 years old were overweight or obese.

Chief executive Chris Askew said the figures were a worrying wake-up call.

NHS Digital data shows that people who get diabetes under 40 years old are more likely to:

Symptoms of diabetes can go completely missed because people think they are caused by something else.

Or their symptoms dont necessarily make them feel unwell, so they are not even acknowledged.

The most common early signs of type 2 diabetes are frequent urination, extreme thirst, and persistent hunger.

You should visit your GP if you are:

There are other symptoms that may alert you to this disease.

These include:

In children

Dan Howarth, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said: The symptoms of diabetes needing the toilet more often than usual, feeling more tired or thirsty than normal, and unexplained weight loss are the same for people of all ages, and with all types of diabetes.

"Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop very quickly, whereas type 2 diabetes symptoms come on more slowly.

"In children and young people with type 2 diabetes, symptoms may be less noticeable, with cases often going undetected."

But more specific problems to look out for are:

If your child is very overweight, the NHS says there are things you can to help them get to a healthy weight.

This includes upping exercise, keeping portions to child-sized, and eating healthier foods.

Exercise doesnt need to be any more than playing it, riding a bike, swimming or using a playground, so long as they are happy and moving.

All children need about 60 minutes of physical activity a day for good health, but it doesn't need to be all at once, the NHS says.

Food wise, children should avoid eating too much of the same things that cause weight gain in adults - sweets, chocolate, crisps and cakes.

Its important that as a parent, you also act as a good role model and try and get the whole family involved, so it doesnt feel like your child is targeted.

It can be a scary time if your child is diagnosed with diabetes, but doctors will be there to support you.

Your child will get a treatment plan that you as a parent will be involved with administering - including insulin injections.

You will also have to keep a close eye on your child's glucose levels to make sure they dont become dangerously low or high.

On top of this, children with diabetes will need to eat a healthy diet and exercise is considered incredibly important, Diabetes UK says.

Dan, Head of Care, said: Some people with type 2 diabetes can put their diabetes into remission through a combination of weight loss and lifestyle changes.

"While research into remission and young people with type 2 is ongoing, we know that by making lifestyle changes such as keeping physically active and eating healthily, families and young people with type 2 diabetes can increase their chances of remission, reduce their risk of diabetes-related complications risk and improve their overall health.

For more information about diabetes, visit diabetes.org.uk

Read more from the original source:
Diabetes cases soar by 60% in just five years in under 25s know the signs... - The Sun

MONTREAL, Aug. 16, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ -LIFT session, a leading Canadian digital fitness and wellness platform, has entered into a partnership with Diabetes Canada to bolster fundraising for their annual event Lace Up to End Diabetes. Lace Up to End Diabetes, presented by GMS Health & Travel Insurance, is a virtual walk, run, dance your way to 10K campaign taking place from Sept 1-30, 2021. This year the event also includes a 100KM fitness challenge in support of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.

The partnership with LIFT session will help drive this fundraising initiative and encourage more people to engage in their physical and mental wellbeing. By reaching certain fundraising goals, participants will get exclusive access to LIFT session's best in class employee wellness solution, including live coach chat, AI based workouts and 3 live online group training sessions.

Furthermore, LIFT session and Diabetes Canada plan on exploring future opportunities to build on their partnership through innovative digital wellness fundraising strategies.

"Diabetes Canada is excited to offer this digital fitness opportunity to Lace Up participants" Nicole Holder-Dulson, Regional Director, Ontario. "Fitness and wellness have historically been a powerful tool in fundraising, and a digital offering makes fundraising borderless. LIFT was the ideal partner, as the platform ensures users receive curated workouts specific to their goals and fitness levels, with live support from wellness experts.

"Our mission at LIFT session has always been to increase the overall health of our society." saysRaffi Tchakmakjian, CEO of LIFT session. "Diabetes is a disease that affects us all and this partnership is just the first step in our efforts to help end diabetes. It's an honour for us to help power a quintessential organization like Diabetes Canada in their ambitions to expand their fundraising reach through digital fitness."

To learn more about the service, please visit Lace-up's website at:Lace-up by Diabetes Canada.

ABOUT DIABETES CANADADiabetes Canadais the nation's most trusted provider of diabetes education, research, resources, and services. We've helped millions of Canadians affected by diabetes understand it, manage it, and combat complications since 1953.

ABOUT LIFT SESSIONLIFT session's goal is to make top fitness coaching and sessions accessible to anyone, from any location and on-demand. By offering services through wellness providers and businesses, LIFT session offers its online fitness platform to millions of customers globally.

LIFT session's customers are invited to participate in automated AI based workout sessions, live group and one-on-one online training sessions, either on their own or through highly engaging LIFT corporate challenges. The platform offers a wide range of fitness classes from high intensity interval training to Pilates, yoga, dynamic stretching and mobility. LIFT session helps members to achieve their personal goal whether they are training for a competition, preparing for an event, looking to shed a few pounds, or just looking to build a healthy lifestyle. Follow LIFT session on Instagram and Facebook @liftsession.

SOURCE LIFT Digital Inc.

For further information: David Sciacca, [emailprotected], (514) 994-8058

liftsession.com

See the rest here:
Diabetes Canada and LIFT session team up to support Canadians living with diabetes - Canada NewsWire

Many of the most groundbreaking discoveries have happened accidentally: The microwave oven, for one, was developed after physicist Percy Spencer noticed a chocolate bar in his pocket had melted while he was experimenting with a magnetron. Penicillin was born out of the bacteria-killing mold that grew on a petri dish while biologist Alexander Fleming was on vacation.

Perhaps aiming to join their ranks is Israeli startup Hagar, with itsGWave technology that measures blood sugar levels using noninvasive radio waves rather than an implanted sensor or repeated fingersticks.

According to Hagar lore, the technology came about after Geri Waintraub, the companys co-founder and chief technology officer, accidentally spilled a cup of tea on a radio frequency device during a separate research project and concluded that the ensuing reaction was caused by the sugar in his tea. Thus, GWave was born.

RELATED: Dexcom gets FDA go-ahead to pair diabetes data with Garmin, Livongo and more through 3rd-party APIs

The first generation of the GWave sensor is a device about a third the size of a standard smartphone,inserted into a ceramic bracelet. It uses Bluetooth to transmit its glucose readings to an accompanyingmobile app that tracks readings and alerts users to fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.

While radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation,GWave produces significantly less amounts than a smartphone, according to Hagar.

A proof-of-concept study found the company's radio frequency technology was able to continuously measure glucose levels with at least 90% accuracy, compared to the estimated 70% rate for traditional continuous glucose monitors.

According to the company, that difference stems from the fact that Hagars system directly measures glucose in the blood in real time. Other CGMs may use a sensor implanted under the skin to take measurements from the interstitial fluid between cells and may often have to be calibrated throughout the day with routine fingerstick blood tests.

RELATED: One Drop poaches Sanofi's head of diabetes innovation to bring CGM biosensor to market

Backed by those promising results, and with Hagar now planning to launch clinical trials to pursue FDA approval of the GWave system, the company has raised $11.7 million in series B funding.

The financing was led by Columbia Pacific and comes shortly after Hagar closed its series A, which brought in$4.4 million just last March. Those back-to-back funding rounds bring the companys lifetime funding to just over $17 million.

With 8.3% of the U.S. population living with diabetes today, that number is projected to rise to one in three adults by 2050. Finding a way to monitor glucose levels in the bloodcontinuously, painlessly and easilyis life-changing for those living with diabetes, and we are thrilled that our partners at Columbia Pacific are helping us in this journey, said CEO Guy Zur.

Next up, along with plotting out clinical trials of its technology, Hagar will continue developing the second-generation GWave device. In that iteration, the sensor will be embedded into a smartwatch that will be able to display the readings collected by the GWave mobile app.

View original post here:
Diabetes startup brews up $11M after 'serendipitous spill' led to creation of new CGM tech - FierceBiotech

LAFAYETTE, Ind. Dr. Sarah Hallberg, the medical director at Virta Health, was recently awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash award for her work in diabetes research.

The Sagamore of the Wabash first started in 1946 with then-Indiana Gov. Ralph Gates. Gates was on his way to a conference of Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio officials when he learned that the then-Kentucky governor, Simeon S. Willis,planned to award gates the Kentucky Colonel, the state's highest honor.

Not to be outdone by Kentucky, Gates named Willis the first recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash. Since then, thousandsof people have received this honor, including David Letterman, Muhammed Ali, and now, Dr. Hallberg.

According to its description, TheSagamore of the Wabash is the "highest honor, which the governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor."

"Among these who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage."

Wabash Township: Trustee proposes increasing her salary in 2022

There is no official record of how many have been presented with this honor, as each governor has kept their choicesdocumented using different methods.

"I was just floored," Hallberg said about she show felt when she won the award. "I'm so lucky to have had this career where I can really help people improve their lives, and be a real patient advocate."

Before joining Virta Health, Hallberg worked at IU Health Arnett Hospital where she founded the Supervised Weight Loss Program.This clinic served as the host for Virta's clinical trials.

"What I came across was carbohydrate restriction," Hallberg said, "and we opened the clinic as a carbohydrate-restricted clinic. That was the nutrition intervention that we were using. What we were seeing in patients was just remarkable. When we were putting them on a therapeutic, carbohydrate-restrictive diet, their diabetes was going away."

These clinics took place about a decade ago, according to Hallberg, and up until thatpoint, Type 2 Diabetes was seen as a chronic and progressive disease. Seeing the effects a carb-restricted diet has on patients motivated Hallberg to expand her research to beyond her clinic in central Indiana.

2020 U.S. Census: Tippecanoe County population increased, more diverse

Dr. Stephen D. Phinney, the chief innovation officer and co-founder of Virta Health, and Hallberg have worked and continue to work on a number of published papers together to help get the news of reversible diabetes through carb-restriction out there.

"The biggest thing is that this study, in central Indiana, changed the American Diabetes Association guidelines," Hallberg said. "We did this research that impacted the guidelines that haveimpacted so many Americans. And that happened here in central Indiana."

Four years ago, Hallberg was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. She explained howher diagnosis and her work experience being a patient advocate both affected her.

"Being a patient advocate for so long and just wantingto empower and teach them (the patients) with the science," Hallberg said, "really came into play for me four years ago when I became a patient myself. So all the advocacy I've done for my patients, I was really fortunate in that I could turn that into being an advocate for myself with an advanced cancer diagnosis."

Margaret Troupis a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email herat mtroup@jconline.com and follow heron Twitter@MargaretTroup2

The rest is here:
Hallberg given Sagamore of the Wabash for work in diabetes research - Journal & Courier

Nearly half of adults prescribed metformin after a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes have stopped taking it by 1 year, new data show.

The findings, from a retrospective analysis of administrative data from Alberta, Canada, during 2012-2017, also show that the fall-off in metformin adherence was most dramatic during the first 30 days, and in most cases, there was no concomitant substitution of another glucose-lowering drug.

While the majority with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were prescribed metformin as first-line therapy, patients started on other agents incurred far higher medication and healthcare costs.

The data were recently published online in Diabetic Medicine by David J. T. Campbell, MD, PhD, of the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and colleagues.

"We realized that even if someone is prescribed metforminthat doesn't mean they're staying on metformin even for a year...the drop-off rate is really quite abrupt," Campbell told Medscape Medical News. Most who discontinued had A1c levels above 7.5%, so it wasn't that they no longer needed glucose-lowering medication, he noted.

One reason for the discontinuations, he said, is that patients might not realize they need to keep taking the medication.

"When a physician is seeing a person with newly diagnosed diabetes, I think it's important to remember that they might not know the implications of having a chronic condition. A lot of times we're quick to prescribe metformin and forget about it...Physicians might write a script for 3 months and three refills and not see the patient again for a year...We may need to keep a closer eye on these folks and have more regular follow-up, and make sure they're getting early diabetes education."

Side effects are an issue, but not for most. "Any clinician who prescribes metformin knows there are side effects, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. But certainly, it's not half [who experience these]...A lot of people just aren't accepting of having to take it lifelong, especially since they probably don't feel any better on it," Campbell said.

James Flory, MD, an endocrinologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, told Medscape Medical Newsonly about 25% of patients taking metformin experience gastrointestinal side effects.

Moreover, he noted that the drop-off in adherence is also seen with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs that have fewer side effects than metformin. He pointed to a "striking example" of this, a 2011 randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and as reported by Medscape Medical News, showingoverall rates of adherence to these medications was only around 50%, even among people who had already had a myocardial infarction.

"People really don't want to be on these medications...They have an aversion to being medicalized and taking pills. If they're not being pretty consistently prompted and reminded and urged to take them, I think people will find rationalizations, reasons for stopping...I think people want to handle things through lifestyle and not be on a drug," noted Flory, who has also published on the subject of metformin adherence.

Moreover, Flory explained, "These drugs don't make people feel better. None of them do. At best they don't make you feel worse. You have to really believe in the chronic condition and believe that it's hurting you and that you can't handle it without the drugs to motivate you to keep taking them."

Communication with the patient is key, he said.

"I don't have empirical data to support this, but I feel it's helpful to acknowledge the downsides to patients. I tell them to let me know [if they're having side effects] and we'll work on it. Don't just stop taking the drug and never circle back." At the same time, he added, "I think it's important to emphasize metformin's safety and effectiveness."

For patientsexperiencing gastrointestinal side effects, options including switching to extended-release metformin or lowering the dose.

Also, while patients are typically advised to take metformin with food, some experience diarrhea when they do that and prefer to take it at bedtime than with dinner. "If that's what works for people, that's what they should do," Flory advised.

"It doesn't take a lot of time to emphasize to patients the safety and this level of flexibility and control they should be able to exercise over how much they take and when. These things should really help."

Campbell and colleagues analyzed 17,932 individuals with incident type 2 diabetes diagnosed between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2017. Overall,89% receivedmetformin monotherapy as their initial diabetes prescription, 7.6% startedmetformin in combination with another glucose-lowering drug, and 3.3% were prescribed a nonmetformin diabetes medication. (Those prescribed insulin as their first diabetes medication were excluded.)

The most commonly coprescribed drugs with metformin were sulfonylureas (in 47%) and DPP-4 inhibitors (28%). Of those initiated with only nonmetformin medications, sulfonylureas were also the most common (53%) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitorssecond (21%).

The metformin prescribing rate of 89% reflects current guidelines, Campbell noted.

"In hypertension, clinicians weren't really following the guidelines...they were prescribing more expensive drugs than the guidelines say...We showed that in diabetes, contrary to hypertension, clinicians really are generally following the clinical practice guidelines...The vast majority who are started on metformin are started on monotherapy. That was reassuring to us. We're not paying for a bunch of expensive drugs when metformin would do just as well," he said.

However, the proportion who had been dispensed metformin to cover the prescribed number of days dropped by about 10% after 30 days, by a further 10% after 90 days, and yet again after 100 days, resulting in just 54% remaining on the drug by 1 year.

Factors associated with higher adherence included older age, presence of comorbidities, and highest versus lowest neighborhood income quintile.

Those who had been prescribed nonmetformin monotherapy had about twice the total healthcare costs of those initially prescribed metformin monotherapy. Higher healthcare costs were seen among patients who were younger, had lower incomes, higher baseline A1c, had more comorbidities, and were men.

Campbell noted that "a lot has changed since 2017...At least in Canada, the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists were supposed to be reserved as second-line agents in patients with cardiovascular disease, but more and more they're being thought of as first-line agents in high-risk patients."

"I suspect as those guidelines are transmitted to primary care colleagues who are doing the bulk of the prescribing we'll see more and more uptake of these agents."

Indeed, Flory said, "The metformin data at this point are very dated and the body of trials showing health benefits for it is actually very weak compared to the big trials that have been done for the newer agents, to the point where you can imagine a consensus gradually forming where people start to recommend something other than metformin for nearly everybody with type 2 diabetes. The cost implications are just huge, and I think the safety implications as well."

According to Flory, the SGLT2 inhibitors "are fundamentally not as safe as metformin. I think they're very safe drugs large good studies have established that but if you're going to give drugs to a large number of people who are pretty healthy at baseline the safety standards have to be pretty high."

Just the elevated risk of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis alone is reason for pause, Flory believes. "Even though it's manageable...metformin just doesn't have a safety problem like that. I'm very comfortable prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors, but If I'm going to give a drug to a million people and have nothing go wrong with any of them, that would be metformin, not an SGLT2 [inhibitor]."

Campbell and colleagues will be conducting a follow-up of prescribing data through 2019, which will of course include the newer agents. They'll also investigate reasons for drug discontinuation and outcomes of those who discontinue versus continue metformin.

Campbell has reported no relevant financial relationships. Flory consults for a legal firm on litigation related to insulin analog pricing issues, not for or pertaining to a specific company.

Diabet Med. Published online June 16, 2021. Abstract

Miriam E. Tucker is a freelance journalist based in the Washington DC area. She is a regular contributor to Medscape, with other work appearing in the Washington Post, NPR's Shots blog, and Diabetes Forecast magazine. She is on Twitter: @MiriamETucker.

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

See the original post:
Half Abandon Metformin Within a Year of Diabetes Diagnosis - Medscape

Okra, otherwise known as ladyfinger, is a green flowering plant and belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton.

Apart from its amazing taste, it is filled with nutrients and minerals that are essential for the body. It has a reputation as a superfood as it is a blessing for those with diabetes or cancer. It has potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It is also low in calories and has a high fibre content.

Here is what makes okra beneficial for diabetics.

It was found that okra is very beneficial for the early stages of diabetes. The research found that people who consumed okra water reported decreasing blood sugar levels and roasted Okra seeds have been used for years as a medicine in Turkey to treat diabetes.

See more here:
Diabetes prevention: How is okra beneficial for Diabetes? Can it help lower blood sugar? - Times of India

People with type 2 diabetes may experience hypoglycemia if their blood sugar levels drop too low. They can treat this by consuming the right amount of suitable types of carbohydrates. However, severe hypoglycemia is a medical emergency.

There are numerous misconceptions about hypoglycemia and type 2 diabetes. According to a 2020 review, people have believed that hypoglycemia cannot occur in people with type 2 diabetes or that it cannot have serious consequences.

Authors of the review found that as many as 25% of people with type 2 diabetes who have taken insulin for 5 years may experience severe hypoglycemia. The researchers also noticed a similar prevalence in people with type 1 diabetes.

This article explains what hypoglycemia is and how it may affect someone with type 2 diabetes. It discusses symptoms and treatment and what to do in severe hypoglycemia. It also discusses strategies to prevent blood sugar from dropping too low.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when the level of glucose in the blood becomes insufficient. Doctors may also refer to low blood sugar as insulin reaction or insulin shock.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), blood sugar levels can rise and fall naturally. Typically, a person will not be able to notice this if blood sugar stays within normal ranges. However, if it drops below a certain level and a person does not seek treatment, it can be dangerous.

Learn more about hypoglycemia here.

For most people with diabetes, hypoglycemia means their glucose level has dropped to 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) or less. This is equivalent to a blood sugar concentration of 3.9 millimoles per liter.

Hypoglycemia is most common in people who use insulin, such as those with type 1 diabetes.

However, people with type 2 diabetes are also increasingly using insulin, which can mean the prevalence of hypoglycemia among this group may be on the rise.

Hypoglycemia is also common in people who take medication to reduce high blood sugar. This is because, due to certain factors, people need less insulin than they thought and cause their blood sugar to drop too low.

These factors include:

Learn how low blood sugar can affect the body here.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) lists the following causes of hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes:

Some type 2 diabetes medications can increase a persons likelihood of developing hypoglycemia, such as:

A person should contact a doctor if their diabetes medication is having this effect. They should not stop taking their medication without advice from a doctor.

The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which raises blood sugar levels.

Individuals need to eat enough carbohydrates to balance their medication and avoid hypoglycemia. They should therefore seek guidance from a healthcare professional about how to reach that balance.

Additionally, the protein, fat, and fiber content in meals affects the absorption of carbohydrates and can slow down the release of blood sugar into the bloodstream.

Skipping or delaying meals can cause a persons blood glucose to drop too low.

Furthermore, hypoglycemia can occur while a person is sleeping and has not eaten for several hours.

If a person increases their physical activity beyond what they typically do, it can lower their blood glucose level for up to 24 hours after the activity.

A person can always discuss possible increases in physical activity with a doctor to find an exercise plan suitable for them.

If a person is feeling nauseous or vomiting, they may not be consuming as much food as they usually would. This can lead to lower blood glucose levels.

A person may try to have simple broths, sodas, or ice pops to keep their blood sugar stable. However, if sickness continues or if they have hypoglycemia, they should seek medical attention.

If someone with diabetes drinks alcohol when they have not eaten for a while, it can lead to hypoglycemia.

The effects of drinking alcohol may also make it more difficult to notice the symptoms of low blood sugar, and lead to severe hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. In some people, there may be no symptoms, while in others, they may appear suddenly.

Signs and symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia include:

With severe hypoglycemia, a person may:

A person experiencing any symptoms of severe hypoglycemia should seek emergency medical care.

A person can also experience symptoms of hypoglycemia in their sleep. These include:

Learn more about the signs of low blood sugar here.

If a person has symptoms of hypoglycemia, they should check their blood glucose. They can use at-home methods, such as the 15-15 rule, to improve mild hypoglycemia.

However, a person experiencing severe hypoglycemia should seek emergency medical care.

Additionally, individuals who take insulin should teach people close to them to use emergency glucagon on them in hypoglycemic emergencies.

According to the ADA, a person with hypoglycemia can have 15 grams (g) of carbohydrates to raise their blood sugar, and should recheck their levels after 15 minutes.

If blood glucose is still below 70 mg/dl, they should have another serving and repeat the process until their blood sugar is within the normal range again.

Examples of 15 g of suitable carbohydrates include:

If the persons next meal is more than 1 hour away, they should also have a snack, such as crackers or fruit, to keep their blood sugar levels within their target range.

The NIDDK notes that people who have kidney disease should avoid drinking orange juice for their 15 g of carbohydrates, as it contains a lot of potassium. Instead, they could have apple, grape, or cranberry juice.

Learn more about what to eat for hypoglycemia here.

Anyone who uses insulin should wear a medical pendant or bracelet to alert others that they may need help during emergencies such as hypoglycemia.

Additionally, people with diabetes should let their family and friends know how to administer emergency glucagon.

If a person loses consciousness, they may have severe hypoglycemia. If this is the case, another person needs to treat them straight away, as lack of glucose supply to the brain can cause a coma, seizure, or, more rarely, death.

If a person has severe hypoglycemia, they will need an injection of glucagon in their buttock, arm, or thigh to raise their blood glucose level.

People with diabetes should consult a doctor about when and how to use an emergency glucagon kit, and make sure that it has not expired by checking the date.

Sometimes, doctors also prescribe glucagon that another individual can puff into the persons nostril.

If someone with diabetes has severe hypoglycemia, another person should not hesitate to call 911, especially if they do not know how to use an emergency glucagon kit.

If a person with diabetes is having symptoms so severe that they cannot treat themselves, such as losing consciousness, others should not inject them with insulin, as this will lower their blood glucose further.

Additionally, they should not give them food or fluids, as the person may choke.

People taking diabetes medication should work with their healthcare team to develop a management plan to prevent hypoglycemia.

Additionally, the following strategies may help avoid low blood sugar:

Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels may also lower a persons risk of developing complications from hypoglycemia.

A 2020 review suggests that some people who have had hypoglycemic episodes may not inform a doctor about the event or may not remember it well enough to relay their experiences properly.

It is important that a person informs a doctor of any hypoglycemic events they have experienced. The following actions may help a person with diabetes:

Hypoglycemia unawareness refers to when a person is unaware that their blood sugar is too low. As a result, they may feel no symptoms and be more at risk of severe hypoglycemia. Additionally, it may be difficult for them to wake up from sleeping.

People with hypoglycemia unawareness need to take extra care to check their blood sugar levels, especially before carrying out tasks such as driving.

Hypoglycemia can occur in people with type 2 diabetes when their blood sugar levels fall too low. In many people, this means 70 mg/dl or less, although this can vary from person to person.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes can treat hypoglycemia by consuming 15 g of a suitable carbohydrate and checking their blood sugar levels until they normalize.

Severe hypoglycemia may cause seizures or unconsciousness. Therefore, people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin should ensure they have an emergency glucagon kit and that people closest to them know how to use it.

A person should not hesitate to call 911 if they are unsure what to do when they are with someone who has severe hypoglycemia.

Read more:
Hypoglycemia and type 2 diabetes: Link, signs, what to do - Medical News Today

Based on the review, eating millets may actually reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On top of that, researchers found it helped manage blood glucose levels for people with diabetes.

Millets have a relatively low average glycemic index (GI), especially when compared to other grains. (A food's GI basically gives a number to how much and how quickly a food will spike blood sugar.) With a GI of 52.7 on average, that's significantly lower than rice, corn, and refined wheat. According to the research, those levels remained low to medium, regardless of how the grain was cooked.

Plus, the researchers found diabetic people who atemillet on a daily basissaw a decrease in blood glucose levels, with some even getting into the prediabetes range. They observed similar benefits in people with prediabetes.

As lead author of the study Seetha Anitha, Ph.D., states in a news release, "This systematic review of the studies published in scientific journals has proven that millets can keep blood glucose levels in check and reduce the risk of diabetes. It has also shown just how well these smart foods do it."

Read more here:
Have You Tried Millet? Research Finds Promising Blood Sugar Benefits - mindbodygreen.com

By IrregStaff | on August 04, 2021

Examples of topics covered in the workshop include:

* Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes such as fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia, stress, depression, anger, fear and frustration

* Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance

* Healthy eating

* Appropriate use of medication

* Guidance on working with healthcare providers

Living Well with Diabetes is offered via Zoom and is open to adults of any age in Maine dealing with diabetes and its symptoms. Caregivers and/or supports of those living with diabetes are also encouraged to register. Additionally, people who would like to join the workshop but do not have access to the necessary technology may be eligible to borrow a device through Healthy Living for Maines iPad loaning program in order to participate in the workshop.

Living Well with Diabetes is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, and will meet each Tuesday for six weeks. Later in the fall, Healthy Living for Maine will also be offering Living Well with Diabetes for additional six-week sessions, with one beginning Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, and another beginning Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. Registration for each of these series is now open, including the associated phone versions (not listed).

This series is free for any adult Mainer dealing with diabetes, but advance registration is required. Contact Healthy Living for ME at 1-800-620-6036 orinfo@healthylivingforme.orgfor more information and to register. You can also register via websitewww.healthylivingforme.org.

To learn more about this, and other workshops offered by Healthy Living for ME, visitwww.healthylivingforme.org.

View post:
Mainers with diabetes encouraged to participate in free 'Living Well with Diabetes' workshop - The Original Irregular

Dear Abbey: Disturbed in Texas (June 5th) was plagued by the frequent buzzing of a diabetic colleague. Disturbed may not fully understand this situation. A buzzer is a continuous blood glucose monitor (CGM) that alerts insulin-dependent diabetics of out-of-range blood glucose levels. Prompt action may be required to correct these blood sugar levels, and it is important for diabetics to receive these warnings.

Yes, if possible, CGM should be vibrated in public so that it does not get in the way of others. But in some situations it is not impossible or wise. Neuropathy can be desensitizing, and active environments can make vibrations undetectable. I also wonder about the frequency of these beeps. In my experience, the alarm sounds an average of 2-5 times in 24 hours. This is just a few short beeps that can be canceled when the diabetics realize that they need to be treated for glucose.

In my opinion, this is less annoying than the interruption of many offices-water cooler gossip, a phone ringing in the cubicle next door, a neighbor with a lively cold, etc. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is a relentless illness. There is no break. (I know this directly. I care for a child with type 1 diabetes who is not old enough to respond appropriately to the alarm.)

Diabetes should not be used as an excuse to annoy others, but on the other hand, people with diabetes and other chronic illnesses also need to understand a little. Life can be very difficult. The best way to gain understanding can be to educate. I would like to do this with this submission. Thank you, Abbey. -Sensitive in South Dakota

Dear Sensitive: No, readers, thank you for taking the time to explain this to me and my readers. I now have a better understanding of how complex the process of managing diabetes can be. And I agree that it can be important to cut a little slack for others.

Dear Abbey: We have a garage sale every year. I have good friends who are not only unhelpful but also hoping to put her stuff up for sale. Then Im responsible for tracking her items and finally paying her. Sometimes she put up high-priced items like boats, and I have to call her whenever there is a lower offer. How can I tell her to do her garage sale without causing hurt feelings? -Unloading in Michigan

Dear Unload: Your friends are very nervous. Tell her she should have her own unless she is willing to help you in the garage sale and track her own items. Alternatively, I suggest taking a percentage of the money her item brings-its important to compensate for your work. Dont worry about hurt her feelings. She has a thick skin.

Dear Abbey, was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.Contact Dear Abbey http://www.DearAbby.com Or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA90069.

Deliver local news to your inbox!

Dear Abbey: Diabetes Monitor is More Than The Hassle Of The Office | Dear Abbey

Source link Dear Abbey: Diabetes Monitor is More Than The Hassle Of The Office | Dear Abbey

More:
Dear Abbey: Diabetes Monitor is More Than The Hassle Of The Office | Dear Abbey - Illinoisnewstoday.com