Expert Blog
- Dr. Leahy and Dr. Hirsch provide a great introduction to the very latest info on MODY! Dr. Leahy’s frank discussion of practical diagnostic considerations in patients with hyperglycemia who do not easily fit into the classification of type 1 or type 2 diabetes provides a refreshing look at how we practice today and a peek at how we may practice in the future. Dr.
Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: What is Similar and What is Different
Posted November 9, 2011 by Robert H. Eckel, MDMedical experts from around the world gathered recently for the 47th European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Lisbon, Portugal to review the latest research findings and trends in diabetes and metabolic disease.Diabetes Agents and Carcinogenesis
Posted October 5, 2011 by Irl B. Hirsch, MDIt is difficult to forget the dramatic controversy that occurred in the summer of 2009 when four observational studies[1] were published in the journal Diabetologia three of which suggested an association between insulin glargine and certain forms of cancer. [2] While this particular relationship is still not completely resolved, the bulk of evidence thus far does not support this initial concern.Tailoring Clinical Practice Guidelines for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Posted September 21, 2011 by Sonal Singh, MD, MPHSeveral guidelines emphasize the need to use existing therapeutic options to help patients and providers achieve various treatment goals, including target glycated hemoglobin levels to improve microvascular outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes. 1 Blood pressure medications and lipid lowering therapy and prophylactic aspirin therapy are recommended to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination strategies are recommended to reduce the risk of subsequent infections.Statin Medications and New Onset Diabetes
Posted September 9, 2011 by Doron Schneider, MD, FACPPrimum Non Nocere–First do no harm. These words from Hippocrates are as true today as when they were first uttered many years ago. This saying provides appropriate backdrop as we consider an area of recent increased interest: statin medications and the incidence of new onset diabetes.
Can We 'Close the Loop' With an Artificial Pancreas?
Posted August 24, 2011 by Aaron Kowalski, PhDFor many years now, the concept of an artificial pancreas – a machine that could replace the functions of the pancreas lost due to diabetes – has been appealing and sought after. Conceptually, it is so simple, and I often get asked: “If we could land a man on the moon 40 years ago or if we land jumbo jets with autopilots, why can’t we simply have a computer help dose insulin?” The answer is both simple and complex.Aspirin: Interpreting Changes in Recommendations
Posted August 3, 2011 by Kevin A. Peterson, MD, MPHIt was only 2007 that the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommended together that almost everyone with diabetes over 40 years old should take aspirin. Clinical performance groups picked up the recommendation, and we soon began to see the emergence of “pay for performance programs” that added aspirin to their measure of optimal diabetes care and reimbursed providers accordingly.
Can Current Drug Therapy Prevent Beta Cell Failure and Bring Treatment Durability in T2DM?
Posted July 20, 2011 by John L. Leahy, MDA hot topic in the type 2 diabetes world is whether we have in hand the tools to stop the decline in beta cell function that typifies this disease and, consequently, a therapy or therapies that successfully control blood glucose for many years – so-called treatment durability. Actually this is three topics. What are the specific mechanisms for the beta cell failure? Do any of our existing therapies, or those on the drawing board, reverse these mechanisms to slow or stop the beta cell failure?
Translating Diabetes Science Into Clinical Practice
Posted July 6, 2011 by Jennifer Larsen, MDThe science of diabetes care continues to evolve every year. Ultimately, however, that science will have no impact on health until it is translated into practice. The vast majority of diabetes care occurs in the primary care setting, particularly for the prevention and care of type 2 diabetes. Translation of diabetes care concepts and science begins in professional schools, but must continue beyond graduation into residency programs and continuing education of practicing providers.
New Findings About Hypoglycemia: Should We Change Patient Management?
Posted June 14, 2011 by Doron Schneider, MD, FACPIn considering the subject matter for my next blog, my mind wandered a bit and settled on a patient with type 2 diabetes I had seen last week. While riding her bicycle, she had suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented and side swiped a parked car. She was lucky–as a result of the fall she had some serious abrasions and a few stitches, but no broken bones. Her husband, who was riding beside, immediately noted her confusion, realized she was hypoglycemic, and gave her juice and crackers he had in his knapsack.