News About Diabetes - Recent Threads

JDRF Comments on Economic Impact of Diabetes

Gina — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:53:04 GMT

New York, NY, March 6, 2013—Health economists funded by the American Diabetes Association released an update today of their analysis of the costs of diabetes in the United States, noting an increase in cost of 41 percent, from $174 billion in 2007 to $245 billion in 2012. The analysis points to the rise in diabetes as a catalyst for this alarming increase. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are rising.

“As the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, JDRF knows the heavy toll that diabetes places on our nation’s economy, and on all those living with the disease,” said Cynthia Rice, JDRF vice president of government relations. “We will not rest until the burdens of T1D have been lifted, and will continue to fund over $100 million in T1D research and advocate tirelessly for federal support of research including renewal of the Special Diabetes Program. “

In 2012, JDRF released a study showing that therapies to improve glucose control could save the Medicare program $190 billion over the course of 25 years. Research to cure, treat, and prevent diabetes is not only needed for those living with T1D; it is also pertinent to the long-term fiscal health of our country. A detailed account of JDRF’s study, which shows the potential Medicare savings from research advances, can be found here.

Source: http://jdrf.org/press-releases/jdrf-comments-on-economic-impact-of-diabetes-2/

First Single Gene Mutation Shown to Result in Type 1 Diabetes

Gina — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:50:57 GMT

– A mutation of the gene SIRT1, involved in regulating metabolism and protecting against age-related disease, led to multiple cases of type 1 diabetes within one family. Results from the JDRF-funded study out of Switzerland were published today in Cell Metabolism.–

Contact:
Tara Wilcox-Ghanoonparvar, 212-479-7524; twilcox-ghanoonparvar@jdrf.org

New York, NY, March 5, 2013 – A JDRF-funded study out of Switzerland has shown that a single gene called SIRT1 may be involved in the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other autoimmune diseases. The study, “Identification of a SIRT1 Mutation in a Family with Type 1 Diabetes,” was published today in Cell Metabolism and represents the first demonstration of a monogenetic defect leading to the onset of T1D.

The research began when Marc Donath, M.D., endocrinologist and researcher at the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland, discovered an interesting pattern of autoimmune disease within the family of one of his patients, a 26-year-old male who had recently been diagnosed with T1D. The patient showed an uncommonly strong family history of T1D; his sister, father, and paternal cousin had also been diagnosed earlier in their lives. Additionally, another family member had developed ulcerative colitis, also an autoimmune disease.

“This pattern of inheritance was indicative of dominant genetic mutation, and we therefore decided to attempt to identify it,” Dr. Donath said.

Four years of analysis using three different genotyping and sequencing techniques pointed to a mutation on the SIRT1 gene as the common indicator of autoimmune disease within the family. The SIRT1 gene plays a role in regulating metabolism and protecting against age-related disease. To gain more understanding of how this genetic change in SIRT1 leads to T1D, Dr. Donath and his team performed additional studies with animal models of T1D. When the mutant SIRT1 gene found in the families was expressed in beta cells, those beta cells generated more mediators that were destructive to them. Furthermore, knocking out the normal SIRT1 gene in mice resulted in their becoming more susceptible to diabetes with greatly increased islet destruction. Dr. Donath speculates that the beta cell impairment and death due to the SIRT1 mutation subsequently activates the immune system toward T1D.

“The identification of a gene leading to type 1 diabetes could allow us to understand the mechanism responsible for the disease and may open up new treatment options,” Dr. Donath explained.

Patricia Kilian, Ph.D., director of the Beta Cell Regeneration Program at JDRF, concurred, and said that the development is exciting for many reasons: “While the change in the genetic makeup within this family with type 1 diabetes is rare, the discovery of the role of the SIRT1 pathway in affecting beta cells could help scientists find ways to enhance beta cell survival and function in more common forms of the disease. This study also reinforces increasing evidence that abnormal beta cell function has a role in the development of type 1 diabetes, and that blocking or reversing early stages of beta cell dysfunction may help prevent or significantly delay the disease’s onset. Drug companies are already in the process of developing SIRT1 activators, which could eventually speed our ability to translate these new research findings into meaningful therapies for patients.”

JDRF is continuing to fund research by Dr. Donath that builds off of these latest findings.

Source: http://jdrf.org/press-releases/first-single-gene-mutation-shown-to-result-in-type-1-diabetes/

bloodless glucose monitor?

daisy — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:14:58 GMT

Yesterday my dad told me that a company had called to advertise the new bloodless glucose monitor. I think it is too good to be true I do know that there is such a thing that is still waiting for the FDA to approve, but honestly I do not believe it is out there for diabetics to use. Have any of you heard of this before?

AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

Sarah — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 02:05:45 GMT

we have a stupid test tomorrow on gov't I think I might die >:(
Any suggestions??

The Pitch - JDRF Episode

Jason — Mon, 28 May 2012 04:27:25 GMT

Did anyone catch tonight's episode of The Pitch on AMC? Curious what everyone thought.

Show:

http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-pitch

Resulting Campaign here:

http://bethevoiceofone.com/

552 Million w/ Diabetes by 2030

Sally — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:35:12 GMT

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/11/14/522-million-people-could-_n_1091753.html

Not surprising... but ugh, the comments and stupidity associated with this article and the other reporting sites make my head hurt. (Yeah, I should have learned my lesson about reading articles on Huffington Post years ago.)

Smith & Nephew I.V. Prep Wipes - Recall

Kim — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:07:19 GMT

Smith & Nephew announced today that they are voluntarily recalling the I.V. Prep wipes. From this article:

Smith & Nephew has halted all shipments of IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes manufactured for Smith & Nephew by The Triad Group. All customers and patients are advised to discontinue use of IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes immediately, as their use could result in localized or systemic infection. All customers should dispose of or return IV PREP Antiseptic Wipes to Smith & Nephew.

The affected lot numbers (you can find the lot number imprinted at the bottom of the wipe package) are 9K141, 9K142, 9K143; 0F131; 0F140; 0G249; 0G255, 0G256; 0G259; 0K139, 0K140, 0K141; 0K193; 0M180; 0M216; 1A212, 1A213.

I use these, and it turns out that my new box I got a couple of weeks ago is among the recalled lot numbers. :(

Interview with Dr. Faustman

Kim — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:45:37 GMT

Diabetes Mine has an interview posted today with Dr. Denise Faustman (she's a diabetes researcher): http://www.diabetesmine.com/2011/02/dr-denise-faustman-on-her-progress-and-career.html

Blunt Lancet makes the front page of Diabetes Mine

Kim — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:22:32 GMT

Hey all!

It appears that the fictional diabetes rock band, Blunt Lancet, has made headlines over at Diabetes Mine today. And I got a mention! :)

Read it here: http://www.diabetesmine.com/2011/01/blunt-lancet-rocks-the-diabetes-community.html

And apparently, there's actual merch you can buy now - I'm stunned. (And totally ordering a shirt!)

MannKind says FDA rejects Afrezza diabetes device

Batts — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:47:17 GMT

BOSTON (Reuters) – MannKind Corp said on Wednesday that U.S. regulators have rejected Afrezza, its experimental device to treat diabetes, and will require two new clinical trials before approving the product.

MannKind's shares fell 7.3 percent to $9.11 before being halted pending the news.

Afrezza is a whistle-sized inhaler that is designed to deliver a more effective rapid-acting insulin than injectable products such as Eli Lilly & Co's Humalog and Novo Nordisk's NovoLog.

The device is the small company's most advanced product. MannKind's founder and biggest shareholder is Alfred Mann, 85, an entrepreneur who has pumped roughly $925 million of his personal fortune into the company to keep it afloat.

As of December 31, roughly 28 percent of the company's regularly traded shares -- or 21.5 million -- were held "short" by investors betting the stock would fall.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110119/hl_nm/us_mannkind_1?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

interesting article

brian in oxford — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:52:23 GMT

Yahoo's got an article from this weekend explaining that mice with diabetes were being temporarily cured by getting other male-only fluid-generating cells to convert to insulin production.

That's about as non-graphic as I can make it, but has anyone else read about these trials?

Come Again?

Pat — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:13:55 GMT

I found this to be interesting and pun worthy.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/dec/12/sperm-stem-cells-insulin-diabetes

Promising news about Diabetes treatment?

RitaW — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:17:06 GMT

I posted elsewhere on here about this company, diamedica, hoping to get some feedback from people, but got no bites. Am just into this as of late while I'm been supporting a friend with her T1 Diabetes. Another friend had pointed me to this group out of Canada and just this week fell upon another article posted on them.

Does anyone out there follow the current research being done? And has anyone heard of them before? Sounds fairly promising given their support from the Sanford Project (my friend said the top guy is from JRDF previously). Looking for opinions.....would be easier for my friend to cope with this if she had some hope. :(

http://biotuesday.ca/2010/11/30/diamedica-may-hold-holy-grail-for-diabetes/

study re: T1 risk

Sarah — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 01:55:33 GMT

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20101111/predigested-formula-may-prevent-diabetes-in-at-risk-infants?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Saw this today about possibility of type of infant formula that could reduce risk of getting T1.

Laser Glucose Testing?

Pat — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:46:13 GMT

So I am a little bored at work and came across this link...has some interesting diabetes and science-y stuff.

Technology is cool !

http://io9.com/5618793/light-may-replace-needles-for-diabetes-sufferers (New Window)

Cellnovo

mik11swim — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:29:39 GMT

Someone posted about this new pump the other day. I though i would try to spread the word about it. It is made in England and it has a touchscreen.It can also test your blood sugar. The only thing i dont like about it is that the blood sugar is measured in mmols. Which I am not used to. Below is the website,their are different videos you can watch about it.

http://www.cellnovo.com

Dr. Gott - expect a letter from me.

Kim — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:12:12 GMT

Seriously, again??

If anyone's local paper runs the Dr. Gott column (where people write in with medical questions), and reading mistruths about our disease doesn't send you into a blind fury, go ahead and read today's column. The question was "I have had type 2 diabetes for four years now. What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?"

And guess what, kids? He gets it wrong! Again! Again, another visible member of the medical community misinforms the public.

He claims that insulin-dependent type 2 is type 1, and that type 2 can lead to type 1, unless you exercise, watch your diet, etc.

I am so angry right now, that I'm pretty sure I startled my fellow co-worker in the lunch room just now at work. "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!"

I have a letter to write! And hopefully, some of you will also feel compelled to write in.

You can write to Dr. Gott in care of United Media, 200 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York, NY, 10016. I tried to find an online version of the article, but have thusfar been unsuccessful. If anyone else finds it, please post a link, would you?

-A Suddenly Sour Kim

Have you heard about this?

Lacey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:05:11 GMT

Hey all! I saw this news clip on my local Fox station. It's very exciting! Of course it's too early to be hopeful... But I am very interested to see how this plays out!

http://www.fox2now.com/news/ktvi-diabetes-cure-rats-pigs-062810,0,7849455.story

Bret Michaels

Kim — Fri, 21 May 2010 02:12:20 GMT

I just saw this on Twitter - apparently, unrelated to his brain hemorrage, he now has had a stroke, and doctors have found a hole in his heart. Poor dude.

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b182158_bret_michaels_hospitalized_stroke_hole.html

Way to Go Paulo!

Michelle — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:20:27 GMT

http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/03/cops_laud_montclair_6-year-old.html

This article is both scary and inspiring. Yeah - there are some inaccurancies (if he was going into diabetic coma - DKA - giving him sugar would not solve the problem (although that's what EMTs do first b/c it is often low sugars that they are called for).

However, I think it's a great lesson for those of us who have kids or plan to have kids in the future. Make sure you keep everyone in the loop and teach your kids what the signs of low or high sugars might be and how to call 9-1-1.

I'm very proud of this family - especially little Paulo. :)

Emulin

MaryMartha — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:18:47 GMT

I came across a post about Emulin and the research for Emulin and I have mixed feelings about it.

I am all for the research to help us find a cure, to prevent, or to just help make life a bit easier for us diabetics. The one thing that I do have a problem with is things being added to our food that we don't have control over.

I have been reading through the research for Emulin and it sounds like it is going to be added in a lot of things. Are they planning on just putting it in everything because research over the last, we will say, 5-10 years shows that it will not hurt us? What about the years in the future? What if after 20 years of consuming the added/extra Emulin supplement problems develop?

To me this is something that we should have a choice in. We shouldn't just have it added to our foods but have the choice to take it. I would take it myself but I don't want to have it just added to my food. I have a lot of food allergies citrus being one of the worst. Emulin is being taken from fruits and vegetables. How is this going to effect my food allergies?

I would love to here some feedback on this and what your opinions are on this matter. Also, the last news I saw on this was done back in May '09, so, if you have anything new please post that as well. Here is the link for the latest news I came across.

http://www2.counton2.com/cbd/news/science/article/medical_emulating_emulin_a_new_sugar/24770/

Thanks, MM

An Alternative to Insulin?

DiabetesNewsHound — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:03:46 GMT

Researchers are working on new treatment for Type 1 diabetes they say, if successful, will replace or complement insulin shots. Check it out here: Researchers Explore Potential Replacement for Insulin

OTHER TYPE 1 HEADLINES FROM DIABETES NEWS HOUND

American Idol Contestant Rushed to Hospital Due to Diabetes

New Study Shows That Artificial Pancreas Can Help Prevent Overnight Lows

Gary Feit — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:56:44 GMT

Exciting news!

A new JDRF-funded study released today shows that using a first-generation artificial pancreas can help prevent overnight low blood sugar emergencies in kids and teens with type 1. Press release with more info is pasted below, and also check out the New York Times article at: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/business/05diabetes.html.

Early Artificial Pancreas Trials Show Benefits for Kids, Teenagers with Diabetes While Sleeping Overnight

-- Research Shows Closed-Loop Systems Control Diabetes,
Reduce Dangerous Low Blood Sugar --

LONDON, Feb. 5, 2010 – In a landmark study in children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes, JDRF-funded researchers at the University of Cambridge showed that using a first-generation artificial pancreas system overnight can lower the risk of low blood sugar emergencies while sleeping, and at the same time improve diabetes control.

Results from the studies are published in the February 5, 2010 issue of The Lancet, available online at www.thelancet.com.

The trials tested the safety and effectiveness of a first-generation artificial pancreas system used overnight in a hospital setting with participants between 5 and 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes. The system combined commercially available blood glucose sensors and insulin pumps, controlled by a sophisticated computer program that determined insulin dosage based on blood glucose levels while the participants slept.

Maintaining recommended blood sugar levels overnight is a major issue for people with type 1 diabetes – and particularly for the families of children with diabetes – because of the possibility of blood glucose dropping dangerously low during sleep and going unnoticed, which can lead to seizures, coma, and in some cases be fatal.

Notably, the Cambridge study showed that the children and teenagers spent twice as much time during the night within targeted blood glucose levels when their diabetes was regulated with the artificial pancreas system than when they followed conventional “manual” therapy. And low blood sugars were minimized.

“These studies show that automated systems not only can help people manage diabetes by maintaining good control, they will also improve quality of life for the people with type 1 diabetes and their families by lowering the risk for hypoglycemia,” said Roman Hovorka, Ph.D., from the Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge, the principal investigator of the study and lead author of the paper. “These results suggest that closed-loop devices may be able to significantly lower the patient’s risk of developing complications later in life by reducing or even overcoming the burden of hypoglycemia.”

“Without a doubt, the biggest worry for parents of kids with type 1 diabetes is that their child will have a low blood sugar emergency during the night, when they’re hard to identify,” said Aaron Kowalski, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President of Metabolic Control at JDRF and Director of the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project. “This study is proof of principle that diabetes in kids can be safely managed overnight with an artificial pancreas. We need to redouble our efforts to move the artificial pancreas from a concept in the clinic to a reality in the home of kids and adults with type 1.”

The first phase of the Cambridge study compared the effectiveness of a simple artificial pancreas system used overnight with standard blood testing and insulin delivery using a pump. It showed that the time participants spent in target blood glucose levels (between 70 mg/dL and 140 mg/dL) improved from 39% to 52%. The second phase of the study evaluated the effects of a using the same artificial pancreas system overnight with the additional variable of the participants eating a particularly large meal, which can impact overnight blood glucose levels. The results were comparable to the first phase of the research. The third phase of the study evaluated the effects of moderately intense exercise, which can also impact blood sugar levels. Using the automated system in this setting showed the greatest improvement in blood sugar control, with the amount of time spent in the target range increasing from 48% to 78%.

“The pooled data from the closed loop studies showed that blood glucose levels were 61% in target, and even increased to 75% in target after midnight when closed-loop became fully effective,” said Dr. Hovorka. “Based on these results, this study is a significant step towards an artificial pancreas.”

The Cambridge studies were randomized, controlled trials involving 17 children and adolescents conducted at the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, United Kingdom over the course of 54 nights. Twelve subjects were used for the first study; 6 subjects were used for the second, and 9 for the third. Some 33 nights were on a closed-loop artificial pancreas system, while 21 nights were controlled (on standard therapy). During the closed-loop studies, continuous glucose measurements were fed into a computer program every 15 minutes, which calculated the insulin infusion rate; the insulin pump was adjusted manually by a research nurse. During control nights, the subject’s standard insulin pump settings were applied.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and kills off the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that enables people to convert food into energy. It affects 3 million American children, adolescents, and adults.

To manage their disease, people with type 1 diabetes need to measure their blood sugar multiple times throughout the day (typically by pricking a finger for a drop of blood), and pump insulin or inject themselves multiple times daily to keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range. That daily routine continues for life, because insulin administration does not cure diabetes.

Research has shown that good blood sugar control is a key factor in reducing the risk of the devastating long-term complications of the disease, such as blindness and kidney disease – but that the fear of low blood sugar emergencies often prevents many people from achieving tight control, and remains a constant concern for those who manage their diabetes well. The landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) showed that with intensive insulin therapy, excellent blood glucose control was obtained, but at the expense of a considerable increase in hypoglycemia.

About JDRF’s Artificial Pancreas Project

This study is the latest development within JDRF’s Artificial Pancreas Project, and stems from the progress made since 2006 in the JDRF-funded Artificial Pancreas Consortium, a group of university-based mathematicians, engineers, and diabetes experts that has developed the computer programs needed for an artificial pancreas, and established their scientific feasibility. These academic studies within the Artificial Pancreas Project are an excellent complement, and essential to JDRF’s work with industry participants to develop first –generation systems.

JDRF announced the first major non-exclusive industry initiatives of the Artificial Pancreas Project last month, when it entered into a non-exclusive partnership with Animas, a Johnson & Johnson company, to develop a first-generation artificial pancreas system. JDRF also announced a non-exclusive partnership with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) aimed at developing novel insulin delivery products - a key component of developing safe and effective artificial pancreas systems.

The eventual, ultimate goal of the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project is speeding the development of automated diabetes management systems. The goal of an artificial pancreas has also been embraced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which along with JDRF and National Institutes of Health, brought together scientists, regulators, industry, and patients for scientific workshops n the subject in 2005 and 2008; the FDA has designated an artificial pancreas as one of its “critical path” initiatives.

An artificial pancreas would measure blood sugar through a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which continuously reads the glucose levels through a hair-thin tube inserted just below the skin, typically on the stomach. The CGM would beam those readings to an insulin pump. In an advanced system, the pump would house a sophisticated computer program that would automatically calculate the necessary amount of insulin, based on the CGM’s glucose readings, and deliver the right amount of insulin.

The development of an artificial pancreas system is an essential step towards an ultimate cure for type 1 diabetes – a “bridge to a cure.”

More information about the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project can be found online at www.jdrf.org/artificialpancreasproject. The site includes information for people with type 1 diabetes about research leading to the development of an artificial pancreas, as well as interactive tools, project timelines, chats with researchers, and access to information about clinical trials.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes in the world. It sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide.

The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, and can be fatal. Until a cure is found, people with type 1 diabetes have to test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump – each day, every day of their lives. And even with that intensive care, insulin is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications, which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type 1 diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.4 billion to diabetes research, including more than $100 million in 22 countries in FY2009.

What is the latest on Denise Faustman's testing?

Dan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:50:16 GMT

Has anyone heard any news regarding the reseach Denise Faustman is doing out of Bostan Mass? I understand human testing was to begin in January.

JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project Update

Gary Feit — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:36:10 GMT

Over the past few weeks, there's been a lot of great discussion within the Juvenation community about JDRF's Artificial Pancreas Project, as well as requests for additional information. JDRF is pleased to offer this update for those who want to learn more.

Just a week after the announcement of our first industry partnership in this project (the groundbreaking announcement to develop a first-generation artificial pancreas with Animas) JDRF announced a second partnership, this time with BD to develop microneedles and other insulin pump components to increase the effectiveness of pumps and further advance the development of artificial pancreas systems. You can read about that second partnership here.

You can also read a comprehensive article on the Animas and BD announcements in diaTribe, an online journal of research and product news for people with diabetes. The article, based on an interview with JDRF's Dr. Aaron Kowalski, is here.

Lastly, you can read about how diabetes blogger Joshua Levy views the JDRF-Animas partnership. An article from his "Current Research into a Cure for Type-1 Diabetes" blog appears here.

Please come back to JDRF's Artificial Pancreas Project site often for updates. There you can sign up to receive notes like this to let you know of new partnerships, progress and developments in this project, and in JDRF's pursuit of a cure.

Thank you for continuing the discussion and for your support!