MedNews — Diabetes
Gene Linked to Severe Diabetic Retinopathy and Renal Disease
Researchers have identified a gene called erythropoietin (EPO) that is linked to higher risk of severe retinopathy and nephropathy, eye and kidney diseases that often affect diabetic patients.
Diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the most common cause of legal blindness in working-aged adults in the United States, accounting for 10% of new cases of blindness. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney disease, called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), in the U.S. and the Western world. More »
Higher Fracture Risk for Diabetes Drugs Such as Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone, Says Study
Insulin-sensitizing thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, appear to be associated with an increased risk of fractures, according to a recent report. These two drugs account for about 21% of oral diabetes medications prescribed in the United States, and 5% of those prescribed in Europe. More »
Insulin Research May Lead to Longer, Healthier Life
Insulin can affect aging and lifespan, a previously unknown outcome which could provide a means of gene manipulation capable of lengthening lives and making people healthier. More »
Not Enough Doctors to Treat Increasing Number of Obese and Diabetic Children
The number of diabetic and obese children is growing so rapidly that there aren't enough doctors to treat the kids. According to a recent study by University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Hospital, there is only one board-certified pediatric endocrinologist per 290 children with diabetes. The ratio of obese children to board-certified endocrinologists is 17,000 to 1. The rate if childhood obesity in the United States meanwhile has more than doubled in the past 20 years, with a corresponding increase in the number of children at risk for type 1and type 2 diabetes. More »
Burnham Institute for Medical Research Appoints Daniel P. Kelly, M.D. as Scientific Director for Florida Campus
Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham) today announced that Daniel P. Kelly, M.D. will assume the position of Scientific Director of Burnham at Lake Nona in Orlando, Florida.
Diabetes On Increase Among Older Americans
The number of Americans aged 65 and older diagnosed with diabetes increased by 23% between 1994-1995 and, and 2003-2004. More »
Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide (GIP) Can Reverse Diabetes and Promote Weight Loss
A new study was designed to find whether prolonged receptor antagonism using daily injections of GIP was capable of reversing diet-induced obesity and related metabolic abnormalities in an animal model.
The 8-week old mice selected for the study were given access to drinking water and a high fat diet—20% protein and 35% protein, percent of total energy 26.15kg/g. Control mice were fed a standard rodent maintenance diet—10% fat, 30% protein, 60% carbohydrate, percent of total energy of 12.99. More »
Boxed Warning Additions to GlaxoSmithKline's Anti-Diabetes Drug Avandia
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that GalaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of Avandia (rosiglitazone), has agreed to add new information to the existing boxed warning in the drug's labeling about potential increased risk for heart attacks. Avandia is used to treat type 2 diabetes. More »
Fat Cells Help Pancreas Secrete Insulin
Research carried out at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that the body's fat cells help the pancreas secrete insulin, a finding which could lead to new methods in improving glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetics or insulin-resistant people. More »
Charcot Foot Condition on the Increase Among Diabetics
With the number of diabetes cases growing nationwide, more diabetes patients are developing a somewhat rare, but dangerous foot complication called Charcot foot, according to a number of physicians with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Charcot foot is a sudden softening of the foot's bones caused by severe neuropathy, or nerve damage, a common diabetic foot complication. It can cause joint loss, fractures, collapse of the arch, massive deformity, ulcers, amputation and even death. It cannot be reversed, but early detection can arrest its effects. More »
