Diabetes News November 12th 2010

Consensus statement calls for more beta cell research in type 2 diabetes
Because of evidence that beta-cell failure occurs earlier and more severely in patients with type 2 diabetes, a new consensus statement suggests that greater emphasis be placed on regular glycemic screening. It is also recommended that greater emphasis be placed on early identification of patients at metabolic risk and on prompt and aggressive intervention (Endocrine Society)

Adipokine Pattern in Subjects with Impaired Fasting Glucose and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in Comparison to Normal Glucose Tolerance and Diabetes
Alterations in adipokine serum concentrations are already detectable in prediabetic states, mainly for chemerin, and may reflect adipose tissue dysfunction as an early pathogenetic event in T2D development. In addition, distinct adipokine serum patterns in individuals with IFG and IGT suggest a specific role of adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of these prediabetic states (PLoS)

A Novel Device for Islet Transplantation Providing Immune Protection and Oxygen Supply
We have demonstrated successful utilization of the oxygen-refueling macrochamber for sustained islet viability and function as well as immunoprotection after allogeneic subcutaneous transplantation in healthy minipigs (Hormone and Metabolic Research)

Characteristics of coronary artery disease in symptomatic type 2 diabetic patients: evaluation with CT angiography
Coronary CTA depicted a high plaque burden in patients with type 2 DM (Cardiovascular Diabetology)

Dietary Intervention in Infancy and Later Signs of Beta-Cell Autoimmunity
Dietary intervention during infancy appears to have a long-lasting effect on markers of beta-cell autoimmunity – markers that may reflect an autoimmune process leading to type 1 diabetes (New England Journal of Medicine)

Pre-existing type I and type II diabetes in pregnancy
The background physiology, the effect of pregnancy on diabetes, the potential fetal and maternal complications, and how these can be minimized by intensive management from pre-conception to the post-natal period, including the contribution of recent studies and guidelines (Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine)

Prediction of incident diabetes mellitus by baseline insulin-like growth factor-I levels
Subjects with low or high IGF-I levels are at increased risk of developing diabetes (European Journal of Endocrinology)

Management of Hyperglycemia in the Non-Intensive Care Patient: Featuring Subcutaneous Insulin Protocols Hyperglycemia in Non-ICU
Glycemic control in non-ICU setting is a relevant clinical situation that should be addressed and managed effectively and prudently. We present a practical guide for management of hyperglycemia individualized to various clinical scenarios encountered in the general wards (Endocrine Practice)

Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Gliclazide and Metformin Combination
The addition of gliclazide to metformin is an effective treatment for patients inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea or metformin alone (American Journal of Therapeutics)

KOMBIGLYZE™ XR (Saxagliptin and Metformin HCl Extended-Release) Tablets Approved in the U.S.
KOMBIGLYZE XR is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus when treatment with both saxagliptin and metformin is appropriate (BioSpace)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Launches $100 Million Initiative Targeting America’s Type 2 Diabetes Crisis
The largest corporate philanthropic commitment to fighting type 2 diabetes in the United States, Together on Diabetes® will draw upon the Foundation’s deep experience supporting community-based, non-medical support services that complement medical care and improve health outcomes (Business Wire)

Diamyd completes screening for US Phase III study
More than 310 recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients between 10 and 20 years of age have already been enrolled in the study and have received their first injection of the antigen-based therapy Diamyd® or placebo (Diamyd)

Diabetes Mellitus and Increased Risk of Cancer: Focus on Metformin and the Insulin Analogs
These data regarding cancer risk and antidiabetic drugs are contradictory and at this time are inconclusive. Until results of long-term randomized prospective studies are available to elucidate a correlation with cancer and insulin, we must continue treating diabetes in order to avert the long-term complications of the disease (Pharmacotherapy)