Diabetes News September 30th 2011

Diabetes UK Tracker app
Designed to be quick and simple to use, taking the chore out of logging your daily levels to help you effectively manage your diabetes (App Store)

Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction (STAR 3) Study
Results from the 6-month continuation phase – Switching from optimized MDI to SAP therapy allowed for rapid and safe A1C reductions. Glycemic benefits of SAP therapy persist for at least 18 months (Diabetes Care)

Low Glycated Hemoglobin and Liver Disease in the U.S. Population
Low HbA1c values were associated with liver enzymes and steatosis in the U.S. population. Liver disease may partially explain the association of HbA1c with mortality and other long-term outcomes (Diabetes Care)

Neurovascular Interaction and the Pathophysiology of Diabetic Retinopathy
We identify a key mechanism involved in the development of the disease, namely, the interaction between neuronal and vascular activities. Numerous pathological conditions in the CNS have been linked to abnormalities in the relationship between these systems. We suggest that a similar situation arises in the diabetic retina, and we propose a logical strategy aimed at therapeutic intervention (Experimental Diabetes Research)

Evaluation of Nonfasting Tests to Screen for Childhood and Adolescent Dysglycemia
Random glucose or 1-h GCT may potentially be incorporated into clinical practice as initial screening tests for prediabetes or diabetes and for determining which children should undergo further definitive testing (Diabetes Care)

Twelve-month outcomes of an Internet-based diabetes self-management support program
The Internet intervention meets the reach and feasibility criteria for a potentially broad public health impact. However, 12-month magnitude of effects was small, suggesting that different or more intensive approaches are necessary to support long-term outcomes (Patient Education and Counseling)

Salsalate improves glycemic control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
The results show that salsalate is effective in improving glycemic control in newly diagnosed naïve patients with T2DM (Acta Diabetologica)

Increased prevalence of albuminuria among non-European peoples with type 2 diabetes
Non-European ethnicities appear to carry significantly higher risks of albuminuria in type 2 diabetes (Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

The Effect of Metformin Therapy on Vitamin D and B12 Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
This study confirms the higher prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin treated type 2 diabetic patients. This study also suggests that vitamin D deficiency is not a clinical concern among metformin treated type 2 diabetics, and metformin does not negatively impact treatment of vitamin D deficiency in these patients (Endocrine Practice)