Experimental phone app works with insulin pumps to control diabetes
BY LINDA CARROLL: An artificial pancreas system that uses a smart phone app coupled with a glucose sensor and an insulin pump has shown promise in a preliminary trial in people with type 1 diabetes, researchers report.
Currently, patients with type 1 diabetes must check their blood sugar levels throughout the day. Many use insulin pumps that deliver a set amount of the hormone to the body through a catheter 24 hours a day. But meal consumption, exercise and other factors can boost blood sugar levels or cause them to drop, and then the patient needs to adjust the amount of insulin being pumped into the body. (read more)
Rising glucose levels in midlife may put individuals at risk for diabetes, CVD
BY ROXANNE NELSON, BSN, RN: Increased glucose levels in middle-aged adults that include the development of diabetes are associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with maintained or increased glucose levels below the diabetes threshold, report the results of a study published in Diabetes Care.
CVD is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity for persons with diabetes. Approximately one-third of adults in the United States have prediabetes (also associated with higher relative CVD risks), and therefore it is important from a public health standpoint to understand the absolute risk for CVD in this population. (read more)
Personality traits may alter risk of diabetes
BY RICK NAUERT, PhD: New research suggests positive personality traits may help to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women. Risk factors for diabetes have traditionally included family history, race/ethnicity, obesity and physical inactivity.
Emerging evidence supports the fact that depression and cynicism also are associated with an increased risk of diabetes. In addition, high levels of hostility have been associated with high fasting glucose levels, insulin resistance, and prevalent diabetes. (read more)
This vaccine may help prevent type 1 diabetes
BY ERIN MIGDOL: A vaccine for rotavirus, a severe stomach virus, may have an unintended benefit. Australian researchers recently discovered the vaccine may also help prevent type 1 diabetes.
Starting in 2007, babies in Australia began receiving the rotavirus vaccine at 2 months and 4 months old. It is believed by age 5 nearly all kids have been infected with rotavirus. Previous research has suggested that rotavirus may trigger the onset of type 1 diabetes in children who are already genetically susceptible by causing an immune response against the pancreas which produces insulin. (read more)
Soluble fiber may improve diabetes control
BY LISA RAPAPORT: People with diabetes who take soluble fiber supplements have slightly lower blood sugar than diabetics who don’t add this type of fiber to their diets, a research review finds.
Researchers focused on supplements containing viscous fiber, a type of soluble fiber that forms a thick gel when mixed with water. Foods like legumes, asparagus, oats, and flax contain viscous fiber; supplements with this type of fiber include guar gum, psyllium and pectin. (read more)
