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FDA Warns Diabetics Against Use of Secondhand Test Strips

Posted 3 days ago by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 – Millions of Americans with diabetes use glucose meters and test strips to monitor their blood sugar, but affording those supplies can be a challenge. And that leads some people to use secondhand test strips to save money. It's legal for people to sell unused secondhand test strips. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises against buying or selling pre-owned test strips because they may give incorrect results and may not be safe to use with a glucose meter. "Test strips should be properly stored to give accurate results," according to the FDA. "If you buy pre-owned strips, it is hard to know whether the strips were stored properly. Test strips also could be expired. A lack of proper storage or using expired strips could put you at risk for getting incorrect results from your glucose meter. And incorrect results can put you at risk for serious health ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Insulin, Lantus, Diabetes, Type 1, Novolog, Humalog, Insulin Resistance, Lantus Solostar, Levemir, Pre-Diabetes, Novolin R, Novolin N, Diabetes Mellitus, Humulin N, Lantus Solostar Pen, Humulin R, NovoLog FlexPen, Humalog KwikPen, Toujeo, Apidra

Are You at Risk for Metabolic Syndrome?

Posted 8 days ago by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, June 15, 2017 – Scientists have identified a group of specific factors that increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, all of which are severe health threats. The name for these risk factors is metabolic syndrome. Think of them as a wake-up call for getting healthier. The first risk factor is a large waistline, or excess fat in the belly area, according to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This is the only visible sign. The second risk factor is high triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood. The third is a low level of HDL – or high-density lipoprotein – cholesterol, the so-called good cholesterol. The fourth risk factor is high blood pressure, and the fifth is a high level of sugar in your blood. It only takes three of these risk factors for you to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. And once you have metabolic syndrome, you're ... Read more

Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Hypertension, Heart Disease, Ischemic Stroke, High Cholesterol, Diabetes Mellitus, Ischemic Stroke - Prophylaxis, Hypertensive Emergency

Key Diabetes Test Gives Higher Blood Sugar Readings in Black Patients

Posted 10 days ago by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 – A commonly used blood test that measures average long-term blood sugar levels – called hemoglobin A1C – is known to give higher readings for black people with diabetes, and now new research may indicate why. "There has been a long debate about why African Americans have a higher hemoglobin A1C than whites [with diabetes]. Is it a biological difference or do African Americans have higher blood glucose because they don't have the same access to care or insurance?" said the study's lead author, Dr. Richard Bergenstal. "There would be rather profound implications if it was all of one or all of the other," said Bergenstal, who's the executive director of the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis. Instead, the study found that both biological and socioeconomic factors appear to play a role in the difference. "It turned out to be a little bit of each. There's ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Hypoglycemia, Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Diagnosis and Investigation, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance

For Diabetics, Nasal Powder Fixed Severe Low Blood Sugar

Posted 10 days ago by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, June 13, 2017 – For many people with diabetes, low blood sugar levels are a serious health risk, but researchers report that a new nasal powder quickly reverses the effects of this dangerous condition. Better yet, it can be administered even when someone is unconscious, the researchers added. The nasal powder contains the hormone glucagon. This hormone tells the body to release stored sugar, which will generally reverse a low blood sugar episode. Glucagon is currently only available in an injectable form that has to be mixed before it is injected. "Family members can be terrified to use the injectable form. But 95 percent of caregivers found nasal glucagon very easy to use," said study leader Dr. Elizabeth Seaquist. She's directs the University of Minnesota's division of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism. Seaquist is also a consultant for Eli Lilly and Co., which plans to ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Diabetes, Type 1, Hypoglycemia, Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Glucagon, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, GlucaGen, Diabetic Coma, Diabetic Coma (in DM Type I), Diabetic Coma (in DM Type II)

Can Folks With Type 2 Diabetes Forgo the Finger Stick?

Posted 12 days ago by Drugs.com

SATURDAY, June 10, 2017 – People with type 2 diabetes who aren't taking insulin don't necessarily need to check their blood sugar levels, a new study contends. Many of these patients use "finger prick" blood sugar monitors, but "testing blood sugar didn't have any impact on their blood sugar," said study author Dr. Laura Young, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina. "The best way to control blood sugar is to take your medication the way your doctor asks you to and to take good care of yourself," she said. "The key is really taking your medications." Monitoring might be helpful when starting a new medication or changing doses, Young said. "But if someone is on insulin, they absolutely need to be tested regularly," she said. Insulin predisposes people to have blood sugar that's too low, a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause dizziness and ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Metformin, Insulin, Glucophage, Glipizide, Insulin Resistance, Janumet, Glyburide, Invokana, Glimepiride, Amaryl, Diabetes Mellitus, Glucophage XR, GlipiZIDE XL, Farxiga, Glucotrol, Jardiance, ActoPlus Met, Glucotrol XL, Glumetza

Study Confirms Link Between SGLT2 inhibitors and Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Posted 16 days ago by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, June 7, 2017 – A new class of type 2 diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors could increase the risk of a rare, life-threatening complication of the disease called ketoacidosis, a new study warns. SGLT2 inhibitors include prescription medications such as canagliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin. Brand names are Invokana, Invokamet, Farxiga, Xigduo XR, Jardiance and Glyxambi. These drugs first became available in 2013, but in 2015 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about an increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis when SGLT2 inhibitors are used. The condition typically occurs in people with type 1 diabetes. And while it is uncommon in people with type 2 diabetes, case reports have shown it can occur with type 2 disease, according to the study authors. Ketoacidosis can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and swelling in the brain. Left ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Diabetes, Type 1, Insulin Resistance, Invokana, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Farxiga, Jardiance, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), Glyxambi, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, Canagliflozin, Xigduo XR, Invokamet, Dapagliflozin, Synjardy, Qtern, Empagliflozin/metformin, Canagliflozin/metformin, Invokamet XR

Health Tip: What's My Target Blood Glucose?

Posted 17 days ago by Drugs.com

-- Monitoring your blood glucose helps keep diabetes in check and complications at bay. But what's your target range? The American Diabetes Association mentions these factors that affect your target: How long you have had diabetes. Your age and life expectancy. Any other chronic health conditions, including cardivascular disease. Being unaware of when you have low blood glucose. Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Diabetes, Type 1, Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance

Is White Bread OK for Some People?

Posted 17 days ago by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, June 6, 2017 – For years, you probably have been told that wheat bread is far better for you than its white counterpart, but a small, new study suggests that maxim may not hold true for everyone. Researchers looked at how quickly blood sugar levels rose after eating (a process called the glycemic response) either white bread or sourdough-leavened wheat bread. The researchers found that the response seemed to vary by person, and that some people didn't have a bad glycemic response to white bread. "Our study suggests that, in terms of glycemic responses, different people respond differently to even the same meal," explained study author Eran Segal, from the Weitzman Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. "In the context of white bread, this means that some people respond badly to white bread and should probably avoid it, while others have a healthy response to it, given what ... Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Cancer, Heart Disease, Weight Loss

The Whole Truth About Whole Fruits

Posted 31 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 31, 2017 – Fresh fruits are loaded with fiber, antioxidants and other great nutrients. And studies show that eating fruit whole gives you the most of this food group's potential benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. While drinking smoothies can be convenient and healthy if they're not loaded with added sugar, you lose some of the fruits' fiber during the blending. It's also easy to drink a lot more calories than you'd get in one or even two pieces of whole fruit. Research published in the British journal BMJ suggests that eating certain whole fruits in particular may significantly lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Since type 2 diabetes is epidemic in the United States, finding ways to prevent it is critical to continued good health. For the study, researchers looked at decades of diet and health records for thousands of ... Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Weight Loss

Sleepless Nights Could Pose Heart Risk Dangers

Posted 24 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 24, 2017 – Getting less than six hours of sleep a night may double the odds of dying from heart disease or stroke for people who already have risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, new research suggests. Known as metabolic syndrome, this cluster of risk factors can include high blood pressure, high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, high levels of blood fats known as triglycerides and low levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Someone with at least three of these conditions has metabolic syndrome. "It is possible that improving sleep in people with metabolic syndrome may lead to a better prognosis, which means not worsening into cardiovascular disease or stroke that could ultimately lead to early death," said study lead researcher Julio Fernandez-Mendoza. He is a sleep psychologist at the Sleep Research and Treatment Center at Penn State's ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Sleep Disorders, Fatigue, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Sleep Apnea, Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Ischemic Heart Disease

Sleep Apnea May Boost Odds of Irregular Heartbeat

Posted 23 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 – People with sleep apnea may be more likely to develop the abnormal heart rhythm atrial fibrillation, especially if the oxygen level in their blood drops below normal, Canadian researchers report. Sleep apnea, which obstructs breathing, causes people to wake many times during the night to start breathing again. It's possible, researchers said, that disrupted sleep along with a drop in the level of oxygen in the blood might lead to atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation causes a rapid and irregular heartbeat. This can lead to stroke and heart problems. "Patients who are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea should undergo testing, particularly if they have other cardiac risk factors," said study senior researcher Dr. Richard Leung, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto. "Therapy should be strongly considered for patients who have ... Read more

Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Hypertension, Atrial Fibrillation, Smoking, Smoking Cessation, Insulin Resistance, Sleep Apnea, Prevention of Thromboembolism in Atrial Fibrillation, Pre-Diabetes, Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, Hypertensive Heart Disease

3 Key Lifestyle Factors Can Lower Breast Cancer Odds

Posted 23 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 – Things that keep you healthy overall, also appear to help lower a woman's risk of breast cancer, a new review says. The review found that exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol could all reduce breast cancer odds. The report, from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund, is based on a review of over 100 studies. On balance, researchers found, regular exercise was tied to small reductions in the risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, the risk was elevated among women who drank regularly – even at a "moderate" one-drink-a-day level. Meanwhile, women who were overweight throughout adulthood faced a heightened risk of breast cancer after menopause. The bottom line is that women can take steps to cut their odds of developing the disease, according to Dr. Anne McTiernan, one of the report ... Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Cancer, Heart Disease, Weight Loss, Breast Cancer, Alcohol Dependence, Alcoholism, Pre-Diabetes, Hangover, Diabetes Mellitus, Breast Cancer, Prevention, Ischemic Heart Disease, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Obamacare a Win-Win for Poorer Adults: Study

Posted 18 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 – Low-income Americans have gained access to medical care and improved their health under the Affordable Care Act's coverage expansions, a new study says. "With Congress debating major changes to the Affordable Care Act, especially for people on Medicaid and with pre-existing conditions, it's critical for policymakers to understand what's at risk. Our study shows that the ACA continues to improve medical care and health among low-income patients and those with chronic illnesses," said study author Benjamin Sommers. He's an associate professor of health policy and economics at Harvard University's School of Public Health. The researchers found that people who obtained health coverage under Medicaid or through the federal insurance marketplace had reduced out-of-pocket spending, better access to primary care and preventive services, and improved self-reported ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Asthma, Asthma - Acute, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Intravenous Insulin Drip

Diabetes Drug Gets FDA Warning Due to Amputation Risk

Posted 17 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 – The type 2 diabetes prescription drug canagliflozin (brand names Invokana, Invokamet, Invokamet XR) appears to increase the risk of leg and foot amputations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now says. The FDA is requiring the medications to carry new warnings about the risk. The required warnings on the drug's labeling include the most serious and prominent boxed warning. The agency's decision is based on data from two large clinical trials showing that leg and foot amputations occurred about twice as often in patients taking canagliflozin as among those taking a placebo. Amputations of the toe and middle of the foot were the most common, but leg amputations below and above the knee also occurred. Some patients had more than one amputation, some had amputations involving both limbs, according to the FDA. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes ... Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Diabetic Neuropathy, Insulin Resistance, Diabetic Nerve Damage, Invokana, Diabetes Mellitus, Canagliflozin, Invokamet, Canagliflozin/metformin, Invokamet XR

'Healthy Obese' May Be a Myth

Posted 17 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 17, 2017 – The so-called "healthy obese" don't get off scot-free. They still have a higher risk of heart disease than normal-weight people, a new British study finds. Folks dubbed healthy obese don't have metabolic problems typically associated with obesity – such as high cholesterol, poor blood sugar control, diabetes or high blood pressure. But, it's been unclear if they are at increased risk for problems such as heart failure or stroke. In this study, researchers analyzed 1995-2015 electronic health records of 3.5 million people aged 18 and older in the United Kingdom who were initially free of heart disease. Compared to normal-weight people with no metabolic problems, healthy obese people had a 50 percent higher risk of heart disease, a 7 percent higher risk of stroke, twice the risk of heart failure, and a greater risk of peripheral artery disease (or PAD, which is ... Read more

Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Hypertension, Weight Loss, Ischemic Stroke, Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Ischemic Stroke - Prophylaxis, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, Hypertensive Heart Disease

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis (in DM Type II), Diabetic Coma (in DM Type II), Diabetes Mellitus

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