PATHOLOGY

According to the CDC, the US spends nearly $1 billion annually on diabetes research. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) are two prominent associations involved in the fight against this serious disease. Current research covers a wide range of topics. For the discussion this week, choose one of the following items. Find more information on the internet, present the information as a discussion post and include working, credible links for your sources

Using eAG (estimated average glucose) to translate A1C into a meaningful number

Moderate instead of low carb intake

Research into reprogramming skin cells into insulin-producing cells (Univ NC, Chapel Hill)

ACCORD, ADVANCE, and VADT studies looking at tight glucose control to prolong life in Type 2 diabetics

Link between diabetes and hearing loss discovered by National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders in a 2008 study, reinforces need for good control of blood sugar levels

Are combination pills more effective for Type 2 diabetes than taking multiple individual medications (Combination pills are considered a second-line therapy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and so not recommended for newly diagnosed patients)

Limiting sodium intake (For diabetics, controlling blood pressure is important in preventing, delaying, and minimizing microvascular damage that affects eyes, nerves, and more. Federal guidelines for daily sodium intake are under scrutiny.)

Gestational diabetes: Women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes (also called GDM) during pregnancy have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes during their lifetimes. Their children also have an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes

Starting medication early for Type 2 diabetics- The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes recommend starting medication (metformin) early to slow the progression of the disease

Improvements for islet cell transplant- prolong functioning of cells and reduce side effects of antirejection drugs. https://www.citisletstudy.org/index.html

Weight loss in Type 2 diabetes- losing a small amount of weight (10-20 pounds) early after diagnosis and keeping it off can improve blood glucose control and delay heart disease

Mediterranean diet- The Harvard University-based Nurses’ Health Study showed increased levels of the hormone adiponectin, which increases insulin sensitivity

Continuous glucose monitoring for all diabetics (currently used primarily for Type 1 diabetics) – sensor under the skin that gives a glucose number every few minutes, adding up to hundreds of readings a day.