New documentary film The Human Trial provides unprecedented, real-time access to a radical stem cell treatment can now be watched in the UK. Driven to find a cure for her own Type 1 diabetes, filmmaker Lisa Hepner and her husband, cinematographer Guy Mossman, set out to learn why this disease has not yet been cured. The couple were given unprecedented, real-time access to a clinical trial which promises to be …
Beyond Type 1 co-founder Nick Jonas appeared on the Today Show to announce that Dexcom and Beyond Type 1 have pledged $1 million to help address health equity and continue the conversation around access to life-changing CGM technology. Nick Jonas also revealed his second Super Bowl ad with Dexcom to promote the new Dexcom G7 and build awareness of the technology available to help people with diabetes to live better. …
Aston University scientists have discovered a more accurate way of checking the blood flow in the feet of patients with Type 2 diabetes. Using lasers, their findings have resulted in improved accuracy in detecting tiny changes in microcirculation – the smallest vessels within the circulatory system. Changes in flow at this level can affect whether tissue lives or dies. People with Type 2 diabetes can be at risk of foot …
More than 30,000 patients with Type 1 diabetes across the UK Midlands now have access to life-changing continuous glucose monitoring technology, thanks to cost-effective deals secured for patients and rapidly rolled out by the NHS. In the summer of 2022, the NHS announced patients with Type 1 diabetes would be eligible for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) after securing a deal to ensure they cost a similar price to flash glucose …
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Abbott’s Proclaim XR spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system for the treatment of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Diabetic neuropathy is the most common side effect of diabetes, affecting as many as half of patients with the condition. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies for DPN, only symptom management and behavioral modifications to mitigate further nerve damage. The Proclaim XR SCS system …
Patient numbers published recently by the independent OCL Vision eye clinic reveal a surging demand for private eye surgery as NHS waiting lists break new records. Since launching four years ago, OCL Vision has treated more than 11,000 private patients and saw 4,115 new patients in the past year alone. Demand is particularly high for laser eye surgery, with OCL’s surgeons carrying out 50% more laser procedures in the past …
As icy cold snaps make for challenging conditions on the roads, a high street optician is urging people to ‘get themselves seen’ after more than a quarter of customers admitted they are choosing to drive less during the winter months. The main reasons given for not getting behind the wheel is down to glare of oncoming headlights (69 per cent), closely followed by icy roads (66 per cent) and driving …
Another recent survey on eye care – this time by polling organisation YouGov – has concluded that the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis are having a worrying impact on Britain’s eye health. Over a third (38%) of adults say their sight has got worse since the pandemic started, yet 22% cannot afford an eye test because their bills have gone up and another 22% have missed or delayed eye care appointments, …
The January and February cold snaps saw temperatures drop below freezing in certain areas of the UK, but a free support service called the Priority Services Register is providing help for people with diabetes and those in vulnerable situations. The combination of cold weather and diabetes can be challenging for several reasons, including making it harder to draw blood from cold fingers for finger-prick tests. And during the cost-of-living crisis …
The Royal Mail has teamed up with Pharmacy2U, the UK’s largest online pharmacy, to offer a complete NHS prescription service that enables patients to order all their NHS prescription needs and have them delivered directly through their home letterbox Medication can be delivered for free within at least five working days to any address in the UK and users can choose to have it posted through their letterbox, sent via …
Ypsomed and Mediq are completing the sale of DiaExpert. Ypsomed and Mediq had announced the agreement on the sale of DiaExpert on 28 October 2022. After all approvals had been obtained and all conditions had been fulfilled by the contracting parties by the end of 2022, the transaction has now been legally completed. The sale strengthens Ypsomed’s focus on the development, manufacture and distribution of its own medical technology products …
Oramed Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has received a new patent for its oral diabetes treatment. The patent covers oral pharmaceutical compositions comprising insulin in combination with glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Oramed aims to change the treatment of diabetes with its ORMD-0801 oral insulin capsule. The capsule is currently under evaluation in two pivotal Phase 3 trials. The company recently inked a deal to commercialize the oral insulin treatment in …
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication for Type 2 diabetes called Brenzavvy. This belongs to a class of drugs known as SGLT-2 inhibitors, which work by helping the body remove excess glucose (sugar) through the urine. Brenzavvy was approved based on results from 23 clinical trials, which showed that the medication effectively lowered blood sugar levels and improved overall diabetes control. The most common side …
A small potential increased risk of retinopathy worsening after one year for those with Type 2 diabetes following injections of the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide does not outweigh the drug’s cardiovascular benefits, but does highlight the need for baseline ophthalmologic evaluation before initiating treatment., as well as ongoing retinal monitoring, say researchers. This conclusion was based on a meta analysis of data from seven major cardiovascular outcomes trials of GLP-1 agonists …
Dexcom has announced that it has appointed Teri Lawver to its newly created role of chief commercial officer (CCO). Lawver’s position oversees the global commercial organization at the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology developer. She holds responsibility for global sales, marketing and customer experience. Before joining San Diego–based Dexcom, Lawver spent two decades in a variety of leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson. Most recently, she served as worldwide VP, …
The self-management of diabetes can be tiring and tough on mental health but a key benefit of peer support is access to help from peers who also deal with such issues day in, day out. “Six Principles of Good Peer Support for People Living with Type 1 Diabetes”, a new NHS document produced in association with JDRF and Diabetes UK, aims to provide a solid foundation of what peer support …
Embecta has added an all-in-one, push-button fingerstick glucose reader to its portfolio. Launched this past April as a spinout from medtech giant BD, Embecta has signed an agreement with Intuity to co-promote the latter’s Pogo Automatic system among U.S. healthcare professionals. Intuity’s FDA-cleared, handheld device combines lancets with replaceable cartridges containing 10 glucose testing strips, allowing users to collect blood and obtain a result in a single step. The carousel-like …
ABCD (Diabetes Care) Ltd have announced that the new Chair of ABCD will be Professor Ketan Dhatariya, who will take over from Dr Dipesh Patel in June 2023. Prof Dhatariya has been a full time NHS consultant since 2004 and is currently the Chair of both the Joint British Diabetes Societies Inpatient Care Group and the Examining Board for the UK Specialist Clinical Exam in Diabetes and Endocrinology. He was …
New results from a first-of-its-kind survey by Abbott has identified a clear disconnect between the perceptions of the British public and those living with diabetes when it comes to stigma surrounding the condition. The survey of 1,500 people shows the UK population has a good understanding of the impact of managing the condition, accurately associating diabetes with “insulin” (76%), and “testing sugar levels” (40%)i. However, 80% of the general public …
Recruitment has opened for a trial screening programme for Type 1 diabetes that will identify children at high risk of developing the condition, laying the groundwork for the development of any potential UK-wide screening programme. Rapid diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is essential to avoid life-threatening complications. However, over a quarter of children aren’t diagnosed with type 1 diabetes until they are in diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition that …
Could you help a team of researchers at the University of Southampton who are exploring mental health issues for people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes? If you can, they need your help! Prof Richard Holt explains, “We are conducting a survey to learn more about behavioural health (also called mental health) in people with diabetes in order to improve care in this area. This is a …
Diabeloop and EOFlow have announced that are partnering to offer the latter’s EOPatch system with automated insulin delivery in Europe. The partnership combines the EOPatch, a third-party continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and Diabeloop’s automated insulin delivery algorithm – with both integrating into Diabeloop’s currently under-development smartphone app. All three components of the planned automated insulin delivery system have already received CE mark in Europe, with Diabeloop earmarking a commercial launch …
The DRWF United Through Diabetes event will be taking place at Chesford Grange conference hotel in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, on Saturday 16 September 2023. The event will replace the charities educational days that had taken place previously in the south, the midlands, and in north of England. DRWF event organiser Lee Calladine explains, “The new event will be bigger than all of those combined and will have something for everyone, no …
W8Buddy (WeightBuddy), a new digital support tool that can help patients achieve clinically meaningful weight loss, has been launched by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Developed by DDM Health, W8Buddy has been specifically developed for NHS Tier 3 Weight Management Services (T3WMS), a specialist obesity service comprising of dietitians, psychologists, and physicians, who work with people who have struggled for a long time to lose weight and are …
Seattle-based Know Labs has announced that it has received a new patent equating its diagnostic technology to the current glucose monitoring (CGM) standard. Know Labs has developed Bio-RFID technology which uses spectroscopy to direct electromagnetic energy through a substance or material to capture a unique molecular signature. It is then integrated into wearable, mobile or bench-top format, and the first application of the technology is in the form of a …
Diabetes tech startup Harald AI has launched the popular Happy Bob App in Europe and in Canada, giving more ways for users of Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems to engage with their diabetes data. Happy Bob users can view their glucose values by glancing at their Apple Watch or iPhone widget, create groups for support, collect stars and receive time sensitive information and push notifications. Users can also see …
So, that’s January nearly over but now the days are getting longer and I sense a teeny bit of spring in the air. Despite downtime for the festive season, there’s still plenty of news (from p.4) starting with the extraordinary new NICE guidelines that recommend the use of hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems as they have been shown to improve diabetes control. Further stirling work by Professor Partha Kar who …
Early research suggests that aspartame, an artificial sweetener commonly found in diet drinks and food, may raise the risk for anxiety, according to a recent report in Medscape and published online in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In a new study, investigators observed that mice that drank water containing aspartame at doses equivalent to less than 15% of the maximum daily human intake recommended by the FDA exhibited …
New data suggests that Metformin may help reduce risk for total joint replacement in patients with Type 2 diabetes. According to findings published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study included 20,347 metformin-treated participants diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and 20,347 nonusers. Metformin users tended to have more severe diabetes, but only about 16% in both groups had osteoarthritis. However, compared with nonusers, Metformin users had had a 30% lower …
Beta Bionics has hired Steven Russell as chief medical officer. The change comes as Beta Bionics works to secure US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its pocket-sized, wearable autonomous insulin dosing device, iLet. Russell joined Massachusetts General Hospital in 2001 and has held the role of attending physician for most of his time at the organization. Russell also worked from 2006 at Harvard Medical School, where he spent …
Need to figure out how much insulin to administer throughout the day and stick to those fluctuating doses over time? There’s now an app for that. Patients who don’t use an insulin pump or mealtime insulin have to self-administer varying levels of insulin throughout the day—a process called insulin titration—based on changes in their blood sugar levels due to physical activity and food intake. According to Amalgam, more than 60% …
An NHS England study in children and young people has showed improvements in glycaemic control, time in range, frequency of hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemia fear and quality of sleep for children and young people when using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems for six months. Hypoglycaemia fear and quality of sleep were also improved for their parents and carers. HCL systems are characterised by integrating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with insulin pumps that automate …
Research is vital in providing the evidence needed to transform services and improve outcomes, such as in developing new models of care, redesigning urgent and emergency care, strengthening primary care and transforming mental health and cancer services. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the research arm of the NHS, provides funding for research studies as well as academic training, facilities, career development and research capability development. In November 2022, …
Although half of patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in France have blood glucose levels that are outside of their target range, an international consensus suggests that modern-day medicines now make remission possible in those recently diagnosed with diabetes (the term ‘remission’ describes a sustained metabolic improvement in T2D to near-normal levels). Presented during the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2022 conference in Stockholm, a 2021 update to the …
A retrospective study has linked participation in Onduo’s virtual program for managing Type 2 diabetes to reductions in blood glucose. Researchers at Quest Diagnostics analysed the impact of Onduo on diabetics by reviewing the data on 578 people before and after they switched to the program. Average HbA1c fell 0.3 percentage points in the first year of using the Onduo program Participants with high blood sugar at baseline benefited the …
Sernova has provided an update on trials of its Cell Pouch System – an implantable and scalable medical device which forms a natural environment in the body for therapeutic cells which release necessary proteins or factors to treat chronic diseases, including diabetes. Last week, Sernova implanted two patients in its second cohort with its 10-channel Cell Pouch, which has 50% more islet capacity than the eight-channel Cell Pouch used in …
Finding effective and safe drugs that can tackle obesity — achieving a substantial amount of weight loss without serious side effects — has proved challenging to date. In the United States, Wegovy (semaglutide), a once-weekly injection, was approved by the FDA in June 2021. The same drug, at a lower dose and known as Ozempic had also been approved in January 2020 for improving glucose regulation in diabetes. The latest …
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire AMF Medical SA, the privately held Swiss developer of the Sigi™ Patch Pump. The Sigi Patch Pump, which is not yet commercially available, is designed to be an ergonomic, rechargeable patch pump that reduces the burden of managing diabetes through its use of pre-filled insulin cartridges and its compatibility with automated insulin delivery technology. “This acquisition supports our …
In draft guidance, an independent NICE committee has recommended the use of hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in Type 1 diabetes – technology that has been described as a step towards an artificial pancreas. Real world NHS trials has provided data which has allowed NICE to consider wider use of the technology, which comprises a continuous glucose monitor sensor attached to the body. This transmits data …
Highly processed foods meet the same criteria as tobacco for addiction and labeling them as such might benefit public health, according to a new US study that also proposes a set of criteria to assess the addictive potential of some foods.. The authors of the study reported that “the ability of highly processed foods (HPFs) to rapidly deliver high doses of refined carbohydrates and/or fat appear key to their addictive …
Good nutrition is foundational to preventing chronic disease and helping people live a healthier life, yet physicians responding to a Medscape Medical News survey said they believe that only about half of their patients would benefit from counselling on their diet. In the online survey of 1005 physicians, doctors said that 55% of their patients could use some nutrition advice, but those figures strike some specialists in obesity and preventive …
An award-winning diabetes nursing group has launched two educational resources to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14th. Trend Diabetes, which represents all diabetes nursing groups, has launched its own learning management system to provide healthcare teams with the latest clinical knowledge and resources they need to deliver good diabetes care. The new platform gives healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn from globally recognised nurses working in diabetes through the …
A new study has reported that slowly lowering weights builds and strengthens muscles almost as well as lifting and lowering them. That means, for example, using two hands to lift a dumbbell, then one hand to slowly lower it, because focusing on the lowering can lead to a more efficient gym session, In a Japanese research study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology , researchers divided people into three groups …
BIOCORP has announced that they have received 510(K) clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to market Mallya, its smart sensor that is directly attached to insulin pen injectors, making them connected devices. Mallya automatically collects and records key treatment information (selected insulin units, date, and time of injection) and transmits it to a dedicated digital application. Mallya becomes the first system approved in the U.S. capable of …
Natalie Sainz, in diaTribe Learn, reports that a new international consensus of recommendations for the standard use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data in clinical trials has been published in the January issue of The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The diaTribe Foundation, Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD), and the Time in Range Coalition led a seven-month effort to achieve international agreement. In April 2022, the three organizations gathered …
The FDA has now approved the use of teplizumab (Tzield), the world’s first ever immunotherapy for Type 1 diabetes, by people at risk of Type 1 diabetes. A clinical trial found that teplizumab can delay Type 1 diabetes by an average of three years in people at high risk of developing the condition. Chris Askew OBE, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said: “Today’s landmark approval of teplizumab in the US …
At-home tests, once considered an anomaly, became de rigueur during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as COVID-19 testing rates decline from their pandemic peak, diagnostic companies businesses are seeing an opportunity in direct-to-consumer testing. “Never before has the general population been more aware of in vitro diagnostics and the relevance of our industry than in the last two years with COVID-19,” said Jenna Urquhart, head of new franchise business development for …
After analyzing 600 people wearing a continuous glucose monitor for an average of 12 days, Klick Applied Sciences says it can use data with artificial intelligence (AI) to identify healthy, prediabetic and diabetic individuals within 12 hours. Klick found that its 12-hour model correctly identified two-thirds of patients with prediabetes and achieved “high accuracy” in detecting healthy individuals and people with Type 2 diabetes. “An overwhelming majority of people with early-onset …
Novo Nordisk has announced that UK users of the Abbott FreeStyle LibreLink app can now connect to its smart insulin pens. People living with diabetes in the United Kingdom can connect the app to their Novo Nordisk smart, connected pens (including the Novo Nordisk NovoPen 6 and the NovoPen Echo Plus). Users of the Abbott FreeStyle LibreLink app with FreeStyle Libre glucose sensing technology can see a range of information …
Eli Lilly has pulled out of a partnership with Ypsomed that would have given it a branded insulin pump to sell in the U.S. Lilly struck a deal two years ago to commercialize YpsoPump under its own brand in the U.S. The partners have since worked to customize the pump, which has been sold in Europe since 2016, for the U.S. market. However, Ypsomed plans to push ahead with the …
According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the ability to customize open-source, “do-it-yourself” automated insulin delivery (AID) systems may make them more effective at controlling blood glucose than conventional sensor-augmented insulin pumps. A 97-subject clinical trial by researchers in New Zealand has found that people with Type 1 diabetes who used the AID system (an open-source artificial pancreas that runs on Android devices, a DANA-i …
Ascensia Diabetes Care has announced that it has updated its Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring system app to integrate with Apple Health. The new Apple Health integration will allow people with diabetes using Senseonics’ Eversense CGM systems to view glucose data within the Apple Health app. In addition, they can also see other health metrics on the iPhone’s health and wellbeing platform. To read more, CLICK HERE.
Roche has announced the introduction of the Navify brand to its digital health portfolio, which includes more than 30 digital solutions for labs, hospitals, and patients worldwide. Navify digital solutions activate insights that provide evidence on how to optimize operational processes and clinical decision making in healthcare. The system improves the interoperability of digital infrastructure, uses advanced analytics to deliver operational excellence, improved workflows, and patient-centric ways of working, and …
Sernova’s Cell Pouch System is an implantable and scalable medical device that forms a natural environment in the body for the long-term survival and function of therapeutic cells. These cells release necessary proteins or factors missing from the body to treat chronic diseases, including insulin-dependent diabetes. According to www.drugdeliverybusiness.com, the University of Chicago Institutional Review Board (IRB) has now approved a further clinical trial to enables the testing of up …
The substantial increase in obesity prevalence in the United States – from 30.5% to 41.9% in just the 2 decades from 2000 to 2020 – has likely contributed to increases in various obesity-related complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. According to new guidelines published by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), adults with obesity who do not respond adequately to …
This is our last issue of this year, and what a year it has been in the diabetes world in general and in the UK specifically. I’m not sure many people really understand how momentous the new NICE guidelines were that came out in April. No more having to ‘build your business case’ to get any technology, all Type 1s should now be being offered a choice of CGM and …
Compared with BMI’s relatively quick acceptance into clinical practice, obesity has only recently been recognised as a disease. Historically, obesity has been viewed negatively as a lifestyle choice, and the historical bias associated with BMI and discrimination has led some public health officials to dismiss the use of BMI or fail to recognize obesity as disease. This dangerous conclusion is to the detriment of the very people disproportionately impacted by …
A recent study has found that patients with Type 1 diabetes had an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnoea. The study found that the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with Type 1 diabetes were obesity, male sex, older age, depression, atrial fibrillation, and the use of lipid-lowering and antihypertensive drugs. To read more, CLICK HERE.
Phil Aird-Mash, CEO of the ITC Travel Group, Chair of ACC Aviation and Traveltek Ltd, has been appointed JDRF’s Chair of the Board of Directors. Phil has served on the JDRF Board since 2019, has been Vice Chair since 2021 and was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 28. The diabetes charity has also appointed Terence Lovell as Director of Fundraising and Engagement. Most recently, Terence was …
BHR markets and supports the use of their point of care diagnostic products for use in GP surgeries, hospitals and other locations, and is now expanding the ‘use at home’ tests sector after its acquisition by Biosynex Group, based in France, The company is also involved in research projects being undertaken by the University of Warwick, and a multi-centre study cantered at the University of Birmingham BHR’s A1CNow Self Check …
Adocia has announced the establishment of a first proof of concept for its’ AdoShell Islets implant by achieving glycaemic control without insulin injections or immunosuppression in diabetic rats, following a 132-day study. AdoShell Islets is an immuno-protective synthetic biomaterial containing islets of Langerhans. After implantation in diabetic animals, the islets encapsulated in AdoShell secreted insulin in response to blood glucose levels. The weight gain of the studied rats – which …
The charity Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF) will be back in Hartlepool for our first Diabetes Wellness Day North since 2019 when it will be returning to The National Museum of the Royal Navy. On Saturday November 26th there will be a programme of talks on subjects like: Hypos and Hypers; Diet and Exercise; Medications; Eye and foot care, and much more as well as an exhibition of diabetes …
Medtronic has announced positive results from a study of its next-generation MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system. Its ADAPT study enlisted 82 individuals with Type 1 diabetes who were not currently meeting glycaemic targets. Half of the sample remained on standard care, while the rest transitioned to using the MiniMed 780G. Results demonstrated improvements in glycaemic targets for those using the MiniMed 780G, including a significant and sustained 1.4% HbA1c …
Study may explain why people with diabetes may develop tooth decay. People with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are prone to tooth decay, and a new study from Rutgers suggests that the cause may be reduced strength and durability of enamel and dentin, the hard substance under enamel that gives structure to teeth. Researchers induced Type 1 diabetes in 35 mice and compared their teeth with those of …
Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. has announced the publication of the results of a landmark ESG Randomized Interventional Trial (MERIT) Study in The Lancet. While bariatric surgery is the most successful treatment for obesity, many patients avoid surgery due to its perceived invasive nature and fear of complications. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a less invasive, incisionless procedure that utilizes an endoscopic suturing system (OverStitch®) to reduce the volume of the stomach …
A recent trial has linked Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 2 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to significantly lower blood sugar levels than fingerstick testing. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine and run by UK hospitals, tested if CGMs benefit people with Type 1 diabetes and high blood glucose levels. It found that patients who used FreeStyle Libre for 24 weeks experienced a mean 0.8 percentage point decline in …
Dexcom, a global leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring, is inviting members of the diabetes community to express their unique journey with diabetes by creating custom Dexcom CGM patches via a new website. To kick off the activities in the UK and Ireland, four of Dexcom’s local Celebrity Warriors – celloist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, England rugby player Henry Slade, fitness influencer Eoin Costelloe and model Roxy Horner – have designed their …
DC4U, an immunology company developing innovative treatments for auto-immune diseases and allergies, has been awarded a €1.7m Eurostars (SiaDM) grant, together with a Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) research group, for the joint development of an innovative treatment for Type 1 diabetes. The new groundbreaking approach uses – paradoxically – sugars to re-educate the immune response and restore tolerance to the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. …
An international drive to highlight the importance of the prevention and adequate management of diabetes has been proposed by a team of the world’s leading experts on diabetes, following a review of diabetes care following the Covid-19 pandemic. The team has also advised how countries should deal with the backlog of care for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes created by lockdowns and the restrictions to health services …
A leading charity partnership is urging more people to check their risk of Type 2 diabetes through a free online tool as new figures reveal an acceleration of diagnoses in younger age groups across the UK. Analysis of NHS data carried out by long-standing partners Diabetes UK and Tesco has shown that cases of Type 2 diabetes – historically associated with older people – are now rising at a faster …
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new drug capsule with a robotic cap for improved drug delivery. Because large-protein drugs generally cannot pass through the mucus barrier that lines the digestive tract, insulin and most other “biologic drugs” with proteins or nucleic acids must be injected or administered in a hospital. However, the researchers believe the new drug capsule developed at MIT could one day …
Use of an older class of Type 2 diabetes drugs called glitazones (also known as thiazolidinediones or TZDs) is linked to a 22% reduced risk of dementia, reveals a a research study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. Because Type 2 diabetes and dementia share some of the same physiological patterns, researchers have started to look at whether diabetes drugs might also help stave off or treat dementia. …
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has announced a £26 million investment in an NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) – a partnership between the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, University of Leicester, Loughborough University and University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group. The combined research teams in Leicester, Loughborough and Northampton will work together to develop groundbreaking treatments, diagnostics, prevention and care for people who have …
Eli Lilly plans to introduce a personalized diabetes management platform that integrates with technologies, including Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. The platform, branded Tempo, features a reusable medical device that attaches to Lilly’s prefilled, disposable insulin pens and sends dose-related data to the compatible app. According to Medtechdive, the platform has three components: Tempo Smart Button, a device that records information about the delivery of insulin and shares it …
A team of University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers has discovered that insulin from the oral insulin tablets they are developing is absorbed by rats in the same way that injected insulin is. The UBC team has developed a tablet that isn’t made for swallowing, but instead dissolves when placed between the gum and cheek. This method makes use of the thin membrane found within the lining of the inner …
People from ethnic minority and marginalised community groups are being offered advice on health issues that disproportionately affect them. The Bristol Community Health Day on 8 October saw grassroots health groups and the NHS address a range of conditions, with attendees joining practical workshops, including learning about blood sugar checks, weight and blood pressure. “The impact of Covid-19 has been disproportionately felt by ethnic, minority and marginalised communities and has …
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Eli Lilly and Company’s new once-weekly GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) injection, to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical trials ALSO found that, while not indicated for weight loss, Mounjaro led to significantly greater weight reductions versus comparators. “The approval of …
Diabeloop has developed an algorithm that is hosted on a dedicated handset and serves as a bridge between continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. Every five minutes, the handset receives a glucose reading via Bluetooth and the algorithm analyzes the readings alongside information about the patient’s physiology, history, meals and exercise to determine the insulin dose to administer. In a 12-week trial, Diabeloop found that patients with Type 1 diabetes …
Bariatric surgery has become more common as global rates of obesity have increased, but it may also raise the risk of developing epilepsy, according to new research. Analyzing health records, investigators compared almost 17,000 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery with more than 620,000 individuals with obesity who had not undergone the procedure and found that – during a minimum three-year follow-up period – the surgery group had a 45% …
According to a study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, while closed-loop insulin delivery systems can increase glucose time in range and reduce hypoglycemia episodes (compared with sensor-augmented pump therapy) it can detract from sleep quality. First-generation closed-loop systems incorporate continuous glucose monitoring that communicates with an insulin pump and glucose-responsive automated basal insulin dosing. This randomized trial reported on the glycemic impact of closed-loop therapy during sleep – as …
NHS England patients with Type 1 diabetes will now be eligible for life-changing continuous glucose monitors after the health service secured a new cut-price deal. These wearable arm gadgets send information to a mobile app and allow diabetes patients to keep track of their glucose levels at all times without having to scan or take a finger prick test. Traditionally, continuous glucose monitors are more expensive than flash monitors, but …
Diabetes costs the NHS around £10bn a year. It is a national priority and a focus of the NHS Long Term Plan. There are guidelines on diabetes management and NHS policy highlights the need for more person-centred care, including supporting people and giving them the tools they need to manage their own health. Preventing Type 2 diabetes, and managing both Type 1 and Type 2, requires life-long commitment, but the …
Verily’s Onduo has announced that it has entered into a strategic collaboration with Sword Health to broaden virtual care for diabetes and other conditions, as reported by Drug Delivery Business. Sword Health, a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) care provider, will work with Onduo by Verily, an Alphabet sister company of Google, to offer complementary solutions, broadening access to virtual care benefits for chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and …
A recent research study has found that childhood obesity is more common now than 12 years ago – which is particularly troubling news, given that obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA has recently approved Qsymia for treatment of obesity for adolescents (ages 12-17), following a clinical trial for Qsymia, which found more than 44% of adolescent patients lost at least 15% of …
A new study has found that Vitamin D deficiency has a causative role in the systemic inflammation that commonly accompanies it, with inflammation declining as Vitamin D levels increase to normal levels, reflected by reductions in elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). The results therefore suggest that improving Vitamin D status may reduce chronic inflammation, but only for people with Vitamin D deficiency. To read more, CLICK HERE.
Longenesis has announced that a study on Type 1 diabetes care, undertaken in partnership with Medtronic, has demonstrated that insulin pump use supports a higher quality of life. Across less than three months, more than 85 patients participated in the research study aimed at providing qualitative and quantitative data on the quality of life for Type 1 diabetics using insulin pumps compared to daily insulin injections. Approximately 80% of patients …
Zillion has announced a partnership with Dexcom, the leader in real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), to connect Dexcom CGM with Zillion’s platform for use with their RestoreHealth program. This partnership will continue to enhance the RestoreHealth offering to employer and health system patients. Although people with diabetes represent 10-15% of the total patient population in the US, they represent 30-50% of total medical and pharmacy expenditures each year. Said Zillion …
Among the news items in this issue is one about the need to move away from the relatively well-known concept of your BMI (body mass index) measurement being any sort of indicator of someone’s health status. Instead, a person’s waist-to-hip ratio is being touted as a much more reliable indictator. Meanwhile, a registered public health nutritionist says that regulations on the placement, promotion and marketing of high fat, salt and …
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing game is getting a new diabetes-themed island designed by medtech company Insulet. This latest move towards ‘gamification’ sees diabetes charities teaming up with Insulet to “bring diabetes representation” to the popular Nintendo game, in which users can add a new diabetes-themed island, known as Omnipod Bay, which features booths from selected diabetes charities, as well as inclusive outfits and diabetes-themed areas and activities. To read more, CLICK …
According to planet and environment news site www.earth.com, moderate to high consumption of black, green, or Oolong tea is associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A systematic review of research studies involving over one million adults from eight countries led by China’s Wuhan University of Science and Technology found that drinking at least four cups of tea per day was linked to a 17% lower risk …
According to an article in DiaTribe, researchers have suggested that the new drugs developed to help people with Type 2 diabetes to lose weight, lower glucose, and prevent complications could also provide major benefits for people with Type 1 diabetes. Like those with Type 2 diabetes, people with Type 1 deal with high glucose levels and risk of complications and some may also struggle with weight management, especially if they …
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting that overweight and obesity has reached “epidemic proportions” in Europe, causing more than an estimated 1.2 million deaths every year, and ranking the UK fourth globally for having the most overweight and obese adults, experts are now claiming that anti-obesity measures must be implemented. Christina Vogel, registered public health nutritionist at the University of Southampton, and colleagues, said that implementing “world leading” legislation in …
Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) is a stronger predictor of early death than body mass index (BMI) and should be considered as a superior measure of healthy weight, according to new research recently presented at the recent annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Currently, BMI is widely used to assess whether a person is at a healthy weight, with a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 considered to be …
JDRF have announced a ‘Type 1 Diabetes Discovery Event & Technology Exhibition in Redmaids’ High School, Bristol between 10:00–5:30 on 29 October 2022. Held in association with the South West Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network, the free family-friendly event – open to adults and children affected by Type 1 diabetes, along with health care professionals – promises that visitors can learn about the latest developments in Type 1 diabetes …
Abbott has announced new data from the Real World Evidence of FreeStyle Libre (RELIEF) study showing that the use of the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) significantly reduces the rate of hospitalisations due to acute diabetes events (ADEs) for people living with Type 2 diabetes on once-daily (basal) insulin therapy. The retrospective study of the French national health claims database showed that among the 5,933 people with Type …
According to a recent article in Medscape, the treatment of people with obesity (but without diabetes) with the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist semaglutide led to beneficial changes in body mass index (BMI), glycemic control, and other clinical measures. This collectively cut the calculated risk for possible future development of Type 2 diabetes in study participants by more than half, based on data from two pivotal trials that compared semaglutide with …
After months of regulatory delays, Insulet has secured a CE Mark for its Omnipod 5, its automated Insulin Delivery System for individuals aged two years and older with Type 1 diabetes. The tubeless hybrid closed loop system integrates with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring system to automatically adjust insulin delivery. The receipt of the CE Mark under the European Union’s Medical Device Regulations comes weeks after the Food and …
Diabetes research charity Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has published Our Impact 2021, “a glossy snapshot of everything JDRF achieved last year”, detailing how the charity believes it has delivered on its three goals: 1️. Drive research to cure, treat and prevent Type 1 diabetes 2️. Accelerate access to Type 1 treatment technologies and medicines 3️. Support people living with Type 1 diabetes According to a JDRF spokesperson, “We couldn’t …
A set of policy recommendations have been drafted by the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF), emphasising the importance of digitalisation, data registries and integrated care to improve the quality of diabetes care. Digitalisation, in particular, promises new developments in diabetes care after the recent unveiling of the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which is expected to revolutionise the European healthcare system. This new digital potential also brings new challenges – including …
In Type 1 diabetes, the body develops immune cells that target pancreatic beta cells, which play a critical role in the production and secretion of insulin. One of the earliest targets of this immune response is a specific sequence of amino acids, or peptide, within the insulin molecule, although what triggers this autoimmune response has to date been unknown. Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center and Boston College have now identified …
Wrist-worn devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers appear to be cost-effective ways of screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) among high-risk people ages 65 and over, according to the results of a new modeling study. The study involved 30 million simulated people matched by age, sex, and comorbidities to the US population 65 years and older (the mean age was 72.5 years), and half were women. All of the individuals had …
Diabetes UK’s third annual Type 1 & Tech conference returns on Saturday 15 October 2022 from 10am to 2.30pm BST. The online conference, for people living with Type 1 diabetes, their parents and carers, is promised to be packed with interactive content to increase confidence about the exciting but complex world of diabetes tech. Specifically, the day will include: a toolkit session on how to have a quality conversation with …
Learning to ride a bike or getting out for a walk could soon be just what the doctor ordered under new health plans noted by an article in Metro on 22nd August. Some GPs will start prescribing ‘back to basics’ treatments as part of a trial to see how big a difference small lifestyle changes can make to mental and physical complaints, with adult cycle training, walking groups and free …
In a recent article in Medscape, Ania Jastreboff, MD, PhD explains how, when patients with obesity come to her, “I look for the opportunity to share with them that obesity is not their fault, but that it’s biology driving their body to carry extra weight and their body is super smart. We have a complex system that was designed to make sure that we always held on to extra weight, specifically …
Metformin is the first drug prescribed to most new patients with Type 2 diabetes and is increasingly popular for use with patients with Type 1 diabetes. It is inexpensive, available as a generic and is one of the world’s most popular drugs (as reported by Diabetes Daily). However, as noted in a recent article in Diabetes Daily, Metformin is known to cause “gastrointestinal distress,” especially diarrhoea and – sometimes – …
Zillion has announced a partnership with Dexcom, a leading provider of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), to connect Dexcom CGM with Zillion’s platform for use with their RestoreHealth program. This partnership will continue to enhance the RestoreHealth offering to employer and health system patients. Although people with diabetes represent 10-15% of the total patient population in the US, they represent 30-50% of total medical and pharmacy expenditures each year. Said …
After receiving an FDA green light for the project earlier this year, Dexcom is now making its diabetes data available through consumer electronic devices. Leading the way is Garmin, with apps that can display a person’s blood sugar levels taken from Dexcom’s G6 continuous glucose monitors on devices such as watches designed for runners as well as cycling computers that strap to a bike’s handlebars. “Users can not only see …
While zero-calorie sweeteners bring a little sweetness to our lives without prompting significant or obvious blood sugar spikes and are said to pass through the body without significant interaction with one’s metabolism., some studies have previously found that artificial sweeteners are associated with unfortunate metabolic outcomes like weight gain and poor glycemic control. A new and high-quality study of four common sugar alternatives (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia) has directly …
Adults with Type 1 diabetes experience ‘diabetes distress’, even when using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), according to findings presented at the Association of Diabetes Care & Educational Specialists Annual Conference. The researchers asked 244 adults with Type 1 diabetes who used a Dexcom CGM to complete the two-item Diabetes Distress Scale, which asks participants if they are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of living with diabetes and feeling as if …
Abbott has announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with WeightWatchers to help people living with diabetes. The companies will work together to integrate WeightWatchers’ diabetes-tailored weight management program with Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products to help them better understand and manage their diabetes and weight. Through the partnership, participants can receive glucose insights from the Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensor-based technology that show the impact …
Funding for a five-year project that aims to develop a new type of care package that addresses gaps in support for people under 40 living with Type 2 diabetes, has been awarded to a research team in Leicester. In the past, type 2 diabetes mostly affected only older adults, but over recent years, the number of people being diagnosed under the age of 40 has increased. Such ‘early-onset’ Type 2 …
Our September issue is packed full of news. Some about medications, some about vitamins (well, vitamin D in particular) as well as device updates. Insulin pumps and CGMs are centre-stage since the new NICE guidelines came info force earlier this year, with a notable change in emphasis from ‘only if they really qualify for one or both’ to ‘all Type 1s [and some Type 2s] are to be offered a …
One Drop has announced outcomes from a study on the effects of the AI-powered blood glucose (BG) forecasting feature of its One Drop digital health platform. One Drop is the first and only glucose forecast provider for people with Type 2 diabetes: it uses artificial intelligence to provide direct support through eight-hour glucose forecasts with over 90% accuracy and delivers immediate insights that people can use. The feature simplifies healthy …
In diabetes, foot ulcers are such a common complication that they account for almost 1% of the total NHS budget and can lead to amputations and premature death. While they can be prevented, it is difficult to identify the people most at risk: UK guidance currently recommends using 8 to 10 tests to look for signs of nerve damage or infection, and assess the risk of an ulcer. In this …
COUR Pharmaceuticals has published details of a study with the Miller Lab at Northwestern University, in which treatment with the COUR NanoParticle Platform (CNP) prevented beta cell destruction in the pancreas, stopping the progression of Type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetics (NOD). COUR’s immune-modifying nanoparticles are designed to reprogram the immune system in treating autoimmune disorders. The CNPs’ mechanism of action is induction of regulatory T cells which inhibit the …
Sanofi and Roche have joined forces in France to drive adoption of a connected add-on for disposable insulin pens. The partners will jointly develop a scientific program for physicians and retail pharmacists around the Biocorp product. Almost two years ago, Biocorp (who are partnered with Roche Diabetes France) gave Sanofi rights to distribute Mallya, which adds smart features to insulin pens, while Biocorp was tasked with developing an exclusive version …
A set of policy recommendations have been drafted by the European Diabetes Forum (EUDF), emphasising the importance of digitalisation, data registries and integrated care to improve the quality of diabetes care. Digitalisation, in particular, promises new developments in diabetes care after the recent unveiling of the European Health Data Space (EHDS), which is expected to revolutionise the European healthcare system. This new digital potential also brings new challenges – including …
The Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF) has announced that its fourth annual Diabetes Wellness Day Midlands will be held on 24th September at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire. The day aims to bring together a wealth of information under one roof for people living with diabetes, their family members, carers, friends and those with an interest in the condition. The free day will feature a central exhibition area and a full …
Australia could become the first country to adopt routine childhood screening to detect Type 1 diabetes in children, if a new national screening research pilot for Type 1 diabetes funded by JDRF and led by a team at the University of Sydney is successful. Type 1 diabetes is frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents too late, with 1 in 3 Australian children not diagnosed until they require emergency care, because …
A recent study has found that low serum levels of vitamin D were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in elderly patients with diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with diabetes, and this research – the first study to assess vitamin D levels in elderly patients hospitalized with a diabetic foot ulcer – found that, as average serum levels of vitamin D …
Type 2 diabetes is a well-established risk factor for dementia and Parkinson’s Disease (PD), but according to a report by Marlene Busko in Medscape, a recent observational study of more than 112,000 US residents aged 50 years or older with Type 2 diabetes found that new users of metformin had about a 20% lower rate of incident dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia compared to new users of sulfonylurea …
New legislation to allow a wider range of healthcare professionals to certify so-called ‘fit notes’ has been laid before the UK Parliament. From 1 July 2022, nurses, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and physiotherapists in England, Scotland and Wales will all be able to legally certify statements of fitness for work — something that previously only medical doctors can do. The government believes that the change will ease the pressure on GP …
Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is one of the most common diabetes-related eye complications and causes of vision loss (c12% of people with Type 1 and 28% of people with Type 2 are affected by DME). DME occurs when blood vessels in the eyes become damaged, and fluid starts to leak into the macula, a part of the retina that is responsible for a person’s most vivid, central vision. This buildup …
Following new guidelines from the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) which recommends that adults with Type 1 diabetes should be offered a choice of glucose sensor, children should be offered real-time Continuous Glucose Monitoring (rt-CGM) and people with Type 2 diabetes using insulin can be considered for rt-CGM as an alternative to their current sensor, DexCom, Inc. and NHS England have announced the availability of the Dexcom ONE …
Insulet Omnipod As reported in August 2022 by MedTechDive,The Omnipod 5 is one of two insulin pumps manufactured by the company that can be purchased through pharmacies, which Insulet said removes the high-upfront cost and four-year lock-in period associated with sales through durable medical equipment sellers. In a June investor event, the company’s leaders said that they expect the new device will increase the number of new clients won away from …
Can a beer a day keep the doctor away? New research from Portugal found that men who drank one can of alcoholic or nonalcoholic lager a day for four weeks improved the diversity of their gut microbiome, the collection of microbes that live in the intestinal tract. A more diverse gut microbiome is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and severe COVID, so – by promoting bacterial …
LiveMetric has announced the launch of LiveOne, the world’s first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared nano-sensor technology for monitoring blood pressure every 10 seconds. LiveOne is a wrist-worn, cuff-free solution that provides real time measurements to improve the care and treatment of people with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The non-invasive device requires no external calibration and continuously extracts the pressure from the radial artery. It can be used both …
Diabetic neuropathy is a form of nerve damage that may occur in people with diabetes, linked to heightened blood sugar levels. It most commonly affects the nerves in the legs and feet and can cause pain, ranging from a mild tingling or numbness to a debilitating stabbing feeling. Though most commonly treated with drugs, DyAnsys’ First Relief system – recently approved by the FDA – sends out electrical pulses to …
After decades of having to juggle multiple devices and fingerprick systems to take their own blood sugar readings and use them to calculate insulin dosages, people with diabetes now have access to technologies that will do virtually all of the work for them. Known as closed-loop insulin delivery systems (or even artificial pancreases), these use blood sugar readings from continuous glucose monitors to automatically adjust the settings on connected insulin …
This award is supported by all the main diabetes professional organisations and charities as well as Desang, and is now in its 12th year. It is sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi and is designed to recognisegood NHS practice in the care of people with diabetes and their families. Although nominations have to come from healthcare providers, we are urging people living with diabetes to pass on suggestions for potential …
The American Diabetes Association(ADA), has applauded U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) for recently introducing legislation which aims to make insulin more affordable for millions of Americans with diabetes. Insulin costs 10 times more in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, and as many as 1 in 4 US insulin users report rationing their insulin – skipping doses or taking less than they need, putting …
All 130,000 Australians with Type 1 diabetes will now get access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices under the newly-elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). All Australians over the age of 21 with Type 1 diabetes will be able to access CGM products through their pharmacy, with a co-payment equivalent to AUS$390 per year. Children and young adults under 21 with Type 1 diabetes, …
The InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) have announced another one-day event at the Kettering Park Hotel on Saturday 29 October 2022. Entitled ‘Changing Times’ to reflect some of the issues that are affecting people living with diabetes, the event is aimed at those with diabetes as well as their spouses, partners and parents. Speakers include Professor Alan Sinclair, an international expert in diabetes, Abban Qayyum, a Senior Specialist Physiotherapist, and Jane …
Although things do tend to be a little quieter over the summer months, the fact is that this is another issue filled-to-busting with news and features. Frankly there’s a rather silly amount of news, and in some cases big news…. I’m trying to keep abreast of the whole stem-cell and islet transplant, or islet-growing science, but it’s a bit of a struggle for my intellect! Still, there are those out …
Vertex to acquire ViaCyte, with the goal of accelerating its potentially curative VX-880 programmes in Type 1 diabetes. ViaCyte brings tools, technologies and assets with potential to accelerate development of VX-880, Vertex’s fully differentiated, insulin-producing, stem cell-derived islets. On July 11 2022 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement under which Vertex will acquire ViaCyte, a privately held biotechnology company focused on delivering novel …
An international team of scientists led by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has announced “extremely positive results” from laboratory trials of a compound that could one day offer a non-operative option for cataract treatment, which is currently curable only by surgical replacement of the lens. The team tested the effect on the optics of the lens of treatment with an oxysterol compound called VP1-001, which was applied to one eye in …
The latest issue of Type 1 Discovery magazine, which aims to give the latest news, events, features and research updates about Type 1 diabetes and JDRF (a US-based non-profit organisation that funds Type 1 diabetes research) is now available Issue 91 includes features on: A £50m donation from the Steve Morgan Foundation An interview with TV and radio presenter, Adam Smith Loneliness with Type 1, as perceived by Jas Jaffar …
ViCentra is closing its UK operations for the time being due to current supply issues. Two years ago ViCentra withdrew the product from the UK market. Meanwhile, the company has started its first users in France, where Kaleido is now being used as part of an early-stage launch of DBGL1, an artificial insulin delivery (AID) solution in partnership with French company, Diabeloop. Frans Cromme CEO for ViCentra explains, “Since we …
The BBC has reported that the NHS has been awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The George Cross is the highest award bestowed by the British government for “non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy.” Health leaders from the four UK nations were awarded the medal at a small ceremony at Windsor Castle, in …
According to new research at the University of Chicago, the causes of Type 1 diabetes focus on auto-immune response, in which the immune system shatters the islets of Langerhans, which help to control the amount of glucose in the body. According to findings published in Cell Reports, the researchers used genetic tools to knock out a gene called Alox15 in mice that were genetically predisposed to developing type 1 diabetes. …
At the American Diabetic Association (ADA) 82nd Scientific Sessions, a panel of experts shared some impressive results from a recent trial of the iLet Bionic Pancreas pivotal trial, claimed to be “the closest automated insulin delivery (AID) system to an FDA-approved fully closed loop system – requiring minimal input from the user and no carb counting. The iLet Bionic Pancreas system uses a tubed insulin pump the size of a …
With the Met Office issuing weather warnings for extreme heat in areas of the country this weekend and into next week, Diabetes UK Cymru has put out advice for how people living with diabetes can cope in the hot weather. If you have any type of diabetes, or know someone with the condition, it’s good to be aware of these tips for staying sun-safe: Check blood sugar levels If you …
As reported by DiaTribe, Dr. Ania Jastreboff, of the Yale University School of Medicine, and colleagues have presented new data which has investigated the effectiveness of Tirzepatide for the treatment of obesity. The study found that, across all doses, the use of Tirzepatide resulted in clinically meaningful and sustained body weight reductions in people with obesity but without diabetes, compared to a placebo. Tirzepatide plays a role in weight reduction …
At the American Diabetes Association 82nd annual Scientific Sessions, Vertex Pharmaceuticals released new data from a trial of two participants receiving a stem cell-derived beta cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes called VX-880. They claim it has the potential to become a “functional cure” for Type 1 diabetes, meaning that while recipients would technically still have a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, they might not require insulin to manage their …
The national Children and Young People’s Mental Health (CYPMH) Team at NHS England and Improvement are recruiting four national lived experience partners to work in a new role with the team to improve NHS funded CYPMH mental health services. The CYPMH team are responsible for setting the strategic direction and driving improvements for the Community CYPMH pathway. Successful applicants will have a key role in shaping national CYPMH policy, championing …
Obesity in adolescence linked to T1D in adulthood. Excessively high body mass index (BMI) in late adolescence has been linked to development of Type 1 diabetes, not just Type 2 diabetes, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association 82nd Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, LA, published in Diabetologia and reported in Clinical; Advisor. To study whether excessively high BMI in adolescence is associated with Type 1 diabetes, researchers …
I think that 10 years ago I was doubtful that CGM technology would become a reality, but it has. I wonder what the diabetes world will be like in another 10 years’ time? What I’ve referred to as the Holy Grail is non-invasive blood glucose measurement. That is an even greater step in the right direction for painless tracking that does not even involve so much as an itchy CGM …
Insulet’s Omnipod 5 ‘significantly Improves’ glycaemic outcomes in very young children. Insulet has announced that its Omnipod 5 tubeless, wearable, automated insulin delivery system can significantly improve time in range and reduced HbA1c in young children. The data, collected from a three-month pivotal trial, showed Omnipod 5 to significantly improve time in range and reduce HbA1c in 80 children aged between 2 and 5.9 with Type 1 diabetes. After all …
For healthy middle-aged and older adults, adding cranberries to the diet may help improve memory and brain function, as well as lower LDL cholesterol, new research suggests. A trial of adults aged 50-80 found that consuming freeze-dried cranberry extract, equivalent to one cup of fresh cranberries, for 12 weeks was associated with improved episodic memory, as well as increased blood flow to key areas of the brain that support cognition. …
Research project seeks older Type 2s on insulin, an update. By Susannah Hickling. Researchers at King’s College London are stepping up recruitment of older people with Type 2 diabetes who take insulin, or their carers, for a study exploring their experiences. Evidence of the experiences of older people with insulin use is limited. A systematic review undertaken as part of the study has revealed that psychological aspects of using insulin …
A small whey protein drink taken 10 minutes before meals can significantly lower 24-hour mean blood glucose concentration and increase the amount of time people with diabetes spend in euglycaemia (normal blood sugar levels), according to new research from Newcastle University, writes Dr Sheena Meredith, MB BS, MPhil and reported in MedscapeUK. The Newcastle researchers conducted a study amongst 18 people with Type 2 diabetes who were aged 50 on …
New research has found that some cosmetic products can contain enough biotin to interfere with several laboratory test results, including those of thyroid function, Study coauthor Saleh Aldasouqi, MD, of Michigan State University, told Medscape Medical News: “We know people take biotin as a hair product, a skin product, and as an energy supplement… The biotin dose found in vitamin supplements, about 50 µg, is roughly the daily requirement for …
A trial of insulin-producing arm implants have been reported as promising. According to a report in Hospital + Heatlhcare, a trial at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), in which insulin-producing islet cells are implanted into an artificial dermis (skin) in a patient’s arm, is said to be showing promising results. Islet cells produce the hormones that regulate blood sugar, such as insulin, but the transplantation of islet cells into sites …
By joining this study, you could contribution to greater understanding of how low blood glucose affects our quality of life, an update by Susannah Hickling. A research study that aims to improve understanding of the effect of hypoglycaemia on people living with insulin-treated diabetes is looking to recruit its last few participants. The Hypo-METRICS (Hypoglycaemia: MEasurement, ThResholds and ImpaCtS) project is finalising the recruitment of 600 participants who have …
Having already received a CE mark in September 2020 for FreeStyle Libre 3 (FSL3), the latest version of its continuous glucose monitor, Abbott has now received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration. The 14-day device is smaller and thinner than its predecessor and sends readings to a connected smartphone every minute. Abbott claims that Libre 3 is the most accurate 14-day CGM, based on results published in the …
Fewer than one in four women with a history of gestational diabetes (sudden onset diabetes in pregnancy) are later screened for signs of T2D despite the fact they are known to be at extra risk, a study at Leicester University has found. If it is not well managed gestational diabetes can lead to complications including induced labour, a caesarean section and a larger than normal baby. It usually disappears after …
A NovoRapid PumpCart insulin cartridge and Roche Accu-Chek Insight insulin pump safety warning has been issued. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a safety warning, following concerns raised about the NovoRapid PumpCart prefilled insulin cartridge and the Roche Accu-Chek Insight Insulin pump. This device, which releases the insulin your body needs throughout the day and night, comprises a pump, tube, battery and a pre-filled glass insulin …
The drug regulator NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) has recommended the Sleepio app as an effective alternative to sleeping pills. Nearly a hird of adults in the UK experience insomnia symptoms each week. NICE recommends cognitive behaviour therapy for insomnia CBT-I, as the first-line treatment for insomnia, offered before or alongside medication. However, there is a lack of therapists trained to administer the treatment for insomnia …
Bakul Patel, the chief digital health officer at America’s influential Food and Drug Administration which approves new drugs and regulates healthcare in the USA, has announced he is moving to Google to help them build a new digital health and regulatory strategy. It is not clear what the ultimate Google ambition might be but Patel said in a LinkedIn post: “The power of technology, when coupled with a unified digital …
A new drug called Mounjaro (tirzepatide) manufactured by Eli Lilly and shown to dramatically lower excess weight as well as blood glucose in clinical trials, has just been approved for use by America’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning it is likely to become available in Britain before too long. It combines synthetic versions of two hormones called GLP-1 and GIP that our bodies naturally release after a meal to …
After years of dithering on the damaging effects of BOGOF (Buy One Get One Free) deals offered by supermarkets on sweets, snacks and junk food, the prime minister has caved in to pressure apparently from a small group of rebel MPs opposed to idea of a ban on such promotions. The Prime Minister had scrapped the idea along with the proposal for a 9pm watershed for TV advertising on sugary …
The Sheffield branch of Diabetes UK has embarked on a new initiative to prevent people suffering worsening symptoms of the condition. People of all ages and fitness levels (or lack of them) are being invited to sign up for a day of expert advice from people living with the condition and specialist health trainers. The organisers promise lots of support and encouragement – and no pressure, but the possibility of …
Updated NICE guidelines where all Type 1s will be offered a choice of CGMs as well as access to an insulin pump (as well as some Type 2s). Short-term costs have been proven to out-weigh the long-term costs of NOT having access to it. It is extraordinary. CGMs have been like a zoom lens, focusing in detail on glucose control with the belts-and-braces of optional alerts, why go low if …
Many people have successfully lost weight by having days when they don’t eat and now a year-long Chinese study has suggested time-restricted eating might be better than just eating the same reduced number of calories at normal meal times. A total of 139 otherwise healthy people with BMIs between 28 and 45 were recruited. All of them were told to stick to calorie-restricted diets, with ranges of 1,500-1,800 kcal per …
A study that followed more than 110,000 men and women for more than 30 years claims to have shown that eating two servings of avocado a week reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Researchers also found that replacing half a serving of butter, cheese, bacon, or other animal product with an equivalent amount of avocado was associated with up to 22% lower risk of heart attack or stroke. The …
New statistics from the charity Diabetes UK reveal thousands of people are struggling to access diabetes care with little more than a third of people living with the condition receiving their recommended checks. The figures appear in Recovering Diabetes Care; Preventing the Mounting Crisis, a report which has been published as part of the charity’s Diabetes is Serious campaign. campaign showing the scale of the problem with a series of …
There has been an historic £50m investment from the Steve Morgan Foundation into Type 1 diabetes research. The donation – the largest ever single gift in the UK for diabetes research – will pave the way for the development of new treatments for Type 1 diabetes, bringing a cure closer. Diabetes UK has joined forces with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) to make sure this donation funds the best …
Another new innovation in personalised diabetes management has been introduced by the French company Diabeloop. Their new DBL-4pen is designed for people who can’t or don’t want to wear an insulin pump, and costs less than a pump. It involves an insulin pen linked to a smartphone app connected via Bluetooth, which operates as a continuous glucose monitor, measuring blood glucose levels every five minutes. Users have to input data …
Doctors have long been reluctant to treat obesity as a disease, arguing that if the element of personal responsibility is removed, people are inclined to view their weight gain as something they can do nothing about, rather than pro-actively trying to diet. Now Novo Nordisk is launching a renewed drive to convince doctors to chance their attitude which coincides with a drive to raise interest in its new Wegovy product, …
Billions of plastic pre-filled disposable insulin pens are distributed globally every year, making a massive contribution to the environmental disaster facing all of us. At the end of last year Novo Nordisk began a pilot project called PenCycle, in Greater Manchester, Leicestershire & Rutland, Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Users of Novo Nordisk’s pre-filled FlexPen® and FlexTouch® devices, will be able to recycle their empty pens by returning them to local …
‘Control sugar levels sooner to guard against heart attacks’ finds new study into Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes may need to reduce their blood sugar levels sooner after diagnosis than previously thought, to prevent major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, according to new research from the University of Surrey. The study from Surrey suggests that controlling blood sugar levels within the first year of diagnosis reduces …
It is known that obesity increases the risk of developing T2D but one in ten sufferers are not obese or overweight. Results from a study by Professor Roy Taylor of Newcastle University also presented at the 2022 Diabetes UK Professional Conference in March 2022, showed that an average 8% weight loss in these people, could also put the condition into remission. The project followed the earlier Counterpoint study, which showed …
A law introduced this month will require all cafes, restaurants and takeaways with more than 250 employees to list calorie counts on non-prepacked food and soft drinks. Critics are generally unimpressed. This will only apply to the major fast food chains as most outlets don’t have 250 employees. According to surveys, only about one in five people aged under 25 bother to count calories, and less than a third of …
A once-weekly 2mg injection of Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic semaglutide product Ozempic has been approved for use in America, following results of the SUSTAIN FORTE trial, which showed that a higher dose of the drug led to better haemaglobin A1c control and slightly better weight loss, meaning lower risk of heart attack or stroke. However, there was a downside in terms of higher risk of gastrointestinal upsets. Two other similar forms …
There are good reasons to try to control T2D by weight loss. The biggest study to date, involving 3m people with an average age of 50, compared health data of people with T2D and those without. Professor Emanuele Di Angelantonio from Cambridge University, who led the project, looked at 116 chronic long-term illnesses and found people with T2D typically developed ‘middle-aged health problems’ five years earlier than those without the condition. …
This has been a fun issue to oversee. The new NICE guidelines are pretty amazing. All Type 1s and some Type 2s to get access to a choice – a choice! – of sensors, and Type 1s also to be offered an insulin pump on the NHS. It’s hard to believe I even just typed that! Plus, we have a coupe of science-y stories looking beyond devices to delivery insulin …
Every day is ‘A Day’ in PR land and a group of companies that make standing desks and other ‘active office’ equipment has collaborated to come up with On Your Feet Day, a new initiative for Thursday 28th April to get people to appoint a Chief Wiggle Officer in their workplaces. Suggestions to ‘get people standing’ and to ‘wiggle it, not sit on it’ include the introduction of standing meetings …
Nemaura Medical, manufacturer of the sugarBEAT continuous glucose monitor sold in the UK through MySugarWatch, and the Miboko body worn glucose sensor, has just received prizes for Innovator of the year and innovation in medtech and life sciences, in the LeicestershireLive awards for regional companies leading the way in research and development. For more CLICK HERE
One in four children and young adults aren’t diagnosed with T1D until they have potentially fatal diabetic ketoacidosis – when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into cells for use as energy. Thanks to funding from Diabetes UK, a team led by Dr Julia Townson of Cardiff University has developed a predictive tool using artificial intelligence that looked through health data from more than a million …
The drive towards personalised care continues with the development of new software called the Healum app. Results of an 18-month trial presented at the Diabetes UK professional conference in March showed people who used it had an average 9.5% reduction in HbA1c blood glucose compared with 2% reduction in a comparable control group. “A key challenge in long-term condition management is to motivate and support patients to make healthy choices …
By Sue Marshall, editor, Desang Diabetes Magazine As I said in the editorial of the latest issue of the magazine, which went out last week,when I set the magazine up, the point was to share information and talk about diabetes ‘kit’. Back then (about a decade ago), few people wore, or had even heard about insulin pumps and everyone was blood testing, with all the rigmarole that entailed. Now, it’s …
Dexcom, fresh from celebrating gaining a CE Mark for its G7 sensor, has also announced another new product, Dexcom ONE. This is expected to be on prescription via the NHS England in the coming months, demonstrating a huge step forward in access to diabetes technology and improved access to potentially lifesaving technology for people with diabetes. This product is an affordable, accessible and easy-to-use rt-CGM that will enable more people …
The Diabeloop system. NICE guidelines on Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management (ng17) This update to the guideline regarding diagnosis and glucose monitoring has now been published on the NICE website. You can also find the supporting evidence, tools and resources as well as all the stakeholder comments that we received during consultation and the responses to these comments. The comments were invaluable in helping us to develop …
The Welsh division of Diabetes UK is trumpeting the success of 13-year-old Olivia Bant from Cardiff, who after three years of trying to conceal her Type 1 diabetes from friends, and three hospital admissions to control the condition, has soared to the top of the ballet world and will represent Wales in the Dance World Cup in Spain later this year. She is currently fund-raising to meet the £3,000 cost …
Diabetes UK Cymru has appointed Rachel Burr as the organisation’s new National Director. As part of Diabetes UK, Diabetes UK Cymru supports people living with the condition, campaigns for improved care, and raises money to fund vital research in Wales. She succeeds Dai Williams, who retired after 13 years as Diabetes UK National Director. Rachel Burr joins Diabetes UK Cymru with 15 years experience in the Third Sector with roles at …
When I set this magazine up, the point was to share information and talk about diabetes ‘kit’. Back then (about a decade ago), few people wore, or had even heard about insulin pumps and everyone was blood testing, with all the rigmarole that entails (lancing device, a lancet, tub of strips, blood test meter). In this issue, it’s thrilling to see how diabetes tech is on the move, we …
More than three quarters of Britons have tried to lose weight by dieting but only a fifth of them said successful dieting had made them happier, according to new research from not-for-profit healthcare provider, Benenden Health. Most people first consider dieting around the age of 30, but one in four say they were already trying to lose weight when they were aged 16 to 25. Only 22% of 1,000 adults …
After a two-year absence Diabetes UK is once more holding a 10-mile fund-raising river Thames ‘wellness walk’ in West London on 8 May to raise funds and remind people of the importance – and fun, of exercise. The walk is a loop from the Walled Garden at Syon Park, heading south-west towards Twickenham. It will pass nature reserves and wetlands teeming with wildlife, through the Royal parks, and alongside grand …
The Swedish health-tech company Brighter has signed an agreement with the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust to set up a research project to demonstrate the benefits of its product Actiste in the management of T1 and T2 diabetes. The trust covers the greater Manchester areas of Salford, Oldham, Rochdale and Bury, and the data gathered from patients in the region will be shared with the wider patient community of people …
Stretchy skin-like wearable electronic devices are just around the corner, offering the chance to transform the lives of millions of people living with diabetes who are currently obliged to make do with bulky sensors, which are heavy, fall off and create volumes of un-recyclable plastic waste. A report in the journal Nature describes the development of a new generation of ‘highly mechanically robust and skin-conformable electronic circuitry devices’ capable …
The InDependent Diabetes Trust (IDDT) has been contacted by people in Ukraine in need of diabetes medical supplies. IDDT’s CEO Martin Hirst told us, “The Independent Diabetes Trust started an appeal to send diabetes supplies at the start of March and with the support of its members managed to send its first aid shipment on the 9 March and will be in a position to send a second shipment by …
Abbott, the global healthcare company, today announced that its FreeStyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, the latest addition to the world-leading FreeStyle Libre sensor technology, is now available for use in the UK. The FreeStyle Libre 3 system is available via the NHS Supply Chain Framework for people with more complex diabetes management needs who require a real-time CGM device. For example, those with impaired hypoglycaemia awareness. The …
A resource has been created by JDRF UK in association with JDRF International, JDRF Australia and the Beyond Type 1 Alliance. It will be updated as more information becomes available. It says, “People with diabetes in Ukraine will need help, whether they are remaining behind, travelling to safer areas within the country, or crossing the borders. Beyond Type 1 and JDRF have been working with those in Ukraine as well …
The French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi has agreed to pay digital health company Dario Health $30 million to market its diabetes products. In return, Dario Health will have access to Sanofi’s sales team to market its smartphone-connected glucometer and app to help people manage their diabetes, as well as its other new technology including devices to help people correct their posture, monitor physical training exercises at home, and provide on line …
University College London’s Global Business School for Health has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Roche UK to offer a new fully-funded MBA Health scholarship open to girls or to black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) students and will be based on financial need. Roche has also offered mentorship to the successful candidate and the opportunity to undertake an internship after their full-time studies. The scholarship will increase opportunity in underrepresented …
There are very many reasons to be thankful for the unique level of healthcare offered free by the NHS in Britain. In America insulin manufacturers have cynically hiked their prices in recent years, meaning insulin can cost almost £800 for a month’s supply. One in four Americans with insulin dependent diabetes routinely skip or ration their insulin, and deaths are common. Now JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is supporting …
Side by Side – Dexcom G6 (left) and G7 (right) Dexcom’s G7 is the next-generation continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system building on the best-selling real-time CGM in the world. It is now more powerful and easier to use with a small, all-in-one wearable and completely redesigned mobile app. The new system will have the fastest sensor warm-up on the market, with no fingersticks or scanning required. Dexcom G7 builds on …
Although there has been much discussion about sharing electronic health records, information from home wearable devices is not shared with outpatients clinics or hospitals so doctors never get a full picture of a patient’s condition. A recent commentary by doctors writing in the influential Journal of the American Medical Association, has argued that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which gives approval to new medical devices, needs to do …
A team led by mechanical engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in America has patented two new devices to reduce the rigmarole of diabetes management. One is a phone app designed to identify and quantify food carbohydrate content from a photograph. Blood glucose is then measured and and the device relays the measurement via the app to calculate correct insulin dose. The second incorporates a glucose sensor into …
More than nine out of ten surgeons say they have pricked themselves with a contaminated needle at least once or seen a colleague do so. The Royal College of Nursing reported a 50% increase in such injuries last year because of lack of time to train people in how to avoid them, and the total number of reports of NHS needle stick injuries (NSIs) has risen to more than 100,000 …
Many of the UK’s biggest restaurant chains have told the Observer newspaper they won’t change their ingredients when regulations are introduced in April requiring them to include calorie counts for each item on their menus. Obesity campaigners also say the initiative is unlikely to have much impact. The Observer surveyed 20 of the UK’s biggest restaurant and fast-food outlets and found most had been reformulating their menus to reduce fat, …