SPOTLIGHT -
Physicians have new tools for treating, monitoring diabetes
2017 has seen two key advancements for diabetes patients, but affordability remains an issue.
Physicians have more options to provide CVD protection in diabetic patients
Glucose lowering drugs provide additional cardiovascular benefit to patients with diabetes.
Physicians shouldn’t underestimate link between diabetes, cancer
Diabetes and high BMI were responsible for an estimated 800,000 new cases of cancer worldwide in 2012.
Longer sleep duration could lessen children’s risk for T2D
Study shows that longer sleep duration was associated with reductions in several markers for type 2 diabetes.
New tool identifies diabetic patients’ risk for hypoglycemia
Patients at high risk could be identified and targeted for intervention, resulting in the potential for high healthcare cost savings.
Adult diabetic medication adherence tied directly to financial issues
More than twice as many adults aged 45 to 65 with diabetes reported skipping doses of medication to save money, according to new data.
Younger age at menopause linked with increased likelihood of T2D
Women who experienced premature or early menopause were more than twice as likely to have type 2 diabetes, a new study finds.
Glucose self-monitoring unnecessary in non-insulin treated diabetics
A lack of improvement in HbA1c compared with patients who monitor glucose indicates that monitoring should not be routine, according to new research.
HbA1c variability linked to depression in elderly
Good, long-term control of HbA1c may help prevent depressive symptoms in elderly with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.
Long-term commitment to diabetes prevention increases success
Sticking with a prevention program for one year increased the likelihood of success
Telehealth program reduced unneeded diabetic retinopathy referrals
A Los Angeles-based program eliminated 14,000 unnecessary visits to specialty care professionals and reduced wait times for patients in need.
Residential lifestyle intervention can reduce costs type 2 diabetes costs
Improvements in glycemic control from combined diet and physical activity intervention drove down use of routine medications, according to new study.
Large, early HbA1c reduction lowered risk for CVD events, death
Study: Achieving stringent HbA1c goals within 6 months of initiating metformin predicted decreased risk.
Early marker of renal decline discovered in diabetes patients
Monitoring of arterial stiffness could be a potential target for prediction of renal decline in younger type 2 diabetes patients.
USPSTF interventions for CVD risk factors could be cost effective
Targeting all eligible patients would be cost-effective, but cost might be reduced by focusing on certain patient subgroups.
Diabetes responsible for more U.S. deaths than previously thought
Previous estimates based on cause of death on death certificates underestimated the problem.
Abdominal obesity linked to risk of type 2 diabetes
A genetic predisposition to having increased abdominal fat increased risk for diabetes and heart disease, according to a new study.
High-deductible plan switch shows little effect on diabetes patients
New study indicates vulnerable subgroups of diabetes patients did experience adverse outcomes due to change in health insurance coverage.
CMS defines certain continuous glucose monitors as DME
New definition opens the door to full Medicare coverage for CGMs.
HbA1c predicts diabetes risk in children
The easy-to-administer test was useful in predicting diabetes risk, and prediabetes status in children and adolescents.
Diabetes accounts for majority of U.S. healthcare spending
Of 155 conditions, personal healthcare spending on diabetes tops list, according to new study.
Incidence, severity of COPD exacerbations increasing
French study shows that ICU admissions for and mortality from severe COPD exacerbations are increasing despite improved management methods.
Three-item questionnaire could help predict COPD exacerbation
In a small single-center study, a breathlessness, cough and sputum score of 5.0 or greater was a good predictor of exacerbation risk.
No link between long-term oxygen, improved mortality for stable COPD
Patients with stable COPD already using supplemental oxygen should discuss continued use with their physician.
Two tools could help identify undiagnosed significant COPD
The CAPTURE questionnaire along with a peak flow test could assist primary care physicians with severe COPD diagnosis.
All-or-none diabetes system could reduce costs of care
After initial investment, approach could help reduce outpatient and professional costs while maintaining or improving outcomes, new study says.
Level of neighborhood deprivation linked to diabetes risk
New data suggest that neighborhood environments have significant effects on health.
Small reductions in HbA1C could equal big cost savings
A U.K. study finds that incremental population-wide improvements in glycemic control for people with diabetes could result in large healthcare savings.
Flu vaccine could also protect from pneumonia
A new study finds that the risk for hospitalization for influenza pneumonia could be reduced through the influenza vaccine.
Improvement in adult vaccination rates still needed
Racial and ethnic disparities exist when it comes to the five vaccines routinely recommended for adults, a new study finds.
