Syringe Recall
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has voluntarily issued a nationwide recall of all Accusure Insulin Syringes sold between January 2002 and October 2009 due to the possibility of the needles detaching from the syringes. This expands an earlier recall that affected only certain lots of the syringes.
People with any Accusure Insulin Syringes are advised to stop using them and to contact Qualitest at (800) 444-4011 for information on reimbursement. To learn more, see the press release on the Web site of the Food and Drug Administration.
New Treatment Recommendations Released
In other news, the American Association of Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology (ACE) have released a first-of-its-kind diabetes algorithm designed to improve blood glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes. The algorithm, or step-by-step procedure, can help physicians determine the best course of treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes by considering factors such as a person’s HbA1c level (an indicator of blood glucose control over the previous 2–3 months), treatment history, and symptoms (or lack thereof).
The algorithm was developed by a group of leading endocrinologists who prioritized drug options according to features that included the drugs’ risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), safety, effectiveness, cost, and simplicity of use. (Lifestyle measures are included as part of any treatment plan.)
According to Helena Rodbard, MD, Past-President of the AACE and Co-Chair of the Algorithm Task Force, “Depending on a patient’s current A1C level, a physician will use the algorithm to determine whether a mono-, dual, or triple combination therapy should be considered. To minimize the risk of diabetic complications, the algorithm will help achieve a hemoglobin A1C value of 6.5 or less when appropriate.”
The algorithm’s authors note that blood glucose and HbA1c monitoring are a crucial part of therapy and that the effectiveness of a particular treatment approach should be reassessed every 2–3 months to determine whether blood glucose goals are being achieved. They also note that the suggestions in the algorithm do not necessarily constitute official AACE positions.
If you have not been able to achieve your desired blood glucose results, this new diabetes algorithm can provide an opener for conversation with your doctor. To learn more about it, read “AACE Releases New Diabetes Algorithm For Treatment of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.”
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