As I mentioned in DSM E-News this week, and as Eric wrote in his blog entry, my tenure as Web Editor at DiabetesSelfManagement.com is coming to a close...
Read MoreTara Dairman is a former Web Editor of DiabetesSelfManagement.com. (Tara Dairman is not a medical professional.)
Novel Diabetes Drug Cycloset Approved
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug for treating Type 2 diabetes. Called Cycloset, the drug is actually a new version of the older drug bromocriptine, which has been used at higher doses to treat people with Parkinson disease.
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Some Accu-Chek Spirit Pumps Recalled
On April 30, Disetronic Medical Systems, Inc. (a division of Roche) announced a recall of certain Accu-Chek Spirit insulin pumps due to a manufacturing problem: These pumps may be at risk of having their "up" and/or "down" buttons fail with repeated use. Pumps with serial numbers ranging from SN02119552 to SN10006093, which were shipped in the United States, are affected by this recall.
Read MoreProtecting Yourself from Swine Flu
If you've been reading, watching, or listening to the news over the last week, you've probably heard about the cases of H1N1 influenza (or "swine flu") that have broken out in Mexico and in a few locations in the United States and other parts of the world. On April 29, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5, sending a "strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short." In other words, more cases may be on the way.
Read MoreStronger Warning For Gastroparesis Drug
The drug metoclopramide (brand names Reglan, Maxolon, and Octamide), which can be used to treat gastroparesis (slowed stomach emptying caused by nerve damage), now must carry a boxed warning to alert doctors and users of a risk it may pose. People who take the drug for longer than recommended have a higher chance of developing tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder whose symptoms may remain even after the drug is stopped.
Read MoreMore Companies Offer Deals to Deltec Customers
As Eric Lagergren mentioned in his blog entry "Insurance, Skin-Prep Wipes, and Principle (Part 2)," the company Smiths Medical recently announced that it is ending manufacturing and sales of its Deltec Cozmo insulin pump and, ultimately, exiting the diabetes business. What does this mean for people who currently use this pump? Read More
Deltec Cozmo Pump Discontinued
As Eric Lagergren mentioned in his blog entry "Insurance, Skin-Prep Wipes, and Principle (Part 2)," the company Smiths Medical recently announced that it is ending manufacturing and sales of its Deltec Cozmo insulin pump and, ultimately, exiting the diabetes business. What does this mean for people who currently use this pump? Read More
Fibrate Drug May Lower Heart Risks in Some
New data from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study has shown that taking the drug fenofibrate (brand names TriCor, Lofibra, and others) may help people with Type 2 diabetes and symptoms of the metabolic syndrome reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Read More
Diabetes Alert Day Brings Free Tools and Tips
This past Tuesday, March 24, was American Diabetes Alert Day. This one-day "wake-up call" for the American public has taken place on the fourth Tuesday in March for the last 21 years. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the day aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and urge people to find out if they or their loved ones are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Read More
Stem Cell Research Restriction Lifted
On Monday, March 9, President Barack Obama signed an order lifting the ban on federal funding for certain types of embryonic stem cell research — a move that is being commended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Read More
