Plenty more news streamed out of the conference of the American Diabetes Assn. over the weekend, including progress toward an artificial pancreas, data on young diabetics at risk for heart disease and mobile apps for prevention and management of diabetes.
More than 13,500 people gathered in San Diego at the 71st annual scientific conference of the ADA to lead the fight against diabetes, a disease that affects more than 26 million children and adults in the U.S., according to the ADA.
Already diabetes contributes to the deaths of more than 231,000 Americans each year, more than breast cancer and AIDS combined. By 2020, the ADA estimates that more than half of adult Americans will have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
The ADA estimates that the total cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. tops $174 billion. Added costs associated with gestational diabetes, pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes bring the total up to an estimated $218 billion.
- Mayo Clinic unveils work on artificial pancreas
Following the FDA’s release of draft guidance aimed at advancing the approval of artificial pancreas systems, researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to relieve diabetic patients of the need for frequent finger-pricks and insulin dosing.Artificial pancreas systems combine a continuous glucose monitor, an insulin infusion pump and a glucose meter. The artificial pancreas monitors glucose levels and automatically adjusts insulin doses, but still requires that patients keep an eye on their blood sugar and supplement themselves with an insulin injection when necessary.
Mayo researchers Dr. Yogish Kudva and Dr. Ananda Basu studied how the mundane movements of everyday life affect blood sugar levels. Among the newest findings is that even basic physical activity after meals has a profound impact on blood sugar levels for people with type 1 diabetes.
Clinical trials are expected to begin in November, according to the release.
In the video, Dr. Kudva explains more.
- Young people with type 1 diabetes at risk for heart disease
Adolescents with type 1 diabetes have thicker and stiffer carotid arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, according to new research from a collaboration between the Colorado School of Public Health and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Atherosclerosis is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke in adults.
Read more - Mobile health apps inspire ADA diabetes pilots
The American Diabetes Assn. and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention announced a collaboration with the Office of the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology to drive mobile health programs to help individuals better manage and prevent diabetes.
Read more - Medtronic touts clinical evidence of its sensor-augmented insulin pump
Medtronic Inc. (NYSE:MDT) touted results from trials of its sensor-augmented insulin pump, the only FDA-cleared pump of its kind."Extensive clinical research has proven that our advancements in insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring technologies have improved outcomes for people with diabetes," said Dr. Francine Kaufman, chief medical officer and VP of global medical, clinical & health affairs at Medtronic.
Read more - Life expectancy improving for those with type 1 diabetes
People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes between 1965 and 1980 lived an average of 15 years longer than those diagnosed between 1950 and 1964, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences.
Read more - Dermagraft treatment for diabetic foot ulcers proves cost-effective
Advanced BioHealing Inc., which recently sold to Shire Plc. (NASDAQ:SHPGY ) for $750 million, touted economic models that demonstrate use of Dermagraft treatment used alongside conventional care resulted in significant therapeutic and cost benefits compared to conventional care alone.
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