Diabetes news 2006-05-01

The examination of 14. 3 million hemoglobin A1c tests, a common test for blood-sugar levels, found 56 percent of the tests met American Diabetes Association guidelines in 2005. Thats a major improvement from the 36 percent measured in 2001.

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David Goldstein of the University of Missouri-Columbia said the study showed another positive trend -- a doubling in the number of A1c tests in five years.

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Thats a big increase over the numbers that would have been eligible under an old waiver program, which was so restrictive that only a handful of diabetics could have applied. Before the recent rule change, diabetic drivers would have to show three years of safe driving within one state while using insulin before applying for a federal waiver. But because theres very little intrastate trucking, and few states had any kind of waiver program, diabetes advocates say this was a catch-22 that made the old waiver program impossible for most people. But now, the agency has done away with the requirement for three years of in-state driving, and diabetics can apply for the federal waiver the same day they go on insulin. If Mathers application is approved, he could be driving again within a year.

www.npr.org

The federal government bars diabetics who take insulin from driving big rigs; the drug can lead to blackouts. But new rules under consideration may allow diabetics who manage their disease get back behind the wheel.

The growing focus in schools at all levels to meet minimum test standards is particularly worrisome to educators who focus on the body as well as the mind. Several recent studies showing how kids who are physically active tend to learn better in class dont seem to have helped the cause.

Schools teach to the test," said NASPE executive director Charlene Burgeson. "And with the focus on student achievement in core academic subjects, something like PE thats not on the test becomes a lower priority and gets less time and resources in school. "

www.shns.com

LONDON, ON, May 3 /CNW/ - Over a dozen experts in diabetes health care will come together to present at the Canadian Diabetes Associations in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart first annual Live Smart Diabetes Expo on at Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Conference Centre located at 591 Wellington Road South. Early bird rate of usd. 20 ends on May 8. Dont delay and sign-up today by calling 1-866-787-7036, or online at /expos before the price increases to usd. 25. Not to be missed is plenary speaker, Dr. Ian Blumers presentation, Dont just survive, thrive with your diabetes. Dr. Blumers motto is, rule your diabetes, dont let your diabetes rule you. Come and hear his tips, coupled with a lot of humour and good old fashioned experience that will be of benefit not only to people who live with

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With money raised from bake sales and diabetes marches across the country, the foundation is launching a series of independent studies designed to test manufacturer claims about the new devices and provide information on their worth. Among the big questions are how much they can cut rates of hospitalization, car accidents caused by drivers with low blood sugar and the many other problems attributable to diabetes.

The group is also pushing to mate the glucose sensors with insulin pumps, which have been on the market for years, to create automated systems that might be able to control diabetes for days with minimal intervention. That technique has been tested on a small scale recently at Yale University, and the creation of a commercial system was recently designated a priority by the Food and Drug Administration.

www.miami.com

The May 1 issue has diabetes-related news stories, feature recipes (papaya with blueberry sauce!) , diabetes Q and A from readers. I thought you might enjoy reading the diabetes 101 section on exercise:

Arrived in my email box today. I look forward to this e-newsletter, as it features practical tips (and some great recipes) for living successfully with diabetes. And the

Test your blood glucose before and after exercising. Do not exercise if your fasting blood glucose level is above 300. Eat a small snack if your blood glucose is below 100.

diabetes.about.com

Diabetes and Your Exercise Plan in the Diabetic Newsletter - Diabetes and Your Exercise Plan in the Diabetic Newsletter

And ldquo;This first phase of clinical trials proved that the innovative formulation of GFT14 developed by GENFIT produced a very good margin of security and rdquo;, commented Professeur Fruchart, who continued : and ldquo; Fresh from these promising results, an initial Phase II study targeting the effectiveness of GFT14 in patients with dyslipidemia has just been undertaken. The first patient should begin tests later this month, with results expected at the beginning of 2007 and rdquo; . GFT14, a proprietary compound from GENFIT, is destined to improve the condition of patients at risk from cardiovascular disease by a simultaneous and favorable action on the plasmatic lipids (rise of HDL- cholesterol et lowering of triglycerides) and on other risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. Orally absorbed GFT14 has absolutely no structural link

www.medadnews.com

In the latest paper, published in the journal Alzheimers and Dementia, Roses reported results from a study of 511 Alzheimers patients. Again, those who showed improvement were also the ones without the apo-E4 form, Roses said. GlaxoSmithKline is about to launch an even larger study, required by the Food and Drug Administration. The company hopes to get the drug approved for the treatment of Alzheimers.

The apo-E gene shuttles cholesterol and other fats in and out of cells. There are three forms of apo-E, and it is the apo-E4 form that Roses and others have found alters glucose metabolism in the brain. People who carry a copy of the apo-E4 have poor glucose utilization, just like people with type 2 diabetes. This poor glucose utilization may, in turn and over time, damage brain cells.

www.newsday.com

A diabetes drug used to regulate glucose metabolism may work in treating Alzheimers, according to a new study.

During a standard treadmill test, and the standard Walking Impairment

Randomly assigned 40 older adults without diabetes and with

www.annals.org

AUSTIN, Texas, May 1 (UPI) -- Doctors are debating universal testing for celiac disease, a chronic intestinal disorder increasingly linked to type 1 diabetes.

Opponents say universal testing is too costly and too invasive and can be life-altering if the disease is confirmed before symptoms show up. They say they cant imagine telling children who dont appear sick that they can never eat bread, pizza, pasta or cookies again, the newspaper said

The disease affects an estimated one in 100 people in the general population but is increasingly being linked to people with the type 1 diabetes, the newspaper said.

www.upi.com