This study analyzed the results of 15 separate studies to examine the effects of lifestyle interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Authors reported on a number of benefits for the mother and the baby following lifestyle interventions.

This study investigated the link between diabetes and atrial fibrillation (AF; irregular heart rhythm). It was found that having diabetes or prediabetes increased the risk of AF and that the risk increased as blood glucose levels increased.

This review of the current medical literature presents the best options to define and achieve treatment success in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

T2DM is the most common type of diabetes. T2DM is the result of a combination of two processes: the lack of insulin secretion by the pancreas and the improper use of insulin by the body (insulin resistance). Insulin is necessary for the body to use glucose for energy. When insulin resistance occurs, glucose cannot enter the cells and builds up in the blood. This leads to kidney, eye, nerve and heart or cardiovascular (CV) complications.

Many people who develop T2DM have other CV risk factors such as hypertension (chronic elevated blood pressure), dyslipidemia (high lipids in the blood stream) or obesity. Together with diabetes, these conditions define the metabolic syndrome. The goal in T2DM treatment is not only to reach glycemic (blood sugar) control, but to reduce the risk of complications. This means controlling the other above-mentioned risk factors as well as blood sugar.

There are anti-diabetes drugs that preserve the function of insulin producing cells in the pancreas such as sulfonylureas (like Amaryl). Other drugs improve the tissues’ sensitivity to insulin, like Metformin (Glucophage). These are usually the first drugs prescribed in T2DM. Thiazolidinediones (Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone etc.) also preserve pancreatic insulin production. Newer anti-diabetic drugs like GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) analogues (Liraglutide and Exenatide) and DPP-4 (dipeptidyl dipeptidase-4) inhibitors have been shown to have positive effects on other CV risk factors. Eventually, the pancreas stops producing insulin and T2DM patients need insulin injections to regulate blood glucose.

T2DM treatment usually follows the progression of the disease. It starts with lifestyle changes (diet and increased exercise) and as the disease advances it is usually followed by one or more anti diabetic drugs and, finally, by insulin therapy. However, this stepped approach is not always effective. This means that T2DM treatment should be individualized based on other health problems and CV risks, as well as the predominant process responsible for the development of T2DM. Early treatment and constant glycemic control are important to prevent complications. Additionally, other CV risk factors should be addressed for a long-term treatment success.

This study investigated if the use of blood pressure (BP)-interfering medication is common in patients hypertension. The study concluded that patients with new or treatment-resistant hypertension commonly take BP-interfering medication including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The present review questions the benefit of adding a second drug, called Pramlintide (Symlin) to insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

T1DM is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. Without insulin the body accumulates sugar in the blood stream which eventually leads to eye, kidney, nerve and heart problems. T1DM is treated with insulin injections. However, insulin treatment may lower blood sugar too much leading to hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar levels), increased food intake, and weight gain.

Along with insulin, the pancreas secretes another hormone, called amylin, which assists in blood sugar regulation. Pramlintide is a drug that mimics the effects of amylin. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunct to insulin therapy for patients with type1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pramlintide reduces hunger and slows the digestion process, thereby controlling the release of sugar into the blood stream. This review establishes the effects of adding Pramlintide to insulin therapy in patients with T1DM.

Administered before meals in overweight T1DM patients, Pramlintide increased satiety and reduced food intake, resulting in weight loss. Pramlintide also delayed stomach emptying which caused smaller peaks of blood sugar, improving glycemic (blood sugar) control.

Other anti-diabetes drugs that delay digestion of carbohydrates (glucose) called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and that reduce insulin resistance (metformin) have also been suggested as adjunct therapies for T1DM, but with poorer results.

The use of Pramlintide is complicated by several issues: it has to be administered by injection before meals and it cannot be mixed with insulin; an increased risk of hypoglycemia exists during initiation of therapy; and nausea and occasional vomiting are the major side effects. This drug should not be used in patients who cannot comply with such a strict regimen and glucose monitoring, and those with a tendency for hypoglycemia. Due to these limitations, patients should be carefully selected for this treatment.

In summary, the current medical literature supports the addition of Pramlintide to insulin, as it improves glycemic control and reduces weight gain in patients with T1DM. However, Pramlintide is not yet indicated for use in children or adolescents with T1DM. The above mentioned promising data seem to justify long-term studies that evaluate Pramlintide in these populations.

This study examined the effectiveness and safety of two forms of insulin glargine in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It determined that both forms reduced HbA1c (measures average blood glucose over the last 3 months), but the more concentrated form was less likely to cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood glucose).

This trial recruiting in Israel aims to evaluate the effectiveness of biofeedback, virtual reality, and education in helping patients cope with the fear of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar levels). The main outcome being investigated is a decrease in the fear of hypoglycemia. 

This study compared the use of aflibercept (Eylea) with laser therapy for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). This study determined that aflibercept may be a suitable alternative to laser therapy.

This study investigated If there is a difference in average blood pressure levels between seasons. They found that blood pressure was generally lower between February to July and higher between August and December. 

This phase 2 trial aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of receiving Neo-Kidney Augment™ (NKA) using two different approaches following diagnosis with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

The main outcome to be investigated is kidney function by measuring glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 12 months following NKA treatment.