Diabetes

U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved once-daily XIGDUO™ XR (dapagliflozin and metformin hydrochloride extended-release) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. It is already approved in Australia XIGDUO XR combines two anti-hyperglycemic agents with complementary mechanisms of action, dapagliflozin (trade name in the U.S. FARXIGA™), an inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), and metformin hydrochloride (HCl) extended-release, a biguanide, in a once-daily oral…

Harvard stem cell researchers today announced that they have made a giant leap forward in the quest to find a truly effective treatment for type 1 diabetes, a condition that affects an estimated 3 million Americans at a cost of about $15 billion annually. With human embryonic stem cells as a starting point, the scientists are for the first time able to produce, in the kind of massive quantities needed for cell transplantation and pharmaceutical purposes, human insulin-producing…

Persons with diabetes often get extremely stressed when their doctor wants to move them from pills to insulin shots. Dr Shital Patel allays the fears and explains what to expect and how to go about it. The transition from pills to insulin injections can be a worrying experience for many Diabetes Type 2 patients. You should know that this does not mean that your diabetes has worsened or that your Type 2 diabetes has changed to Type 1. You are being prescribed insulin because after…

Your size is not a matter of perception but a mathematical fact that you can calculate, says Dr Gita Mathai. What are the commonly used parameters? The BMI (Body Mass Index) is easily measured. It is weight (in kg) divided by height (in meters) squared. BMI Weight Status Below 18.5 Underweight 18.5 – 23.9 Normal 24.0 – 29.9 Overweight 30.0 and Above Obese BMI has some limitations. If it is calculated for adults who are very muscular, or very thin, they may fall erroneously into…

- By nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju Breakfast Fried beehoon (plain) with bean sprouts, stir-fried vegetables (cabbage/string beans/French beans/ okra) - 2 servings  Tip: One serving is 3⁄4 of a coffee mug (glass mug/cup served at hawker coffee stall)  Or  Wholegrain sandwich with egg, lettuce, tomato and cheese or light mayonnaise Kopi O or Teh O Mid-morning snack Have any one of the following: An apple or banana or bowl of chopped carrots or celery or jicama (…

The U.S. FDA today approved Trulicity (dulaglutide), a once-weekly subcutaneous injection to improve glycemic control (blood sugar levels), along with diet and exercise, in adults with type 2 diabetes. "Type 2 diabetes is a serious chronic condition that causes blood glucose levels to rise higher than normal,” said Mary Parks, M.D., deputy director of the Office of Drug Evaluation II in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Trulicity is a new treatment option, which can be used…

Childhood obesity can have a harmful effect on the body in a variety of ways. Obese children are more likely to have : High blood pressure and high cholesterol, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In one study, 70% of obese children had at least one CVD risk factor, and 39% had two or more. Increased risk of impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, and asthma. Joint problems and musculoskeletal…

Artificial sweeteners may contribute to soaring levels of diabetes, according to a controversial study that suggests the additives could exacerbate the problem they are meant to tackle. Researchers in Israel found that artificial sweeteners used in diet drinks and other foods can disrupt healthy microbes that live in the gut, leading to higher blood sugar levels – an early sign of diabetes. But the study has left many experts unconvinced. The findings draw largely on tests of just one sweetener…

Planning a pregnancy? Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chandan Dubey tells you what you need to do before you conceive. A woman’s good health prior to and during pregnancy is vital for optimal outcomes for her and the baby. You should consult a general physician or gynaecologist for preconception care and counselling. In the meantime, here’s what you should be aware of:  Lose weight (if you are overweight): Obesity is a serious problem in pregnancy. It increases the…

People who live in neighborhoods that are conducive to walking experienced a substantially lower rate of obesity, overweight and diabetes than those who lived in more auto-dependent neighborhoods, according to a pair of studies presented at the American Diabetes Association's 74th Scientific Sessions. http://www.diabetescare.net/article/title/neighborboods-that-encourage-walking-reduce-obesity-and-diabetes   Those who read this, also read one of our contributor's journey as a diabetic for…