GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes drug Avandia will increase cardiac risks while Takeda’s Actos may reduce cardiac risks. These research results were published in the latest edition of Journal of the American Medical Association. The research was done on 14,000 patients in 4 clinical trials over 1 year period. Actos protect patients from heart attacks, strokes and death. It lowers cardiac risks by 18% while Avandia increases heart attack risk by 42%. But both drugs raise risk for heart failure. Both Actos and Avandia are Glitazones, diabetic drugs which lowers resistance to insulin. But Pioglitazone (Actos) reduces heart attack risk while Rosiglitazone (Avandia) increases heart attack risk. FDA may come under tremendous pressure to remove Glaxo’s Avandia from the market. Until May 2007, Avandia is the best selling diabetic drug in the world. Its prescription levels are dropped after Cleveland clinic researchers reported 43% rise in heart attacks in diabetics who are using Avandia, Rosiglitazone. This was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 21. Based on the analysis, the researchers estimate that for every 220 diabetic patients treated with Avandia for one year, one will have a heart attack linked to the drug. And, there would be one case of heart failure for every 30 people taking the drug for one year. Avandia received regulatory approval in 1999 and at that time no serious adverse events were recognized. However, since approval, Avandia has been linked to heart failure, vision loss, heart attacks and fractures in women. In United States, 3.5 million diabetics are taking Avandia. This could translate into more than 4,000 excess heart attacks and 9,000 excess heart failure … [Read more...]
Diabetes patients need better advice about home blood sugar testing
According to research study published in British medical journal, type 2 (Non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients need better advice about home blood glucose monitoring. Patients generally monitor their blood glucose levels frequently in the initial days but they do less frequently over time due to complacency and frustration. Some patients have no idea about the meaning of the test results and how to act on them. No one is there to guide them on these results. Doctors generally do not believe in these results and show little interest in knowing about them. Patients then lose interest in monitoring their glucose levels at home. Type-2 (Non insulin dependent diabetes) patients are generally obese with more than 40 years age. If they fail to control their blood sugar levels, it may lead to insulin dependent diabetes. Diabetics can control their sugar levels with proper diet, adequate exercise and weight reduction. If they fail to control diabetes, it may lead to heart, kidney (nephropathy), eye (retinopathy) and neurological problems. Diabetics generally dye to heart diseases especially heart attack (Myocardial infarction). Most common symptoms of diabetes: 1. Hunger. 2. Increased thirst. 3. Excessive urination. 4. Weight loss. Diabetes Statistics: 7% of American population are suffering with Diabetes. 70% Americans have diagnosed with diabetes while 30% people unaware of this chronic disease. Role of Western diet: Western diet is another major reason for the rise in diabetic cases. Increase in fast food intake, sedentary lifestyle and decrease in vegetable content in diet are the major triggers for diabetes. Patients should monitor their … [Read more...]
Blood pressure drugs protect diabetic hearts
According to new research reports, Diuretic and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE) combination protect diabetic patients from heart diseases. This combination drug therapy reduces heart disease risk by 18%. Researchers used ACE Inhibitor (Perindopril, 2mg) and Diuretic (Indapamide, 0.625 mg) in the research studies. This therapy reduces risk from both macro vascular and micro vascular complications. This study was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2007 in Vienna. Diabetes and heart failure: Over the course of the four years, the researchers found that people with the combined therapy had an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 2 mm Hg compared with the placebo group. People who got the combined therapy were 9 percent less likely to have a heart disease event, such as stroke or heart attack, over the treatment period. They were also 18 percent less likely to die from heart disease and 14 percent less likely to die from any cause. By 2030, an estimated 350 million people will be living with diabetes worldwide. Heart disease kills two out of three people with diabetes, who are at increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and related conditions such as degenerative eye disease. Heart diseases are the most common cause of death in diabetics followed by Kidney diseases. Diabetes is frequently associated with Blood pressure, Obesity and high serum cholesterol levels. According to recent surveys in Europe, 30-40% of heart failure patients have diabetes. Diabetes worsens the prognosis and complicates the management of heart failure. Mortality is more in heart failure patients with diabetes especially in women. Best … [Read more...]
Types of Insulin and some facts
The pancreatic gland secretes approximately 24- 40 units of insulin per day, which are sufficient to our body needs (Otherwise, we have to give 2-3 times more amount of insulin from outside to the body needs). But the demands of insulin required by the body vary time to time in the body in the 24 hours. Insulin is generally taken in injection form through syringes or pumps. Inhaled form is also available in developed countries. The pancreatic gland estimates from time to time, and secretes the actual amount of insulin required by the body, for that time and situation, i.e. sometimes more and sometimes less amount of insulin. For example: 1. From 1 AM to 7 AM, our body is very active attending to the needs of the several of the body (metabolic activity is high), so the demand for insulin is also more, automatically. 2. Likewise, the demands for insulin is more at the time of mid-afternoon (1-2 PM) and the night time (8-9 PM). At the rest of the tomes, the body needs less amount of insulin, to some extent. Hence, we have to give insulin 1-2 times from outside (in the form of injection), as per the needs of the body. Types of insulin depending upon the duration of action: 5 types are available. 1. Short acting Insulin: Its action (controlling the glucose level in the blood) lasts for only 6 hours in the body. It acts very speedily and it looks almost like water. 2. Intermediate or medium acting Insulin: Its action lasts for 12 hours in the body, after taking injection. It is sticky in appearance (like gruel). 3. 24 hour’s Insulin: Its action, controlling the glucose in the blood, lasts for 24 hours only. It is also sticky in nature, appears like … [Read more...]
When to take Insulin?
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common lifestyle disease affecting millions of people all over the world. Luckily, mankind has got the wonder drug “Insulin” in their hands to protect themselves from that ailment. Now the diabetic patients can lead normal life safely and happily. But many patients have many misconceptions about insulin. So, detailed information about insulin is given below, to remove those wrong notions. The pancreatic gland in our body is constantly producing the hormone “insulin’, depending upon the demands of the body at various timings during the day. If the production of insulin is less or its efficacy of action is imperfect, the person develops diabetes. The Mechanism of Insulin production in the body: The food taken by us is digested and converts into glucose and enters the blood stream. Every cell in the body utilizes the glucose as energy for its normal function. But for the utilization of glucose by the cells, sufficient insulin should be present in the body. One way insulin acts as a “key’’. So first of all, Insulin should open the door of the cell and then glucose enters the cell. Otherwise glucose goes on accumulating in the blood and diabetes occurs in the body. So insulin plays a key role. Discovery of Insulin: Insulin was first discovered in the year 1920 by two scientists, Banting and Best, from the pancreatic gland of the dog. Later on insulin is prepared pig’s pancreatic gland and was used in the humans. But some persons raised objection to use insulin prepared from the pigs. Afterwards, insulin was prepared from the beef (buffaloes) and was in use up to 1980. But it was giving lot of troubles to the patients. Thereafter human … [Read more...]
Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients: causes and management
The normal blood sugar level is 80-120mg/100 ml of blood. When the blood sugar level goes below the normal range, the patient develops a condition, called ‘’Hypoglycemia”, which is a medical emergency, and if not attended promptly in time, there is every possibility of threat to patient’s life. Hypoglycemia Causes: If insulin is taken in excess amounts, more than the required dose, the patient develops hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level in the blood), which is a serious condition. Other causes of hypoglycemia: Taking less amount of food After heavy exercise. Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia: 1. Sudden giddiness 2. Unbearable appetite 3. Numbness around the lips 4. Sudden sweating all over the body 5. Palpitations in the heart 6. Shivering of hands and legs 7. Diminishing eyesight 8. Paleness all over the body 9. Feeling of gradual loss of consciousness (just like a drunkard). Management of Hypglycemic patient: Immediately, patient should take milk containing sugar or should eat banana speedily. They remain in the stomach for 3 hours and make the liver to release more glucose in to the blood. Most of the patients take glucose or biscuits at this time, but their effect last only for ½ an hour, and there is chance of occurring of hypoglycemia again. So, it is well and good to take milk or banana or any other fruit. Hence, it is always better to keep/carry some food item containing more carbohydrates along with them, at the time of taking insulin injection, either at home or during journey time. … [Read more...]
Diabetes: Diet and Blood tests
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, including the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This damage makes it easier for fatty deposits (plaques) to form in the arteries. The build-up of arterial plaques (atherosclerosis) can choke off blood supply to raise the blood pressure, leading to coronary heart disease. Timings of Blood sugar tests: Time of testing - Normal readings/per 100 ml of blood: 1. before breakfast - 80-120 mg. 2. 2 hours after breakfast - 140—180mg 3. Before lunch--------------80—120mg; 4. Bed time------------------100—140mg; 5. At 3am--------------------70—140mg. Diabetes and Diet: 1. High Glycemic foods raise the blood sugar levels. Then extra insulin is produced, quickly sending sugars into blood cells, this is extra burden to the pancreas. 2. Effective management of diabetes depends on a delicate balance between medication and diet control and also to keep the weight under control (neither over weight nor under weight). 3. To maintain blood sugar levels close to the normal levels. 4. Doing exercise regularly and avoiding stress and strain. 5. Avoid sweets and fried foods, which raise cholesterol levels in the blood (leading to heart disease). 6. Every adult requires 2000 calories per day to maintain optimum health. 7. The diet of the person with diabetes should consists of a good combination of nutrients i.e.;-carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals, in order to stay fit and fine and to keep the blood sugar levels in check. … [Read more...]
What is Glycemic Index?
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks carbohydrate –rich foods by how much they raise blood glucose levels compared to glucose, in the last 2-3hours. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the GI. Eating higher GI foods produces a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, triggering the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin causes the body to attempt to store excess glucose. If the digestive system pumps more glucose in to the blood stream, quicker than the insulin can move it into the muscles (or glucose stays more longer time in the blood), then the body will convert the excess glucose into fat. So, it is a good idea to know more about GI and better to choose foods with a low GI rating (than choosing foods with high GI). Uses of Glycemic Index: 1. To control your blood glucose levels. 2. To control your cholesterol levels. 3. Control your appetite. 4. Lower the risk of getting the heart disease. 5. Lower the risk of getting the type-2 diabetes. Choose the foods wisely: Try to choose low to medium GI foods more often (than high GI foods). 1. Foods of low rank are: GI of 55 or less. 2. Medium rank: GI of 56-69. 3. More rank: GI 70 or more. Other important diet considerations: The GI is not the only criteria when selecting the foods as the total amount of carbohydrates, but also, 1. The amount of fat: Fats from cold-water fish, olive and flax oil are beneficial. 2. Fiber and protein are also important. WE should minimize eating saturated fat and better to take more fiber in the diet. Cooking, food-processing and age, are all affects food’s GI. Ex. Pizza keeps glucose up longer than … [Read more...]
Avandia may cause Heart disease
According to the study published in New England Journal of Medicine, Avandia, drug used in Type2 diabetes, increases the risk of cardiac-related fatalities by 64 per cent % and heart attacks by 43%. Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is in use since 1999 to treat Type2 diabetes generally in combination with Metformin or Glimipride. The study was conducted over the extensive period of 2 years on 28,000 people. According to the study, 65% of deaths among diabetic patients using this drug is due to heart disease. This drug is in wide use worldwide with more than 6 million people are taking this drug solely or in combination to control blood sugar level. Diabetes affects 18 million people in America and 200 million people worldwide. Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is a Thiazolidinedione group of drug which was widely used in the treatment of type2 diabetes. Previously Troglitazone was removed from the market due to hepato-toxicity. The thiazolidinediones are agonists for peroxisome-proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR). GlaxoSmithKline questioned the authority of this research and released a report supporting its argument. Food and Drug administration issued an alert and appointed a panel to look into this issue. Previously, Merck drug pain killer “Vioxx” was removed from the market on the similar concerns (heart diseases). Please share your opinion on this controversy. … [Read more...]
Diabetic coma: Causes, Symptoms and prevention
Diabetic Coma is an emergency situation in which diabetic patient is unconscious due to extreme blood glucose levels (too high or too low). This condition is more common in Type 1 Diabetes. Causes of Diabetic Coma: 1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis 2. Hypoglycemia – Glucose level is below 3.5 mmol/L 3. Hyper osmolar syndrome – Severe dehydration and hyperglycemia. Signs and symptoms of Diabetic Coma: 1. More urination 2. More thirst 3. More appetite 4. More sedation 5. More weakness. 6. Loss of weight 7. Late healing of wounds. 8. Sight impaired. 9. More itching around the vaginal area in women. 10. Nausea and vomiting. 11. Pain in the pelvic area. 12. Rapid shallow breathing. If the blood glucose level is too low, patient is nervous, sweaty, tired and hungry. Prevention: 1. Have regular checkups about the sugar levels in the blood. 2. Take measures to keep the sugar well under control [Within the normal levels]. 3. Take diet and medication at regular intervals. 4. Take glucose packet or chocolate along with you. N.B: Avoid the following conditions as they lead to ketoacidosis. 1. Infections like flu or Pneumonia. 2. Getting wounds. 3. Mental strain. 4. Other diseases. If the glucose levels and ketone levels are very high in the urine, consult the doctor immediately and get treated. … [Read more...]
