Category Archives: Diabetes

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Sept. 19, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) announced that data from a one-year study of Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder was presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Barcelona, Spain.

Oral Abstract 183: Technosphere Insulin Provides Better Early Postprandial Glucose Control than Subcutaneous Rapid-Acting Analog

MannKind investigators reported data1 from more than 500 patients with type 1 diabetes comparing Afrezza to rapid-acting injected insulin analog (insulin aspart) therapy to assess glucose control, mealtime glucose changes, Afrezza dosing, and rates of hypoglycemia over a one-year period.

Oral Abstract Presentation Highlights:

Dr. Anne Peters, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at USC and Director of the USC Westside Center for Diabetes Care noted that the improved post-meal glucose levels and lower rates of low blood sugars seen in this study of individuals with type 1 diabetes support my growing clinical experience. The presentation of these data provides further evidence that proper dosing of Afrezza has the potential to safely and effectively keep more patients within the target glucose range at meal times.

These data provide additional evidence supporting the safe and effective use of Afrezza in type 1 diabetes patients and offer insight into the dosing of this ultra rapid-acting insulin as compared to a traditional rapid-acting injected insulin analog.

About AfrezzaAvailable by prescription, Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder is a rapid-acting inhaled insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes mellitus. Afrezza consists of a dry powder formulation of human insulin delivered from a small and portable inhaler. Administered at the beginning of a meal, Afrezza dissolves rapidly upon inhalation to the lung and passes quickly into the bloodstream (in less than one minute). This rapid absorption allows Afrezza to begin reducing blood sugar levels within minutes of administration. Afrezza is available in 4-unit, 8-unit and 12-unit single-dose cartridges of insulin powder that can be used, as prescribed by a health care professional, in combination with other diabetes medications to achieve target blood sugar levels. For Afrezza doses exceeding 12 units, patients may use a combination of existing cartridge strengths. For more information about Afrezza, please visit http://www.afrezza.com.

About MannKind CorporationMannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) focuses on the development and commercialization of inhaled therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes and pulmonary arterial hypertension. MannKind is currently commercializing Afrezza (insulin human) Inhalation Powder, the Company's first FDA-approved product and the only orally inhaled ultra rapid-acting mealtime insulin in the United States, where it is available by prescription from pharmacies nationwide. MannKind is headquartered in Westlake Village, California, and has a state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Danbury, Connecticut. The Company also employs field sales and medical representatives across the U.S. For further information, visit http://www.mannkindcorp.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "goal," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon MannKind's current expectations. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties detailed in MannKind's filings with the SEC. For a discussion of these and other factors, please refer to MannKinds quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019 as well as MannKinds other filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and MannKind undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

MannKind Contact: Rose Alinaya Investor Relations 818-661-5000 ir@mannkindcorp.com

Appendix Presentation Information (1) Oral Presentation: Technosphere Insulin Provides Better Early Postprandial Glucose Control than Subcutaneous Rapid-Acting Analog Presenter: David M. Kendall, M.D. Presentation No: 183Date/Time: Thursday, September 19, 2019; 2:30 PM

Link:
MannKind Presents Positive Afrezza Clinical Data from Type 1 Diabetes Study at 55th Annual Meeting of the EASD - GlobeNewswire

Sanofi and Abbott, as well as Novo Nordisk and Medtronic, pair up, respectively, in order to work on a very similar, data-led approach, which is expected to facilitate disease monitoring and management.

Under the two separate collaborations, each pair of partners will work to connect their digital health products and integrate insulin dosing data collected by smart drug delivery devices with glucose monitoring, making the date visible concurrently on one software platform.

More specifically, in their joint project, Abbott and Sanofi will create a connected ecosystem, by synchronizing the formers FreeStyle Libre mobile app and cloud software with the latters smart insulin pens, apps and cloud software that are currently in development.

As a result, the partners expect to help patients and their healthcare providersmake more informed treatment decisions, a spokesperson for Abbott told us. The spokesperson adding that the technology will be made available within the next few years, pending local regulatory approvals.

On their side, Novo Nordisk and Medtronic announced plans to integrate insulin dosing data from smart insulin pens, which are currently being developed by Novo Nordisk, into continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices from Medtronic, such as the Guardian Connect system.

The partnership aims to help ease the hassle of diabetes management, said Camilla Sylvest, EVP of commercial strategy and corporate affairs at Novo Nordisk.

Following this agreement, the company now collaborates with all major CGM device producers, Sylvest added.

Novo Nordisk expects to launch its smart insulin pens, NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus, which will be compatible with both Android and iOS devices, monitoring insulin dosage, in 2020. Following this commercialization, the Guardian Connect system will be updated to integrate data collected from these pens.

Enabling data sharing in between platforms is expected to help improve control and the quality of life decision cycle for patients through individualized glycemic management of diabetes, said Gustavo Pesquin, Sanofis SVP of global diabetes and cardiovascular franchise.

According to Abbott, managing diabetes on a daily basis requires the correlation of several types of data such as diet, insulin intake/dosing, and glucose levels. The digital ecosystem to be built will simplify users experience by consolidating these data, said the spokesperson for Abbott.

Alejandro Galindo, president of advanced insulin management division within the companys diabetes group, struck a similar note, when saying, We see incredible power in combining a variety of data points to drive [these] insights.

In order to improve diabetes treatment, Abbott says that the spotlight needs to be put on uniting the power of innovative technologies.

The future of diabetes care will be around integrating technologies to provide a deeper understanding of diabetes at the individual level and enablingpersonalized care, the spokesperson from Abbott told us.

This leads to better health outcomes and more meaningful conversations between doctor and patient, the spokesperson added.

The company plans to work on partnering with other diabetes and technology leaders as well, in order to reach smarter and more meaningful care, according to the spokesperson.

Originally posted here:
Future of diabetes care will be about data - In-PharmaTechnologist.com

Two of the worlds largest companies in the diabetes space, Abbott and Sanofi, are partnering up to develop tools that integrate their respective blood sugar tracking and insulin delivery technologies.

The end goal is to create a connected device experience for people managing their diabetes, according to the two companies, through new smart insulin pens, smartphone apps for titration and cloud-based software analytics.

The nonexclusive collaboration will aim to combine Abbotts FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system with Sanofis background in insulin dosing, into new, compatible devices being developed for regulatory approval within the coming years.

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Diabetes can be overwhelming as it is an information-rich condition with various streams of data from multiple devices, Abbott Diabetes Cares senior vice president Jared Watkin said in a statement.

Building a digital ecosystem around FreeStyle Libre simplifies the user experience by consolidating how people get their databoth through offering Abbotts digital health tools and by working with other diabetes and technology leaders, Watkin added.

The project will begin with gathering user consent to digitally connect and share data between Abbotts wearable blood sugar sensor and mobile app with Sanofis connected insulin pens and software, currently under development.

RELATED: Sanofi, boosted by partnerships, lays out connected tech ambitions in diabetes

"By partnering with Abbott, we are a step closer to realizing our connected ecosystem, which would help improve control and the quality of life decision cycle for patients through individualized glycemic management of diabetes, said Gustavo Pesquin, senior VP of Sanofis global diabetes and cardiovascular franchise.

Previously, Sanofi helped launch the virtual diabetes clinic Onduo through its joint venture with Verily. It aims to provide connected monitoring devices alongside personalized coaching and advice through a digital platform.

The Big Pharma has also been working with Verily and Sensile Medical to develop an all-in-one insulin patch and pump for patients with Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, Abbott has been working to make its FreeStyle Libre platform compatible with Novo Nordisks similarly connected delivery systems.

Link:
Abbott, Sanofi to interconnect their diabetes monitoring, insulin delivery tech - FierceBiotech

One in every 11 people in the U.S. or more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. The number is expected to grow in the coming years since millions of people currently live with prediabetes.

Public health officials also estimated that there could be eight million adults who remain undiagnosed and unaware that they have diabetes. That is because in some cases symptoms of the condition may only appear in later stages.

When left untreated, the effects of diabetes can lead to serious health problems. The condition could increase the risk of coronary heart disease, pregnancy problems and vision loss, among others.

Hyperglycemia or high levels of blood sugar is the most common sign of diabetes and prediabetes. However, other symptoms may stay unnoticed for years even until the condition gets worse.

But it is important to know how to recognize changes in the body that may indicate diabetes. Early treatment or lifestyle changes could help reverse diabetes and prevent complications.

One study found that the adults who followed intensive lifestyle intervention reduced their risk of having diabetes by 58 percent. The effects of healthy lifestyle lasted at least 10 years after the study, according to DrAxe.com.

For people with type 1 diabetes, the symptoms include:

Type 2 diabetes may cause:

How To Control Diabetes Symptoms

Try Fasting

Researchers previously found that skipping breakfast could help manage glucose levels. A study in 2018 suggested that following a medically-supervised fasting could eliminate the need for insulin in people with type 2 diabetes.

Eat Healthy Diet

If you think you are not fit for the fasting method, simply adding healthy food options to your meals and removing products that provide less nutrients could also help reduce the effects of diabetes, such as vision problems.

Eating unprocessed, whole foods can help manage blood sugar levels. But you should avoid foods with high amounts of added sugars, trans fats, processed grains and starches.

Take Care of Your Skin

Diabetes increases bacterial, fungal and yeast infections. Having a good hygiene and treating skin naturally with essential oils could help manage some symptoms of the condition, such as chronically dry and itchy skin.

Moisturize daily using natural products and avoid too much exposure to the sun.

Manage Your Nutrient Intake

Some people with diabetes experience digestive issues. Taking digestive enzymes, probiotics and supplements could help improve gut health and control symptoms.

Improved nutrient intake may also address hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunctions and trouble sleeping.

Alternate-day fasting (ADF) has been found offering a number of health benefits, from longer lifespan, reduced cholesterol levels to lower belly fat. Pixabay

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Common Diabetes Symptoms And What To Do About Them - Medical Daily

Chong Kun Dang said that it has presented a clinical trial result, which it said confirmed the superior metabolic syndrome improvement of Duvie, its diabetic treatment, in a direct comparison with MSD's Januvia.

The Korean company presented the results at the 2019 European Association for the Study of Diabetes held in Barcelona, Spain.

The study was a large-scale clinical trial participated in by 247 patients at 27 local institutions from January 2015 to October 2018, to confirm the effects of Duvie in improving metabolic syndrome. Duvie, the nation's 20th novel drug, is a Thiazolidinedione-class type 2 diabetes drug developed by Chong Kun Dang.

The research team, led by Professor Kim Doo-man at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, randomly divided 247 patients with type-2 diabetes into two groups and administered either Duvie or Januvia for 24 weeks.

The results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the hypoglycemic effect, which was the first endpoint. Also, the team confirmed similar results for the reduction rate of glycated hemoglobin and target reaching rate.

Regarding the proportion of patients with metabolic syndrome, which was the secondary endpoint, Duvie-treated group decreased their metabolic syndrome by 11.9 percent compared to Januvia-treated group's 4.8 percent.

The team also noted that the Duvie-administered group showed excellent effects on improving blood lipid levels such as triglyceride, high-density cholesterol, free fatty acid, and adiponectin.

There were no significant side effects in either group, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions such as weight gain and facial edema.

"The recent increase in the number of diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome makes the results of the study for Duvie significant," said Professor Kim Shin-gon at Korea University Anam Hospital, who participated in the study. "We expect Duvie will become a new treatment option that prevents complications in people with type 2 diabetes."

corea022@docdocdoc.co.kr

< Korea Biomedical Review, All rights reserved.>

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Chong Kun Dang releases trial result for diabetes treatment - Korea Biomedical Review

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that can cause the body to lose control of the amount of glucose in the blood. The body doesnt respond to insulin properly and may not produce enough, causing a persons blood glucose level to rise too high. If the condition is left untreated, serious complications can arise, including kidney failure, nerve damage, foot ulcers, heart disease and stroke. A persons risk of developing type 2 diabetes is heightened by eating a poor diet, so to manage blood sugar levels its important to eat a healthy diet.

Experts say theres nothing that cannot be eaten if a person has type 2 diabetes, but certain foods should be limited.

You should eat a wide range of foods, including fruit, vegetables and some starchy foods like pasta, and keeping sugar, fat and salt to a minimum.

Its also important to eat breakfast, lunch and diner every day, not to skip meals.

But when it comes to arguably the most important meal of the day, breakfast, what foods are considered best for blood sugar levels?

Bread is a popular breakfast staple, but certain types of bread have been found to be better for blood sugar levels than others.

Foods high in carbohydrate can cause blood sugar levels to spike, and bread is generally very high in carbohydrate.

Another food to consider eating for breakfast is avocado.

Avocado has become a popular breakfast food over the last few years, but has also been shown to be beneficial to blood sugar levels.

Firstly, the creamy green fruit is low in carbohydrates, which means they have little effect on blood sugar levels.

A study published in Nutrition Journal evaluated the effects of adding half an avocado to the standard lunch of healthy, overweight people.

The researchers found avocados do not significantly impact blood sugar levels.

The rest is here:
Type 2 diabetes: Best bread to eat at breakfast to lower blood sugar - Express

Medtronic plc MDT recently partnered with global healthcare company Novo Nordisk A/S in the growing diabetes management space. Through this collaboration, the company aims at developing solutions to incorporate insulin dosing data from future Novo Nordisk smart insulin pens into its own Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices like the Guardian Connect system.

More About the Collaboration

This deal with Novo Nordisk, the worlds largest producer of insulin, will help in streamlining the distribution of two of the most vital pieces of information required for diabetes management glucose measurements and insulin dosed.

By combining glucose monitoring and insulin dosing data, diabetes patients as well as their healthcare professionals and caregivers will be able to automatically keep a tab on these two crucial items in a single place, thereby easing the process of diabetes management. This new technology can offer productive insights, thereby ensuring that patients and doctors make more informed decisions on how to manage glucose levels and elevate Time in Range.

In 2020, Novo Nordisk is set to launch durable smart insulin pens, NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus, as well as its disposable pre-filled injection solution. The Guardian Connect system will be updated as well to incorporate data from these Novo Nordisk smart pens.

Market Prospects

Per Research and Markets.com, the global diabetes care market is estimated to reach a worth of$95.10 billionby 2023, at a CAGR of 5.53% during the forecast period of 2017-2023. Hence this collaboration is well-timed.

Recent Developments

Lately, Medtronic has been investing in several key developments in order to strengthen its Diabetes Group.

In September, Medtronics the Envision Pro CGM system a fully disposable, zero calibration professional CGM systemhas attained CE Mark approval.The company is on track to commercially release the new system inEuropeand theMiddle Eastlater this year. This new technology is expected to enable patients of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes to monitor accurate glucose levels and trends over time so that more optimal diabetes treatment plans can be formulated accordingly.

In June 2019,Medtronic and Tidepool, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization specializing in diabetes management, partnered to create an interoperable automated insulin pump system. Under this collaboration, Medtronic will be developing a Bluetooth-enabled MiniMed pump that would be compatible with Tidepool Loop, an open source automated insulin delivery app which is currently in the process development.

Story continues

Price performance

The stock has rallied 12.5% in the past year compared with theindustrys 1.3% dip.

Zacks Rank and Other Stocks Worth a Look

Medtronic carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

A few other top-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Haemonetics HAE, Baxter BAX and Amedisys AMED, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2.You can seethe complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Haemonetics long-term earnings growth rate is expected to be 13.5%.

Baxters long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 12.8%.

Amedisys long-term earnings growth rate is expected to be 16.26%.

5 Stocks Set to Double

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Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportMedtronic PLC (MDT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportHaemonetics Corporation (HAE) : Free Stock Analysis ReportBaxter International Inc. (BAX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAmedisys, Inc. (AMED) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.

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Medtronic Collaborates With Novo Nordisk for Diabetes Care - Yahoo Finance

GOLDEN, Colo. -- Sometimes the best ideas are are born out of necessity. And in this case, a sixth-grader from Golden decided to do something when she saw a need for more pockets in her clothing. Sabrina Streich was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 8 years old.

She's always been active and she wears a Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor to keep tabs on her blood-sugar levels. The monitor sends information to her phone and her parents so they always know how she's doing. She will soon be wearing an insulin pump too and realized it was hard to hide all the devices in her clothing.

"Thats why I wrote Athleta telling them I need more pockets because girls just in general dont have pockets in their clothes and we need more pockets, just as much as the boys do," said 11-year-old Streich.

Streich wrote a letter to the Gap-owned active wear brand Athleta. She also included a sketch of a sweatshirt that showed extra pockets. She was shocked when she received a letter back that was signed by several designers at the company.

"And later they talked to me saying they wanted to make my sweatshirt. 'Are you available to come on this conference call to talk about it?' And I was really excited because normally big companies like that dont respond to letters," said Streich.

During her first ever conference call, she said they asked her questions about the design like how big she wanted the pockets to be. They also asked about her favorite colors.

The company had one more question for her, they asked if she would like to fly to San Francisco to model the sweatshirt for an upcoming catalog. Streich flew out to California with her mom and modeled the sweatshirt that she helped create. It was a true dream come true.

"That was really cool because I just wrote this letter and now they want me to model my sweatshirt," said Streich.

Streich was celebrating her 11th birthday when Denver7 interviewed her at school. She plans to continue celebrating on Sept. 15, when a group of friends will join her for a walk to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The inspiring little girl has already raised $5,000 for her team, the Golden Glucose Warriors.

She beams when she thinks about the fact that her letter to a major company made a difference. She hopes the sweatshirt will help other girls with Type 1 diabetes and she hopes her story will show other kids what they can do.

"I think kids, girls, boys we can do anything," said Streich.

Athleta chose a fitting name for the sweatshirt. It's called "Own Your Power" and surely someone at the company must have been thinking about this sixth-grader when they picked the name.

"I think I owned my power and wrote this company with my power to tell them that girls need pockets," said Streich.

See the article here:
Colorado sixth-grader inspires major clothing company to create diabetes-friendly design - The Denver Channel

That was the description of diabetes by the late Dr. Edgar A. Haunz of Grand Forks, who was chosen in 1975 as the Outstanding Diabetes Clinician in the United States.

In fact, diabetes is a metabolic disorder and a disease, says Dr. Casey Ryan, one of the physicians here who has followed the late Dr. Haunz in caring for diabetics.

Other diabetes physicians who followed Dr. Haunz over the years have included Dr. Robert Warner, Dr. James Brosseau, Dr. William Zaks and Dr. Eric Johnson. Dr. Lori Sondreal manages pediatric diabetes. The physicians have had the help of nurse educators and dietitians in the Altru Diabetes Center started by Dr. Brosseau.

Diabetes treatment has advanced tremendously since the days of Dr. Haunz, according to local doctors. Finger stick testing began in the late 1970s. Now devices can monitor sugars without the need for stick testing. Insulin pumps began in the 1990s, and now pumps can measure blood sugar and deliver insulin.

Dr. Haunz was unique in caring for diabetes when he came to Grand Forks in 1947, according to Dr. Ryan. It was difficult to manage Type 1 diabetes patients taking five shots of insulin daily one with each meal, one at bed time as well as at 3 a.m. There were no blood tests, other than in a hospital or clinic, he said. Patients could do primitive tests at home to assess urine sugar. And in essence, Dr. Haunz was using an insulin pump type treatment.

The rest of the world did not catch up to Dr. Haunz until the late 1970s or early 1980s, Dr. Ryan said. Because of his excellent care, there are many individuals who lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 50 years.

And this, Dr. Ryan said recently, is considered amazing and a tribute to Dr. Haunz.

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but the most common onset is between 8 and 15 years of age, according to Dr. Ryan.

Usual symptoms are weight loss, thirst and frequent urination, he said. If not diagnosed, high sugars can lead to nausea and vomiting with a condition known as ketoacidosis requiring hospitalization.

The latest technology with blood testing can prevent low blood sugars and help avoid high blood sugars. Dr. Ryan said. This is a life changing treatment for those who have lived with severe low sugar reactions that can cause confusion or seizures.

Doctors find a serious problem now is the epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is due to obesity and can occur at any age. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the negative effects of obesity. Most people with Type 2 diabetes make too much insulin, but not enough to keep blood sugars normal. If weight loss occurs the insulin production comes into balance with body requirements.

Diabetes is diagnosed if sugars are over 125 percent of milligrams consistently. Pre-diabetes is the term for persons at increased risk for future diabetes with sugars ranging from 100 to 125 milligram percentage. Normal fasting sugar is 70 to 99 milligrams.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are inherited, Dr. Ryan said. Type 1 cannot be prevented yet. Type 2 can be prevented with good diet, exercise and staying within 15 percent of ideal body weight.

Prevention is extremely important, according to doctors. They say uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis, blindness, leg amputation, heart attack, stroke and increased infections.

It has been reported that 68,000 in North Dakota have diabetes. Another 180,000 are termed as pre-diabetic.

With all of the problems, Dr. Ryan says the treatment is good. He talks of the progress in monitoring blood sugar. Patients can tell if their percentage is in the 70 to 100 range. High sugar is 150.

A lot of people arent aware of it with all the obesity, Ryan said. The reading of 100 to 125 percent is considered pre-diabetic.

Being within 15 percent of ideal body weight is best. Dr. Ryan is concerned about the huge underlying problem of diabetes. More than 90 percent of people with diabetes are Type 2.

Most diabetes reflected by high readings can be reduced by losing weight. And most Type 2 diabetes is caused by overweight conditions.

Dr. Ryans concern about diabetes stems from the high incidence. He cares, just as others who treat diabetes. His thoughts to back to the words of the late Dr. Haunz. He would point out that with proper treatment, a diabetic can live a longer, more successful and relatively normal life than a person with any other human disorder.

Looking back, Dr. Ryan says a thank you is due to Dr. Haunz for the care he started in Grand Forks and this region.

And the thanks, Dr. Ryan says, goes also to physicians, diabetes educators and dietitians who have followed in the path of Dr. Haunz.

Original post:
Marilyn Hagerty: Learning about how diabetes treatment has changed over time - Grand Forks Herald

The UW Medicine Diabetes Institute celebrated the opening Sept. 10 of new UW Medicine South Lake Union facilities that bring basic science, clinical research, education, and patient care into proximity.

Members of the Institute are from many different fields. Among their varied goals are understanding how the different forms of diabetes emerge, why the condition harms many parts of the body, and what might be done better to prevent or treat diabetes and its serious complications. These can include vision loss, problems for expectant moms and their babies, peripheral nerve damage, infection risks, feet and hands that are injury-prone, kidney disease and heart disease.

People with diabetes have blood sugar levels that rise too high. Its diagnosed by measuring the percentage of sugar-coating on the proteins that carry oxygen in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be, at least in part, an immune disease that destroys cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin. Insulin helps cells turn certain sugars into energy.

People with Type 2 diabetes either do not make insulin well or their cells dont use it properly. Other forms of diabetes can occur during pregnancy, can be induced by steroid medications, or can be atypical presentations of the disease.

Dr. Michael Schwartz and Dr. Stephanie Page, both professors of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, co-direct the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute. The UW School of Medicines national leadership in diabetes research, training and care goes back historically to the late 1940s to the first chair of medicine, noted endocrinologist Dr. Robert H. Williams.

As for the formation of the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, Schwartz and Page said at the opening that it was over six years in the making and is the culmination of efforts of numerous colleagues and supporters.

Diabetes researchers collaborating with UW Medicine Diabetes Institute come not only from the UW health sciences schools, but also from the Puget Sound Veterans Administration, Seattle Childrens, and several other medical and research institutions.

The main components of the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute are:

Metabolism Program, headed by Gregory Morton, research professor of medicine

Pancreatic Islet Cell Program, headed by Rebecca Hull, research associate professor of medicine

Clinical Research Unit, headed by Ellen Schur, associate professor of medicine, General Internal Medicine

Complications of Diabetes Program, headed by Karin Bornfeldt, professor of medicine

Multidisciplinary Clinics, directed by Subbulaxmi Trikudanathan

Patient front entrance to UW Medicine South Lake Unionbuilding housing the Diabetes Institute research and clinical areas.

A few of the numerous examples of what UW Medicine diabetes researchers and clinicians are especially noted for are:

What controls body weight? Because excess an excess body mass index and food choices are among the factors that can contribute to the onset some forms of diabetes, and make it difficult to control after diagnosis, the complex topics of what controls food intake, what influences body weight, and why a healthy weight can be difficult to maintain are covered in many research projects. These include brain mechanisms that promote hunger or fullness, as well as those involved in sensing and protecting fat stores, chemicals that might influence these mechanisms , why some cancers result in loss of body fat and muscle strength, how overeating might damage weight control mechanisms in the brain, and what appears in imaging scans of the brain in anticipation of a meal.

How can obesity be treated? Several studies have been undertaken to find useful answers for this often difficult-to- manage condition, including the effects of bariatric surgery on weight and diabetes control, and the search for new medications that might help in weight reduction without causing intolerable side effects.

How do cells that secrete insulin work, and can lost or damage be restored by stem-cell derived pancreas cells? Basic biochemistry research on the formation and activation of secretory granules in cells, and projects in regenerative medicine, are setting new directions in the science of diabetes, and may point to potential therapeutics.

The role of mitochondria in diabetes and its complications: Researchers are looking problems stemming from the actions of mitochondria which scientists have found have many more functions beyond being power stations in cells in the development of diabetes and its sequels, such as the weakening of the heart.

Can kidney damage from diabetes be reversed? Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney failure and the need for dialysis or organ transplant. Studies are underway in small animal models to see if kidney problems can be repaired.

In clinical care, among areas of special note are:

Helping people with diabetes who also have depression or anxiety: Mood disorders can contribute to poor control of diabetes, to diabetes care burnout. The condition can also provoke diabetes distress, a feeling of denial, fear, guilt, and worry, and a sense of the burden of disease management. Depression is more common in people with diabetes, and also can increase their risk of dementia, according to studies conducted by UW School of Medicine researchers. UW Medicine has been a longstanding leader in the mental health support of people with diabetes.

Growing into adulthood with childhood-onset diabetes: UW Medicine and Seattle Childrens pediatric, adolescent and adult medicine physicians, social workers and other counselors have taken a special interest in helping older teens transition into adult diabetes care. Research and experience has shown that, as older teens move on to college or employment, they sometimes do not receive the medical care or diabetes management assistance they need as independent young adults. Transition services help older teens with diabetes navigate challenges with school and jobs, driving, relationships, and insurance and financial issues, such as medication costs and food insecurities. The Adolescent and Young Adult Clinic are headed by pediatrician Kate Weaver and internist Faisal Malik.

The keynote speaker at the opening was Dr. Rudy Leibel from the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center and Columbia University in New York City. He exhorted current diabetes investigators, clinicians and trainees to think big in their goals, to watch for unexpected talent, and to not let the limitations of current technologies stand in the way of dreams for the future of diabetes research and clinical advances.

People over age 18 with and without diabetes will soon have the chance to join the COVERED Registry as Community Volunteers Engaged in Research to End Diabetes. The directory will connect people interested in learning about new and ongoing opportunities to become research participants with researchers studying diabetes and related disorders. Stay tune for details.

See the article here:
Diabetes Institute celebrates opening - UW Medicine Newsroom