   
Diabetes Registry Created in Hong KongIn 1997, researchers in Hong Kong set out to catalog and study all cases of diabetes in area children. The results revealed some interesting statistics about the disease. As reported in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinological Metabolism on March 13, the registry included all children with newly-diagnosed diabetes from January 1, 1984 to December 31, 1996. Of the 255 cases identified, 227 were Type 1 diabetes, 18 were Type 2, and 11 were secondary diabetes. Researchers then compiled statistics about the disease. They found that the incidence rate for Type 1 diabetes increased with age, as there were 0.9 cases per 100,000 children aged 0-4 years, and 1.7 cases per 100,000 children aged 10-14 years. Researchers also found that the incidence of Type 1 diabetes for boys was 1.2 cases per 100,000 children, compared to the 1.7 cases of girls with diabetes. In addition, there has been an overall increase in diabetes in Hong Kong during this 13 year period.
Nutritional Insights To CataractsOne of the more common, and life-changing, complications of diabetes is the propensity to develop cataracts, particularly as people with diabetes grow older. New research suggests that the foods people eat may protect against cataracts. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, and can eventually lead to blindness. Two types of cataracts found in people with diabetes are cortical and subcapsular cataracts. The cortical cataract originates in the cortex of the lens, and spreads from the outside in, much like spokes on a wheel. The subcapsular cataract, by contrast, begins at the back of the lens, starting as a small area of opacity and slowly developing outward. Robert G. Cumming, MB BS, PhD, from the University of Sydney, has recently published a study in the March issue of Ophthalmology which links intake of proteins and polyunsaturated fats to the prevention of cortical cataracts. His population-based cross-sectional study of 2,900 individuals in the Blue Mountains Eye Study in Australia also appeared to confirm results of previous research which indicated that vitamins A, C, and E are probable sources of protection against nuclear cataracts, common in older people. Dr. Cumming advocates the consumption of foods like spinach (a good source of vitamin A), as well as foods high in protein and the B vitamins (like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin), as helping to prevent cataracts. The scientists responsible for the study have concluded that more research is needed to link other aspects of nutrition to the prevention of cataracts. To learn more about cataracts, please see the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Web Site.
Fit Docs Encourage Fit PatientsHealthy habits are catching, whether in a family, business, or community. So it comes as no surprise that doctors who exercise regularly and are knowledgeable about exercise are more likely to encourage their patients to exercise. The study by Dr. Scott Abramson of the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands in Sandwich, Massachusetts, and associates with Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston surveyed 298 primary care physicians on their exercise habits, counseling topics, and reasons counseling on exercise was not conducted. Physicians who enjoy regular aerobic activity were more likely to educate their patients on the benefits of aerobic exercise and encourage them to participate. The encouraging physicians tended to be younger than doctors who give no exercise encouragement and tended to participate and counsel in aerobic exercise. The percent of women physicians who exercise aerobically, and counsel patients to do so, is the same as men. Of all physicians, only 41% engaged in strength training, compared with 73% who exercise aerobically. According to the report in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, the most commonly given reasons for not encouraging exercise is a lack of time (61%) or a lack of knowledge or experience (16%). In spite of compelling research that shows the benefits of exercise in preventing heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, depression, and obesity, about a quarter of the population is sedentary and a third overweight. The study suggests a need to improve physician education
about exercise and to promote participation among physicians. New Insulin Sensitizer For Type 2In a February 18 announcement, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. revealed information about a new drug that may treat diabetes and obesity in a sophisticated new way. In the abstract titled ``RXR Homodimer Antagonists Act as RXR:PPAR Selective Agnoists and Modulate Insulin Receptor Phosphorylation'' by Rosemary M. Cesario, M.S., and others, Ligand explained the results of its study. LG100754 is a compound that acts selectively on the nuclear receptor RXR. RXR is found in heterodimers that help control cellular processes such as cholesterol and fat balance, as well as adipocyte or fat cell differentiation. LG100754 was specifically designed as an insulin sensitizer for diabetes and obesity, and is an improvement over current compounds that are not selective and act on all RXR-containing heterodimers. Dr. Andres Negro-Vilar, M.D., Ph.D., Ligand Senior Vice President of Research and Development and Chief Scientific Officer, believes that this compound shows progress in finding ways to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. For more information about this particular compound, or the company's other drugs, please visit Ligand's Website.
Conscientious CookbookIn just two months, a new cookbook for people with diabetes will be on the market. The book, titled Diabetes Cookbook for Dummies, is the result of a collaboration between dietitian Fran Stach and endocrinologist Dr. Alan Rubin. The book will include over 150 recipes, as well as color photos. Stach analyzed and tested recipes from various chefs, and included nutritional analyses, carbohydrate exchanges, and shopping tips in the book. Dr. Alan Rubin is also the author of Diabetes for Dummies, an easy-to-read reference guide for treatment and management of diabetes. This book, published in 1999, also includes a "mini-cookbook" at the end.
ACE Inhibitor Reduces Risk Of DiabetesCan a person at risk for Type 2 diabetes avoid the disease by just taking an ACE inhibitor? Maybe. King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has just announced that it intends to apply for FDA approval for expanding the indications of its drug Altace (ramipril). The ACE inhibitor is currently used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure following a heart attack. King Pharmaceuticals hopes that Altace can now be used to reduce rates of myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedures, and heart failure in patients at risk for such cardiovascular events, including people with diabetes. The reason for an expansion of the drug's uses can be found in the HOPE (Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation) Study, the results of which were published in the January 10, 2000 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. This study took place in 19 countries, and included over 9,500 patients with histories of cardiovascular problems or diabetes. Results of the study showed a 22% reduction in the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths in the people taking Altace . The study also indicated a surprising result--those taking the drug exhibited a 30% decrease in the risk of developing diabetes. Altace will be discussed by the FDA at a meeting of the Cardio-Renal Drugs Advisory Committee on May 1, 2000. Though using the drug to lower the risk of developing diabetes is not under consideration, it remains to be seen if and how this drug will impact diabetes prevention and treatment.
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