GlucoWatch & Deltec Cozmo® Insulin Pump For Diabetes Control
Because careful control of blood sugar levels is essential in managing diabetes, new products are always being developed to assist in this goal.
Cygnus received FDA approval last year to market a transdermal glucose sensor, the GlucoWatch Biographer.  Shipments will finally begin to roll on April 15, 2002. The prescription device works by use of a disposable pad which sticks to the skin and contains a sensor connected to the GlucoWatch. Glucose levels are measured through the skin by electrical stimulation. The GlucoWatch measures glucose levels automatically every twenty minutes for twelve hours, and will alert the user when levels are high or low, or go through rapid changes. Visit our link for more information.
A new insulin pump appears nearly ready to enter the market. Deltec, Inc. announced it has developed a new, small insulin pump that will deliver insulin subcutaneously. The company already makes a number of other infusion devices for delivering medications for other health problems, so its entry into the insulin pump market is not unexpected. Their pump appears to take a traditional reservoir and catheter approach, but is expected to compete on features. Submission for FDA approval is underway, so it is not available for sale. Approval is expected to proceed in a timely fashion, because of the company's record with similar devices, and the FDA's familiarity with Deltec's manufacturing facilities.
  
Possible Sightings Of Problems With Viagra
Although there were many clinical trials conducted before Viagra was granted FDA approval, researchers are still studying the drug to be sure of its safety. One recent study shows that there may be vision risks associated with the drug.
The study was conducted by doctors at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, who focused on five men between the ages of 42 and 69 who developed nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) while taking Viagra. NAION is caused by an interruption in the blood flow to the front portion of the optic nerve, which can lead to sudden vision loss that is often permanent. Four of the men in the study developed vision loss between a few minutes and several hours after taking Viagra. The fifth participant had gradual vision loss over a year.
The researchers are not clear if there is a direct connection between Viagra and NAION risk. Four of the participants did not have any risk factors for blood vessel disease that may increase the risk of NAION, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition, one of the men had NAION in one eye before he started taking Viagra, which put him at greater risk for the condition. The fifth participant had diabetes, coronary artery disease, and a smoking habit, which made him at high risk for developing NAION. Also, all five men had an optic disc with a small "cup-to-disc ratio," which is a risk factor for NAION. This ratio measures the place where the optic nerve and eyeball meet.
Viagra has been shown to affect the vision of some people who take it, causing them to see things for awhile with a blue or green tinge. The drug's label also warns about other visual side effects, including blurred vision, eye pain and hemorrhage, dry eyes, and temporary vision loss. The authors of the study urge those experiencing vision problems for more than one hour to see a doctor. They have published their findings in the journal Ophthalmology (volume 109, pages 584-587, March 2002).
Although the number of participants in this study is small, people who use Viagra should be made aware of the possible visual side effects and likelihood for NAION, especially if they have other risk factors for NAION.
Phone Calls May Be Good For The Heart
One of the complications of heart failure is that it is likely to happen again unless a person is carefully monitored and given follow-up care. A recent study shows that effective follow-up treatment can be as simple as a phone call.
In this study, people who had been discharged from two hospitals in the Sharp HealthCare network in San Diego were followed for six months after a heart failure. There were 358 participants in the study, some of whom were given usual follow-up care and some of whom were given printed educational material and an average of 17 phone calls from a nurse who would check on the person's health status and offer advice.
The participants who received phone calls from a nurse were readmitted to the hospital 36% less often than those who did not. Also, those who did receive phone calls and were re-hospitalized for heart failure spent 46% fewer days in the hospital, and hospital costs were 45% lower for this group.
This study was co-authored by researchers at San Diego State University, and has been published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (volume 162; number 6; pages 705-712; March 25, 2002). Currently, this phone-call program is being used at one of the Sharp network hospitals, and is being further reseached at another.
Weighty Subjects Addressed By Schools
With obesity on the rise in epidemic proportions, some schools are now adopting a policy to help parents deal with the subject of overweight children.
The schools that are tackling the subject of obesity are those in the East Penn school system in Pennsylvania and the Citrus County district in Florida. These elementary and middle schools are conducting typical health exams of students, but are now sending a letter of caution home with children who are overweight or obese. The hope is that parents will recognize that weight has a big impact on their children's present and future health.
Both districts have emphasized that their intention is to promote good health in children, and not to embarrass them or blame their parents for their weight.
Unequal Health Care For All
In a report recently issued by the Institute of Medicine, researchers found that not all ethnic groups receive the same healthcare treatment.
The report was based on the examination of many studies done over the past ten years. One such study showed that African Americans were 3.6 times more likely than whites to have their lower limbs amputated because of complications with diabetes. Another study revealed that fewer African Americans than whites received a procedure to clear arteries in order to prevent heart problems.
The report was issued in the hopes that physicians and patients alike will address these inequalities and make necessary changes. The American Medical Association has already announced a school-mentoring program to encourage people of color to become doctors. The American College of Physicians plans to use the report to develop ways of improving doctors' communication with all patients. There is hope that minority patients will become forceful advocates for their own care.
Ball Player's Success With The Insulin Pump
Like many baseball players, Jason Johnson had a rough first season. However, part of the problem was probably due to the fact that he didn't have very good control of his diabetes. Johnson, who plays for the Baltimore Orioles, is now on the insulin pump. He began learning how to control his disease with the pump last season, and has performed better ever since.
Information provided by The Diabetes Mall @ http://www.diabetesnet.com
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