Diabetes News
Week of July 9, 2000 |
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One of the more painfully common complications of diabetes is
neuropathy, which is nerve damage that can cause severe
discomfort in any nerve outside the brain. This pain is often at
its most intense during the night. Recently, doctors in North
Carolina studied the effects of an antidepressant medication on
reducing painful neuropathy.
The doctors conducted their study through Duke University
Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, and presented their
findings at a recent convention of the American Diabetes
Association (Diabetes, vol 49, supplement 1, abstract 678). The
study involved 244 people with diabetes who were not diagnosed
with depression. They were divided into three groups: one group
was given 75 milligrams of venlafaxine extended-release each
day, another group was given 150 mg of the antidepressant each
day, and another group was given a placebo.
Results of the study showed that the group receiving the
higher dose of the medication had much lower pain levels than
those receiving the placebo, and also had lower rates of pain
than those receiving a smaller dose of the medication. After six
weeks, 56% of people receiving the higher dose of venlafaxine
reported a significant decrease in pain. This is compared to the
39% of those receiving the lower dose who reported the same
effects, and the 34% of those taking the placebo who reported a
decrease in pain.
The most common side-effect of taking the drug was nausea,
and was reported in 10% of those taking the higher dose of
venlafaxine, 22% of those taking the lower dose, and 5% of those
taking the placebo.
Researchers hope that their study will promote the use of
this antidepressant in helping to ease the pain of neuropathy.
Body Fat Distribution Is A Factor In
Cancer
It is pretty much common knowledge that a significant gain in
body fat is unhealthy. However, a new study shows that an
increase in fat can be more or less dangerous according to
distribution on the body
Scientists at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research
Institute, University of South Florida in Tampa, recently
conducted a study of 166 women diagnosed with breast cancer in
order to determine the role of body fat in the progression of
the disease. They found that those women whose body fat was most
concentrated in the upper body had a greater risk of developing
breast cancer, as well as a greater risk of dying of the
disease.
The study, which is published in the journal Cancer (Cancer
2000; 88: pgs. 2751-2757), also showed that weight gain around the age
of 30 is most significant in helping to predict cancer. This is
adult weight gain, and is predominantly distributed around the
abdomen. Body fat in the abdomen creates a high risk for
hormonal cancers in women, and diabetes and hypertension for men
and women.
Researchers hope that the new information will encourage
people to monitor their weight, and take seriously the
recommendation from the American Institute of Cancer Research,
which states that adult weight gain must not exceed 11 pounds.
Diabetes Drug May Have Dual Benefits
Avandia has been on the market as a treatment for Type 2
diabetes because of its capacity to improve the body's response
to insulin. A new study shows that it may also help pancreatic
cells to produce insulin.
A study conducted by researchers at SmithKline Beecham and
presented at the American Diabetes Association 60th Annual
Scientific Sessions in San Antonio (Diabetes, volume 49,
supplement 1, abstract 495) shows that Avandia may actually slow
the progression of the disease. Researchers compared the change
in the ratio of proinsulin to insulin in study participants who
received either Avadia, glyburide, or a placebo.
They found that the ratio decreased when participants were
given 4 mg of Avandia twice a day, which may indicate that the
beta-cells were functioning better. By contrast, the ratio of
proinsulin to insulin increased in people who were taking the
placebo or the glyburide.
Scientists agree that more research is needed to determine
whether Avandia or its sister Actos can really be linked to a slowing in the
progression of the disease.
Link Between Liver Proteins and Heart Disease
People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing
heart disease, though the reasons for this have not been
entirely clear. Recent research suggests that one cause might be
poorly-functioning proteins in the liver.
In the Journal of Clinical Investigation 2000 (volume 105:
pgs. 1807-1818), researchers from Columbia University College of
Physicians and Surgeons in New York report their recent
findings. They believed that the reason why people with diabetes
have a higher risk for heart disease is because they have
problems "clearing" fat from their bloodstreams. These
scientists conducted an experiment in which mice with diabetes
were given a high-fat diet in order to study their blood-fat
levels after meals. They found that the fat levels in the
bloodstreams of these mice did stay elevated for longer periods
of time after eating than mice without diabetes.
The researchers also found that proteins in the liver called
heparan sulfate proteoglycans were not functioning as well in
the high-sugar environment of the mice with diabetes. These
proteins are responsible for transporting fats. In the mice with
diabetes, there were fewer proteins being created, so less fat
was being cleared.
Researchers say that the next step is to determine why the
proteins are not being produced in adequate numbers when
diabetes is present, and then find a way to stimulate the
production of the proteins. Hopefully, researchers will find a
way to minimize or eliminate the serious complication of heart
disease in people with diabetes.
Possible New Weight-Loss Drug
Being overweight or obese is not uncommon in America, and the
percentage of the population who fits into those categories is
rising all the time.
Studies have shown that the risk for various health problems,
including Type 2 diabetes, does increase with obesity. A new
compound discovered by scientists at Johns Hopkins may provide
hope for the development of a successful weight-loss drug. Their
research has been published in the journal Science (Science 2000
June 30; vol. 288: pgs. 2379-2381).
While testing for cancer treatments, researchers at The Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine found a compound, called
C75, that caused overweight mice to lose their appetites and
lose a significant amount of weight. Scientists are not sure if
and when testing of this compound would begin on humans, but say
they are open to the possibility of corporate involvement.
In-Home Tester For Blood Levels
In order to maintain good control of their disease, people
with diabetes need to monitor their blood levels of glucose,
cholesterol, and ketones. A new device approved by the FDA
allows people to test these values in the comfort of their own
homes, without taking a trip to the doctor's office.
The device, called the BioScanner
2000, was developed by Polymer Technology Systems, Inc.
It is about the size of a calculator, and works by inserting
special calibration chips into the machine, which program it to
test for different blood levels. The person then does a
finger-stick, and the machine will display the values of the
levels the person needs to know.
Currently, the BioScanner 2000 has been approved for consumer
and professional use for the testing of glucose, HDL
cholesterol, total cholesterol, and ketones. The FDA has also
approved professional use of a test for triglyceride levels, and
may approve the use of this test for consumer use. The device
retails for $199.95, and test strips range from 55 cents to
$2.75 each. For more information, call 877-870-5610.
Information provided by The Diabetes Mall @ http://www.diabetesnet.com
Books, gram scales, and more: (800) 988-4772 or (619) 497-0900
Copyright © 2000 by Diabetes Services, Inc
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with suggon provided by The Diabetes Mall @ http://www.diabetesnet.com
Books, gram scales, and more: (800) 988-4772 or (619) 497-0900
Copyright © 2000 by Diabetes Services, Inc
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