In a presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 2015 Scientific Sessions, Dianne Fetchick, MD and Rosemarie Lajara, MD, endocrinologists with Diabetes America in Plano, TX, shared results of their use of the V-Go insulin pump with their patients.  The V-Go pump is a small 2.4 x 1.3 x 0.5-inch disposable manual insulin delivery device.  The device delivers 20, 30, or 40 units of basal insulin evenly over a 24-hour period, and the wearer can deliver mealtime bolus insulin in two units per click increments.

For individuals who are unwilling to give themselves multiple daily injections, this may be an alternative. Two studies were reported at the meeting: 72 patients—most of whom had Type 2 diabetes—had been switched from multiple daily injections (39); basal insulin only (24); or oral glucose-lowering medications (9).  The analysis of their electronic medical record showed a decrease in A1C levels.  At baseline, A1C levels were on average 9.6% at 88 days.  A1C decreased to 7.9% at 177 days—a decrease of 7.6%, and at 279 days—7.7%.  Patients who had been on basal insulin alone or noninsulin agents had the greatest reduction in A1C—1.9 and 3.5 percentage points from their baselines of 9.8% and 10.9%.  Patients who had already been taking insulin who used the V-Go reduced their total insulin usage by 20.5%.

http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/08/26/434892642/texting-helps-diabetes-patients-fine-tune-insulin-dosing

Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) and Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Canada are studying women with diabetes and their risk of breast cancer.  Their findings indicate that women with diabetes may be predisposed to a more advanced stage of breast cancer and, therefore, this may be a contributing factor in women with diabetes’ higher cancer mortality.  Based on these findings, it may be necessary to adjust breast cancer screening and detection methods in this population.  

Researchers analyzed data from more than 38,000 women between the ages of 20 - 105 who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2007– 2012.  Approximately 16% had diabetes.  Women with diabetes were 14% more likely to have Stage II breast cancer, 21% more likely to have Stage III breast cancer, and 16% more likely to have stage IV breast cancer—as compared to having Stage I, which is more treatable.

Five-year survival rates of women with diabetes and breast cancer were 15% lower than for women without diabetes.  Also, women with diabetes were more likely to have larger tumors and cancer that had spread to other areas.

Interestingly, women with diabetes reported lower mammogram rates.  Further research is needed and it is important that women not only manage their diabetes but that they also be sure to follow other preventive health measures.

Let’s keep it simple; 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! is a nationally recognized childhood obesity prevention program with a simple message: Live a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, exercising, eliminating sugary drinks, and limiting time on gadgets (iPhone, computer, TV, etc.).  It’s a program aimed at fighting childhood obesity; however, it is a program that everyone should adopt… young and old alike can all benefit from the program’s message.

These are the steps in a nutshell:

5 – or more fruits and vegetables each day.  A diet that has lots of fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of chronic disease and prevents weight gain.

2 – hours or less of recreational screen time (TV and computer).  According to the Academy of Pediatrics children spend an average of seven hours a day watching TV, playing on the computer, various phones, or other electronic devices.  Reducing screen time will have a significant impact on a child’s health.

1 – hour or more of physical activity daily. Physical activity has endless benefits including improving mood, boosting energy, improving sleep, helping to prevent chronic disease, and controlling weight.  We all need to become more physically active.

0 – sugary drinks, more water and low-fat milk.  Eliminate sugary drinks such as soda, juice and sports drinks.  These drinks are associated with lots of calories = weight gain and tooth decay. Drink water instead.

Encourage your family and friends to adopt the 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! program and get healthy.