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April 12, 2012

News for diabetes health professionals

Diabetes in Focus

Diabetes, metabolic syndrome raise coronary calcification risk
Patients with metabolic syndrome and diabetes face greater risk of developing coronary artery calcification, with faster progression more likely in those with either or both conditions than those who have neither, according to a study in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. MedPage Today (free registration) (4/9)

Short, irregular sleep patterns may elevate diabetes risk
Sleep deprivation and disruptions in circadian rhythms resulted in lower fasting plasma insulin, postprandial peak insulin and integrated plasma insulin concentrations in healthy participants, according to a study in Science Translational Medicine. Researchers also noted an 8% mean reduction in resting metabolic rate, which may lead to an annual weight gain of 10 pounds in the absence of dietary and exercise changes. MedPage Today (free registration) (4/11)

Glucose monitoring frequency declines as children get older
The frequency of blood glucose monitoring in children ages 9 to 11 with type 1 diabetes declined from 4.9 to 4.5 checks per day over a two-year period, and A1C levels increased from 8.2% to 8.6%, researchers reported in Diabetes Care. The effects of less-frequent blood glucose monitoring in tweens may be more pronounced than in older adolescents, the researchers wrote. PhysiciansBriefing.com/HealthDay News (4/11)

GLP-1 analogs are more beneficial for type 2 diabetes
Biphasic insulin, basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 analogs control blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but GLP-1 analogs also encourage weight loss without raising the risk of hypoglycemia, a meta-analysis found. The results were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Medscape (free registration) (4/11)

Nutrition & Wellness

Research links obesity to poor oral health
People who have fewer than 21 natural teeth face a higher risk of obesity, potentially due to a reduced ability to chew healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, according to a report in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association. Past research has linked certain oral bacteria with obesity. The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia)/Postmedia News (4/11)

Study finds lower daily exercise levels in women
Women were less likely than men to engage in 30 minutes of daily exercise, putting them at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a study in Preventive Medicine showed. Getting daily exercise in small ways, such as taking the stairs and pacing while on the phone, can help. DailyRx.com (4/11)

Practice Update

CMS selects 27 ACOs for Medicare Shared Savings Program
The CMS announced on Tuesday that 27 accountable care organizations across 18 states will be included in the Medicare Shared Savings Program beginning this month. More than 150 applications from ACOs wanting to join the program in July are being reviewed. "We are on track to fundamentally transform the [Medicare] fee-for-service program," CMS Deputy Administrator Jonathan Blum said. BeckersHospitalReview.com (4/10), Kaiser Health News (4/10)

Groups laud expansion of Medicare Shared Savings Program: The American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association praised the CMS' selection of 27 accountable care organizations for the Medicare Shared Savings Program. "Allowing physicians in all practice settings and sizes to participate increases the number of Medicare ACOs and maximizes the benefits for patients, physicians, taxpayers and the Medicare system as a whole," AMA President Dr. Peter Carmel said in a statement. Modern Healthcare (subscription required) (4/11)

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Trends & Technology

Study: Doctors use EHR systems to obtain MU
A majority of primary care physicians implement electronic health record systems to comply with the government's meaningful use requirements, according to a study conducted by Medical Economics. The study also found that 53% of doctors surveyed use EHRs to enhance the care quality that they offer to patients. Medical Economics (4/10)

Health plans turn to digital gaming to boost employees' wellness
Insurers seeking to reduce costs increasingly are using electronic games to better engage employees in their health. Humana's HumanaVitality lets users evaluate and improve their health outcomes by offering rewards, while Aetna's "Get Active!" program enables employees to form groups and challenge one another to meet healthy-eating and fitness goals. The Wall Street Journal (4/7)

ADA News

Rich data set on hypertension and lipid management now available
The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial was the largest antihypertensive treatment trial and the second-largest lipid-lowering trial ever conducted. The number and diversity of participants, varied practice settings and primary and secondary outcomes measured in ALLHAT makes the ALLHAT data set highly useful for epidemiologic investigations. For more information, visit the ALLHAT website.

Advanced Clinical Management of Diabetes & Its Complications Webcasts
Earn up to 10.50 credits by viewing 16 webcasts. This comprehensive CME program is committed to enhancing professional skills in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes. Join diabetes experts as they discuss a range of issues from solving the oldest problems to maximizing the newest solutions for patients with diabetes. Learn more.

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