Diabetes in Focus

Maternal obesity, diabetes may increase risk of autism, study finds
In comparison with healthy women, those who were obese or had diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy were 1.61 times more likely to have children with autism and 2.35 times more likely to have children who were developmentally delayed, a study found. Although pregnant women with type 2 or gestational diabetes were 2.33 times as likely to have children with developmental delays, researchers failed to find a statistically significant correlation between diabetes and autism. The findings appear in Pediatrics. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (4/8) The Washington Post/The Associated Press (4/9)

Scientists identify molecular spigot in insulin-resistant diabetes
A molecular receptor, IP3, on the outside of cells in the liver acts with another molecule, calcineurin, to stimulate the CRTC2 genetic switch, resulting in excessive blood glucose levels in patients with insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes, researchers report in Nature. The findings suggest inhibiting the IP3 spigot and calcineurin activity may help stop the CRTC2 switch and better regulate blood glucose levels. Yahoo!/Asian News International (4/9)

Drug combo curbs insulin resistance index in rats with diabetes
Cordyceps sinensis and taurine, alone or in combination, were more effective than glibenclamide in reducing serum glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as insulin resistance index in rats with diabetes, according to a study in Food Chemistry and Toxicology. The compounds showed less potent hypoglycemic effects than glibenclamide, better antioxidant properties and greater ability to reduce insulin resistance, the researchers said. FoodConsumer.org (4/8)

Nutrition & Wellness

Study measures additional health cost of obesity
Obese people pay an average of $1,850 in additional annual health costs, while smokers pay $1,275 more per year, a study found. Among the morbidly obese, additional care costs reach $5,500 annually, researchers noted. The findings appear in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Huffington Post (4/6)

Report: More adults were sedentary last year
An additional 1 million American adults had a sedentary lifestyle in 2011, a report by the Physical Activity Council revealed. However, data also showed that 100,000 children ages 6 to 12 attained higher exercise levels in the same year. Examiner.com (4/7)

Practice Update

Medicare advisers want flexibility in payment systems
The current fee-for-service payment model does not appear to boost cooperation and flexibility among health care providers and is not as accommodating for groups that seek better options for their patients, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission found. The commission wants to come up with recommendations to promote innovation in payment models that helps improve patient outcomes. Healthcare Finance News (4/9)

Doctors requesting e-Rx waivers still get fined
Some doctors who asked for hardship waivers from the CMS e-prescribing incentive program did not receive exemptions due to a backlog in processing their requests. The American Medical Association urged the agency to reexamine its penalty schedule after the CMS imposed a 1% penalty on doctors who failed to prescribe electronically at least 10 times in the first half of 2011. American Medical News (free content) (4/9)

Trends & Technology

HHS proposes one-year delay for ICD-10 compliance
HHS seeks to push back the ICD-10 compliance deadline to Oct. 1, 2014, a one-year delay that could cost the industry $1 billion to $6.5 billion, according to an online document expected to be released April 17 in the Federal Register. In proposing the delay, HHS cites two surveys showing how far behind health care groups are in the switch to ICD-10. Government Health IT online (4/9) HealthLeaders Media (4/9)

Medicaid provider starts text-messaging diabetes wellness program
D.C. Chartered Health Plan is trying out a wellness program for enrollees with diabetes that includes sending text messages with advice for living with diabetes, reminders to schedule eye and foot examinations, tips for adhering to medication regimens, interactive quizzes and notices about community events. The Medicaid managed care provider will expand the program if it is successful. MobiHealthNews.com (4/9)

ADA News

National Volunteer Appreciation Week
Next week (April 15 to 21) is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. This year's theme is Celebrating People in Action to Stop Diabetes®. This is a great time to celebrate the volunteers in your community. Be sure to thank a volunteer you know. Check out opportunities to get involved in your area.

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