Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes self-management training can improve glycemic control and reduce the risk for complications, hospitalizations, and health care costs. But training is substantially underused, shows a new study.

As many as 15% of diabetics may be misdiagnosed with simple diabetes mellitus (DM) types 1 or 2. But DM presents as more than 50 unique types, and even among correctly diagnosed type 2 patients, 60 predisposing genetic variants exist.

Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) 3 mg has been approved as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in obese and overweight adults who have at least one weight-related comorbidity.

A new study has given some doubt to the long-held belief that patients with type 1 diabetes no longer produce insulin even long after their diagnosis.

2014 was the year of the SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes management.

Research has shown that probiotics may help improve insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and metabolic defects associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

An article published recently in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice reviews the mechanisms by which microalbuminuria causes renal and cardiovascular disease. The authors also describe appropriate interventions.

Diabetes distress -- from an inability to achieve one's A1c goal -- comes with the territory. Quit fighting it, says this diabetes expert, and address it with small achievable goals. Insights in this podcast.

Evidence to date is conflicting on the potential role of antihyperglycemic drugs, old and new, in cardioprotection. Results reported here add to the pool and fuel ongoing study.

Diabetics often experience peripheral neuropathy. In an estimated 30% to 50% of patients, this condition results in pain. The most common painful neuropathy is distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy.

The decision to start insulin therapy requires frank dialogue with a patient about lifestyle, psychosocial, and employment matters. Given this patient's particulars, what type of insulin would you prescribe and on what schedule?

The patient is a 53-year-old African American with type 2 diabetes, in the clinic for regular follow-up. Review the rest of his exam results and select your option for the next step(s).

A new study sheds light on the economic and clinical costs associated with "maintaining a failing T2DM treatment regimen."

Statins effectively lower LDL cholesterol levels in many patients, However, on the individual level, some patients do not respond with the expected 40% to 55% reduction in cholesterol levels. Genetic variation may be the cause.

Recently published interoperability standards for diabetes devices such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps should enhance diabetes management and advance research.

Microvascular disease is a concern in patients with diabetes, and follows hyperglycemia-induced endothelial damage or endothelial dysfunction. Diabetic neuropathy is the most prominent microvascular consequence of diabetes, and often, the foot is involved.

The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline for management of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk identified adults who could benefit from moderate- to high-intensity statin use.

Gastric bypass surgery has been shown to improve quality of life for overweight and obese patients in a number of ways, including improving insulin sensitivity. Surgery combined with exercise has been shown to produce even greater benefits. A recent study evaluated the link between the two approaches and their effect on overall insulin sensitivity.

The investigational LX4211 may one day fill a need for these patients who are unable to eliminate a lot of glucose in urine and who respond poorly to selective SGLT2 inhibitors.

Several tests effectively and objectively demonstrate gastric emptying in patients with suspected gastroparesis. Which of the four suggested here would not be used?

In this unfortunately typical scenario, which medication would you choose as first-line treatment?

Results of a new study are significant since asymptomatic, aggressive heart disease is the most common cause of death in patients with diabetes.

Diabetes, particularly poorly controlled diabetes, seems to be associated with late-life dementia. Study results show that African Americans with longstanding diabetes are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline.

What is the relationship between physical activity, leisure time, and a person's overall health.

Clinical estimates of the incidence of diabetic nephropathy fall far short of the widespread presence of the disease suggested by a recent autopsy study.

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 5 patients with diabetes might be genetically programmed to derive little or no benefit from increased physical activity.

Research indicates that patients with type 2 diabetics mellitus and low testosterone levels are 6 times more likely than those with normal testosterone levels to have increased carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and decreased endothelial function.

In patients taking SGLT2 inhibitors who had treated hypertension, a new study found the drop in blood pressure seen with a diuretic similar to declines seen with other classes of antihypertensive medications.

The mechanism underlying the ability of empagliflozin to reduce measures of visceral adiposity may be a redistribution of fat to less vulnerable body areas.

In the blizzard of articles about diabetes that deluged your desk in 2014, were there one or two that struck you as particularly noteworthy? Cast your vote!