Research Corner: UK – COVID and Diabetes Link

People with diabetes are no more likely to catch coronavirus than anyone else, but, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus. Latest information has been compiled by Diabetes UK.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus

 USA – Progress Made in Congress

Diabetes advocates are thanking Congressional representatives in the US for including in the Federal budget a $35 per month out-of-pocket cap on insulin for people with Medicare or commercial insurance. It is thought that this legislation is a significant step towards insulin affordability. The bill also provides a series of caps for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider when negotiating the cost of the prescription drugs. Manufacturers who refuse to negotiate will be subject to an (undefined in the statute) excise tax.

UK – Setting Targets for Diabetes Saves Lives

The Lancet has published findings by an international research team – led by the University of Birmingham, that has found significant numbers of lives could be saved through simple measures. They are calling for global targets to treat diabetes and strokes. Their research found that in developing countries, the setting and achievement of targets for treating diabetes patients with cholesterol or blood pressure medication, as well as tackling blood sugar levels, has increased life expectancy and saved lives from diabetes related complications.

Canada – Publicly Funded Flash Glucose Monitor

The Ontario Government is now providing coverage for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system, a flash glucose monitoring system, to become available, under the province’s publicly-funded drug program. Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott said: “This year marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin right here in Ontario. As we look towards the future, our Government is committed to making life easier and more affordable for individuals living with diabetes.”

India – USD $2.6 Trillion Cost of Diabetes Productivity Loss

Analysis published by the US National Institutes of Health’s National Centre for Biotechnology Information, reveals estimated productivity losses of Indian Rupees 176.6 trillion in lost gross domestic product due to diabetes in the subcontinent.

COVID and Diabetes –

Study finds why people with diabetes develop severe COVID-19. Diabetes needs to be considered the main risk factor for severe COVID illness.

https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/study-finds-why-people-with-diabetes-develop-severe-covid-19-121091200162_1.html

Advocacy Action: – Can you use this study to add weight to the case for preventing diabetes? Can you use it to ensure your health care system is targeting people with diabetes to help them avoid COVID? Does your vaccination system prioritise people with diabetes as a likely group to require more expensive medical treatment and care should they catch the virus?

TAGS: United Kingdom, Europe, COVID-19, United States, North America, Treatment Affordability, Insulin, Medicare, Canada, Glucose Monitoring System, India, Asia, Productivity

Diabetes Vaccine?

A study financed by Diamyd Medical, a pharmaceuticals company, and run by a team of researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, is looking at how type 1 diabetes could be altered, by the injection of a protein.