COVID – 19 and Diabetes Continued
COVID-19 Telehealth Silver Lining Telehealth for people with diabetes has become a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic when social distancing, lockdowns, and stay-at-home orders have been implemented to prevent transmission of the virus. These precautions are especially important for people with diabetes to follow because their conditions make them more likely to become severely ill and get more […]
BDA Taking Action
Free health screenings, healthy food samples and water were on offer as part of a public open day hosted by the Bermuda Diabetes Association. The charity invited the public to an event marking World Diabetes Day on 14th November, to learn more about the services it provides. A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Diabetes Association said: […]
Asian Americans Increased Heart Risk Missed
Obesity and the associated increased risk for cardiometabolic disease is missed in many Asian Americans. This occurs when using the standard body mass index (BMI) cut-off for obesity. rather than a suggested lower threshold for obesity in Asians, new research in an American Asian population showed. The study showed that the six largest subgroups of […]
News From Around the Globe: Over a million Self-Rationing Insulin in USA
An estimated 1.3 million adults in the one of the world’s wealthiest nations are having to self-ration their insulin doses due to high costs, increasing their risk of complications including kidney damage, blindness and even death. The average for a standard unit of insulin in the US is nearly $100, compared to $12 in Canada, […]
National Plans Adopted in Canada
The Framework for Diabetes led by Sonia Sidhu MP has now been introduced in Parliament by the Federal Minister for Health, Jean-Yves Duclos. He described it as an exciting and welcome development that aims to address the complex condition and rising prevalence of diabetes in Canada. Patient advocacy group, Diabetes Canada, have expressed their thanks […]
BDA’s Biodegradable Bottles
Melissa Levy, the head pharmacist at the Bermuda Diabetes Association, has been measuring out medicine into the BDA’s new biodegradable bottles. People with diabetics in Bermuda will receive biodegradable medicine bottles after the island’s diabetes charity pledged to go green. The Bermuda Diabetes Association made the switch to bottles made out of corn husks as […]
News in Brief: Diabetes Rates by Country
Interesting data showing the top five Counties with the approximate highest rates for type 2 diabetes among the general population: ● China — over 1 billion ● India — over 1 billion ● U.S.A. — 338 million ● Indonesia — 275 million ● Pakistan — 235 million The rates are also published by country for […]
Senate Action on Insulin Costs
U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) – Co-Chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus – announced their new bipartisan legislation, the ‘Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act’, to lower the skyrocketing costs of insulin. The new legislation builds on Collins’ and Shaheen’s previous efforts, increasing measures to encourage insulin […]
More News from Around the World: Support for Indigenous Populations
As part of a wider package of support for minority groups the Canadian Government has announced it will give the University of Saskatchewan CAN $849,753 to design culturally appropriate and comprehensive school food programs that are integrated into school curriculums. These food programs will promote healthy eating and can be implemented within Indigenous communities in the province. The […]
News from Around the World
Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness aims to realign its health education and promotion infrastructure to place greater focus on the preventive rather than the curative aspect of health care. CAPTION: “Jamaica must shift health care towards prevention,” says Dunstan Bryan. The objective is to more effectively address the problem of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among […]
CWD – Type 1 Screening
The importance of screening for type 1 diabetes was the subject of a meeting held during the American Association for Diabetes Scientific Conference in New Orleans last month. Paediatric Endocrinologist Kimber Simmons MD, MS, talked about the stages of type 1 diabetes and the screening options available, and what resources families and people with diabetes […]
State Advocacy Forums
The Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition has hosted 12 US state advocacy forums over the past year. These are virtual events designed to educate advocates on the structure of state government, provide an overview of key topics impacting people with diabetes and share tips on how to be an effective advocate. The 60-minute forums begin with […]
Research News
USA – Screening for diabetes earlier could reduce racial and ethnic disparities in diagnosis, study finds. https://www.phillyvoice.com/diabetes-screening-racial-ethnic-disparities-asian-hispanic-black-diagnosis-study USA – Investigators from the Pediatric Diabetes Center at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone investigated outcomes disparities as they related to diabetes technology use among youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). https://www.ajmc.com/view/there-is-more-to-blame-than-tech-for-t1d-outcomes-disparities-investigators-argue Germany – Research suggests […]
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is one of the most obese sub-regions in the world according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) being the leading cause of premature death. The figures are significantly higher than the global average of 70 percent – with over 80 percent of deaths in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua […]
Diabetes screening based on race, ethnicity may lead to more equitable care
Black, Hispanic and Asian Americans may be at risk of developing diabetes at lower weights and younger ages than white Americans, according to a study in Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers said the findings highlight the need to update screening recommendations based on race and ethnicity. https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20220602/diabetes-screening-based-on-race-ethnicity-may-lead-to-more-equitable-care US Fact – According to the Centers for Disease […]
More News From Around the World: Online Lobbying
The price of insulin and prescription drugs continue to dominate the issues facing people with diabetes in the USA. As part of their campaign to raise awareness and prompt action, the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC), is holding a virtual Hill Day in June. The event involves advocates from different states signing up to lobby […]
Temporary Victory for Alberta Pumpers
Government plans in the Canadian province of Alberta to change funding for insulin pumps have been put on hold following fears expressed by MPs and people with Type 1 diabetes. Alberta’s health minister apologised and said the changes, which were to begin in August are being put off pending consultations to make sure no one […]
The American Diabetes Association continues to support the efforts of people campaigning to cap the cost of Insulin.
ADA members have successfully put the issue on the agenda of numerous State legislators. The ADA says the cost of life-saving insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013. Separately the Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC), who are also campaigning to reduce the cost of insulin, have said that they were excited around both President Biden’s State […]
Associations’ News
News from Associate Members of PDGN – national diabetes associations and other not-for-profits BDA Covid Action To overcome Covid restrictions, the Bermuda Diabetic Association has been providing on-line education updates, and innovative programmes for those with diabetes. The pandemic has revealed that more people are without employment and health insurance and requiring free diabetes medicine […]
Research News in Brief
Gap widens between US and European HbAic* averages Mean HbA1c for people with type 1 diabetes increased in the U.S. from 2011 to 2017, whereas Europe reported a decline among children, according to study data. *By measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the blood, average blood sugar levels can be calculated. https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20220107/gap-in-mean-hba1c-values-growing-between-us-european-nations High blood pressure and […]
U.S. Links to Increased Risk of Diabetes
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted a study that appears to show children who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk of developing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. According to the results, researchers found a 2.6-fold increase in new diabetes cases among children who had recovered from […]
Diabetes Complication Screening
Two donors made it possible for the Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA) to organize foot screenings by a chiropodist, and retinal eye screening by an ophthalmologist for fifty uninsured people with diabetes. Almost every one screened had uncontrolled hypertension, more than half had elevated HbA1c, and the majority did not see a physician on a regular […]
Unanimous Support for MP’s Bill
Canadians will finally have a proper legal framework to address the growing problem of diabetes, a disease disproportionately affecting Indigenous Peoples, Canadians of African and South Asian ethnicity, and people with lower income and education. The National Framework for Diabetes (previously reported in Global Advocacy News) is due to be delivered by the end of […]
Type 2 Health Targets Unmet
Fewer than 1 in 5 adults with Type 2 diabetes in the USA are meeting targets to reduce heart disease risk in the country, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and affects around 11 per cent of the population in the USA. […]
News From Around the Globe
State Advocacy Forum The U.S. Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) has hosted 12 state advocacy forums over the past year. These are virtual events designed to educate advocates on the structure of state government, provide an overview of key topics impacting people with diabetes and share tips on how to be an effective advocate. The 60 […]
100,000 Lives Lost to Diabetes
The U.S. National Clinic Care Commission outlines the Commission’s evidence-based findings and recommendations for improving federal diabetes prevention and treatment programs. It revealed that diabetes claimed 100,000 lives in the USA for the 2nd year in a row. The report was submitted to Congress and the Secretary of Health in January. Advocacy Action: The report […]
More Action Needed on Insulin Access
A World Health Organisation (WHO) report ‘Keeping the 100-year-old Promise – making insulin access universal’ criticises the fact that insulin is still out of reach for many patients. The report lists the main barriers to access being: ● High prices ● Low Availability ● Producers ● Weak Health Systems WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, […]
PDGN News: Meet Susan Jackson MP, PDGN’s new President
Susan is a fourth generation Jackson to commit to public service in the Bermuda Parliament. She approaches public service with a deep sense of responsibility and believes trust is the most important ingredient for effective representation and that trust must be earned. Susan first met PDGN Co-Chair, Sir Michael Hirst, at a Bermuda summit on […]
News from Around the World
To mark November’s Diabetes Awareness Month and the centenary of the discovery of insulin, Canada’s Federal Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos MP, announced a joint investment of CAN $20 million to support new research teams across Canada. The teams will work to develop new approaches to preventing, treating, and caring for Canadians living […]
Research Corner
Japan – A new study led by researchers at Shimane University has found small but significantly increased risks of diabetes and sarcopenia, which is loss of muscle and weakness due to aging, among older adults with oral frailty. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/poor-oral-health-linked-to-muscle-loss-and-diabetes Germany – Ten-year study into symptoms of depression in people with diabetes and more importantly for this work, […]
US Screening Age Lowered
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has lowered its recommended Type 2 diabetes screening age for overweight and obese adults. What sat at 40 years of age has now been lowered to age 35. The change is reflective of evidence published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that signals an increase in prevalence […]
More News From Around the Globe: Cross Aisle Support for Action
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41 percent of adults aged 60 and over had obesity in the period of 2015 through 2016, representing more than 27 million people, while the National Institutes of Health has reported that obesity and overweight are now the second leading cause of death nationally, […]
News From Around the Globe: Provincial MP Calls for Better Eye Care
In the Canadian province of Ontario, New Democrat MPP, France Gelinas, is calling on the Legislative Assembly to provide better eye care for people living with diabetes in the Sudbury area. She said retinal scans are covered by the state when performed by an ophthalmologist, but cost patients out of pocket if they are performed […]
How Socioeconomic Status Drives Disparities in Health care
CAPTION: Ananta, Addala believes both environmental and discrimination contribute to disparities in health care. A presentation by Ananta Addala, to the virtual American Diabetes Association congress addressed how low socioeconomic status is a main driver of disparities in health care. Ananta, a paediatric endocrinologist and physician scientist at Stanford University, California, referred to a variety […]
Canadian Parliamentary Diabetes Champion
Since Indian born Sonia Sidhu MP (Liberal) was first elected to the Canadian Parliament in 2015, she has championed diabetes awareness. She has taken a leading role in the ‘Let’s Defeat Diabetes’ campaign in the country while promoting Private Member’s Bill C-237 that seeks to create a National Framework for Diabetes Her Bill received unanimous […]
Congress Holds Hearings on Prescription Drug Pricing
Two Congressional committees have held hearings on the need for lowering prescription drug costs. Issues facing the people with diabetes who need insulin to stay alive or simply assist their control of the condition were mentioned frequently in discussions. Congressional Diabetes Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Diana DeGette gave members an insight into the issues at a […]
Latest Research News
Biomarkers breakthrough in diabetes research https://www.uu.se/en/news/article/?id=16386&typ=artike Belly fat diabetes warning sign for middle aged Japanese (and probably all) men. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-01/uosc-mmi012121.php Study into when insulin pump therapy should start in newly diagnosed Type 1 children. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30339-4/fulltext More evidence of link between diabetes and stroke. First results of the DiabetRisk study – Over 8 percent of patients […]
New Associate Member
PDGN is pleased to welcome the Diabetes Leadership Council of America as an Associate Member. The aims of the DLC are to communicate, educate and advocate for people affected by diabetes. The DLC led 12 national diabetes advocacy organizations to develop a consensus statement on U.S. Health care reform for people with diabetes. You can […]
News from Around the Globe: US Democrats and Diabetes
Newly elected Democrat President Joe Biden faces a host of health care challenges beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Biden’s new administration should be helped by the changed political control within Congress enabling the new President to take federal action on insulin pricing that has been patchy at state level, just 17 out of the 50 […]
Research Corner
Much of the research and studies make for grim reading with the implications for people and health care systems severe. All the more important to seek allies who can share and add force to your advocacy to seek improvements to prevention, encourage early diagnosis, and the best treatments. Britain Healthy lifestyle key to prevention of […]
Cross The Aisle Action
Democrat and Republican lawmakers in the USA have called for bi-partisan policies to expedite diabetes research. Speaking at a Diabetes and The Future of Healthcare Reform event, Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) discussed what she saw as some of the obstacles to better care. “What we see in the diabetes realm is a very slow process at the Centers for […]
Research Corner
University of Exeter and Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust research revealed at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2020 on-line event, suggests screening could give two years’ extra type 2 diabetes alert. https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/9143/presentation/1514 The findings from a recent study by a University of Buffalo researcher and others could prove to […]
United States: Pramila’s Bill Approved
Representative Pramila Jayapal’s (pictured) South Asian Heart Health Bill has passed another stage in Congress. As reported during earlier stages, the US House of Representatives has now passed a bipartisan bill aimed at raising awareness about the alarming rate of heart disease in South Asian communities throughout the United States while investing in strategies to […]
More News From Around The World: Canada
First Nation Children 25 Times More Likely to Have Type 2 A newly released study has found that children in First Nations communities are 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to other children in Manitoba. The study was conducted by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy (MCHP) in partnership […]
USA: Childhood Obesity
Disappointment has been expressed about the continuing upward trend in childhood obesity in the US despite the programmes that have tried to make an impact. https://abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/wireSto ry/us-kids-obese-latest-data-70585816 Targeting Better news from the San Francisco work based prevention programme targeted on people considered at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and who had a Body Mass Index […]
Health Care Disparity Evidence Grows
Appalling disparities in health care have been revealed in several recent studies that the Covid 19 pandemic has magnified. The ‘Center for American Progress (CAP)’ has pulled together research from across the USA showing that it is home to stark and persistent racial disparities in health coverage, chronic health conditions, mental health, and mortality. The […]
Research Corner
Much of the research and studies make for grim reading with the implications for people and health care systems severe. All the more important to seek allies who can share and add force to your advocacy to seek improvements to prevention, encourage early diagnosis, and the best treatments. Effects of Physical Activity on Type 2 […]
US Political Action on Diabetes and Comorbidities
CAPTION: U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal represents Washington’s 7th District and, is the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress. Writing in ‘The Hill’ about the health challenges facing South Asian Americans, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and global health expert Gayathri Badrinath called for action to address the lack of awareness about the unique and growing heart health risks […]
News From the USA
Ohio State Senator Campaigns to Cap Insulin Prices The continuing issue of high insulin prices in the USA is being raised and tacked by politicians at State and Federal level. In Lakewood, Ohio, the State Senator for the area, Nickie Antonio, has successfully seen parts of her proposal to combat diabetes pass through the Senate […]
Research Corner
Number of people with diabetes in the USA – Latest. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-09/uoi-srt091718.php Survey Reveals 2 in 3 People with Type 2 Diabetes have Cardiovascular Disease risk factors and/or have experienced a Cardiovascular Event. https://preview.tinyurl.com/yd3up22g Study into closed loop insulin delivery systems. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31947-0/fulltext Misdiagnosis of diabetes type in patients over 30. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-10/d-cot100318.php