Insulin Cost Caps in the United States Are Not Delivering Intended Results
Study Exposes Limitations of State-Level Insulin Cost Caps in the United States and Calls for Targeted Policy Reform A first-of-its-kind study conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado has revealed significant shortcomings in state-level insulin out-of-pocket cost caps in the U.S., a measure widely hailed as a solution to insulin affordability. Despite their promise, […]
The High Cost of Diabetes: Lifetime Medical Spending in the US
A new study published in Diabetes Care has shed light on the profound financial implications of type 2 diabetes for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. The research highlights the significant lifetime medical costs that can be attributed to managing type 2 diabetes, particularly in older adults, further emphasizing the economic burden associated with the […]
Help Save Lives
As more and more establishments, public buildings and public places host defibrillators to assist in the event of a cardiac arrest, people with diabetes are campaigning for Glucogon to be more widely available to inject when someone with diabetes suffers a hypoglycaemic event. Glucagon is a hormone that your pancreas makes to help regulate your blood […]
From Sana’s Desk – An unforgettable Purple Heart story
Insurance Coverage – a determinant of health and life for young people with diabetes in the US! Some time ago, I watched a Netflix movie “The Purple Heart” with horror. Later, I convinced myself that the story may be unique or fictitious! If you have not watched it yet, I recommend you to do so. […]
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 […]
US Nurses Welcome Footware Legislation
The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives by Sens. Brown (D-OH) and Collins (R-ME) and Reps. Blumenauer (D-OR) and LaHood (R-IL). It seeks to allow patients to continue receiving care from their health provider by authorising Nurse Practitioners to certify their patients’ need for […]
Hearing the Patient Voice
The Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) in the US is holding an event where people with diabetes can log-in and speak to legislators. For legislators it is a great way to find out some of the challenges people with diabetes face and for sufferers to explain what it means to have diabetes and the difficulties they […]
Tech News
FDA Clears New Insulin Pump and Algorithm-Based Software to Support Enhanced Automatic Insulin Delivery – Closer to a bionic pancreas. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-clears-new-insulin-pump-and-algorithm-based-software-to-support-enhanced-automatic-insulin-delivery-301829765.html Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre R 2 received national reimbursement in France for all people with diabetes treated with insulin. https://abbott.mediaroom.com/2023-06-22-Abbotts-FreeStyle-Libre-R-2-Receives-National-Reimbursement-in-France-for-All-People-with-Diabetes-Who-Use-Insulin Dexcom G7 Approved in Canada Patients living with diabetes in Canada will soon be able […]
Research Corner
1 in 3 adults with type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/1-in-3-adults-with-type-2-diabetes-may-have-undetected-cardiovascular-disease Diabetes linked to functional and structural brain changes. Covid increased the risk of diabetes. Prioritising Maori and Pacific patients for new diabetes drugs pays off http://www.voxy.co.nz/health/5/417649 More Stem Cell research into diabetes with studies in Kenya and the US. Advocacy Action: […]
Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
In the US alone, up to two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes develop heart disease in their lifetime. A new study published at the conference found that a coordinated care approach improves care for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Advocacy Action: What are the statistics in your country for type 2 diabetes […]
1.3 billion with Diabetes by 2050!
A series of studies published in ‘The Lancet’ estimates that the number of people living with diabetes will double by 2050. The researchers predict more than 1.3 billion people could suffer from the disease in 30 years – up from 529 million in 2021 – if there is no effort to address what they describe […]
Major Victory for DLC on Behalf of Patients
In a major victory for patients who depend on prescription drugs, Judge John D. Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a Trump administration federal rule that allowed health insurers to not count drug manufacturer copay assistance towards a beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs. The case was brought against the U.S. […]
Social Prescribing Gaining Ground
Social prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing, including healthy food. Following pilot schemes in the UK some U.S. health care providers have been experimenting with the idea. Under “food is medicine” programs, free, […]
Collaboration Brings Success
US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) joined a Washington Post Live event to discuss the high cost of prescription medication in the United States. In their discussion, the Senators discussed their cross-party (bipartisan) efforts to pass comprehensive Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBM) reform, lower the cost of insulin, including their Insulin Act, and why […]
Policy Briefings for Law Makers
This spring, the US-based Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) delivered policy briefings for federal policymakers in Washington DC, highlighting diabetes community needs through the voice of patients, caregivers and clinicians. Presentations addressed gaps in access and affordability of diabetes treatment and innovation, and the landscape of actionable solutions for the new Congress. In March, DLC […]
Technology Corner
FDA Approves Bionic Pancreas System. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared the Beta Bionics iLet ACE Pump and the iLet Dosing Decision Software for people six years of age and older with type 1 diabetes. These two devices, along with a compatible FDA-cleared integrated continuous glucose monitor (iCGM), will form a new system called […]
Research News
India Study in India finds socioeconomic inequality in awareness, treatment and control of diabetes among adults. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29978-y Australia JDRF Australia and the Helmsley Trust have announced a combined additional AUS $12 million towards the continuation of the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study. https://www.miragenews.com/world-first-childhood-diabetes-study-extended-980714 Denmark A new study published in Diabetologia (the journal of the […]
Food Labelling Success
The US ‘Center for Science in the Public Interest’ is celebrating the introduction of a bill to increase transparency and promote healthy choices through food labels. CAPTION: The Bill will help people manage dozens of medicall conditions such as those who need to be Gluten-free. The Food Labelling Modernization Act 2023 (FLMA) was introduced by Representatives […]
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, […]
Research Corner
A Diabetes Link to Dementia https://www.timesnownews.com/health/diabetics-beware-study-says-high-blood-sugar-levels-could-give-you-dementia-article-92318905 Role of Socioeconomic Status in Amputation Rates with Comorbid PVD and Diabetes https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/home/topics/vascular-medicine/role-of-socioeconomic-status-amputation-rates-with-comorbid-pvd-and-diabetes Potential target for Type 1 diabetes treatment https://www.miragenews.com/potentia l-target-for-type-1-diabetes-treatment-824142/ Japanese Study Finds Health Benefits in Muscle Strengthening https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/13/755 Children with type 1 diabetes and their family members are at increased risk of mental health problems. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220801/Study-Children-with-type-1-diabetes-and-their-family-members-are-at-increased-risk-of-mental-health-problems.aspx […]
More Nutrition News: Food Labelling in Canada
Canada is to put warning labels on unhealthy food products. Manufacturers will have three years to prepare for the changes, with the rules set to come into force at the start of 2026. Companies will be required to add nutrition warnings to the front of pre-packaged food with high levels of saturated fat, sugar or […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
ADA and Beyond Type (BT1) Partnership Announced
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and Beyond Type 1 (BT1) have linked-up. The partnership will feature combined resources, strategies, and tactics to better serve people living with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and pre-diabetes. The partnership is founded on a shared vision that both organisations will have greater impact by working together and playing […]
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 […]
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 […]