Insulin Pumps Current technology is at the brink of creating the first “closed loop” insulin pump. This devise would have a sensor in charge of determining the glucose level, and some algorithm which will take this data and transmit to the pump specific orders of how much and at what rate to deliver insulin. In a meeting at the University of Colorado , Dr. Tamborland, who is a pioneer in this field, described the current state of affairs. The first generation prototype uses Medtronic's subcutaneous continuous blood glucose monitoring technology, with wireless transmission of the measurements to a laptop computer, which then signals the subcutaneous insulin pump to change the infusion rate as appropriate. Obviously, the next challenging step will be to miniaturize and combine both pieces of equipment into one compact unit. The current unit is now being used in a pilot study on eight adults with type 1 diabetes. Technological prowess notwithstanding, one major remaining issue is persistent and sometimes recurrent hypoglycemia. The normal pancreas, as we all know, can handle both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. With damage to pancreatic islet cells however, all we're doing is supplying insulin. Consequently, all we can achieve is control of the hyperglycemia. More research will need to be done for us to be able to control hypoglycemia – work for future endocrinologists.
	Walnuts to the Rescue According to a group of Australian researchers, 30 grams of walnuts (approximately one ounce or about 14 walnut halves) per day, improved the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. The study was done on groups of approximately 60 diabetics. The walnut group achieved a significantly greater increase in HDL, and a 10% reduction of LDL. This may be viewed as “anecdotal”, however, it's very nice. I certainly plan to increase my walnut consumption.
Soda and Diabetes A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health recently examined the association between consumption of soda drinks and the frequency of type 2 diabetes. 91,000 female nurses in good health were questioned about their dietary habits, and their medical records evaluated. The results showed a positive correlation between the daily consumption of sugar sweetened drinks (sodas included) and both weight gain and the development of type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, consumption of fruit punch (and not 100% fruit juice) doubled the participant's chances of developing diabetes. The verdict is in, now all we need is to disseminate this information. But, of course, the advertising budget of the soft drink/punch industry is likely bigger…
Stem Cells A new approach to produce stem cells has been reported. Scientists at the NIH (National Institute of Health) were able to revert adult cadaver pancreatic beta cells into islet precursor cells. Subsequently, these cells could be induced to produce insulin, and multiply in culture. This is potentially great news for all those type 1s who are candidates for islet transplantation. Currently, islet cells are limited to study centers where islets from two adult cadavers are necessary in order to transplant one patient. Studies are on-going to perfect this method so as abundant islet cells are available in the future.
Drugs for Obesity No less than 189 new drugs are currently in development and will soon be available for obese individuals. The pharmaceutical industry is obviously in “overdrive” to get a slice of this huge market. At present, only two drugs for this condition have been approved by the FDA. Both are only mildly to moderately effective, and this market is literally crying out for more. What is necessary however is a silver bullet, which will be likely never found. As we all know, obesity is not a purely medical problem, but rather a deeply-rooted socio-economic and ethnic problem, as well. A multi-prong approach will therefore be needed!   An Obesity Virus All we need now is for someone to throw us off-track with the obesity epidemic, and that is exactly what might happen with this novel idea. An Indian scientist back in 1992 suggested an association between the occurrence of some viruses and abdominal obesity – in birds. Screening obese humans for antibodies to that virus has shown a 30% increase in antibodies in obese individuals vs. 10% in non-obese. The way viruses may cause obesity is presumably via reaching the brain and affecting the appetite-satiety centers. This is all very early for this story. Stay tuned. The CARDIA Study: Fast–food habits, weight gain, and insulin resistance: 15-year prospective analysis. This very impressive study has just been published in the Lancet. It followed about 3,000 individuals for frequency of fast-food consumption over a period of 15 years, and assessed the impact on weight gain and risk of developing diabetes. There are currently 247,115 fast-food restaurants in the USA. The conclusion of the authors is that “fast-food habits have strong, positive, and independent associations with weight gain and insulin resistance in young black and white adults.” The authors think that more studies need to be done, however, it will likely never be found (my conclusion).
Our New Web site - HTTP://DIABETES-DOCTOR.COM The Litvin Centers for Diabetes is excited to announce the launch of their new web site!  The site contains helpful tips and information to assist you with managing diabetes. There is new functionality, new content, user friendly navigation, and more! The Site Features: An Opportunity To Ask Dr. Litvin A Question Via Email Current News Articles Compiled From Expert Diabetic Sources Over 130+ Web Pages Devoted To Understanding and Managing Diabetes And Support For Diabetics Links To Great Diabetes Resources An eNewsletter Signup Form – Have Your Family And Friends Sign Up To Learn More About In Our Monthly Newsletter Devoted To Diabetes Information About The Litvin Centers For Diabetes (LCD) Including Our Mission Statement And Office Info The Litvin Centers for Diabetes is dedicated to improving those afflicted with diabetes.  We plan on adding additional functionality to this new web site in the months to come.  We'll keep you posted on our progress.  In the meantime, visit us often and let us know what you think.  We welcome your feedback. Enjoy!

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