Medicare Coverage The Federal Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services has recently announced that it has changed its previous policy and shall henceforth consider obesity as a disease entity by itself. This change of policy has huge implications on both the medicare-insured population as well as on the non-medicare insured. It may take another year, but sooner rather than later, obese individuals will have a “legitimate” diagnosis with billable codes. This will allow for didactic workup of patients, and treatments which were previously unattainable since insurers would not pay. This is indeed good news!
	Video Game To Combat Obesity A video game by Konami's which is called “Dance Dance Revolution” (DDR) has made a big splash among teens and young adults. Kids who were obese lost weight while having fun. Several schools have set up programs with this game, and physical education teachers are endorsing it. Since so little is available to combat the epidemic of obesity, it is refreshing to hear of a novel approach that actually works. Adults who consider themselves kids at heart should give this a try.
New Nonstop Blood Glucose Monitor The pain caused by pricking one's finger in order to check one's blood glucose, may be soon a thing of the“Freestyle Navigator”, which is full of promise. The device consists of a small, paper-thin probe that constantly takes blood-sugar measurements from the fluid under the skin, transmitting them wirelessly to a gadget the size of a pager. A new reading is generated every 60 seconds. The benefit here relative to the standard finger prick, is enormous. Any patient using this meter would have a “live” picture of what the blood sugar is doing on a minute by minute basis, without the pain of pricking. Halleluiah!
Lizard Saliva To The Rescue! A novel drug which is a copy of a protein found in the saliva of the poisonous Gila monster is making headlines. Apparently, this protein is able to stimulate pancreatic beta cells to produce more insulin. The structure of the protein is a synthetic version of the glucagons-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) molecule which has a host of effects. Besides stimulating insulin secretion, it also suppresses glucagon secretion; it inhibits gastric emptying, and may possibly restore pancreatic beta cell sensitivity to glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Similar drugs, and others with similar effects, are in various stages of development. The main impact of this drug will be in improving patient's blood glucose without putting them at risk of hypoglycemia, since it works only when blood glucose is elevated.
On A Less Scientific Note One of my new Korean diabetic patients recently exhibited proudly her newly acquired socks which fitted her foot similarly to the fit of a glove. This was purchased in Korea , and is “good for diabetics”. I was thoroughly amused and somewhat impressed, and will try to acquire these socks for my diabetic patients.
Diabetic Statistics in India India now has the world's largest diabetic population – an estimated 35 million people out of a population of over 1 billion. Another 79 million have impaired glucose tolerance. By the year 2025 that number will rise to 73 and 124 million, respectively (almost 200 million people!).
Know Your ABCs Only 7.3% of diabetics meet the recommended guidelines for all risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. These are: A-A1c<7%; B-blood pressure below 130/80; C-LDL cholesterol below 100. These guidelines were established several years ago and have currently been revised. We now like to have patients at : <6% ; <120/80 ; and <70. That's going to be very hard to achieve!
Our New Website - HTTP://DIABETES-DOCTOR.COM The Litvin Centers for Diabetes is excited to announce the launch of their new website!  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 website 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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