Comparison between inhaled pre-meal insulin and subcutaneous Regular Insulin (RI) before meals was performed by researchers Testa and Simonson out of Harvard in a group of adolescents and adults with Type 1 Diabetes. In addition, patients were also on subcutaneous NPH twice daily. The treatment period lasted 24 weeks, and approximately 165 patients were recruited for each group. Patients had to fill questionnaires, and results showed that despite a lack of difference in control of Diabetes (both groups had similar A1c outcome), the group on inhaled Insulin reported higher level of satisfaction with the mode of delivery of the Insulin. Although not approved for patients younger than 17 years of age, the study showed that young adolescents (14 year olds) enjoyed the convenience of inhaled Insulin as did their older counterparts. Before converting a type 1 to the Insulin Pump, it may be beneficial to try them on a combination of long-acting Insulin (once daily) and the inhaled RI.

In a study coming out of several US universities and Korea, leg and arm muscle strength and mass were measured in both a control group and in patients with Diabetes Type 2. Older adults with type 2 showed greater decline in both leg strength and mass when compared with a non-diabetic control group, but results for arm measurements were similar. The mechanism for this is unknown, but it could likely be related to some nerve damage, which is common in diabetics. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I suggest walking briskly or jogging, on a daily basis for all diabetics.

A study from Norway looked at the time spent by adolescents with type 1 watching TV and using a computer, and tried to correlate that to their A1c levels. The results were astounding! A total of 538 kids participated. Their mean age was 13 years, and their mean A1c was 8.6%. 11% watched <1 hour, 35% between 1 and 2 hours, 31% between 2 to 3 hours, 14% between 3 to 4 hours, and 9% for more than 4 hours daily. Their respective A1c levels were: 8.2, 8.4, 8.7, 8.8, and 9.5%. There is something about watching TV which is bad for type 1s, I wonder what?

A small British research and development company by the name of "Diabetology", has claimed to have encapsulated insulin so as to allow it a "risk-free" passage through the acid-filled stomach and delivery into the small intestine. There, the capsule dissolves and the insulin proceeds to absorb through the intestinal wall to be delivered to the liver. Storage in the liver allows for availability when in need. The capsule is to be taken twice daily. We've heard this kind of tale before, maybe now it's for real.

The above is a new drug which is currently in clinical trials and purports to be the next big thing for obesity and diabetes. It is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme PTP-1B, which plays a central role in the leptin and insulin metabolic pathways, both hormones central to obesity and to diabetes. The company behind the drug is called Genaera, and it presented an abstract in the recent ADA conference. Should the drug continue to show favorable results, being a first-in-class molecule may prove a bonanza for this company.

A Coach for the Diabetic: The "Confidant" system is the first FDA-approved cell phone-based diabetes-management system, which communicates with common home medical devices to collect glucose, weight, and blood pressure readings. It uploads the data through a wireless Bluetooth cell phone connection to a central server for storage and review. The data can be accessed by both the patient and a health-care provider, and patients can receive feedback on their cell phones. For more info go to http://confidantinc.com/.

Band of Life:The Band of Life wrist band provides personal medication identification in emergency situations. Users synchronize their information with the company's web site. The wristband has a USB port which enables emergency personnel to access the user's info on any computer. Information on the band can be translated into several languages. Good idea! Phone: 321-795-5440, or go to http://www.thebandoflife.com.

Emergency Card:SelectWisely has made Diabetes Emergency Cards in 24 languages and dialects to be used in multiple emergency situations when traveling. Phone: 888-396-9260 or go to http://www.selectwisely.com.