Welcome to the fourth edition of “Diabetes Made Visible” and our inaugural “Handpicked Diabetes News” feature. In this article, we highlight six recent diabetes publications covering innovation, visual communication, mental health, exercise and fitness, medication, and living well with T1D.
Innovation in Diabetes
“Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Technology Improves Technology No Matter How You Get It” — Diatribe, July 2024
SUMMARY: New research from the University of Colorado shows significant improvements in diabetes outcomes with AID use, regardless of whether general practitioners or endocrinologists provide care. The iLet Bionic Pancras (AID system) improved time-in-range (TIR) and average blood glucose levels for in-person and remote visits. Most people with T2D (90%) and half with T1D (50%) are treated by primary care doctors. This research suggests better access to AID systems for those who cannot see an endocrinologist and an opportunity to expand device training for primary care physicians.
Citation: DiaTribe. (Hetzel, Paul). AID technology improves diabetes care no matter how you get it. DiaTribe. July, 2024.
Diabetes and Visual Communication
“The use of videos for diabetes patient education: A systematic review.” — Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews, February 2024
SUMMARY: This meta-study by Hoe, Ahmad, and Watterson reveals the powerful impact of diabetes education videos. Over half of the studies reviewed showed a significant decrease in A1C levels and improved health literacy, self-efficacy, and physical activity among patients.
Citation: Hoe, C. Y. W., Ahmad, B., & Watterson, J. (2024). The use of videos for diabetes patient education: A systematic review. Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews, e3722.
Diabetes and Mental Health
“Childhood-onset type 1 diabetes and subsequent adult psychiatric disorders: a nationwide cohort and genome-wide Mendelian randomization study.” — Nature Mental Health, June 2024
SUMMARY: A UK and Czech Republic study found that children with T1D are at a significantly higher risk of mental health issues. The study indicates that T1D predisposes to psychiatric morbidity. Children with type 1 diabetes were more likely to develop mood disorders, substance abuse, and behavioral syndromes (e.g., eating and sleeping disorders). The study points to the need to monitor and attend to the mental health of children with T1D.
Citation: Formánek, T., Chen, D., Šumník, Z., Mladá, K., Hughes, J., Burgess, S., Wareham, N. J., Murray, G. K., Jones, P. B., & Perry, B. I. (2024). Childhood-onset type 1 diabetes and subsequent adult psychiatric disorders: A nationwide cohort and genome-wide Mendelian randomization study. Nature Mental Health.
Living Well with T1D
“Meet Gina Anzures – Artist and Advocate Extraordinaire” — T1D Strong, September 2023
Gina Anzures, better known as Gina Pillina, hails from Puebla, Mexico. Diagnosed with T1D at the age of 12, she has transformed her diagnosis into a source of coping and artistic empowerment. Her cartoon character, Gina Pillina, weaves laughter and diabetes education into her art.
Citation: Poche, E. (December 7, 2023). T1D Strong. “Meet Gina Anzures—Artist and Advocate Extraordinaire.” Retrieved from August 4.
Diabetes Medication
“US FDA says all doses of Lilly’s weight-loss and diabetes drug are now available.” — Reuters, August 2024
SUMMARY: The FDA indicates Zepbound (weight loss) and Mounjaro (diabetes) are available as of 8/2/24. The FDA has not removed these drugs from the shortage list but actively monitors drug availability and works with manufacturers to ensure a “stable supply of safe and effective drugs.”
Reference: Bhanvi, S., & Sneha, S. K. (2024, August 2). US FDA says all doses of Lilly’s weight-loss and diabetes drug now available. Reuters. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
Exercise, Fitness, and Diabetes
“Helmsley Charitable Trust awards $12 million for T1D and exercise” — Philanthropy News Digest, February 2024
SUMMARY: The Leona M. and Harry Helmsley Charitable Trust has announced that over $12M will be awarded to seven organizations to research “practical management solutions for T1D and exercise.” Award recipients include Stanford University (through the DiabetesWise platform), Jaeb Center for Health Research (with York University and the University of Pennsylvania), and the University of Colorado Denver. Topics include research on educating people with diabetes about the importance of exercise in managing diabetes, using AID with ultra-rapid insulin to manage glucose levels with exercise, and the impact of menstrual cycles and hormonal birth control on blood sugar levels and exercise.
Citation: Philanthropy New Digest. (2024, February 19). Helmsley Charitable Trust awards $12 million for T1D and exercise. Retrieved on August 4, 2024.