ATLANTA—Which diabetes patients are most likely to have decompensated diabetes, defined as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state?
Metformin Halves All-Cause Mortality in Frail Older Veterans
Other Important VA Studies at the American Diabetes Association 79th Scientific Sessions MIAMI—The first-line drug of choice for Type 2 diabetes, metformin has long been known to effectively reduce blood glucose levels and substantially cut the risk of cardiovascular...
Greatest VA Weight Gains in Women Veterans Without Diabetes
ATLANTA—How does a diagnosis of diabetes affect weight management among U.S. veterans? A study in the journal Obesity (Silver Spring) sought to assess weight trends and diabetes prevalence among U.S. veterans.1 Atlanta VAMC researchers and colleagues used Information...
Diabetes Patients Do Well in Military Healthcare-to-VA Transition
SAN DIEGO—When service members leave active duty and receive healthcare in a different setting, care for conditions such as diabetes can suffer. A study in Military Medicine pointed out that changes in healthcare have been shown to decrease diabetes care compliance...
NPs, PAs Have as Good Diabetes Outcomes as Physicians
DURHAM, NC—So-called physician extenders do as good a job as physicians at the VA in helping to achieve good outcomes in diabetes patients, according to a new study. The report in Annals of Internal Medicine focused on primary care provided by nurse practitioners and...
Veterans on Standard Diabetes Care Face Dangers from Hypoglycemia Subhead: Post-hoc VADT Analysis Links Low Blood Sugar to CV Events
BALTIMORE, MD—A post-hoc analysis of the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) once again shines a spotlight on the dangers of hypoglycemia in veterans treated for Type 2 diabetes. The study published in Diabetes Care found that severe hypoglycemic episodes within...
Is Prandial Insulin or Noninsulin Agent Better for T2D Treatment Intensification?
Some veterans with type 2 diabetes patients can’t reach their hemoglobin A1c goal despite using metformin, basal insulin and a sulfonylurea. What should come next?
Caution Urged in Use of Sulfonylureas in Some T2 Diabetes Patients with CAD
VA clinicians should exercise caution with use of sulfonylurea in some patients with co-morbid type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to new research.
Hypoglycemia Concerns Help Drive Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring at VA
As the VA increases its focus on minimizing hypoglycemia in veterans with type 2 diabetes, it expects that more physicians and veterans will consider using continuous glucose monitors to meet that goal.
Cautious Use of Prandial Insulin Urged for Older Veterans
A new VA study pointed out why prandial insulin should be used cautiously in older adults with complex comorbidities.
Adherence to New Medications Is Critical for Veterans With Diabetes
How important is adherence to oral medications in reducing complications for veterans with diabetes?
VA Research Links Global Air Pollution to Diabetes Risk
Air pollution, even at levels technically falling into safe ranges, are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, according to a new study involving VA researchers.
Preventing, Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Complex Challenges at VA
Some of the risks of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are well-known, including infection and, in the most severe cases, amputation.
Evidence of CV Benefit Influences Diabetes Treatment Recommendations
In a significant change, the American Diabetes Association’s 2018 guidelines advocate use of a glucose-lowering agent with proven cardiovascular benefit or mortality reduction in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and co-morbid cardiovascular disease.
Diabetes Prevalence Higher Among Veterans Than General Population
Overall prevalence of diabetes was 20% for the general U.S. population but nearly 25% for veterans, according to a recent study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Highly Effective But Underused in Diabetes
Recent clinical studies have documented why continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can offer significant benefits to patients diagnosed with diabetes.
VHA’s Type 1 Diabetes Telehealth Care Saves Time, Money
About 5% of the United States population has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and the great majority are diagnosed before age 25. Since a diabetes diagnosis prevents enlistment in the military, relatively few veterans have the condition compared to type 2 diabetes, which affects about a fourth of VHA patients.
VHA Data Helps Validate Tool for Hypoglycemia Risk ID
OAKLAND, CA—Data from more than 1.3 million VHA patients was used to help validate a practical tool for identifying people with diabetes who are at the highest risk for being admitted to an emergency department or hospital due to severe hypoglycemia. Also used to...