It has been known for some time that colesevelam (Wel-Chol, Sankyo), a bile acid-binding resin indicated for lowering low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, reduces glucose levels in individuals with type-2 diabetes. Given that a proportion of this population cannot use generic metformin (Glucophage canadian, Bristol-Myers Squibb) because of elevated cre-atinine values, and given that another group [...]
Continue reading " American Diabetes Association: Colesevelam "
Intensive Insulin Therapy
To help patients meet their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) goals, more of them should be using basal-bolus, or “intensive,” insulin. With intensive insulin treatment, patients give themselves an injection of short-acting insulin before each meal and an injection of longer-acting insulin before going to bed.
This study contributes valuable information to the growing body of literature on diabetes, depression, and healthcare utilization by examining these relationships in a currently understudied population, namely African-American primary care patients. In contrast to many previous studies with predominantly white samples that found a positive association between diabetes and depression, no association was found in [...]
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Between Individuals with and Without Diabetes
Table 1 compares African-American patients with and without diabetes in this sample. The two groups did not differ significantly on age, gender, or TennCare (Medicaid) enrollment. However, group differences in income and education were observed, with lower levels of income and lower rates of high-school graduation among individuals with diabetes [...]
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Sample
The data were collected as part of a larger study on patients in family and internal medicine in the Meharry Medical Practice Plan (MMPP) primary care clinic, at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN, which serves the local low-income, largely Medicaid-eligible population. The study enrolled new and existing patients who presented for primary care. Convenience [...]
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Racial/ethnic minorities and the economically disadvantaged are at increased risk for diabetes. For example, 13% of African Americans have diabetes, compared to 6.2% of the general U.S. population. Deaths from diabetes and certain types of diabetes complications are more common among African Americans than among whites. The association between low socioeconomic status and diabetes risk [...]
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