Diabetes

PHILADELPHIA — A new study has found several gene variants associated with Type 2 diabetes across different ethnic groups.

ATLANTA — People that are genetically predisposed to developing a condition that causes high blood cholesterol levels may be at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

BETHESDA, Md. — A provider of mobile health solutions has introduced a free application that synchronizes with a wireless blood-glucose meter.

The MyTelcare Diabetes Pal, now available via the Apple App Store, allows patients and caregivers to use their iPhone, iPod Touch and/or iPad to visualize every glucose reading sent by the Telcare BGM (blood-glucose meter) while tracking medication, nutrition, activities and notes. What's more, the app also enables patients who don’t have the Telcare BGM to manually enter their blood-glucose data and track it over time.

SAN DIEGO — Amylin Pharmaceuticals and Alkermes announced that their Type 2 diabetes treatment now is available by prescription in U.S. pharmacies.

Bydureon (exenatide extended-release for injectable suspension) received approval from the Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 27 as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.

MINNETONKA, Minn. — Another retailer has joined the UnitedHealth Group's Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance, an initiative designed to help address the growing epidemic of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS/pharmacy announced on Wednesday the launch of Project Health (Proyecto Salud in Spanish), a wellness program delivering more than $21 million worth of free health screenings to multicultural communities.

NEW YORK — While the financial burden that families face due to prescription drugs has declined, costs nevertheless remain a challenge for many of them, according to a new study by nonprofit research organization Rand Corp.

NEW YORK — Two members of Congress are looking for co-sponsors for a bill that would strengthen the medication therapy management benefit in the Medicare prescription drug program.

Last year, Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ala.; and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., introduced H.R. 891, the Medication Therapy Management Benefits Act, which would allow elderly people with at least one chronic condition access to Medicare Part D coverage for MTM. Currently, only those with multiple conditions are eligible.