Diabetes

NEW YORK — Oral blood samples drawn from periodontal inflammation can be used to measure HbA1C levels, a factor that indicates a patient's diabetes status, according to a New York University study.

BEDFORD, Mass. — Insulet and LifeScan have entered a partnership through which the latter's OneTouch blood-glucose monitoring technology will be integrated into the former's OmniPod Personal Diabetes Manager.

LADY LAKE, Fla. — Walgreens and Greystone Healthcare Management on Thursday launched a collaborative therapy management pilot program at the Lady Lake Specialty Center in Lady Lake, Fla., aimed at enhancing medication adherence and reducing readmission rates for patients in post-acute care settings.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services is providing $10 million in fiscal year 2012 funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Diabetes Prevention Program.

The NDPP is an initiative, authorized in 2010, which provides local communities with lifestyle change programs for preventing Type 2 diabetes. HHS' decision was praised by several groups, including the American Diabetes Association and the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance.

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.