Research from Duke University in the United States has uncov | Figure 1

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Pharmacist

Research from Duke University in the United States has uncovered a technology that could open doors to a new treatment for type 2 diabetes: a single injection that controls glucose levels for weeks.

The researchers created an injectable technology that, when reacting with body heat, creates a gel-like substance. This causes the medicines to be released slowly as the gel dissolves.

Research tested the substance in rats and monkeys and the results have shown that in the case of rats glycemic control was ensured for ten days and in monkeys for 17 days. Although tests have not yet been performed in humans, researchers find the results promising, since human metabolism is slower, which makes it take longer to digest the substance.

"Because our metabolism is slower than that of monkeys and mice, the treatment should theoretically last longer in humans. So our hope is that this is the first bi-weekly or monthly formula for people with type 2 diabetes," says Kelli Luginbuhl, author of the study.

Source: Nature Biomedical Engineering.

Case Reports

• Male, 27 years: Complaints of fever, chills, and joint ache for 3 days. On the fourth day, he complains of polyuria (around 20x a day). Random blood glucose test shows 220mg/dL. On the 5th day, he loses consciousness and is admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Random blood sugar 534, ketone +, and metabolic acidosis. Hba1c are 5.2%, c-peptide are awaiting results.

• Male, 59 years: History of type 2 diabetes on insulin, treated for hypertension. Left foot pain for 10 days. Today he observes a blister on his left foot with red erythema and swelling.

• Diabetes drugs for preventing stroke and related blood vessel disease in people with previous strokes: We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of new diabetes drugs (PPAR-γ agonists) in prevention. Five studies identified as of July 30, 2019, involving 5039 participants.

• FDA Approval: On December 19, 2016, Novo Nordisk announced FDA approval for an expanded indication for Tresiba (insulin degludec) in children and adolescents with diabetes.

• Patient Case: A 28-year-old woman presented with a 3-day history of intense pruritus over the lower back.

Observations

1. A 52-year-old male with chest pain radiating to the left shoulder, history of hypertension, and sedentary lifestyle.
2. A 4-month-old male infant with skin lesions localized to the chin.
3. A patient in late teens presenting after a collapse, no chest pain or previous cardiac history.