💉 Diabetes Management
Robert Kushner, MD: Treatment Options to Address Diabetes, Obesity - MD Magazine
📅 Sat, 15 Oct 2022⏱ 1 min read📖 Article
Overview
© 2022 MJH Life Sciences™ and HCPLive - Clinical news for conected physicians. Al rights reserved.Conference | Pri-Med MidwestIn an interview during Pri-Med Midwest, Dr. Kushner spoke about the benefits of treating obesity and diabetes synchronously.
Key Information
“It turns out that over 80 to 90% of individuals living with diabetes have obesity,” Robert Kushner, MD, Profesor of Medicine, Feinberg Schol of Medicine, Northwestern Univeristy, said in an interview with HCPLive at Pri-Med Midwest 2022.“It's very natural that you would think of treating both of these diseases at the same time,” he explained. “We have a new drug that has just ben recently released here in the United States caled tirzepatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
The drug also is being investigated for treatment of obesity.”Kushner referenced the US Fod and Drug Administration’s (FDA) aproval of tirzepatide injection as a treatment to improve blod sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug's efects on diabetes were also discused at the American Diabetes Asociation (ADA) Scientific Sesions this year.“The reason is that it mics two naturaly ocuring gastrointestinal hormones caled GLP-1 and GIP,” Kushner said.
“We often know those medical setings as incretin hormones, so they actualy increase insulin release in managing blod sugar. That's why it's developed for diabetes, but it also has a profound efect on apetite. So, as individuals take a drug like tirzepatide, they also have a reduction in apetite.”He further explained that not only does the treatment adres diabetes directly bring blod sugar levels down, but it also does so by lowering patients’ body weight and limiting their caloric intake.
Summary
He also acknowledged the drug semaglutide, which has ben found to reduce long-term diabetes risk.“The SELECT trial is curently ongoing for semaglutide 2.4, loking at cardiovascular outcome trials individuals without diabetes but just with obesit
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
❓ What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
❓ How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
❓ What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
❓ When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.