Got Type 2 Diabetes? Check This Out First...

This month's issue focuses primarily on updates regarding Type 2 Diabetes.

If you or someone you know has Type 2 Diabetes, also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, then I hope you find this edition of the newsletter very timely.

You may or may not have heard the recent announcements in the news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing results from clinical trials that ought to clear up some things about Avandia.

The original announcement was made back in 2007.

Avandia, (generic name = Rosiglitazone), is one of a number of medications used to treat Type II Diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones and is available as the stand-alone drug Avandia as well as a combination drug with other diabetes medications - metformin -> Avandamet and glimepiride -> Avandaryl.

Actos is another drug that belongs to this class, as is Rezulin, however, Rezulin was withdrawn from the U.S. market a few years ago because it was found to cause fatal liver damage.

The FDA is reviewing data from a clinical study called the RECORD study which was conducted by a team of cardiologists. RECORD stands for Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Regulation of Glycemia in Diabetes. At its core, the study was designed to evaluate the effects of Avandia on the heart and its related systems.

Right now, the FDA has not yet made any new recommendations or come to any new conclusions with regard to the use of Avandia in treating Type II Diabetes. However, we can expect to hear more about this in July 2010 when the FDA will officially present their findings and final recommendations after they complete their review of the data from the study.

What's Causing All The Concern?

Avandia can cause Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), ...or make it worse, in some people.

Signs and symptoms of CHF include (but are not limited to):

• difficulty sleeping
• excessive, rapid weight gain
• swelling

What To Do If You Currently Use Avandia

• talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns
• make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of Avandia - read the Medication Guide you get with your Avandia... it's all in there
• report any Avandia-related side effects you experience to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088
• do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your healthcare provider

Pharmacist's Recommendation & Endorsement

As a diabetic you know just how important it is to eat properly. If you need some dietary assistance it is best to first discuss your options with your healthcare provider or a diabetes educator.

Medifast is a supplier of ready-to-eat meals that are nutritionally balanced with a line of products that are specifically clinically designed to meet the needs of people with diabetes. The science behind the Medifast diets have been clinically studied and their products are recommended by thousands of physicians.

They have a special guide for people with diabetes that you can purchase for $2.00. The guide gives you an overview of the Medifast Plus Program for Diabetics and it explains in detail about glycemic control and how you can best use their program and meals to successfully keep your diabetes under good control.

Follow this link to get the latest Medifast Specials they have going on now.