One Step Closer for Curing Diabetes Type 1
December 17, 2006 08:14

New research at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Kids is being published in the journal Cell on Friday revealing that diabetes may in fact be a disease of the nervous system, not the auto immune system as previously thought.

During the course of their research at the hospital, doctors injected diabetic mice with capsaicin (the active ingredient in hot chili peppers) and a neuropeptide substance, which seemed to reverse the disease.

According to a pain expert and one of the lead researchers, "Mice with diabetes suddenly didn't have diabetes any more."
Although the researchers still need to confirm their findings in people, the doctors are optimistic the same connection between nerve endings and pancreatic performance exists in humans. (All Headlines)

Bayer donates $25 million worth of Cipro to Africa and Latin America
December 17, 2006 08:15

Bayer HealthCare has given a Cipro donation with a wholesale value worth more than $25 million to MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) International. The aid organization will distribute the critically needed antibiotic to clinics and hospitals in Africa and Latin America for diseases created by poverty where there is little or no access to essential medicines.

More than 20,000 people die each day in Africa from preventable diseases. Cipro is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. Cipro tablets and suspension are used to treat pneumonia, bronchitis, some types of gonorrhea, bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, and bone, joint, skin, prostate, sinus, and urinary tract infections. (Web Wire)

Diabetes in Elementary School
December 17, 2006 08:16

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in school-aged children. Young patients with diabetes do not get a break from managing the deadly disease. They must maintain proper blood glucose levels throughout the day during class, field trips, athletics, and after school activities.

Injecting multiple insulin shots and taking oral medications on their own while balancing their food intakes with appropriate levels of exercise can be daunting. Students with diabetes are constantly making adjustments to their diet and activity to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).