Diabetes and barefeet

by admin on February 1, 2010

There has been a lot of publicity and debate recently over the benefits of running barefoot versus running in running shoes. Some of the debates have been interesting to follow with a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of the the research. Barefoot runners have been widely touting some questionable research on barefoot running and been responding negativly to challenges of their belief in barefoot running.

Obviously in this context, barefoot is not a good idea for those with diabetes. The high risk for foot complications when weight bearing, especially in the presence of neuropathy means that footwer is essential for this population to protect the foot from damage. Doing otherwise or recommending otherwise is irresponsible.

More on the barefoot running debate and the techniques of barefoot running.

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Bone Mineral Density in Charcot’s Neuroarthropathy

by admin on January 26, 2010

A reduction in bone mineral density is know to be a problem in those with Charcot’s neuroarthropathy. A reccent study by Christensen et al (Bone mineral density in diabetes mellitus patients with and without a Charcot foot) investigated 49 people with diabetes, of which 24 had a charcot’s foot. They compared bone mineral desnity at the calcaneus, hip and spine. Differences were found in the calcanues between the charcot’s group and teh cpntrol group, but no differences at the hip and spine. This suggest that the reduction in bone mineral density seen in charoct’s foot is a local phenomenon rather than a general problem.

More on Charcot’s Foot

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New genes linked to Type 2 diabetes identified

January 26, 2010

News from Diabetes UK:
A new understanding and possible treatment for Type 2 diabetes could be on its way after one of the largest genetic studies to date discovered nine new genes linked to the condition.
The genes and blood glucose levels of over 120,000 volunteers were studied by scientists from 174 research centres across the world. A [...]

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FDA approves Victoza (liraglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment

January 26, 2010

The FDA announced today that they have approved Victoza (liraglutide), a once-daily injection to treat type 2 diabetes in some adults.
Here are some snippets from the press release:
Victoza is in a class of medicines known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that help the pancreas make more insulin after eating a meal.
Victoza is intended to [...]

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