Blogs

May Blog: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month

By Katelyn O'Brien posted 13 days ago
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Impact and Trends of Type 2 Diabetes in the AAPI Community Prepared by Reshana Homma, PharmD (2023 grad from Northeastern University) Reviewed by Katelyn O'Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM AAPI Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is observed during the month of May in the United States to celebrate the influence, history, and cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It offers an opportunity to promote understanding of the experiences and achievements of the AAPI community while also raising awareness of the specific challenges they face. 1 As clinicians, it is essential for us to be ...
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April ADCES Blog Post - Receptor Agonists: Reducing blood sugar, weight, and contraception efficacy?

By Courtney Cameron posted 04-19-2023
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Title: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Reducing blood sugar, weight, and contraception efficacy? Sera Andras, PharmD, UK HealthCare PGY2 Ambulatory Care Resident Tirzepatide (Mounjaro), a novel GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist has added another tool to the arsenal of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The drug works by increasing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, decreasing inappropriate glucagon secretion, and slowing gastric emptying. 1 Although highly effective at reducing blood glucose and weight, the drug’s mechanism may also affect the absorption of certain medications – specifically oral contraceptives. This potential interaction ...
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Dinner Program at Eddie V's Friday 4/21!

By Megan Watts posted 04-10-2023
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Hello and Happy Monday, You're invited to attend the dinner program below and catch up with some WPLNG friends! Elevating the Standard of Care for Severe Hypoglycemia Presented by: Jennifer Dyer, MD Friday 4/21/23 at 6pm Eddie V's Prime Seafood 501 Grant St Pittsburgh, PA Please RSVP at least 3 days prior to the program by calling or texting Tara Davin at 412-720-3009 or emailing tdavin@xerispharma.com. The purpose of this event is to educate healthcare professionals and relevant staff on severe hypoglycemia management and Gvoke HypoPen.
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March Blog - World Kidney Day

By Katelyn O'Brien posted 03-09-2023
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Enhancing Kidney Care for People with Diabetes: Tips for DCES in Practice Andrew Bzowyckyj, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES Background: The standards of care in diabetes are continually evolving as new science and evidence emerges, which ultimately enhances the overall quality of care for people living with diabetes. Admittedly, this can be a lot to keep up with as a practicing Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (DCES)! Although helping patients achieve their glucose targets is critical for preventing complications, a broader person-centered approach to diabetes care & education rooted in the ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors™ is essential to help patients ...
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Tips for Championing Glycemic Metrics

By Jennifer Clements posted 02-22-2023
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Tips for Championing Glycemic Metrics Written by Barbara Kocurek Most of us are aware of the detrimental effects of high and low blood glucose on patients, however many on our health care team are not, especially in the hospital setting. We also know that the use of data, e.g., glycemic metrics, can help identify opportunities to improve care and reduce hospital harm events. Below are some tips to gain support to establish and sustain the use of glycemic metrics in your hospital. Identify Your Goals What do you want to accomplish, either immediately or long term? Having clear goals helps shape your communication and be more effective. ...
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February ADCES Blog Post - Clinical Refresher: Statin Use in Pregnancy

By Courtney Cameron posted 02-13-2023
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Clinical Refresher: Statin Use in Pregnancy In July 2021, the FDA Issued an update requesting the removal of the pregnancy contraindication to statins. 1 The FDA amended this contraindication so that providers for patients at very high risk for ASCVD events may consider continuing statin therapy through pregnancy. 1 Very high risk patients include those with familial hypercholesterolemia and established cardiovascular disease. 1 The FDA continues to recommend holding statin therapy for primary prevention in pregnant patients due to the slow, chronic atherosclerosis disease process and possible risk for fetal harm. 1 Additionally, women ...
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ONE DOZEN Things to Eat Instead of Eggs

By Lauren Plunkett posted 01-24-2023
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Friends of PBN, This blog has been well-received by fellow dietitians and was inspired by an interview for a Spanish speaking radio show. Shout out to Lily @Bertha Gonzalez ! The first meal of the day seems to be one of the greatest challenges for people moving towards a more plant-centric lifestyle. I tapped into my own kitchen, hyperlinked some of my go-to products for eating high-fiber, and linked several recipes citing PCRM, Forks Over Knives, and other PBN resources. I hope you find this as helpful as I do! Click the pic to read the blog ​​ #plantbasednutrition
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When does a midlife crisis happen?

By Crystal Allison posted 01-20-2023
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I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Crystal Allison. I am the new co-lead for the ADCES inpatient COI. Is it ironic that I turn 50 this year and it is the 50th anniversary of ADCES? So, I thought I would write a blog post on the ways that I am celebrating my 50 th . One word- Vacations! 3 trips to Florida, 1 trip to Jamaica, and an Alaskan cruise. Yes, I will be broke by the time I turn 50 in December but what fun it will be. Am I having a midlife crisis? Yes! I feel the need to travel and get it all in before I turn 50. Also, I wanted to get my Master’s before I turned 50 and accomplished that during the pandemic! Professionally , I have been a nurse ...
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January ADCES Blog Post – ADA 2023 Standards of Care: Changes to LDL Recommendations

By Katelyn O'Brien posted 01-16-2023
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January ADCES Blog Post – ADA 2023 Standards of Care: Changes to LDL Recommendations Greetings Pharmacy COI Members – January marks a new year and a new set of guidelines from the American Diabetes Association. For the first blog post of the year, I wanted to highlight some notable changes to the LDL/statin recommendations found in Section 10: Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-S010 Standard Recommendation ADA 2022 ADA 2023 Primary Prevention 10.19 For patients with diabetes aged 40–75 years without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, use moderate-intensity statin therapy ...
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Vaping by Sue Balog

By Megan Watts posted 12-31-2022
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Vaping As the number of tobacco smokers decrease, there has been an increase in the number of people vaping especially in our teen population. As we help people with diabetes with behavior changes, you may be called upon to address the subject of vaping. Some facts about vaping: 1. All e-cigarettes are the same regardless of the name: Hookah pens, e-hookahs, vape pens, mods, tanks, e-shishas, or PVs (personal vaporizer vaper). 2. All use a battery to heat up a liquid called e-juice. The vapor from the heated liquid is inhaled. Battery may be come overheated and explode. 3. E-juices come in a variety of flavors and nicotine levels. 4. Vapor is just ...
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CGM in Today's World by Tammie Grumski

By Megan Watts posted 12-31-2022
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CGM In Today’s World When you think about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and their use in diabetes what comes to your mind? Until recently, only those with type 1 diabetes were thought to need CGM. Now, we are seeing more and more people with type 2 diabetes using CGM The first CGM in the United States was FDA approved in 1999. This began a new era in diabetes care. Since that time, CGMs have made numerous improvements. Many insurance companies do not cover CGMs unless the person is injecting insulin at least 3 times a day or using an insulin pump. When I inquire about using CGM in anyone with diabetes, I usually get the response that it is too ...
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December Blog Post: Tirzepatide, Worth the Weight?

By Katelyn O'Brien posted 12-21-2022
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Tirzepatide: worth the weight Prepared by: Ana Safri, PharmD PGY2 Ambulatory Care Resident, Boston Medical Center Reviewed by: Katelyn O'Brien, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, BC-ADM and Courtney Cameron, PharmD What is tirzepatide? Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is the first in its class peptide that activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Both GIP and GLP-1 are incretin hormones released in response to nutrient uptake in the gut, however GIP is responsible for ~2/3 of the total effect, allowing a synergistic effect with tirzepatide’s mechanism. Similar to other GLP-1, GIP stimulates insulin ...
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November is National Diabetes Month & National Native American Heritage Month

By Geraldine Pierre posted 11-27-2022
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WOW, we're already at the end of November! In addition to highlighting our work advocating for and elevating those living with diabetes, I want to acknowledge November as National Native American Heritage month in the Unites States. Diabetes and it's complications disproportionately affect Native Americans*. There are multiple factors that influence the rate of diabetes in this population - you may find this article from diaTribe a helpful place to start: Diabetes in Native Communities in the US. Additional resources include the CDC Vital Signs Native Americans with Diabetes: Better diabetes care can decrease kidney failure and the Indian Health Service's ...
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ADCES Diabetes Technology Conference in Chicago this December!

By Geraldine Pierre posted 11-10-2022
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Are you ready for a trip to the Windy City and Increase your knowledge of putting Diabetes Technology into practice? Changes are happening every day, don't get left behind! For more information and to register: https://www.eventscribe.net/2022/DTC22/ ADCES Diabetes Technology Conference December 9 – 10 | Chicago, IL Let's go beyond CGMs to explore insulin pumps, AID systems, novel insulin delivery devices, and discover what's next in the future of diabetes technology. Learn how to build technology-enabled care into your practice, select the right devices for your client, bill for services, collect and interpret data, and train your team. Session topics ...
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Minimed Update by Kelsey Hutter

By Megan Watts posted 10-31-2022
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Medtronic Mini-Med 600 series pump: Cybersecurity threat The FDA has issued an alert warning for people with diabetes using the MiniMed 600 series pump system. This system is facing a potential cybersecurity threat. This alert was issued on September 20, 2022. The MiniMed wireless pump system includes: the MiniMed 630G and MiniMed 670G pump series the Contour Next Link BG Meter Guardian 3 Link transmitter the Carelink USB This potential cyber threat was recently identified through Medtronic internal testing. Because this system transmits data wirelessly, a nearby unauthorized person could gain access to a patient’s pump at the same time ...
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Weight Management Updates by Sharon Brecosky

By Megan Watts posted 10-31-2022
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Happy Fall, everyone. I thought we could take a look at the latest developments on what’s driving weight gain and two new medications that may revolutionize its treatment. Roughly 40% of the U.S. adults have obesity. Another 30% are overweight. Extra pounds raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, several cancers and more. How many healthcare professionals and patients consider obesity to be a lifestyle disease, that they lack will power, if they can push food away they wouldn’t have a problem. However, obesity is a really complex disease. There have also been many myths about obesity, and it’s not about an absence of will power or an in ...
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Changes Coming to Medicare Coverage Policy for CGMs

By Kate Thomas posted 10-16-2022
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On October 6, the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) that oversee durable medical equipment announced proposed changes to the Medicare coverage policy (called a local coverage determination (LCD)) for CGMs, including removing the requirement that people must be on multiple (3) daily injections of insulin per day to be eligible for CGM. These changes would expand access to CGM for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. In July 2021, the MACs updated the CGM policy to remove the requirement that people check their blood glucose 4 times per day to be eligible for a CGM. They also changed “inject” insulin to “administer” insulin. Since then, ADCES and our ...
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Fall Reminders: Walks, Licensure, Nov 17 Conference

By Megan Watts posted 09-30-2022
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Check out the below fall reminders about local diabetes walks, license renewals, and the November WPLNG conference at Rivers! ADA Step Out Walk Saturday, October 15th Registration opens at 8:00am North Shore Riverfront Park Great Lawn 393 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh PA 15212 Contact: Clay Rehm crehm@diabetes.org (412) 824-1181 JDRF One Walk October 29, 2022 10:00AM - Festivities, 11:30AM - WALK Length of walk: 2 miles North Park Swimming Pool (Parking Lot) S Ridge Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15101 Contact: Carling Nolan cnolan@jdrf.org | 412-756-3509 PA License Renewals License Renewal Deadline Extensions: ...
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Tandem t:connect App Updates

By Megan Watts posted 09-30-2022
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Did You Know? Did you know that more than 3,000,000,000 boluses have been delivered from the Tandem t:connect mobile app since it’s release? Help your patients and your office appreciate the benefits of utilizing the latest technology from Tandem Diabetes Care. Have real time data available to you without having to plug the pump into a computer. Help Tandem help your patients continue to ease the burdens of diabetes by utilizing this amazing tool. Here is how to help your patients get started. HEY Tandem X2 Insulin Pump Users! Enjoy the Freedom to Bolus Directly From Your Smartphone! 1: Download the t:connect mobile app Search t:connect ...
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August Blog: Out with the old, in with the new: Lilly to discontinue glucagon emergency kits

By Katelyn O'Brien posted 08-22-2022
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Out with the old, in with the new: Lilly to discontinue glucagon emergency kit. How to use: https://uspl.lilly.com/glucagon/glucagon.html#ug As you can see there are many steps to preparing a glucagon kit – time is of the essence in an emergency situation! With more modern and ready-to-use glucagon options now available, Lilly will be discontinuing the old, red Glucagon Emergency Kit (GEK) in all markets. The phase out will begin December 31, 2022. The generic GEK will still be available from Amphastar Pharmaceuticals . What is Glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone the human body produces to prevent low blood sugar—but in people with diabetes, ...
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