Neighborhoods Affect Health
Where people live directly affects their development of obesity and diabetes, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers looked at 4,500 women who lived in low-income neighborhoods in the mid-1990s and tracked their weight and diabetes rates, by whether they stayed in those neighborhoods or used a government voucher to move to wealthier ones. Those who moved were less likely to be morbidly obese or have diabetes. The study has some limitations, and it doesn't prove cause and effect, the researchers acknowledged. But the results, with earlier research, “raise the possibility that clinical or public health interventions that ameliorate the effects of neighborhood environment on obesity and diabetes could generate substantial social benefits,” they concluded.
Shortage of Insulin Pens
The worldwide shortage of the insulin injection pen Apidra SoloSTAR, which began in late October, will continue until the first quarter of 2012, according to maker Sanofi. It blamed the problem on a “technical incident” in July at a factory in Frankfurt, Germany. “Our investigation and controls have confirmed that [the company's pens] currently on the market is not affected by the event,” according to a company statement. Sanofi has advised patients and providers to consider Apidra vials instead since the dose and timing of injections don't need to be changed. “Please use your professional judgment on the need for patient training and guidance on syringe use to facilitate administration,” the company advised.
Health by Text Messaging
The McKesson Foundation has granted more than $1 million to six groups to study the impact of mobile phones on health and their potential to promote healthy living. For instance, the Center for Connected Health will study the effect of text messaging on the clinical outcomes and physical activity of people with type 2 diabetes living in medically underserved areas. In previous work, the center has created texts conveying motivational and educational messages that coach the patients to increase physical activity. “Our experience with text messaging programs in underserved patient populations is demonstrating great potential for providing low-cost, accessible educational messaging to patients,” the center's director, Dr. Joseph C. Kvedar, said in a statement.
Wound-Care Product Cleared
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Cardium Therapeutics's collagen-based topical gel for management of diabetic foot ulcers and other dermal wounds. Called Excellagen, the product is a sterile, fibrillar, flowable bovine collagen gel. It will be initially marketed in syringes for professional use immediately after surgical debridement. The product will “address the large and rapidly growing advanced wound care market,” said company Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Reinhard in a statement.
Noninfectious Diseases Targeted
The United Nations has launched an “all-out attack” on “noncommunicable” diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Tobacco and alcohol use contributes to noncommunicable diseases, which cause 63% of all deaths worldwide, according to the U.N.'s announcement. At a 2-day meeting, the General Assembly adopted a declaration calling for price and tax measures to reduce alcohol consumption; new curbs on marketing unhealthy foods to children; and measures to increase healthy diets and physical exercise. The declaration also highlights the need for universal national health coverage, along with strengthened international cooperation to prevent deaths from noncommunicable diseases in developing countries.
Panel: Patients' Needs Overlooked
Even though most doctors realize that improving patient engagement can reduce costs and improve the quality of care, physicians still frequently overlook patients' needs and concerns, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine. For example, studies show that care improves when providers listen carefully to patients and their families, according to the report based on an April workshop. However, research has shown that physicians typically interrupt within 15 seconds when patients begin to raise their concerns. Patient engagement can be improved by providing patients with clear information on the benefits and downsides of potential treatments, the report said.
Nearly a Trillion Saved
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association said a new study shows generic drugs have saved the United States health care system $931 billion over the past decade. IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics conducted the study for the industry association. It showed that in 2010, generic drug use saved $158 billion, the association said. Its president and CEO, Ralph Neas, said the analysis should prompt policy makers to increase use of generics. The report shows, for instance, that Medicaid could save $1.3 billion a year by increasing generic use from the current 70% of prescriptions to 72%.