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What's in the News
       

Here we will let you know about local news and events relating to the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust Diabetes Service. We will also let you know of any new developments and research initiatives from the world of diabetes.

 
July 2006
   
End to insulin for very rare form of diabetes

Research carried out in the UK has now identified a very rare form of diabetes which occurs in infancy. This rare type of diabetes is caused by a change in a gene known as Kir6.2. People who have this rare form of diabetes can manage their diabetes better by taking tablets known as sulphonylureas rather than by injecting insulin. It has to be stressed however that this is a very rare form of diabetes. There may be only 250 people with this type of diabetes in the UK. Most people with type 1 diabetes will still need to inject insulin daily. However if you were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes very soon after birth it may be worthwhile letting your diabetes team know as there is a genetic test available for the Kir6.2 gene defect.

Are you good at taking your tablets?

Diabetes UK, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and Ask About Medicines (an independent organization campaigning to increase people’s involvement in decisions about their medication) have commissioned research which shows that only two-thirds of people living with diabetes take their medication as prescribed. The research also identified a surprising lack of knowledge about diabetes and diabetes treatments among some sufferers. The research emphasises how important it is that healthcare professionals provide appropriate information to people with diabetes. Taking your medication as prescribed is so important to offset the risk of future diabetes complications. It is a bit like a pension plan – investing now to gain benefits in the future. So make sure you are good at taking your tablets and if you are having problems with your pills or have questions about your medication then ask your diabetes team for some answers.

 
 

 

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