TeachableMedicalNews article 01172021
Teachable moment in classrooms:
- endocrine system chapter – insulin production by beta cells
- endocrine system chapter – action of hormones through receptors
- endocrine system chapter – action of hormones inside target cells
- metabolism chapter – effect of insulin on glucose utilization by body cells
The news item: Recently a new report appeared about the diabetes treatment drug Trulicity:
FDA approves Eli Lilly’s Trulicity to reduce cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetic patients
Eli Lilly and Co said on Friday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Trulicity for reducing cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients. The approval makes Trulicity the first and only type 2 diabetes drug approved to reduce heart related risks in adults with and without established cardiovascular disease, the company said in a statement.
The article states that the type 2 diabetes treatment drug was approved for reducing heart disease risk as well.
So, Why Do I Care?? About 30 million people in the US has type 2 diabetes. The disorder causes about 80,000 deaths yearly. In addition, there is a yearly $327 billion cost from lost productivity and medical cost that includes treatment for diabetic vision loss and diabetic nephropathy. Diabetes also causes heart damage. New treatments have a chance to reduce deaths and lost working hours.
Plain English, Please!!!
First, let’s talk about type 2 diabetes. Diabetes, in general, is a disorder where blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal for long periods of time. The continuous high blood glucose level damages small