Carole Torello, MLT and Amanda Davis, LPN, both clinical research coordinators at Chase Medical Research, attended the February 27th to March 1st, 2015 conference on diabetes and walked away with new information to share!
Researchers and experts presenting at the American Diabetes Association conference in New York provided insight into new and exciting discoveries and treatments pertaining to Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
The conference, known as the 62nd Annual Advanced Postgraduate Course for Medical Professionals, covered the latest developments and technology in the treatment of diabetes.
Conference Overview 
As Clinical Research Coordinators on many diabetic research trials, our main goal in attending was to identify what new developments are underway and educate ourselves in our field. We found the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions on diet, diabetes and the evolving standards of care for diabetic care.
Here are some of our biggest takeaways from just a few of the sessions we attended -
Microbiomes and Diabetes
Dr. Robert Ratner, the Chief Medical Officer of the ADA, gave a presentation on microbiomes and diabetes. A microbiome is a collection of microbes in your gut that are often called the “gut microbiome” or “intestinal flora.” They play an important role in our overall health, even more than researchers initially realized.
According to Ratner, data has consistently shown that people who develop diabetes have significantly lower diversity in their gut flora or microbiome.
Researchers are exploring which bacteria are found in people with and without diabetes. They think the difference in the type and level of bacteria in the gut may either cause diabetes or create an atmosphere where it can develop.
There are a lot of different kinds of bacteria in the gut so the process is taking time. Researchers are excited that they’ve narrowed down the bacteria and may find new treatments for diabetes involving fecal transplants - a low-cost, low-risk, highly effective and revolutionary option.
Diabetes Burnout and Depression
Both doctors and patients have long believed that depression is associated with diabetes. In the past, there was some speculation that one condition may have caused the other, but research shows now there is no causative link. Diabetics do find that it’s a tough disease to manage and control, and as a result burnout may lead to depression. But that there’s no more association with depression and diabetes than with any other serious health condition.
Fad Diets
Diets are an endless source of fascination and discussion no matter where you go, especially for diabetics who must learn to watch their diet. The fad diets session detailed which diets work, and which ones don’t.
One of the points presenters made was that weight loss without changing personal eating and exercise habits isn’t possible. People tend to believe the false claims of fad diets, which include:
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Substantial weight loss, regardless of how much you eat.
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Permanent weight loss even after a person stops using the product.
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Anything that blocks the absorption of fat or calories.
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Substantial weight loss from rubbing something on the body or skin.
Presenters emphasized that diets being promoted by scientific testimonials, or by using before and after photos generally aren't really true and that people should be wary.
Yet, there are one or two fad diets that actually work. The Dash diet along with Mediterranean style diets, have been found to be more effective than other fad diets out there right now. However, they are based on life-style changes.
62nd Annual Advanced Postgraduate Course
Understanding diabetes is complex and we can't obviously give you all of our takeaways in this one blog. However, we hope you found these few highlights helpful.
The information that we heard at many of the sessions confirmed the processes we use to follow and treat our research participants. We can't wait to see what next year brings!
If you have any questions about the conference, diabetes, or clinical trials, don't hesitate to contact us!
