Treatment Algorithm Helps Successfully Manage Diabetes After Transplant Surgery

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Endocrinology;  Transplants / Organ Donations;  Conferences
Article Date: 17 Apr 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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New research highlighting the relationship between steroids and insulin requirements suggests a possible treatment algorithm in post-liver transplant patients. This research will be presented on May 15, 2009 at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 18th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress in Houston, Texas.

The tentative algorithm was developed as doctors tried to understand the elevation in blood sugar levels in patients that received post-operative steroids due to a liver transplant. The blood sugar rise was attributed to the toxic effects of steroid medications on beta cell function.

Additionally, the relationship between prolonged exposure to steroids generally six months revealed a strong relationship with persistent diabetes at a one year follow up after transplantation

"It appears that these steroids can lead to a permanent diabetic state," Umadevi Muthyala, M.D., said. "Prevention strategies must be considered in environments where they are commonly used."

Muthyala's team developed a tentative dosing algorithm to account for the increased insulin need in relation to steroid dosage.

"Although the data is not definitive, it gives us a handle on proper dosing and can be used to prospectively study other populations," she said.

Also at the 2009 AACE 18th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress, diabetes experts will analyze the NICE-SUGAR study's impact on inpatient glycemic control. Other topics of interest include a look at the wide ranging impact of Vitamin D in the human body, and clinical recommendations for the treatment of prediabetes -- America's largest healthcare epidemic.

About AACE

AACE is a professional medical organization with more than 6,200 members in the United States and 92 other countries. Founded in 1991, AACE is dedicated to the optimal care of patients with endocrine problems. AACE initiatives inform the public about endocrine disorders. AACE also conducts continuing education programs for clinical endocrinologists, physicians whose advanced, specialized training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine disease, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.

About the AACE Annual Meeting

The 18th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress will be held in Houston, Texas on May 13-17 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hilton Americas Houston. The AACE Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress is structured to provide relevant clinical information for the practicing endocrinologist. The programs will focus on information that allows endocrinologists to achieve the best solutions for the diagnosis and management of endocrine diseases. Pertinent scientific, clinical practice and patient management will be disseminated via general sessions, workshops, meet-the-experts and satellite symposia.

Source: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

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