Diabetes

NEW YORK — A diabetes treatment made by Novo Nordisk is safe for pregnant women, according to a recent decision by the Food and Drug Administration.

Novo Nordisk said Monday the FDA had approved Levemir (insulin detemir [rDNA origin]) for a pregnancy category B classification, meaning that when used by pregnant women, the insulin did not increase the risk of harm to fetuses. The agency's decision was based on results of a clinical trial involving 310 women that compared Levemir to another insulin product.

The insulin is used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

NEW YORK — A medication commonly prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetes also may play a critical role in patients at risk of developing certain cancers.

In three separate studies published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, findings showed how metformin may protect against oral cancer and liver cancer, as well as slow the growth rate of prostate cancer among men prior to prostatectomy.

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Daiichi Sankyo and NGM Biopharmaceuticals said they signed a research and licensing agreement to develop treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The drugs would work by reviving beta cells, the decline of which contributes to the disease.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In line with the 24th annual American Diabetes Association Alert Day, the American Diabetes Association debuted its new and improved diabetes risk test.

NEW YORK — A commonly prescribed diabetes drug also may have the capability of protecting the heart, according to a Swedish study.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens and the National Urban League on Wednesday launched the Walgreens Way to Well Health Tour with National Urban League as a charitable component of the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment. The national tour provides free health resources to residents in urban and minority communities who experience disproportionately higher rates of preventable diseases, the companies stated. The service is free and insurance will not be billed.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Lifestyle intervention and treatment with metformin provide safe, long-term, cost-effective means of preventing Type 2 diabetes and should be incorporated into prevention strategies for reducing the dramatic rise in incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the United States, according to two new analyses and an editorial published in the April issue of Diabetes Care.

NEW YORK — Walgreens and Duane Reade stores are facing off on a challenge regarding which banner can raise the most funds over a four-week period in the fall in support of the American Diabetes Association Greater New York City Area, the ADA announced Monday.

Duane Reade will conduct the campaign in October and Walgreens will conduct the campaign in November.