Diabetes

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, England — Pregnant women with diabetes are almost four times more likely to have a baby with a birth defect than women without the condition, and the likelihood is linked to the mother's glucose level, according to a new study released by Newcastle University Monday.

The study, led by researchers at Newcastle University and the Regional Maternity Survey Office and funded by Diabetes UK, suggests that as many as 1-in-13 deliveries to women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes involves a major congenital anomaly, also known as a birth defect.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — For all the fears about the patent cliff, at least one disease state seems to be on the up-and-up in terms of new drug development and new products.

(THE NEWS: FDA approves Bydureon. For the full story, click here.)

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Endocrinologists would prescribe a newly approved weekly treatment for Type 2 diabetes to one-fifth of their patients, a new survey showed.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Diabetes Association has appointed Robert Ratner to serve as chief scientific and medical officer of the organization, effective May 7.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Merck for Type 2 diabetes, the drug maker said Thursday.

Merck announced the approval of Janumet XR (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride) extended-release tablets as a once-daily treatment for the disease.

CHICHESTER, England — Self-monitoring blood glucose levels in Type 2 diabetics not on an insulin regimen may contribute little to managing the disease, according to an analysis published online last month by The Cochran Library.

INDIANAPOLIS and ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Through a collaboration with the American Diabetes Association, the diabetes division of drug maker Eli Lilly has committed to send 89 children to diabetes camp this summer.

Lilly Diabetes said it donated the camp scholarships — a fund totaling $89,000 — to the American Diabetes Association's 2012 camp scholarship fund. More than 400 diabetes camping programs exist worldwide serving approximately 30,000 youth with diabetes and their families, Lilly Diabetes said.

DETROIT — Female diabetes patients may experience a greater degree of hearing loss as they get older, particularly if their condition is not well-controlled by medication, according to a new study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.