INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

BOCA RATON, Fla. — As many as 85% of people with diabetes identified fatigue as one of their leading daily challenges, according to a recent survey of 8,000 diabetics commissioned by Diabetica Research Solutions.

Only 6% of survey respondents noted, however, that they use energy drinks.

NEW YORK — Nearly 80% of consumers plan to offset the burden of rising gas prices by altering their shopping behaviors, according to new research.

The survey, conducted by market information leader TNS, also found that 35% of respondents are removing items from their "typical" grocery list to save money. Other ways consumers are saving money is by purchasing private-label items over national brands (30%) and opting to shop at discount outlets over traditional retail outlets (32%).

SAN DIEGO — A once-monthly formulation of a drug made by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Alkermes improved glucose control in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to results of a mid-stage clinical trial presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions.

The three companies said once-monthly injections of the drug exenatide improved blood-sugar control and produced modest weight loss in the 121-patient phase-2 study.

SAN DIEGO — Patients with Type 1 diabetes using an insulin product made by MannKind expressed a better opinion about insulin therapy than those taking the standard treatment, according to a study presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 71st Scientific Sessions.

MannKind said that patients taking the investigational inhaled insulin Afrezza (insulin human [rDNA origin]) with basal insulin came to view insulin therapy more positively during the 16-week study than those taking Eli Lilly’s injected Humalog (insulin lispro [rDNA origin]) with basal insulin.

FRESNO, Calif. — Consuming nuts in place of carbohydrates may help improve long-term blood-sugar control and lower cholesterol levels among Type 2 diabetics, according to a new study.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions’ specialty pharmacy division, Accredo Health Group, has managed to drive down costs for treating hepatitis C by an average of $13,000 per patient, the company said Tuesday.

Medco said Accredo had been successful in using genotype information to identify patients who only may need 24 weeks of therapy, as opposed to 48 weeks, thus reducing costs.

BOSTON — People with lower percentages of body fat are not necessarily at lower risk for diabetes and heart disease, according to a new international study.

The study identified a gene that is linked with having less body fat but also with having an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The investigators examined the genomes of more than 75,000 people and found that the gene, IRS1, was linked to less body fat, but also to unhealthy levels of cholesterol and blood glucose.

CHICAGO — Concerns over the health of the economy are far from over, as evidenced by a SymphonyIRI Group survey released Wednesday that found consumers are taking even more steps to save money due to their ongoing financial concerns, including turning to the Internet in search of the best deals.

List making and coupon clipping still are top of mind for consumers as they struggle with high gas prices and question their job stability. Additionally, the survey uncovered that consumers are turning to the Internet to find the best deals, SymphonyIRI said.