Lexicon Pharmaceuticals announced top-line results from the first clinical study testing the combined effects of LX4211, a novel sodium glucose transporter 1 and 2 (SGLT1 and SGLT2) inhibitor, with the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, sitagliptin (Januvia®), one of the most widely prescribed diabetes drugs. The study results says " LX4211 produces rapid improvement in postprandial blood glucose by delaying intestinal glucose absorption and increasing urinary glucose excretion. When combined, the two agents produce enhanced benefits on blood glucose, insulin, GLP-1 and Gut Peptide Y (PYY) relative to sitagliptin alone, suggesting these agents work together and could provide additional benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes".

Results from the study in 18 patients with type 2 diabetes showed that single doses of LX4211, a dual inhibitor of SGLT1 and SGLT2, in combination with sitagliptin, produced lower blood glucose levels after meals (postprandial) as compared to treatment with sitagliptin alone (p=0.012).

CDC recommends Hepatitis B vaccine for all the diabetic patients as soon as possible after the diabetes diagnosis is made. The recommendation, adopted by the agency's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and published in the Dec. 23 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, applies to unvaccinated adults ages 19 to 59.

Citing more limited data for older diabetes patients, committee members left the decision about whether to vaccinate diabetes adults 60 and older to the treating clinician. The decision should be based on the risk of becoming infected with HBV -- including a consideration of the need for assisted blood glucose monitoring in long-term-care facilities -- and the likelihood of an adequate immune response to vaccination, which decreases with age.

No vaccination is necessary in patients who have been fully immunized at any point in the past, according to the recommendations.

(This recommendation is based on the risk of transmission of virus via glucose testing needles and injection devices in nursing homes/ old age homes. In the absence of such risks, treating doctors can make their own decisions on vaccination: Chief Editor: JDC, Gems).