Abbott Laboratories recalls millions of diabetes testing strips over incorrect readings

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that Abbott Laboratories is recalling up to 359 million testing strips used by diabetics because they can give falsely low blood sugar readings. The testing strips are used to help diabetes patients check their blood sugar levels. But the FDA says the products being recalled by Abbott can give inaccurately low measurements. As a result, patients may try to raise their blood sugar levels unnecessarily or fail to detect dangerously high blood sugar levels. The FDA said the problems are caused by a defect that limits the amount of blood absorbed by each strip. North Chicago-based Abbott is recalling 359 lots marketed under a half-dozen brand names, including: Precision Xceed Pro, Precision Xtra, Medisense Optium, Optium, OptiumEZ and ReliOn Ultima

Diabetes Care - November 2009

Diabetes Care - Volume 32, Number 12, November 2009, is now available from The American Diabetes Association

ADA touts its new list of diabetes "Superfoods"

The American Diabetes Association has released a list of "superfoods" it says "have necessary nutrients for good diabetes management, including fiber, potassium, healthy fats, magnesium and antioxidants." The superfoods list includes:

* Beans
* Dark green leafy vegetables
* Citrus fruit
* Sweet potatoes
* Berries
* Tomatoes
* Fish with omega-3 fatty acids
* Whole grains
* Nuts
* Fat-free milk and yogurt

According to the ADA, the foods have a low glycemic index, which means that the body metabolizes them more slowly than other foods, allowing for greater blood sugar control. The association also says the food group contains nutrients and vitamins that Western diets typically lack, suc

American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions 2009

More than 15,000 top scientists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world gather each year at the American Diabetes Association's Scientific Sessions to share cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Keep your readers, viewers, and listeners informed of the advances made in fighting this disease that affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States, contributes to the deaths of over 220,000 Americans each year and costs our nation more than $174 billion annually - June 5-9, 2009, New Orleans, Louisiana