ALEXANDRIA, VA, Jun 26, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Diabetelogia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), published a series of research papers today examining a possible link between insulin glargine (brand name, Lantus) and cancer. Findings from these research papers are conflicting and inconclusive, and the American Diabetes Association cautions against over-reaction until more information is available.

Four different population based studies were reported and published in Diabetelogia and the data within these studies and between these studies are conflicting and confusing. Until more information is available, the American Diabetes Association advises patients using insulin not to stop taking it.

For patients using glargine and considering switching to another form of insulin, the data in these studies make it unclear as to whether any one type of insulin increases the risk of cancer more than other types of insulin.

Patients concerned about these studies or their insulin regimen should talk to their doctor and should not stop taking their insulin on the basis of the findings reported here.

Insulin is a hormone normally produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. All people with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin to survive; many patients with type 2 diabetes also need to take insulin to control their blood glucose.

Glargine insulin, which as been widely used since 2000, is an artificial form of insulin that is typically administered once a day.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides service to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Contact: Diane Tuncer (703) 549-1500 ext. 5510 dtuncer@diabetes.org

SOURCE: American Diabetes Association

 	CONTACT:          mailto:dtuncer@diabetes.org  

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