A report published in Diabetes Care says C-peptide improves sensory nerve function in type 1 diabetic patients with early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Thanks to Scott Strumello's comment, earlier today, I couldn't help but query the world wide web for more information on this C-peptide revelation. If I forget to mention it - thanks a million, Scott!

C-peptide was shown to be a significant factor in the maintenance of microvascular function. In a 6 month study of type 1 diabetes patients receiving replacement C-peptide, their nerve functions improved remarkably. A randomized study of 139 patients received one of 3 daily treatments: 1.5 mg of C-peptide, 4.5 mg of C-peptide, or placebo. At the beginning of the study, the sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities were significantly reduced compared with normal. After 6 months of treatment, peak sensory nerve conduction velocities improved in the groups treated with low-dose or high-dose C-peptide, but not significantly compared with the control group. The study showed a significant advantage in nerve functions for those treated with C-peptide (37%) verses those in the control group (19%). Overall, there were no adverse drug reactions reported from treatment of C-peptide.

At this time, there is strong evidence supporting the belief that C-peptide may be beneficial not only for nerve function, but also for the treatment and prevention of other long-term complications caused by type 1 diabetes such as nephropathy and perhaps retinopathy. Phase II clinical studies are ongoing at this time to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of C-peptide replacement therapy for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. I can hear the trumpets playing already. I'll be right there with pen-in-hand ready to sign the dotted line for such a study. Thank you, Scott and thank you, Creative Peptides.

If you want it, here it is. Come and get it! A new survey reveals that people seek diabetes information on web sites before they consult their doctors. I'm not surprised. I'm the poster child for this statistic.

More than 30 percent of those surveyed said their primary source of information about diabetes is health web sites, while only 21 percent said doctors are the first resource. Family and friends were not far behind doctors, with 17 percent of respondents saying family and friends are their primary source of information. Sometimes I think my family lies to me just to make me feel better. Anybody else get that? When asked about the possibility of having diabetes, 24 percent of those surveyed said long-term complications were their biggest concern. A close second, with 23 percent, was not being able to eat what they want. It's a stretch and a little melodramatic, but nonetheless good to see we've uncovered the preeminent fear factors. And the last tasty statistic concerns food issues: 74 percent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to eat at a restaurant that listed nutritional information about their meals.

Did you hear that Olive Garden? Red Lobster? Hey Mister Darden -here's a chance for you to giddyup the Gallop Poll. Brandish your nutritional content and discerning diabetics might fearlessly flock to indulge, knowing the consequence of their last meal. As they say, knowing is half the battle. Too bad they aren't doctors.