Arlyn G. Riskind      
Director, Media Relations      
Phone: (301) 941-0240      
Email: ariskind@endo-society.org

Aaron Lohr
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: (240) 482-1380
Email: alohr@endo-society.org

 Chevy Chase, MD—The FDA ruled today to keep the glucose control drug Avandia on the market, with significant restrictions.  Dr. Robert A. Vigersky, the immediate past president of The Endocrine Society, offers guidance to type 2 diabetes patients in a video interview available on the Hormone Foundation Web site, www.hormone.org.

In light of the FDA decision, this educational video provides patients with next steps to consider in their diabetes management, explains the potential health risks of abruptly stopping diabetes medications and guides those in need of an endocrinologist to the Foundation’s referral directory of 3,000 physicians.

The Endocrine Society, the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists are issuing a joint news release responding to the FDA ruling.

The Hormone Foundation offers the following advice for people taking medication for type 2 diabetes:
 
• Do not stop taking your diabetes medications without first discussing it with your health care provider. Stopping your medications can cause poorer diabetes control with higher blood glucose (sugar) levels.
 
• It is important to maintain good glucose control to avoid the serious short- and long-term health problems of diabetes.

• Other types of diabetes medication are available which your health care provider may consider prescribing.

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The Hormone Foundation is the public education affiliate of The Endocrine Society and is a leading source of hormone-related health information for the public, physicians, allied health professionals and the media. The Foundation’s mission is to serve as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment and cure of hormone-related conditions through outreach and education. For more information, visit www.hormone.org.

 

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.