The Senate on Monday approved President Barack Obama's nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy to serve as U.S. surgeon general, despite opposition from Republicans and some Democrats over his support for gun control and past statements that gun violence is a public health issue.

Murthy, 37, a physician at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital and instructor at Harvard Medical School, won confirmation on a 51-43 vote. He's a co-founder of Doctors for America, a group that has pushed for affordable health care and supports Obama's health care law.

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said most of Murthy's career has been spent as an activist focused on gun control and other political issues, rather than on treating patients. "Americans don't want a surgeon general who might use this position of trust to promote his own personal campaign against the Second Amendment of the Constitution," Barrasso said.

Supporters said Murthy is well-qualified and noted his promise not to use the position as a bully pulpit for gun control.

The nation has been without a Senate-confirmed surgeon general since July 2013. The surgeon general does not set policy but is an advocate for the people's health.

Murthy's confirmation represented a rare defeat for the National Rifle Association, which told senators that a vote for Murthy would be scored against them when they rate lawmakers' votes during election campaigns.

His nomination was endorsed by more than 100 health organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a staunch supporter of gun rights, was one of three Democrats to oppose Murthy, along with Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk was the lone Republican to support Murthy.

- Associated Press

Tips offered for diabetics

For diabetics, it can be tougher to manage the disease because they have to constantly be aware of what they're eating.

Experts say checking labels can save a lot of time and anxiety. For example: Diabetics should count their carbohydrates. Carbs raise blood sugar, so diabetics should look at the total carbohydrates count on the label rather than only the sugar.

Diabetics should also watch their salt. Soups and broth are usually packed with sodium. And they should cut back on both saturated and trans fats. For recipes calling for soup, there's usually a healthy version with less fat.

Of course, diabetics also have to be careful with desserts. They can opt for fresh fruit or frozen fruit with no added sugar or canned fruit in 100 percent fruit juice.