 |
|
Discovery of new signal pathway important to diabetes research
June 05, 2008Scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Miami University have discovered that cells in the pancreas cooperate - signal - in a way hitherto unknown. The discovery can eventually be of significance to the treatment of diabetes.
The aim of the project was to find out how the healthy body regulates glucose concentrations in the blood. Scientists have known for a long time that glucose is regulated with the help of hormones in the pancreas, which is to say that pancreatic beta cells produce insulin, which reduces sugar levels, and that alpha cells produce glucagon, which boosts them. This glucose balance must be kept within a very narrow interval, and we need both insulin and glucagon to remain in good health.
"A person with low blood sugar levels feels poorly and faint; a person with excessively high blood sugar levels gets diabetes," says Per-Olof Berggren, professor of experimental endocrinology at Karolinska Institutet and the leader of this study.
Much more is known about insulin secretion than glucagon secretion, and so Professor Berggren's team focused on the latter. They discovered that alpha cells also secreted glutamate, which facilitates glucagon release and makes it more efficient.
The scientists are working on the hypothesis that when glucose levels are raised in a healthy person, the beta cells become active and start to release insulin, which reduces sugar concentrations in the blood, upon which the alpha cells then start to secrete glucagon and glutamate. In this context, glutamate acts as a positive signal that tells the alpha cells that it is time to accelerate the production of glucagon to prevent glucose levels from falling too low.
"It's this signal pathway that is our discovery," says Professor Berggren. "This interaction between beta cells and alpha cells is crucial for normal blood sugar regulation."
The discovery also means that when the beta cells fail to produce insulin properly, as is the case in diabetes, the alpha cells' signal path is also blocked, which upsets the glucose balance even more. The team hope that their discovery of the signal pathway will eventually give new impetus to clinical diabetes research.
"Maybe we'll be able to achieve better blood sugar regulation in diabetes patients if we target more the glucagon/glutamate rather than just the insulin", says Professor Berggren.
Karolinska Institutet
Much more is known about insulin secretion than glucagon secretion, and so Professor Berggren's team focused on the latter. They discovered that alpha cells also secreted glutamate, which facilitates glucagon release and makes it more efficient.
The scientists are working on the hypothesis that when glucose levels are raised in a healthy person, the beta cells become active and start to release insulin, which reduces sugar concentrations in the blood, upon which the alpha cells then start to secrete glucagon and glutamate. In this context, glutamate acts as a positive signal that tells the alpha cells that it is time to accelerate the production of glucagon to prevent glucose levels from falling too low.
"It's this signal pathway that is our discovery," says Professor Berggren. "This interaction between beta cells and alpha cells is crucial for normal blood sugar regulation."
The discovery also means that when the beta cells fail to produce insulin properly, as is the case in diabetes, the alpha cells' signal path is also blocked, which upsets the glucose balance even more. The team hope that their discovery of the signal pathway will eventually give new impetus to clinical diabetes research.
"Maybe we'll be able to achieve better blood sugar regulation in diabetes patients if we target more the glucagon/glutamate rather than just the insulin", says Professor Berggren.
Karolinska Institutet
Diabetes Current Events and Diabetes News RSSESC to give talks on Diabetes in three cities in China
As a result of successful events organised last year, a second Joint Scientific Forum, organised by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), two of the most respected professional medical organisations in Europe, will be held from 27-29 November at three venues across China - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
First reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity.
Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.
Scientists find molecular trigger that helps prevent aging and disease
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine set out to address a question that has been challenging scientists for years: How do dietary restriction-and the reverse, overconsumption-produce protective effects against aging and disease?
Pivotal study for PSD502 -- the first potential treatment for premature ejaculation
At the annual meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), Inc. in San Diego, Sciele Pharma, Inc., a Shionogi Company and Plethora Solutions Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Plethora Solutions Holdings PLC ("Plethora" - AIM:PLE)., today presented data from its second positive pivotal study of PSD502 for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).
Night Beat, Overtime and a Disrupted Sleep Pattern Can Harm Officers' Health
A police officer who works the night shift, typically from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., already is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting a good "night's" sleep.
Fat collections linked to decreased heart function
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Researchers discover mechanism of insulin production that can lead to better treatment for diabetes
How a specific gene within the pancreas affects secretion of insulin has been discovered by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Japanese and American universities.
More Diabetes Current Events and Diabetes News Articles
 |
The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Gretchen Becker (Author), Allison B. Goldfine (Foreword) After Gretchen Becker was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1996, she educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition — by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors and listening to her own body. In 2001, she marshaled everything she had learned as a "patient-expert" into the first edition of this book, which she has now completely updated and revised. The First Year®—Type 2 Diabetes uniquely guides you step-by-step through your first year with diabetes, walking you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and each subsequent month of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Becker covers a wide range of practical, medical, and... |
 |
Diabetes For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) by Alan L. Rubin MD (Author) Covers the latest glucose meters and insulin treatments The straight facts on treating diabetes successfully and living a full life Want to know how to manage diabetes? Leading diabetes expert Dr. Alan Rubin gives you reassuring, authoritative guidance in putting together a state-of-the-art treatment program. You'll learn about all the advances in monitoring glucose, the latest medications, and how to develop a diet and exercise plan to stay healthy. You'll also see how to overcome insurance and on-the-job obstacles. Discover how to: Reduce your diabetes risk Understand the different types of diabetes Manage diabetes in children and the elderly Prevent long-term complications Get the support you need |
 |
Diabetes Health Pack-Nature Made Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement, 60 Packets by Nature Made Nature Made® Diabetes Health Pack provides essential nutrients that may be lacking due to the strain diabetes can often put on the bodys health. Each pack provides a complete, full potency formulation of vitamins, minerals and alpha lipoic acid. |
 |
The Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges by American Diabetes Association (Author) Every day, every meal, millions and millions of people count on the world-famous Exchange Lists for Meal Planning to make sure they're choosing the right kinds of foods and portion sizes from the various food groups. Now people with diabetes can take the Exchange Lists with them to the grocery store or to restaurants with the Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges. Measuring just 3.5" x 6", this little powerhouse is jam-packed with the exact same information found in the standard exchange lists, yet it fits conveniently into a purse or coat pocket. |
 |
Blood Sugar 101: What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes by Jenny Ruhl (Author) Based on the award winning Bloodsugar101.com web site, this book explains what peer-reviewed research published in top medical journals has to say about: What is a normal blood sugar? How does diabetes develop? What really causes diabetes? What blood sugar levels cause complications? Must you deteriorate? What diet is right for you? How can you make that diet work? What medications are safe? What supplements lower blood sugar? Written in clear and understandable language, this book provides all the tools needed to understand how blood sugar works and achieve blood sugar health. |
 |
Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3 by Betty Crocker Editors (Author) At last! This special cookbook puts flavor and choice back on the menu for people with diabetes and their families Betty Crocker, America's most trusted friend in the kitchen, has teamed up with the International Diabetes Center (IDC)--one of the leading medical centers--to create an indispensable source of easy-to-make recipes and up-to-the-minute food and nutrition information for the growing numbers of people who have diabetes, more than 15 million of them. Here is the first cookbook to include recipes featuring Carbohydrate Choices--the new, simplified approach to meal planning recommended by the American Diabetes Association. For people who find diet exchanges too hard, too limiting or too much work, this new method is a real breakthrough. Each of the book's 140 recipes... |
 |
Medport Diabetes Travel Organizer From GMS Holds Two Weeks Supplies/ Will Hold Syringes,vials Pens Secure(well Constructed ,One of the Nicest Diabetic Travel Bags on the Market) a Great Value - Cools for up to 18 Hrs Comes with 2-6 Oz Polar Tech Gel Paks by Medport Holds enough supplies for up to two weeks. Cool side carries insulin and MED IceTM. Room temperature side carries meter and supplies. Detachable medical waste pouch provides a safe alternative to store medical waste until properly disposed. Convenient handy carry strap. Includes two MED IceTM refreezable ice packs. Measures 9 in. x 6 in. x . This item only available in black. |
 |
The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook: Simple, Quick, and Delicious Recipes Using Just 4 Ingredients or Less by Nancy Hughes (Author) |
 |
Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars by Richard K. Bernstein (Author) The standard text on living with diabetes, newly revised and updated with all the latest scientific findings. Since its first publication in 1997, DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION has become the treatment of choice in the medical field. In this revised and updated edition of his work, Dr. Bernstein provides an accessible, detailed guide to his revolutionary approach to normalizing blood sugars and thereby preventing or reversing long-term complications of diabetes. He offers the most up-to-date information on new products, medications, and supplements, and outlines a plan to reverse the obesity that underlies most cases of Type II diabetes. Dr. Bernstein discusses breakthrough science and potential cures, and has added information on the new insulins and insulin ... |
 |
Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes: Nutrition You Can Live With by Elaine Magee (Author) Just because you have diabetes doesn't mean you can't enjoy life, eat well, and live healthy! Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes begins with a detailed, but non-technical overview of diabetes, specifically Type II diabetes. Elaine clearly presents the latest medical findings on what causes diabetes, available treatments, and the dietary implications of this disease. This revised edition of Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes includes: * How to use an individualized carbohydrate budget. * Practical tips to lower dangerous blood lipids. * Quick guide to understanding and using the glycemic index and glycemic load. * Revolutionary fiber tips (because you can't talk about carbohydrates, Type II diabetes, and great health without factoring in... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |