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Food processing influences metabolism and brain activity

Researchers found that minimally and highly processed meals with matched nutritional profiles produced distinct metabolic responses and activity in the brain's reward system. The study suggests that food processing may affect how the body and brain respond to food, potentially leading to overconsumption and long-term health effects.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2026

Pancreatic cancer burden rises in both China and the US, but patterns diverge

A new study finds that high fasting glucose has surpassed tobacco use as the leading risk factor for pancreatic cancer in the US, while China faces a dual metabolic-tobacco burden. China recorded more absolute cases, but lower age-standardized rates, with a peak burden at ages 60-74.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Pancreatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2026

Eating with a loved one lowers your blood sugar

A new study found that eating with a companion reduces blood glucose spikes and improves glucose recovery, suggesting that human physiology is inherently social. The researchers call this principle Social Physiology, which states that the human body regulates itself more efficiently in the presence of social partners.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2026

New Trinity research suggests a simple pill could prevent sight loss in common form of diabetes-driven eye condition

Researchers have found that an oral medication called Danegaptide can protect against vision-threatening damage in Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. The study highlights a new therapeutic approach that could replace or complement frequent, invasive eye injections for mill...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 23, 2026

Pennington Biomedical researchers help advance new tool for analyzing continuous glucose monitoring data

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical developed GVC-Calc to analyze continuous glucose monitoring data, providing a scalable and transparent approach. The platform supports batch processing, integrates individual-level data with cohort-level results, and offers consensus clinical metrics alongside exploratory measures.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 16, 2026

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes publishes its first-ever clinical guideline and the world's first to focus on diabetes distress

The EASD has published its first evidence-based clinical practice guideline on diabetes distress, emphasizing the importance of assessing and managing emotional burdens in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The guideline aims to improve clinical care and outcomes by incorporating a person-centered approach to diabetes care.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Diabetes·JournalDiabetologia·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 16, 2026

Study suggests that people with diabetes who are controlling their blood sugar too strictly (within safe limits) could be experiencing less enjoyment in life

A new study suggests that individuals with diabetes who focus on tightly controlling their blood sugar levels may be missing out on enjoyable activities due to the associated burden. Higher glucose variability and better sleep quality on the previous day were associated with improved quality of life on the following day.

Spinal cord stimulation eases pain and improves sensation in people with diabetic nerve damage

A clinical trial found significant improvements in pain and sensation in people with treatment-resistant painful diabetic neuropathy after receiving spinal cord stimulation. The study also observed early evidence of increased density of small nerve fibers in the skin, which may indicate potential long-term benefits.

Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference: “Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy” to be held Sept. 24

The 2026 Childhood Obesity Conference, 'Be the Reason Kids Greaux Healthy,' will explore strategies for preventing and treating childhood obesity, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and community leaders. The conference will feature keynotes, sessions, and poster presentations on emerging topics in pedi...

Why one size doesn't fit all: study indicates type 2 diabetes operates differently across weight profiles

A study found that type 2 diabetes in lean Africans is caused by a shortage of insulin, not insulin resistance, unlike in overweight individuals. This disparity leads to different disease processes and treatment responses, with lean patients often developing eye damage and strokes, while overweight patients are more likely to have high...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2026

The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women and its metabolic–cardiovascular links

The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women has grown, with 359 million cases in 2021, driving increasing mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years. Postmenopausal women and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to metabolic and behavioral drivers that can be modified to reduce risk.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2026

Can strength training prevent diabetes during pregnancy?

A randomized clinical trial found that pregnant women who followed a strength training program had a 0% incidence of gestational diabetes, compared to 7.3% in the control group. The program also improved quality of life and reduced pregnancy symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateAug 19, 2026

UT Health San Antonio study reveals how the liver’s internal clock may influence metabolism

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have uncovered how the liver's internal clock coordinates the release of proteins that regulate metabolism. The findings suggest that understanding this internal clock could help guide future research on metabolic disease and inform optimal timing for meals and medication.

Lancet definition vs other criteria for obesity diagnosis in adults

The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission on Obesity definition of obesity was found to have similar diagnostic accuracy as other definitions. The study compared the commission's definition with those from other reputable sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 7, 2026

New approach to obesity classification could better guide treatment decisions

Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateJul 31, 2026

Newly discovered mitochondrial microprotein linked to Type 2 diabetes — and shows early promise as a precision treatment

A study at USC discovers a common genetic variant in Indigenous American populations that silences the microprotein MENTSH, restoring it improves insulin signaling and blocks diet-induced weight gain. MENTSH-based therapies could offer a precision-medicine approach to Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalTheranostics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2026

Study identifies four self-care decision-making patterns among patients with multiple cardiometabolic conditions

A qualitative study identified four self-care decision-making patterns among adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions, including past experiences and leveraging resources. Effective self-care behaviors can improve quality of life for these patients, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 27, 2026

New survey finds Native Americans open to plant-based diets rooted in indigenous food traditions but few know which foods help prevent or reverse type 2 diabetes

A new survey found that Native American adults are open to healthier eating based on traditional Indigenous foods, with 78% willing to try a whole food, plant-based diet. However, only 13% are aware that such diets can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes.

Pennington Biomedical earns fifth NIH renewal for nationally recognized Nutrition Obesity Research Center, one of only 11 in the nation

The Pennington-Louisiana Nutrition Obesity Research Center has received a five-year, $5.66 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The award reaffirms Pennington Biomedical's position as a national leader in nutrition, obesity, and metabolic health research. The center su...