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Researchers identify important strategies for diabetes care and quality improvements in the primary care setting

High-performing primary care practices use similar strategies to manage change and improve diabetes care, including standardizing the care process, enhancing care teams, and engaging staff and clinicians. These practices also focus on proactive care, pre-visit planning, and improving patient relationships.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice

A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans research quantifies effect of chronic diseases on racial disparity in Covid-associated hospitalizations

A first-of-its-kind study by LSU Health New Orleans found that chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, explained nearly two-fifths of the racial disparity in COVID-associated hospitalizations. Non-Hispanic Black cancer patients had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases and were more than twice as likely to live in high-p...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2023

Liver cancer and severe liver disease more common if a close relative has fatty liver disease

A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2023

A map to study the behavior of early pancreas cells

Researchers developed a methodology to link gene activity with cellular behavior in human pancreas cells, revealing the dynamic behaviors of pancreatic cells and their role in diabetes. The study shows that certain genes, such as NEUROG3, are active for short periods during development and have implications for therapeutic applications.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023

Produce prescription programs yield positive health benefits for participants, study finds

A Tufts University study found that produce prescription programs associated with significant improvements in health outcomes, including halving food insecurity and lowering blood pressure. The programs provided free fruits and vegetables to low-income individuals with diet-related illnesses, resulting in clinically relevant outcomes.

SourceTufts University·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateAug 29, 2023

Two studies demonstrate the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Two studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence in colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates and reduce miss rates, but also lead to increased removal of non-neoplastic polyps. The findings suggest the need for additional research on more defined detection parameters before AI can be integrated into routine clinical care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 28, 2023

Cells with an ear for music release insulin

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a gene switch that uses sound waves to trigger insulin release in designer cells. The system works by embedding an ion channel protein from the bacterium E. coli into human cells, which opens in response to sound, causing insulin vesicles to fuse and release insulin.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study links long-term artificial sweetener intake to increased body fat adipose tissue volume

A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 3, 2023

Drinking kombucha may reduce blood sugar levels in people with type-two diabetes

A small pilot study found that drinking kombucha for four weeks reduced fasting blood glucose levels in people with type-II diabetes. The fermented tea drink was shown to lower average blood sugar levels by 48 milligrams per deciliter, with no significant difference between the group consuming kombucha and those consuming a placebo.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Study examines struggles of Haitian migrants self-managing diabetes on Dominican Republic sugar cane fields

A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2023

Malnutrition during pregnancy increases diabetes incidence

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

New comprehensive review of biochemical markers of bone fragility in diabetes

A comprehensive review of biochemical markers for bone fragility in diabetes identifies low bone turnover and alterations in bone quality as key factors. The study suggests that glycemic control, AGEs, and serum IGF-1 may have predictive value for fracture risk in patients with diabetes.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

Produce prescription programs for patients with diabetes could save billions in healthcare costs, study shows

A nationwide produce prescription program for patients with diabetes and food insecurity could prevent 296,000 cases of cardiovascular disease and gain 260,000 quality-adjusted life years. The program is estimated to save $39.6 billion in healthcare spending and $4.8 billion in lost productivity costs.

SourceTufts University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 7, 2023

Specific DNA modifications are linked to certain conditions including breast cancer, type II diabetes and COPD in an epigenetic study of over 18,000 people in Scotland

An epigenetic study of over 18,000 people in Scotland identified associations between certain DNA modifications and increased risks of breast cancer, type II diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of these diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 6, 2023

New study shows glutaminase 2 regulates glucose metabolism in pancreatic β-cells

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has uncovered the crucial role of glutaminase 2 in maintaining glucose homeostasis in pancreatic β-cells, particularly under conditions of hyperglycemia. The research team found that impaired GLS2 activity drives the onset of diabetes mellitus by disrupting insulin and glucagon regulation.

SourceChiba University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

Metformin's role in preventing metabolic syndrome during androgen deprivation therapy: a Phase II study

A randomized phase II study found that adding metformin to androgen deprivation therapy did not reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome or improve PSA response in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Metformin showed some antitumor effects through mTOR inhibition, but these were not significant.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023

Black patients with plaque build-up in arteries in the legs more likely to have a stroke, heart attack or amputation than white patients

A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals significant racial disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) among Black and white patients. Black patients are nearly 50% less likely to receive vascular interventions, leading to a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or amputation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAdvances in Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

UMass Amherst epidemiologist updates and validates ‘gold standard’ of prenatal physical activity tools

A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has updated the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a widely used tool for measuring prenatal physical activity. The new PPAQ is considered reliable and valid, providing estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Does multimorbidity impact chronic disease treatment?

Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 6, 2023

New Penn Medicine study uncovers key details of fat cells, advancing potential treatments for obesity, diabetes

Researchers have unlocked insights into how brown fat tissue can be harnessed to combat obesity and remove glucose from the blood. The study used a cryogenic electron microscope to view mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 in atomic detail, revealing potential new ways to promote weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2023