Research on diabetes and its complications. Covers glucose prediction, nerve pain, weight-loss drugs, insulin access, and diabetes management.
A new study reveals the molecular structure of UCP1, allowing scientists to develop therapeutics that activate it to burn excess calories. This breakthrough could combat obesity and related diseases like diabetes by activating brown fat tissue.
The Endocrine Society will discuss emerging technology and diabetes research, including a scientific statement on hormones and aging. Researchers will share studies on various aspects of endocrinology, such as PCOS, obesity, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Researchers developed a biofuel cell on a chip that measures blood glucose levels using a few microliters of blood. The sensor generates an electrical signal based on the enzyme's reaction with glucose, providing accurate readings using general-purpose devices like smartphones.
A 13-year study led by UTEP professor Arshad M. Khan mapped specific cell populations in the brain responsive to rapid changes in blood sugar. The discovery could lead to more targeted therapies for individuals with Type I and Type II diabetes.
A new weight loss tool called PATHWEIGH was developed to address clinician barriers in providing patient care that addresses weight. The tool has shown early success and has been implemented in a health system's primary care clinics, improving weight management efforts among patients with obesity.
Researchers found that rural patients with diabetes met fewer of the D5 metric criteria, including no tobacco use and blood pressure control, compared to urban patients. Rural patients also had fewer outpatient visits and endocrinology visits, which may contribute to poorer health outcomes.
A study of nearly 1,700 midlife women found that prediabetes was associated with increased risk of fractures. The findings suggest that treating prediabetes may help reduce this risk.
Researchers developed a new method combining palmitoleic acid, gentamicin, and non-invasive ultrasound to improve drug delivery in chronic wounds infected with S. aureus. The strategy reduced bacterial burden by 94% and successfully sterilized wounds in diabetic mice.
A new study found an initial decline in diabetes mellitus plus cardiovascular disease-related mortality, but it reversed from 2014 to 2019. The researchers emphasized the need for primary prevention of diabetes and early diagnosis to prevent cardiovascular complications and mortality.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that higher cumulative blood sugar levels after a stroke contribute to faster cognitive decline. Researchers adjusted data for various factors and discovered no association between high blood pressure or cholesterol and accelerated cognitive loss.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive magnetic stimulation therapy called ThorS-MagNT that targets hyperactive nerves in the midback, potentially reducing debilitating symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis. In a pilot study, patients experienced significant improvements in nausea and vomiting, allowing them to enjoy meals again.
Research found that children of obese or diabetic mothers developed epigenetic alterations that predisposed them to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Longitudinal follow-up revealed persistent effects on health status and metabolic condition beyond childhood.
Mortality rates from diabetes and cardiovascular disease increased significantly from 2014 to 2019, with patients with diabetes mellitus disproportionately affected. Researchers emphasize the need for better population-level control of diabetes to positively impact life expectancy.
Researchers found that solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant reduce excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea already using conventional therapy. However, patients may be more likely to discontinue the use of these medications due to adverse events including headache, anxiety, and insomnia.
Researchers have observed beta-arrestin molecules directly controlling receptor-mediated signals in living cells using advanced microscopy. The study reveals a new mechanism of how these proteins interact with receptors on the plasma membrane, enabling efficient control of signal flow and desensitization.
Researchers uncover a pathophysiological mechanism that initiates and sustains neuropathic pain in mice, identifying Tiam1 as a potential therapeutic target. Targeting spinal Tiam1 with antisense oligonucleotides alleviates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, offering promise for treating chronic pain.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with an increase in hospital procedures for heart failure patients, including stress tests and prothrombin time tests. This suggests that high PM2.5 exposure may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and promp...
Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.
A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.
Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.
A Maynooth University study published in Science Signaling has found that the MYC protein is essential for MAIT cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and function. The researchers also discovered that MYC is defective in people with obesity, providing a mechanism to explain why MAIT cells are impaired in this condition.
Two recent studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that renal hyperfiltration (RHF) is associated with an increased risk of mortality, independent of diabetes mellitus. A lower kidney filtration rate threshold may serve as a more precise measure for defining RHF.
Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.
A new study has identified a metabolic enzyme called FBP1 that acts as a safety valve to prevent insulin shock. Researchers found that FBP1 inhibits protein kinase AKT, which is the primary conduit of insulin activity, and developed a peptide derived from FBP1 that can reverse insulin resistance and restore normal glycemic control.
A team of researchers developed a multi-organ chip on-a-chip that applies 3D cell printing technology to closely replicate the pathological environment of type 2 diabetes. The chip shows a correlation between visceral fat and T2D, as well as impaired retina cell function, indicating potential complications.
A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.
A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.
A large study of over 600,000 individuals found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of incident diabetes. The researchers estimate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to a 3% to 5% excess burden of diabetes at a population level.
Edward Chouchani, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, has been awarded the $50,000 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. His research focuses on understanding metabolic disease using mass spectrometry and biochemical approaches.
A team of researchers has developed a method that uses electric stimulation to accelerate wound healing, making it possible for wounds to heal up to three times faster. The technique involves applying an electric field to damaged skin, which helps guide skin cells in the same direction, promoting faster healing.
Researchers used a novel machine-learning technique called causal forest, which found that treating individuals with high estimated benefits provided better population health outcomes than the traditional high-risk approach. This approach targets those with high blood pressure and could lead to more effective treatment strategies.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
A machine learning model has been developed to predict a patient's risk for a sleep disorder using demographic, lifestyle, physical exam results, and laboratory values. The model identified depression, weight, age, and waist circumference as the greatest predictors of a sleep disorder diagnosis.
A study published in Diabetologia found that bariatric surgery can regenerate damaged nerves and improve metabolic risk factors related to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition affecting over 30 million Americans, showed improvements two years after the procedure.
The PROMISE II clinical trial showed that LimFlow therapy enabled 76% of patients to avoid amputation and experience wound healing. This minimally invasive procedure bypasses blocked arteries in the leg and rushes blood back into the foot through the veins, providing a unique alternative to major amputation.
A new initiative has shown that holistic, team-based care that bridges clinic treatment to community resources can improve diabetes care and management. Healthcare organizations partnering with community groups to address social factors such as food insecurity also shows promise in empowering patients to better manage their own symptoms.
Children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience altered growth patterns and increased weight gain in early life, which can lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and prevention strategies for pregnant individuals.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that taxes on sugary drinks lower the risk of gestational diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The study analyzed over 5 million pregnant women and found a significant reduction in these health risks.
Researchers developed a new form of omega-3 fatty acid DHA that can cross into the retina, increasing retinal DHA content and preserving function. This approach overcomes previous barriers and shows promise for preventing Alzheimer's-related declines in visual function.
Researchers developed smart bandages that can monitor wound conditions and deliver medication to treat inflammation and infection. The bandages have shown promising results in animal models, offering real-time updates and speed healing of chronic infected wounds.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that maintaining nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels may protect against kidney disease. NAD supplements were shown to be effective in reversing NAD loss and suppressing inflammation in mouse kidneys, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease prevention and treatment.
A new study found that gut microbes can diagnose gestational diabetes as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes exhibit differences in gut microbiota, inflammation, and metabolites compared to those without the condition.
A trial by researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School found that the Nutri-Grade system encourages consumers to purchase beverages with lower sugar content, especially those with chronic conditions. The study showed a significant increase in purchases of A-rated drinks with 1.5g less sugar per serving.
Richard McIndoe is leading a national research initiative to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity through the National Centers for Metabolic Phenotyping in Live Models of Obesity and Diabetes (MPMOD). The MPMOD initiative provides access to advanced testing services, including bariatric surgery on mice, to enable new insights ...
A new study from British Columbia found that an increase in gestational diabetes rates can be largely attributed to changes in screening practices. After adjusting for screen completion and population factors, diagnoses of gestational diabetes increased by less than one-quarter over a 15-year period.
Research found that pregnancy complications such as preterm delivery, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes are associated with increased risk of mortality. Women who experienced these complications had a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with some complications linked to specific causes of death like cardiovascular diseases.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.
A growing connection between diabetes, oral health, and dementia highlights the importance of dental care and diabetes management as we age. Older adults with both poor oral health and diabetes experience accelerated cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for regular dental visits and adherence to diabetes treatment.
A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.
A recent study found that the incidence rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes continue to rise in children and young adults in the US. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth were particularly affected, with higher incidence rates compared to non-Hispanic white peers.
A study of nearly 13,000 young US adults found rising diabetes and obesity rates, while hypertension remained stable. The data reveal a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors among this demographic, with Black, Hispanic, and Mexican American individuals disproportionately affected.
A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.
Research reveals obesity increases risk of diabetes and hypertension more significantly in women, with weight loss effective in reducing disease risk. However, merely losing weight is insufficient for reducing dyslipidemia in women, highlighting the need for lifestyle improvement guidance and treatment.
A study found that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation significantly reduced average pain levels by 76%, while improving motor function and sensation. The therapy's long-term safety and potential disease-modifying effects are promising, but further studies are needed to confirm the results.
A new study found that a plant-based low-carbohydrate diet is associated with lower all-cause mortality among people with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes Care, analyzed data from over 7,000 participants and found that such diets reduced mortality by 24%.
A study of 135,000 adults found that high cardiovascular health was associated with significantly increased life expectancy free of four major chronic diseases. The disease-free life expectancy was similar between low and other socioeconomic groups among participants with high cardiovascular health.
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.
A recent study found that adverse pregnancy outcomes are largely driven by pre-pregnancy health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy rose by over 50% during the decade, while the shift in age distribution accounted for less than 2% of that change.
Research finds people with insomnia are 69% more likely to have a heart attack compared to those without the sleep disorder. Insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in people with diabetes and those who get less than five hours of sleep per night.