Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Different kinds of white fat are important in disease

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered two subtypes of human white subcutaneous fat cells with distinct patterns of gene expression, which may help control whether cells become mature fat cells. This study highlights the potential of bringing together biology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to better understa...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2020

Boosting levels of good fats with an experimental drug that acts on two newly characterized genes

Researchers at Salk Institute discover two genes that regulate levels of healthy fats called FAHFAs, which decrease inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity. An experimental drug successfully increases FAHFA levels by blocking the activity of these genes, offering new insights into therapies for metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 1, 2020

Breastfeeding helps prevent mothers from developing diabetes after childbirth

A study by Korean researchers found that breastfeeding lowers maternal postpartum diabetes incidence and improves metabolic health through serotonin production. The research showed sustained improvements in pancreatic beta cells lasting years after lactation cessation, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases

Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020

Ultra-wide field retinal imaging techniques cannot be used interchangeably

A new study from the Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that ultra-wide field (UWF) fluorescein angiography detects over three times more microaneurysms than UWF color imaging, highlighting the need for cautious use of these techniques when evaluating and treating diabetic retinopathy. The research also suggests that AI can automate the gr...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateMar 5, 2020

New drug combination restores beta cell function in animal model

Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that can restore beta cell function in an animal model, showing promise for diabetes remission. The treatment, which combines GLP-1/estrogen with insulin, was found to be more effective than single-treatments and increase pancreatic insulin content and beta cell numbers.

Diabetes patients who use online tools manage disease better

A Kaiser Permanente study found that diabetes patients who used the patient portal and mobile phone app showed significant improvements in health outcomes. The use of these online tools was associated with increased medication adherence and lower blood glucose levels, particularly among patients with higher baseline HbA1c levels.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 19, 2020

Certification as a medical home: Does it make a difference in diabetes care?

Research found certified medical home practices had better performance outcomes on diabetes care quality measures and more systems compared to non-certified practices. Certified practices also showed slightly better performance on diabetes care quality measures despite having similar patient populations as non-certified practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Elevated fasting blood sugar in pregnancy linked to harmful outcomes for mothers, babies

A new study by the University of Alberta found that pregnant women with elevated fasting blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of complications, including large babies, high blood pressure, and preterm births. Despite receiving diabetes drug treatments, these women were more likely to experience adverse outcomes.

Kids born to moms with gestational diabetes and preeclampsia at greater risk for obesity

A new longitudinal study shows a link between multiple metabolic disorders in mothers during pregnancy and children's body mass indexes later in life. The study found that when a mother experiences both gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, the child has an increased risk of high childhood BMI over time.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalArchives of Gynecology and Obstetrics·DateJan 22, 2020

New insulin compound could improve therapy for diabetes patients

Scientists have developed a non-fibrillating form of human insulin called glycoinsulin, which demonstrates the same glucose-lowering effects as native insulin without fibril formation. This discovery presents a promising solution for patients relying on insulin pumps and could improve the shelf life of insulin products.

SourceThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2020

Looking at the good vibes of molecules

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a technique called Mid-infraRed Optoacoustic Microscopy (MiROM) that provides real-time images of biomolecules in living cells without the need for labels or contrast agents. This method offers novel insights into metabolic processes and can be used to study the effects of different diets on...

How common is diabetes among racial/ethnic groups?

This observational study found that the age-sex-adjusted proportion of US adults with diabetes was 12.1% for non-Hispanic whites, 20.4% for non-Hispanic blacks, 22.1% for Hispanics, and 19.1% for non-Hispanic Asians. Notably, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian subpopulations showed significant differences in undiagnosed diabetes rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 20, 2019