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Brown fat may warm us up at dawn

Researchers discovered that human brown fat cells show circadian fluctuations in glucose consumption, which may act as a glucose buffer and lessen the stress on the pancreas. Individuals with high brown fat abundance showed less variability in glucose levels over time.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 10, 2016

Time to rethink your vegetable oil?

A new study from Ohio State University found that men and women with higher levels of linoleic acid tend to have less heart-threatening fat, more lean body mass, and lower inflammation. Higher linoleic acid levels also meant lower likelihood of insulin resistance and diabetes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateMar 7, 2016

DTC genetic tests create conundrum for physicians, unrealistic expectations for patients

Direct-to-consumer genetic testing raises concerns about physicians' preparedness to discuss test results and potential downstream effects on the healthcare system. A study found that only a minority of consumers share their results with their doctor, often due to physician's inability to answer questions and address patient concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 1, 2016

New study indicates that metformin has the potential to prevent and treat preeclampsia

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that metformin decreases the production of toxins elevated in preeclampsia and helps heal injured blood vessels. The drug is considered safe during pregnancy, offering a potential new treatment option for women with preeclampsia.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 22, 2015

Reform model not yet helping people with mental illness

A recent study found that a reform model aimed at improving coordinated care for individuals with mental health diagnoses has yet to deliver desired results. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Alternative Quality Contract, which began in 2009, was designed to encourage high-value care and improve quality coordination, but its ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 7, 2015

Concern over drug industry involvement at India's 'health camps'

Pharmaceutical sales representatives are screening people in India for their products, raising concerns about unchecked conflicts of interest and potential harm to patients. Local residents receive medical testing at 'health camps,' some organized by Indian drug firms and pharmaceutical companies like Abbott and Roche.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2015

Artificial pancreas therapy performs well in pilot study

A pilot study has demonstrated that a mechanical artificial pancreas can better maintain normal blood glucose levels than multiple daily insulin injections in patients with pancreatitis. The treatment combines an AI-powered pump with islet cell transplantation, enabling the transplanted cells to survive longer and produce more insulin.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 20, 2015

An easy pill to swallow

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed an insulin pill using novel drug delivery technology that shows early promise as a form of diabetes therapy. The pill's oral delivery system could circumvent the discomfort associated with injections, leading to improved patient compliance and potentially more effective treatment.

New fat cell metabolism research could lead to new ways to treat diabetes and obesity

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how fat cells metabolize nutrients to produce fatty acids. This discovery could lead to new insights into potential irregularities in fat cell metabolism and help identify better drug targets for treating diabetes and obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2015