Research on diabetes and its complications. Covers glucose prediction, nerve pain, weight-loss drugs, insulin access, and diabetes management.
Researchers at Lund University discovered a substance that prevents atherosclerosis caused by high blood sugar levels. The substance only affects NFAT-activated cells and has no impact on the immune system. This breakthrough offers hope for a targeted treatment to address vascular damage in diabetes patients.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that moderately obese mothers can pass health risks to their grandchildren, while sparing their own children. The research, conducted on mice, could inform health policy on obesity.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that bariatric surgery can lead to better short-term control of abnormal blood sugar levels and more weight loss in diabetic patients with moderate obesity. However, the findings come from a relatively small number of trials and more information is needed about long-term benefits and risks.
A new test can identify pregnant women at risk of developing gestational diabetes by measuring biomarker levels during the first trimester. Women with elevated levels of the soluble (pro)renin receptor were more likely to develop gestational diabetes.
A population-based study suggests that high-potency statins like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin increase the risk of developing new-onset diabetes. In contrast, fluvastatin and lovastatin appear to have a lower risk. Researchers recommend considering individual patient risk when prescribing statins.
Researchers found that Africans develop type-2 diabetes through increased insulin resistance, while East Asians develop it through lower insulin-secretion ability. This understanding could lead to more targeted therapies for the disease.
A clinical trial investigated the use of Exenatide, a diabetes drug, in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients receiving Exenatide showed significant improvements in motor skills and cognitive ability after one year of treatment.
Research published in Diabetologia found that women who smoked during pregnancy had a higher risk of their daughters developing gestational diabetes (62% increased risk) and obesity (36-58% increased risk). Alterations in appetite regulation and epigenetic changes may be underlying mechanisms.
Noninvasive imaging tests like CT, MR, and PET may help evaluate and manage diabetes by assessing changes in fat composition and distribution. This can aid in early disease detection and identify functional abnormalities before symptoms appear.
A national study estimates 2.9 million Canadian adults have chronic kidney disease, a risk factor for death and significant healthcare burden. High blood pressure and diabetes are more common among those with chronic kidney disease.
A new study from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment shows Medicaid coverage substantially reduced depression and eliminated catastrophic medical expenditures, increasing diabetes diagnosis and medication use among low-income adults. However, it had no detectable effect on physical health outcomes such as hypertension, high choleste...
A new study from the University of Michigan found significant geographic disparities in access to medical services and medications for children with diabetes. Only 26 states provided medical coverage and 24 states covered diabetes supplies.
A study published in Neurology found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fats may help preserve cognitive functioning. However, the association was not found in people with diabetes.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has discovered that PICK1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating hormones such as insulin and growth hormone. This finding has significant implications for understanding diabetes and poor growth, and may lead to better prevention and treatment in the future.
A Michigan State University analysis found that federally funded safety-net clinics lag behind in controlling high blood pressure among low-income patients. Only 38% of hypertensive patients had their blood pressure under control at a mid-Michigan safety-net clinic, with diabetes patients facing even greater challenges.
A Canadian study of over 1 million women found that pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension may double the chance of being diagnosed with diabetes years after pregnancy. Women with a history of these conditions, especially combined with gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing future diabetes.
A large study found that high serum C-peptide levels are linked to an increased risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. People with high C-peptide levels had a 1.8- to 3.2-fold increased risk compared to those with low levels.
A study found that coenzyme Q10 prevents the reduction in GLUT4 induced by statin drugs, which can increase the risk of type-2 diabetes. Statins, widely prescribed for cholesterol reduction, may also raise diabetes risk due to their impact on cellular energy production.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing found that after a diagnosis of diabetes, patients tend to consume more sugary beverages and foods high in sodium or fat. The key to managing health risks is to consult with a healthcare professional about all foods that pose risks.
A new study finds that walking briskly can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes as much as running can. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 runners and 15,000 walkers to find similar reductions in risk for these conditions.
Research found a significant association between low levels of 5-OH vitamin D and increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and small for gestational age births. Vitamin D insufficiency is common during pregnancy, especially among high-risk women.
A new study found that total hip replacement (THR) is associated with reduced mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes rates in Medicare patients with osteoarthritis. THR also shows potential long-term benefits in terms of prolonged lifespan and reduced disease burden.
A new study identifies predictors of complications and mortality following a hip fracture, including dialysis, cardiac disease, and diabetes. The study found that reducing time to surgical intervention appears to be the single greatest factor in influencing the risk of mortality or complications.
Research reveals that maternal diabetes impairs the methylation of the maternal imprinting gene Peg3, contributing to impaired development in offspring. This effect is observed even before the onset of overt symptoms and affects embryo development and number of offspring.
Mark Andermann, PhD, received a three-year $300,000 award to investigate the effects of hunger on cognition. His research aims to understand the neural pathways controlling hunger and attention, with potential applications for treating obesity and eating disorders.
A recent study links sugar-sweetened beverages to 133,000 diabetes deaths and 44,000 cardiovascular disease deaths worldwide. The research highlights the significant impact of sugary drink consumption on obesity and related health issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found a link between lifestyle factors and an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with smoking, obesity, and diabetes being key contributors. The study also identified reduced risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption and higher social class.
A community-based diabetes prevention program, led by health workers, successfully reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in overweight participants with prediabetes. The study replicated the results of the Diabetes Prevention Project, demonstrating a significant reduction in diabetes risk.
Research shows PCOS affects both insulin and non-insulin approaches to glucose control, with declines in non-insulin activity seen in women with high insulin resistance. The study found visceral fat predicted difficulty controlling glucose via insulin, while subcutaneous fat was linked to regulation by non-insulin means.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have determined the complete three-dimensional structure of HNF-4alpha protein, a key player in rare diabetes. The study reveals new pockets that could be targeted with therapeutic drugs to alleviate MODY1 symptoms.
A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death. Despite potential weight gain, the benefits of stopping smoking far outweigh any associated risks, according to the research.
A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found no significant benefits from using the blood pressure-lowering medication aliskiren to treat patients with recent heart failure hospitalizations. However, patients on aliskiren did show improved NT-proBNP levels, which can help physicians plan treatment.
Researchers identified a molecular 'switch' controlling skin cell migration necessary for wound closure and healing. The discovery may hold the key to developing therapeutics that reduce or prevent chronic wounds.
Researchers at BUSM found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can relieve pain for people with painful diabetic neuropathies. CBT, a psychological treatment approach, was compared to treatment as usual in a study of veterans with type II diabetes.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found significant public support for government actions to address obesity and noncommunicable diseases, particularly those promoting healthy choices. Support was highest for menu labeling requirements and lower for penalizing certain behaviors or health conditions.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 40,000 patients found no significant increase in surgical complications for those with diabetes. Despite previous findings suggesting a higher risk, researchers discovered better glycemic control among study participants reduced the impact of diabetes on surgery outcomes.
A recent review of 400 patients with Wolfram syndrome reveals that 15% do not meet current diagnostic criteria, highlighting the need for revision. The study proposes expanding the diagnostic criteria to identify two of four clinical features, which would diagnose up to 98% of patients.
A study of over 40,000 Kaiser Permanente patients found no increased risk of infection or complications following total knee replacement (TKR) for those with diabetes. However, patients with uncontrolled diabetes were more likely to be obese and have severe comorbidities.
A large epidemiological study found that increased sugar availability was linked to higher diabetes rates, independent of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 175 countries and found a 1% increase in diabetes prevalence for every additional 150 calories of sugar per person per day.
A recent study published in the BMJ found that home-based telehealth had no effect on quality of life, anxiety, or depressive symptoms for patients with chronic conditions. The study, which involved over 1,500 participants, suggests that concerns about telehealth's potential benefits are unfounded.
A unique study highlights the importance of universal newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a life-threatening disorder affecting cortisol production. Screening improves survival in both boys and girls, contradicting previous beliefs that boys were at higher risk of delayed diagnosis.
A study published in Population Health Management found that eliminating co-payments for diabetes-related medications and supplies improved patient self-management of their condition. Nearly 90% of participants reported better disease management after the program's initiation.
A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that sitting time was significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases. The study, which included 63,048 middle-aged Australian males, showed a steady increase in risk as sitting time increased.
A new University of Iowa study suggests that diabetes may be linked to an increased risk of death from heart attacks due to the over-activation of a key enzyme. In diabetic mice, this enzyme's activation led to abnormal heart rhythms and an elevated risk of sudden death.
Diabetic patients are more likely to die from a heart attack, and high levels of ox-CaMKII may be the key. Researchers found that reducing CamKII oxidation could help treat diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing a novel approach to repair damaged blood vessels in the retina using adult stem cells. This innovative therapy has the potential to prevent and/or reverse diabetic retinopathy, reducing the risk of vision loss.
The Gulf region is expected to experience a massive wave of cardiovascular disease in the next 10-15 years, driven by high obesity rates and diabetes prevalence. Prevention services are lacking, but experts call for a public health strategy to promote physical activity and healthy diets.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital used a social networking approach to investigate the magnitude of hypoglycemia and promote healthy behaviors among participants with diabetes. The study showed that engaging patients in research through social media can help augment traditional surveillance methods and lead to meaningful behavi...
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute has found that amlexanox, an off-patent drug, can reverse obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver in mice. The study suggests that the drug works by inhibiting two genes involved in metabolic balance, leading to increased metabolism and weight loss.
A recent study found that nearly 8% of stroke survivors in the US contemplate suicide, with risk factors including depression, age, and socioeconomic status. Regular screening for suicidal ideation is recommended to address this often-overlooked concern.
Researchers found that late eaters lost significantly less weight and had a slower rate of weight-loss, suggesting the timing of large meals is an important factor. However, the timing of smaller meals did not play a role in weight loss success.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 26,000 patients with diabetes found that controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial in preventing heart disease. Patients who met guidelines for all three risk factors had a significantly lower rate of hospitalization for heart attack or stroke.
Researchers found a protective association between beta carotene and type-2 diabetes risk in individuals carrying a common genetic predisposition. In contrast, gamma tocopherol was linked to an increased risk of the disease. The study suggests that protein SLC30A4 may play a crucial role in insulin regulation.
Researchers at Umeå University have developed a new imaging method using optical projection tomography (OPT) in the near-infrared spectrum to study insulin-producing cells in diabetes. This technology allows for the examination of larger organs, including the rat pancreas, and can track specific cell types simultaneously.
Researchers discover that belly and thigh fat differ significantly in gene expression, with unique homeobox genes influencing fat cell behavior. This finding may lead to targeted treatments for obesity, shifting focus from belly fat to hip and thigh fat.
Researchers found abnormal proteins in gluteal fat, which secretes chemerin and reduces omentin-1 levels. These proteins correlate with increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and heart disease risk. The study dispels the myth that pear-shaped bodies are healthier than apple-shaped ones.
A team of researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has discovered the definitive answer to how insulin binds to cells. This breakthrough could lead to dramatic improvements in treating diabetes, including alternative oral medications and fewer injections per day.
NYU's Strauss is awarded NIH grant to develop a novel approach using oral blood to screen patients with periodontal disease for diabetes in general dental practices. The study aims to assess the accuracy, acceptability, and feasibility of this approach.
A new study found that adults with diabetes in Ontario are getting significantly fewer government-funded eye exams than they were a decade ago. The decrease is an unintended consequence of the provincial government's decision in 2004 to delist routine eye exams from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan for healthy adults under age 65.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that patients who receive high-quality communication from their doctors are more likely to fill their prescriptions. The study of 9,377 patients showed that effective communication leads to better medication adherence rates, with a 4-6% lower rate for those who felt heard and trusted.