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Notre Dame research may have important implications for combating diabetes

University of Notre Dame biochemist Anthony S. Serianni's research provides new perspectives on sugar breakdown in the human body, particularly for diabetic patients. The study discovered an unexpected reaction pathway involving a novel rearrangement of the carbon backbone, undermining prevailing assumptions about sugar degradation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2012

Brown fat transplants help mice lose weight

Researchers performed brown fat transplants in mice to treat obesity, finding significant reductions in body weight and improvements in glucose metabolism. The transplanted brown fat secreted hormones that mediated metabolic effects throughout the body.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 10, 2012

Pre-diabetic patients respond to self-directed lifestyle interventions, Stanford researcher says

A new clinical study from Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute found that pre-diabetic patients respond to self-directed lifestyle interventions, such as a take-home DVD, with similar effectiveness to coach-led programs. The study offers a practical way for primary care physicians t...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 10, 2012

New findings on glucagon synthesis

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that glucagon stimulates its own synthesis, activating a self-reinforcing cycle of hormone production. This finding has significant implications for understanding the regulation of hormone secretion and may hold the key to studying defects in diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

Cell Transplantation reports islet cell advancement increases impact on transplantation

A new process of creating islet cell clusters has been successfully developed to improve pancreatic transplantation. The clusters were engineered to overcome challenges such as hypoxic conditions and immune reactions, resulting in higher viability rates and potential cure for type I diabetes.

Daily steps add up for midlife women's health

A study of 292 Brazilian women aged 45-72 found that daily step count is a strong predictor of health outcomes, with active women less likely to be obese or develop metabolic syndrome. The study supports the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily life for midlife women's overall health.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateNov 21, 2012

Kids need at least 7 minutes a day of 'vigorous' physical activity, but most aren't getting that

Researchers found that children need at least seven minutes a day of intense physical activity to prevent weight gain and obesity. The study tracked over 600 kids aged 9-17 and showed that vigorous activity reduced the risk of unhealthy weight, while sedentary behavior was common.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateNov 9, 2012

Cardiac bypass surgery superior to non-surgical procedure for adults with diabetes and heart disease

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that cardiac bypass surgery is superior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for adults with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary heart disease. After five years, the CABG group had fewer adverse events and better survival rates than the PCI group.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 4, 2012

Can diabetes devices be damaged by airport security scanners?

Research highlights the potential impact of airport security scanners on diabetes devices, including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. The Editorial calls for more research to understand and potentially repair this issue affecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who use insulin pump therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateOct 24, 2012

Crusty foods may worsen heart problems associated with diabetes

A University of Illinois study found that consuming foods with advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can increase cardiovascular complications in people with diabetes. Foods like grilled meats and crispy fried foods contain AGEs, which are associated with plaque formation and heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Food Science and Nutrition·DateOct 22, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Oct. 2, 2012

Researchers found that inviting patients to read their doctors' notes boosts patient engagement, adherence, and control in healthcare plans with minimal impact on doctor workload. Additionally, the use of electronic health records improves diabetes care by enhancing monitoring, treatment, and glucose control. New equations for estimati...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 1, 2012

Moderate alcohol consumption may increase risk of atrial fibrillation in people with heart disease

A large study found that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of atrial fibrillation in older people with heart disease or advanced diabetes. The study involved over 30,000 individuals from 40 countries and found a significant increase in atrial fibrillation cases linked to higher alcohol consumption.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 1, 2012

Low birth weight may increase risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and diabetes

A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that being born with a low birth weight may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes later in life. Researchers found that older female rats had a reduced ability to become pregnant and carried babies that were smaller or lighter in weight.

Cause of diabetes may be linked to iron transport

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that an increased activity of a particular iron-transport protein destroys insulin-producing beta cells, leading to type-2 diabetes. Mice without this iron transporter are protected against developing diabetes, providing potential insights into preventing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 20, 2012

UC Davis study finds that above-normal weight alone does not increase the short-term risk of death

A new UC Davis study found that being overweight or obese alone is not linked to an increased risk of death in the short-term. However, severely obese individuals with diabetes or hypertension do face a higher risk of mortality, emphasizing the importance of weight loss and managing co-occurring health conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateJul 6, 2012

Study suggests antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy linked to increased risk of gestational diabetes

A Swedish study suggests that antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. Women treated with these medications had a fourfold higher risk of gestational diabetes compared to those not taking any medication, according to the study published in Archives of General Psychiatry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2012