Research on diabetes and its complications. Covers glucose prediction, nerve pain, weight-loss drugs, insulin access, and diabetes management.
A study of nearly 9,000 patients found that inadequate blood sugar control increases the risk of death and major complications after heart surgery, affecting both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The research suggests that strict protocols for active blood sugar control are necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Research reveals that resolvins and protectins, derived from omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, counter-regulate pro-inflammatory signals and promote tissue healing in diabetes. These mediators reverse inflammatory responses in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages, offering potential for new therapeutic options.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that rats fed a junk food diet during pregnancy and lactation had offspring with high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance. These rats also showed increased obesity and fat around the kidneys.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that FGF21 blocks the effects of growth hormone, potentially extending life span. The study found genetically altered mice with resistance to growth hormone produced greater amounts of growth hormone.
A new study from Germany suggests that men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk of dying from all causes over time. The study found that men with low testosterone had more than 2.5 times greater risk of dying in the next 10 years compared to those with normal testosterone levels, regardless of age or lifestyle factors.
Research highlights the association between diabetes and hearing loss, as well as the potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption. A new study also examines the cost-effectiveness of HIV screening in patients over 55 years old, finding it a viable option for this age group.
Anne L. Peters, MD, CDE, received the American Diabetes Association's Outstanding Physician Clinician Award for her dedication to improving diabetes care, particularly in underserved populations. She has made significant contributions to the field through her research and clinical work.
Patients with diabetes who take rosiglitazone may be less likely to develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy or experience visual acuity loss. The medication delays the formation of new blood vessels and preserves vision.
A study by Harvard Medical School found significant racial disparities in diabetes care across individual physicians, with black patients experiencing less ideal outcomes. Adjusting for patient characteristics did not eliminate the disparities, highlighting the need for system-wide solutions to address these issues.
Black patients with diabetes are less likely to achieve long-term control of their blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, even when treated by the same physician as white patients. Racial disparities in quality of care have been previously documented, with black patients receiving fewer recommended components of care.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of heart surgery patients experience sustained high glucose levels, even without a history of diabetes. Patients with obesity, older age, and high blood sugar levels two days after surgery are most likely to need temporary insulin treatment.
Researchers have identified cells that initiate infant tumors, developing a new mouse model to identify therapeutic targets. A molecule called IRF4 has been found to control inflammation in the gut, while implanting olfactory ensheathing cells promotes neuroplasticity in stroke models.
Researchers found a previously unknown cooperation between pancreatic beta cells and alpha cells, crucial for glucose balance. The discovery may lead to better blood sugar regulation in diabetes patients by targeting the glucagon/glutamate pathway.
Researchers found that licensed pesticide applicators who used chlorinated pesticides for over 100 days were at greater risk of developing diabetes. The study associated specific pesticides with a 20-200% increase in risk, with trichlorfon showing the strongest relationship.
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown molecular signaling pathway in body fat cells that normally acts to suppress harmful inflammation, but is overridden by obesity. The protective function can be boosted with drugs targeting PPAR-d, potentially treating insulin resistance and diabetes.
A study published in Nutrition Research shows Pycnogenol improves diabetes control and reduces antihypertensive medications. The extract lowered blood sugar, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure in patients with type II diabetes, suggesting it may serve as a potent adjunct to prescription medications.
Experts recommend revising current criteria for diagnosing diabetes, suggesting the use of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as an alternative to fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests. This change may help identify more people with undiagnosed diabetes, reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality.
A new calcium scoring method takes into account plaque distribution to predict heart attack risk, showing a significant association between diabetes and increased coronary artery calcification. The study found that the location of calcium in arteries is crucial in estimating patient risk.
A study found that succinobucol reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in some patients, but also increased LDL cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. However, it improved glycated haemoglobin levels, suggesting potential benefits for long-term diabetes control.
A large US study found that sirolimus increases the risk of new-onset diabetes in kidney transplant recipients. The risk is higher when combined with other anti-rejection drugs and appears to be independent of other factors.
The current figure of 246 million adults worldwide with diabetes is expected to expand rapidly, with 50% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The Lancet Editorial emphasizes that much of the morbidity and mortality can be prevented through targeted prevention strategies.
A study found that even when patients with diabetes present with high blood pressure, there's only a 50-50 chance of receiving treatment. Uncertainty about the patient's blood pressure and other medical issues contribute to this 'clinical inertia'. More systematic guidelines for monitoring blood pressure in people with diabetes are needed
The Diabetes Initiative aims to improve diabetes care by increasing the membership of the Diabetes Advisory Board and creating a Web-based version of the Closing the Gap model. The initiative has already shown statistically significant improvements in clinical measures, such as shorter patient office visits and increased annual testing.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a receptor called ALK7 as crucial in regulating body fat deposition and insulin release from beta-cells. Removing the ALK7 receptor improves insulin release and decreases fat accumulation, suggesting potential new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
A randomized trial found that chronic disease management programs significantly reduced healthcare claims for low-risk patients, while having mixed results for high-risk patients. The study also showed a positive fiscal impact of chronic care management for low-risk congestive heart failure patients.
A qualitative study of English family practice found that pay-for-performance programs reduce continuity of care and increase fragmentation. The programs also changed the nature of patient consultations, leaving physicians feeling less skilled and disconnected from patients.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that hypertension and hyperlipidemia significantly increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels were associated with a nearly 50% population-attributable risk for hypertension, 20% for hyperlipidemia, and 5% for diabetes.
A study funded by the NIH found that pregnant women with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels are at greater risk of delivering babies with birth problems, including Caesarean sections and large body sizes. The study involved over 23,000 women in nine countries.
A study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences identifies the erythropoietin (EPO) gene as a contributor to increased risk of severe diabetic eye and kidney diseases. The research highlights the importance of considering blunting EPO's effects in future therapeutic strategies, such as anti-VEGF therapy.
A study found that older adults with higher levels of nighttime fragmentation, respiratory symptoms, diabetes, and pain were more likely to nap. Naps can be a reflection of needed sleep, suggesting that health problems may be contributing to disrupted nighttime sleep.
A new Northwestern University study found people in African American communities on Chicago's South and West Side have a five times higher rate of lower limb amputations than predominantly white suburbs. The high rate is linked to lack of access to primary care, diabetes management programs, and specialty care.
Research suggests that diabetes medications thiazolidinediones may increase the risk of fractures, particularly hip and wrist fractures. The study found a double or tripled risk for patients taking these drugs for 12-18 months, highlighting the need for further confirmation through additional studies and clinical trials.
Researchers discovered a novel gut-brain-liver circuit that lowers blood sugar when activated, providing a potential new approach to treat diabetes. The discovery suggests stimulating the gut's sensing mechanism may slow down sugar production and lower blood sugar levels.
Geisinger's Electronic Health Record program improves blood sugar and cholesterol levels, increases vaccination compliance, and boosts tobacco cessation rates. The program also enhances patient engagement through its Internet portal, MyGeisinger.
A study analyzing brain tissue of volunteers found that small vessel disease accounted for 33% of dementia risk, while Alzheimer's treatments remain investigational. Researchers suggest reducing hypertension and diabetes as effective ways to mitigate this risk.
Scientists have discovered a way to genetically manipulate embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic tissue, potentially treating type-1 and type-2 diabetes. The team found that the transcription factor PAX4 encouraged high numbers of stem cells to become beta cells with insulin-producing capabilities.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that people with larger stomachs in their 40s have a higher risk of dementia by age 70. The study showed that abdominal obesity in midlife is a strong predictor of dementia risk.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have found that insulin inhibits a master gene regulator protein, SKN-1, which controls the Phase 2 detoxification pathway. Increased SKN-1 activity increases lifespan, providing potential insights into increasing resistance to chronic diseases and influencing longevity.
A genetic clue has been uncovered for Parkinson's disease, a progressive movement disorder affecting millions worldwide. GIGYF2 mutations have been found to be directly linked to the development of Parkinson's in people with a family history of the disease.
A new study published in JAMA found that a lack of regular physical activity can cause many diseases, with effects visible within two weeks. The researchers discovered that reducing daily physical activity led to higher glucose and fat levels in the blood, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
A study by the American Heart Association found that minority and financially vulnerable adults with insulin-treated diabetes are less likely to monitor their blood glucose levels. The disparities were greatest for low-income Hispanics, with significantly lower rates of daily self-monitoring compared to whites.
Researchers discovered that diabetes drives inflammation and slows blood flow, accelerating atherosclerosis through interference with ERK5 signaling. The study identifies advanced glycation end products (AGEs) as key molecules sabotaging this protective mechanism.
Scientists develop a new, lean mouse model by crossing mice deficient in protein kinase C beta (PKCB) with the C57 black mouse. The hybrid mice have less fat distribution, less fat tissue overall, and increased ability to burn fat, suggesting a potential strategy for treating obesity and disorders associated with excess weight.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that the PPAR gamma protein regulates blood pressure and vascular function, shedding light on why certain diabetes medications also lower blood pressure. The discovery may lead to more specific treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with type II diabetes.
A recent study suggests that current FPG thresholds for diagnosing diabetes may not accurately detect diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. The researchers found that over 60% of retinopathy cases were missed by the widely used diabetes cutoff of 7.0mmol/L.
Researchers analyzed over 3.6 million patient records to find thousands of cases of probable undiagnosed diabetes in the UK. The study suggests that tens of thousands of people may be at risk of diabetes and require further assessment.
Researchers found that Hispanic patients with diabetes have approximately 0.5% higher levels on the A1C test compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This study highlights the need for strategies to reduce disparities in diabetes control among minority groups.
Scientists have discovered a single molecule regulating both glucose and fatty acid metabolism in cells. This finding has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of diabetes and develop new therapeutic agents.
Research finds that men who exercised regularly and had a healthy lifestyle were more likely to live to age 90. In contrast, those with smoking, obesity, or hypertension had reduced longevity. Additionally, centenarians with certain health conditions developed them at an older age tended to have better mental and physical function.
A study discovered a 'fat-burning' gene that plays a crucial role in insulin sensitivity. When this gene is impaired, it can lead to increased risk of obesity and worsening diabetes.
The ACP and ACPF Diabetes Initiative has seen statistically significant improvements in clinical measures, including a nearly 50% reduction in office visits for diabetes patients. The team-based approach has also led to increased awareness of high-quality diabetes care among physicians.
A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming whole grains can lead to significant weight loss and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study showed that the whole grain group experienced a lower body weight, lower blood pressure, and increased intake of fiber and magnesium compared to the refined grain group.
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing due to population aging and existing high rates, leading to complications and premature death. Most patients experience at least one complication within six years after diagnosis.
Researchers found significant differences in the quality of care delivered to Jewish and Arab patients with diabetes in Jerusalem. Arab patients received less diet counseling, physical activity support, and medication prescriptions compared to their Jewish counterparts.
A team of researchers has identified pancreatic stem cells with the capacity to generate new insulin-producing beta cells in adult mice. These findings represent a significant breakthrough in understanding the pancreas's ability to regenerate beta cells, a crucial step towards developing effective treatments for diabetes.
A meta-analysis of 18,686 individuals with diabetes and 71,370 without diabetes found a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and major vascular events with statin therapy. The study suggests that most people with diabetes should now be considered for statin therapy.
A new study found that reducing drug co-pays for employees with chronic illnesses increased the use of preventive medicines, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study involved over 35,000 employees and showed significant increases in use of important medications.
A systematic review of published research explores the benefits of seven key behaviors (AADE7) in diabetes management. The studies were rigorously reviewed to identify effective strategies and remaining gaps in knowledge, providing direction for future researchers.
A study found that nearly three-fourths of American adults with conditions increasing cardiovascular disease risk also have hypertension. Despite treatment, only one-third to one-half of these individuals reach their blood pressure goals.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes and depression who receive depression care management live half as long as those who don't. The study, published in Diabetes Care, suggests integrating depression evaluation and treatment into diabetes management in primary care.