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Newly discovered disease mechanism for type 2 diabetes

A newly discovered mechanism behind reduced insulin production in type 2 diabetes reveals that insulin-producing cells regress and become immature, reducing their function. The study identifies key genes, including SOX5, which affects disease progression and suggests potential new treatments targeting cellular maturity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2017

Designing better drugs to treat type 2 diabetes

Two studies have shown how new potential anti-diabetic drugs interact with their target in the body, reducing blood sugar by increasing sensitivity to insulin and changing metabolism of fat and sugar. Researchers are now designing modified drugs that will work even more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 17, 2017

Novel tissue-engineered islet transplant achieves insulin independence in type 1 diabetes

Scientists at the Diabetes Research Institute have successfully transplanted tissue-engineered islet cells into a patient with type 1 diabetes, achieving long-term insulin independence. The omentum tissue site has been found to be a viable alternative for islet implantation, minimizing inflammatory reactions.

SourceDiabetes Research Institute Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 10, 2017

Death by insulin -- management of self-harm and suicide in diabetes management

The article highlights the link between diabetes and depression, as well as the importance of assessing psychosocial stresses in diabetes management. It also discusses the management goals for patients who engage in self-harming or suicidal behavior, emphasizing the need for frequent glycemic monitoring and a multi-disciplinary approach.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Diabetes Reviews·DateApr 6, 2017

Intensive medical treatment can reverse type 2 diabetes

A new study found that intensive medical treatment using oral medications, insulin, and lifestyle therapies can reverse type 2 diabetes in up to 40% of participants. The study's findings support the notion that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, at least in the short term, with medical approaches.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 15, 2017

Sugar and sweeteners -- how do they affect our appetite?

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that healthy young men who consume sugar, Stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame-sweetened beverages do not experience a significant difference in overall energy intake. However, they did eat more after consuming natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 13, 2016

Artificial beta cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created artificial beta cells that can effectively regulate blood sugar levels. These cells work by measuring glucose concentrations in the blood and producing insulin when necessary, making them a promising solution for diabetes treatment.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

CRISPR editing in pancreatic cells reduced cell death and increased insulin secretion

Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to remove an enzyme that regulates the diabetes-associated TXNIP gene, leading to reduced cell death and increased insulin production in genetically modified pancreatic beta cells. The study also found that histone acetyltransferases play a crucial role in regulating the TXNIP gene.

SourceLund University·JournalThe International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology·DateDec 1, 2016

Higher iron levels are associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women, raising questions about iron supplementation recommendations

A study published in Diabetologia found that high iron biomarkers are linked to an increased risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Higher iron stores may play a role in developing insulin resistance and oxidative stress, contributing to impaired insulin synthesis and secretion.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateNov 10, 2016

U-M study bodes well for low-carb eaters

A University of Michigan study found that low-carb meals significantly lower insulin resistance by over 30 percent within 24 hours, while high-carb meals sustain it. Exercise before meals also failed to lower insulin resistance, and may even increase blood sugar levels.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 1, 2016

Exercise beneficial to those with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump

Aerobic exercise improves glycemic control and reduces insulin requirements in T1D patients. The study found that physically active patients had more responsible behavior in monitoring their glucose levels, suggesting an educational program addressing diet, insulin injecting monitoring, and exercise could be highly advantageous.

Snails' speedy insulin

Scientists found that an insulin molecule produced by cone snails may improve upon fast-acting therapeutic insulin, potentially starting to work in as little as five minutes. The study suggests studying complex venom cocktails can lead to new drug discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 12, 2016

Finding new targets to treat vascular damage

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a new molecular pathway that may offer targets for drugs to strengthen angiogenesis and improve blood vessel growth in type 2 diabetes. The study found that CITED2 expression is increased in endothelial cells from patients with diabetes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 25, 2016

More evidence that 'healthy obesity' may be a myth

A recent study challenges the concept of 'healthy obesity,' revealing nearly identical gene expression changes in obese individuals with varying levels of insulin sensitivity. The research suggests that vigorous health interventions may be necessary for all obese individuals, regardless of their metabolic health status.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 18, 2016

Combination therapy for type 1 diabetes improves blood glucose control

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a combination of three medications—dapagliflozin, liraglutide, and insulin—helped people with Type 1 diabetes improve blood sugar control and lose weight. The therapy also showed impressive improvements in blood glucose management.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 4, 2016

Risk of low blood sugar differs among similar diabetes drugs

A new systematic review found that gliclazide confers the lowest risk of hypoglycemia when added to metformin. This suggests prescribing a medication with a lower risk of low blood sugar may be a rational and affordable alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJul 19, 2016

Discovery of insulin-producing beta cell subtypes may impact diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered at least four separate subtypes of human insulin-producing beta cells, which could lead to a better understanding of the disease process and the development of new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The study found that these cell subtypes produce different amounts of insulin and may regenerate at varying rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2016

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018

The artificial pancreas, a device monitoring blood glucose levels and automatically adjusting insulin doses, is nearing availability. Clinical trials have shown effective glucose control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia, but challenges remain in addressing speed of action and cybersecurity concerns.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Insulin-sensitive fat leads to obesity

A study found that a cellular sorting protein called SORLA disrupts fat metabolism by recycling molecular receptors for insulin. This causes fat cells to become overly sensitive to insulin, leading to excessive fat deposits and obesity. The researchers discovered this link in human samples, mouse models, and cell cultures.

Study shows that plasma protein supplementation helps prevent cell death in diabetes

A study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that protein S supplementation can inhibit beta-cell death and improve blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and kidney damage in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The findings offer a potential new approach to treating the disease.