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On the road to needle-free medicine

Alternative drug-delivery systems are being explored to overcome syringe injection drawbacks, including ointments, dissolvable tablets and micro-needle skin patches. Several promising results have been shown in animal testing, but widespread adoption will require changing the mindset of pharmaceutical companies and regulators.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 17, 2015

In study, skipping meals is linked to abdominal weight gain

A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that skipping meals can lead to insulin resistance and increased abdominal fat gain in mice. Mice on restricted diets who fasted for extended periods developed metabolic issues, including inflammation and plumper fat cells, compared to those who ate regularly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry·DateMay 19, 2015

The life and death of beta cells

In a study published in ETH Zurich, researchers discovered that the microRNA-200 family triggers the death of beta cells, leading to type 2 diabetes. By blocking miR-200 production, scientists can guarantee the survival of these vital cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments for diabetes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 19, 2015

Why people with diabetes can't buy generic insulin

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that drug companies have extended patents on insulin for over 90 years, preventing generic versions from entering the market. This has led to costly treatment options, with prices ranging from $120 to $400 per month, and hospitalizations due to uncontrolled diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2015

Insulin pumps need greater safety review

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes call for a comprehensive safety overhaul of insulin pumps, including greater access to data from manufacturers and funding for independent clinical trials. This is crucial for healthcare teams to educate patients on preventing errors with these devices.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 16, 2015

Gold standard management of the diabetic cat

The ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats provide evidence-based advice for veterinary teams. Key findings include the importance of weight control, using appropriate diets, and insulin therapy, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2015

SLU researcher prevents type 1 diabetes in lab

Researchers at Saint Louis University have found a way to prevent type I diabetes in an animal model by blocking the autoimmune process that destroys beta cells. The study uses a selective ROR alpha and gamma t inverse agonist to reduce autoimmunity, suggesting a new treatment option for the illness.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalEndocrinology·DateJan 20, 2015

Predatory sea snails produce weaponized insulin

A new study reveals that cone snails add a unique form of insulin to their venom cocktail, which disrupts blood glucose levels and causes hypoglycemic shock in fish. The snail insulin may help unlock secrets of insulin function and energy metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

One in every three people with type 1 diabetes produces insulin years post-diagnosis

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that approximately one-third of people with type 1 diabetes produce insulin, as measured by C-peptide, even up to 40 years after diagnosis. This challenges the long-held assumption that these patients lose all ability to produce insulin, highlighting potential implications for clinical pr...

Cellular extensions with a large effect

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that cilia on pancreatic beta cells are covered with insulin receptors, and altered ciliary function is associated with type 2 diabetes. The research found that ciliary defects impaired insulin release, leading to elevated blood glucose levels in mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2014

Personalised treatment for stress-related diabetes

Researchers at Lund University have developed a personalized treatment for type 2 diabetes that targets the disease mechanism itself, rather than just its symptoms. The treatment, which uses a drug called Yohimbin, has shown promising results in improving insulin secretion in patients with the genetic risk variant.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

Scientists discover a 'good' fat that fights diabetes

Researchers have discovered a new class of lipids in humans called fatty acid hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) that are linked to reduced inflammation and improved blood sugar levels in diabetes. FAHFA levels are low in humans with a high risk for diabetes, suggesting potential therapeutic opportunities for metabolic disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 9, 2014

The Lancet: Combining gut hormone with insulin proves more effective at controlling type 2 diabetes than other common treatments

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that combining basal insulin with a GLP-1 agonist resulted in improved blood sugar control, similar rates of hypoglycaemia, and greater weight loss compared to other anti-diabetic treatments. This combination therapy showed a 92% greater likelihood of achieving target blood sugar control.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 11, 2014