Add BrightSurf on Google Email

UK study shows hybrid closed-loop technology improved maternal glucose levels during pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes

A new study published in Diabetologia found that hybrid closed-loop technology improved maternal blood sugars during pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes. The technology, which adjusts insulin doses every 10-12 minutes, helped reduce maternal blood sugar levels and weight gain, while also improving baby health outcomes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2023

Early metformin in gestational diabetes

A randomized clinical trial found that early metformin treatment did not improve insulin initiation or fasting glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Further investigation into larger trials is warranted based on prespecified secondary outcome data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 3, 2023

High blood pressure in males in late adolescence associated with increased risk of major cardiovascular events later in life

A study of over 1 million Swedish men found that high blood pressure at age 18 was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. Early intervention for hypertension may be critical to reducing later cardiovascular events.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 25, 2023

Computational model helps with diabetes drug design

Researchers developed a computational model to analyze glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) performance in human patients. The model predicted that differences in sugar receptor behavior between humans and lab animals led to the drug's poor effect in clinical trials. This breakthrough helps researchers design better GRIs, potentially reduc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study shows the major measure of diabetes is significantly higher in young Black patients

A recent study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that HbA1c levels are markedly higher in young black youth compared to whites with type 1 diabetes. This disparity can lead to increased risk of hypoglycemia and long-term complications if primarily used for insulin management.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

After treatment with semaglutide, newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients needed little or no insulin

A small study found that treating newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes patients with semaglutide significantly reduced their need for insulin. The medication's ability to stimulate insulin secretion from the beta cells of the pancreas allowed for the elimination of mealtime and basal insulin doses in most patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2023

Cells with an ear for music release insulin

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a gene switch that uses sound waves to trigger insulin release in designer cells. The system works by embedding an ion channel protein from the bacterium E. coli into human cells, which opens in response to sound, causing insulin vesicles to fuse and release insulin.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Diabetes Magazine Paper of the Month features Pennington Biomedical research demonstrating the link between exercise and improved pancreatic function and insulin secretion

A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.

Intranasal insulin treatment might boost cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease, according to meta-analysis of 29 studies across multiple disorders

A recent meta-analysis of 29 studies found that intranasal insulin treatment can boost cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. The analysis suggests potential benefits for this treatment approach, which may be worth further investigation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2023

Metformin's role in preventing metabolic syndrome during androgen deprivation therapy: a Phase II study

A randomized phase II study found that adding metformin to androgen deprivation therapy did not reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome or improve PSA response in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Metformin showed some antitumor effects through mTOR inhibition, but these were not significant.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2023

Even with insurance, many patients with diabetes turn to GoFundMe to offset high cost of care

A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Study unlocks potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment

Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

UVA-developed artificial pancreas benefits both kids and adults with diabetes, new analysis finds

A recent analysis of three clinical trials found that the UVA-developed artificial pancreas improved blood sugar control by 13 percentage points and decreased hemoglobin A1c levels. The device spent an average of 2.8 more hours per day in target blood sugar range, benefiting both kids and adults with diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateApr 19, 2023

Better blood sugar regulation

Researchers have developed a novel insulin formulation that can be switched on by glucose, offering improved regulation of blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes. The new formulation uses biocompatible lipid nanoparticles and achieves precise control of insulin release in response to fluctuations in blood sugar.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

Generating power with blood sugar

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has created an implantable fuel cell that uses excess blood sugar to generate electrical energy. The device powers artificial beta cells that produce insulin, effectively regulating blood glucose levels.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Insulin underuse in primary care requires clinicians to remove barriers to patient access

A survey of primary care clinicians revealed that 44% of patients experience cost-related insulin underuse, with those experiencing poor diabetes control not being more likely to report underuse. Clinicians can address this issue by using empathy to discuss cost barriers and increase the likelihood of changing insulin prescriptions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 23, 2023

Artificial pancreas successfully trialled for use by type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed an artificial pancreas that can help maintain healthy glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The device doubled the time spent in the target range for glucose and halved the time spent with high glucose levels, reducing average glucose levels and glycated haemoglobin levels.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Another step toward an insulin tablet

Researchers have developed an orally administered tablet powered by chemical micromotors that deliver insulin to the colon, reducing blood glucose levels for over five hours. The mini-tablets protected from stomach acid and used hydrogen gas bubbles as micromotors to propel insulin into the bloodstream.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 9, 2023

Exercise curbs insulin production

Researchers discovered that physical activity suppresses insulin-producing cells in fruit flies, allowing for efficient energy replenishment. This finding has implications for human health, as reduced insulin activity is linked to healthy ageing and longevity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Novel approach to treat and prevent Type 2 diabetes: SGH and NUS Medicine study

Researchers found that individuals with CYP8B1 loss-of-function mutations have improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach using bile acid modulators to target this gene.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

People with diabetes may benefit more from a pancreas transplant than other treatments

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reveals that pancreas transplantation can provide up to 90% of recipients with diabetes freedom from insulin therapy and glucose monitoring. Despite high success rates, transplant numbers have declined due to lack of consensus criteria, education, and resource ...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 15, 2022

Promise of better treatment for diabetes in Greenland after discovery of widespread genetic variant

A novel HNF1A gene variant has been found to cause monogenic diabetes, affecting almost seven percent of all cases in Greenland. This discovery may pave the way for precision treatment using tablet therapy with sulphonylurea, offering a simpler and cheaper alternative to insulin.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Ankle replacement and fusion demonstrate similar effectiveness for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis

A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2022