Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Type 1 diabetes: New findings on the development of the autoimmune disease in children

A long-term study on infants and young children with increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes found that metabolic changes occur much earlier than previously assumed. Blood sugar levels were found to be higher in children who developed autoimmunity, suggesting a potential indicator for islet cell dysfunction.

Heterogeneous development of β-cell populations in diabetes-resistant and -susceptible mice

Diabetes-resistant mice develop a protective beta cell cluster with reduced glucose uptake and increased beta cell division, while diabetic-prone mice experience metabolic stress and beta cell failure. This study reveals the key role of adaptive gene expression in protecting against type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2022

Diabetes: a step closer to a life without insulin

Researchers at UNIGE have found that the S100A9 protein can significantly improve insulin metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the risk of severe side effects associated with insulin therapy. The protein's anti-inflammatory effect may also help to normalize ketone production and prevent life-threatening conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2022

Western diets rich in fructose and fat cause diabetes via glycerate-mediated loss of pancreatic islet cells

A high-fat diet can lead to increased fructose metabolism in the small intestine, resulting in the release of glycerate into circulation. This can cause damage to insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, increasing the risk of glucose tolerance disorders and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

An oral medication shows benefits treating Type 1 diabetes for at least two years after diagnosis

Researchers found that verapamil treatment delayed disease progression, lowered insulin requirements, and preserved some beta cell function in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study used proteomics analysis and RNA sequencing to examine changes in circulating proteins in response to verapamil treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Researchers produce fully functional pancreatic beta cells from stem cells for the first time

Scientists have successfully produced fully functional pancreatic beta cells from stem cells for the first time, offering a breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. The study's findings demonstrate that these stem cell-derived beta cells can regulate insulin secretion and manage glucose metabolism in both cell cultures and mice studies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 3, 2022

The unexpected benefits of fat in type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UNIGE found that fat can aid pancreatic beta cells in adapting to excess sugar levels. The study reveals a dynamic cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to maintain near-normal insulin secretion. Regular physical activity may help give this beneficial cycle a chance to be active.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalDiabetologia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

TEDDY study compares characteristics of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and after age 6

The study analyzed data from 8,502 genetically high-risk children and found that half developed type 1 diabetes before age 6, while the other half developed it between ages 6 and 12. The findings suggest a different form of type 1 diabetes emerges in children as they grow older.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021

Researchers overcome translational gap by developing novel in vivo model for the labeling of insulin secretory granule pools

A transgenic pig model has been developed allowing for the first time the in vivo fluorescent labeling of age-distinct insulin secretory granule pools. This model enables researchers to study insulin turnover in normoglycemic conditions, closing the translational gap between humans and rodents.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Studies using ‘model’ organs show how SARS-CoV-2 can infect wide range of cell types and even change function of cells, including the insulin-producing cells of pancreas

Researchers used human pluripotent stem cells and organoids to study SARS-CoV-2 infection, finding that it can infect multiple cell types, including lung, colon, heart, liver, and pancreatic cells. The virus alters cellular function, including reducing insulin production in pancreatic beta cells.

How migraines protect against diabetes

Researchers found that certain peptides associated with migraine pain can regulate insulin production in mice, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that these peptides could be developed into therapeutic strategies to control blood sugar levels, while minimizing the risk of migraines.

Scientists discover a new promising target for diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered a novel and druggable insulin inhibitory receptor named inceptor. Blocking its function leads to increased sensitisation of the insulin signalling pathway in pancreatic beta cells, allowing for potential protection and regeneration of beta cells for diabetes remission.

Treating type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in PNAS reports a breakthrough treatment for type 1 diabetes in mice, utilizing a combination of haploidentical mixed chimersim and administration of gastrin and epidermal growth factor. This approach successfully reversed autoimmunity, augmented beta cell regeneration, and normalized blood glucose levels by reactivat...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Single-cell RNA seq developed to accurately quantify cell-specific drug effects in pancreatic islets

Researchers developed a novel approach to decontaminate single-cell RNA seq data, allowing for accurate quantification of cell-specific drug effects in pancreatic islets. The method revealed species-specific and cell-type-specific responses to drugs, including the induction of insulin production in alpha cells.

Breastfeeding helps prevent mothers from developing diabetes after childbirth

A study by Korean researchers found that breastfeeding lowers maternal postpartum diabetes incidence and improves metabolic health through serotonin production. The research showed sustained improvements in pancreatic beta cells lasting years after lactation cessation, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020