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Study finds high rates of type 1 diabetes near food swamps

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of the Endocrine Society finds higher rates of type 1 diabetes in areas with a high proportion of fast food restaurants and convenience stores. The research suggests that an adverse food environment may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes, particularly among adults.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateApr 17, 2018

Islet transplantation improves QoL for people with hard-to-control type 1 diabetes

A Phase 3 clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found consistent and dramatic improvements in quality of life among participants with type 1 diabetes who had frequent severe hypoglycemia. Islet recipients also reported better overall health status despite needing lifelong treatment.

Paradigm shift in the diagnosis of diabetes

A new classification of diabetes has been discovered, which can predict the risk of serious complications and provide tailored treatment suggestions. The study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, reveals that type 2 diabetes consists of several subgroups, each with unique characteristics.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 1, 2018

Researchers find existing drug effective at preventing onset of type 1 diabetes

Researchers discovered that a common blood pressure medication, methyldopa, can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in up to 60% of those at risk by blocking a specific molecule. The study used a supercomputer and found that methyldopa not only blocks the DQ8 molecule but also doesn't harm other immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2018

Autoimmune reaction successfully halted in early stage islet autoimmunity

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich successfully halted an autoimmune reaction in the early stages of islet autoimmunity, a key step in developing potential treatments for type 1 diabetes. The study reveals that inhibiting the miRNA181a/NFAT5 axis can increase Treg formation and reduce immune activation.

Tiny bilirubin-filled capsules could improve survival of transplanted pancreatic cells

Researchers have developed tiny bilirubin-filled capsules that can improve the survival rates of transplanted pancreatic islet cells. This breakthrough has implications for treating Type 1 diabetes in both canine and human patients, with a potential treatment program for dogs that could lead to improved treatments for humans.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCell Transplantation·DateDec 18, 2017

Can an insulin pill delay or prevent type 1 diabetes?

A daily insulin pill did not slow down or prevent type 1 diabetes development among individuals with a higher risk of developing the disease. The trial involved 560 participants who received either oral insulin or a placebo, and found that time to diagnosis was not significantly different between groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 21, 2017

Cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a mouse model by infusing pre-treated blood stem cells. The treated cells curbed the autoimmune reaction and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with almost all mice cured of diabetes in the short term and one third maintaining normal blood sug...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Protecting the guardians

Research in mice shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in modulating the effects of a powerful protective gene against type 1 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of early environmental exposures to a variety of germs in proper immune system development.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2017

Towards a safe and scalable cell therapy for type 1 diabetes by simplifying beta cell differentiation

Scientists have identified a molecular handle to purify cells destined to become insulin-producing cells, enabling a streamlined and cost-efficient process for generating glucose-responsive beta cells. The discovery aims to address safety and end product consistency challenges in cell therapy for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes risk linked to intestinal viruses

A new study suggests that certain viruses in the intestines may affect a person's chance of developing Type 1 diabetes. Children with less diverse gut viral communities are more likely to generate self-destructive antibodies, while those carrying a specific circovirus group are less likely to develop the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Diabetes patients still produce insulin

A recent study published in Diabetes Care found that almost half of patients with type 1 diabetes for over ten years still produce some insulin. Higher levels of interleukin-35 were detected in these patients, suggesting a link between this protein and the regeneration of remaining insulin-producing cells.

SourceUppsala University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 22, 2017

Infections in early life associated with increased risk for celiac disease

Recurring gastrointestinal infections in early childhood significantly increase the risk of developing gluten intolerance, according to a new study. The research found a strong association between early respiratory tract infections and an elevated risk of celiac disease.

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

Scientists create unique disease 'catalog' linked to immune system gene variations

A comprehensive catalog of diseases associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene variations has been generated by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The catalog identifies individuals at risk for certain autoimmune diseases and potential new associations with multiple sclerosis and cervical cancer.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 10, 2017