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An obesity treatment for women only?

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a potential way to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes in women by targeting a specific gene called KLF14. Increasing KLF14 abundance in fat cells may help alleviate metabolic abnormalities, including slower metabolic rates and less efficient triglyceride management.

Which promote greater metabolic health, almonds or potatoes? Rigorous, randomized trial weighs in

A rigorous randomized controlled trial found that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one's diet daily for a month did not result in differential weight gain or biomarker changes compared to an isocaloric daily serving of almonds. The study measured body composition, blood sugar, and insulin levels, finding no clinically si...

SourceThe Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2022

Lipid profiling can predict risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease decades before onset

A new study reveals that simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease years in advance. The researchers found that individuals with a certain lipid profile are at increased risk, while those with a different profile have lower risk. This d...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2022

Evidence links e-cigarette use with increased odds of prediabetes

A large US survey found a strong association between e-cigarette use and prediabetes, with users having higher prevalence of high-risk lifestyle factors and worse health status. The study's findings challenge the promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

Unravelling the mysteries around type-2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Leeds identify step-by-step changes in human islet amyloid polypeptide as it transforms into a toxic substance linked to type-2 diabetes. They also discover two compounds that can control the process, offering potential starting points for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Ceramides – Blood lipids provide new insights into the link between diet and diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Researchers discovered specific ceramides in the blood are associated with unfavorable levels of diabetes-related compounds, linking unhealthy diets to increased risk. Ceramide profiling may enable more precise dietary approaches for preventing cardiometabolic diseases.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2022

Obesity may increase end-stage kidney disease risk in women with type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that obesity may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease in women with type 2 diabetes. Managing blood pressure and sugar levels is not enough to slow progression, emphasizing the need for weight management.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateFeb 22, 2022

Gastric bypass is best weight loss option for diabetes patients, study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that gastric bypass surgery is the most effective treatment option for patients with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, leading to greater weight loss and a higher rate of remission. The study found that gastric bypass produces better results regardless of diabetes severity.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2022

NOACs associated with lower risk for diabetic complications and mortality compared with warfarin

A retrospective cohort study of patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) were associated with a lower risk of diabetes complications and mortality than warfarin. The study suggests that NOAC may be a better therapeutic choice for this patient population.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2022

Culinary medicine education program shows positive outcomes for low-income patients with diabetes

A culinary medicine curriculum significantly improved biometric and diet-related behavioral outcomes among low-income patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants showed reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, suggesting a positive impact on diabetes management.

An insulin patch that sticks inside a person’s cheek

Researchers have developed a prototype insulin-loaded patch that comfortably sticks to the inside of a person's cheek, offering a less invasive way to manage blood sugar levels. The patch, activated by heat, releases insulin into the bloodstream several times faster than through skin, showing promise for diabetes treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateFeb 2, 2022

Pictorial warnings could reduce purchases of sugary drinks

A trial found that parents bought fewer sugary drinks when products displayed pictorial warnings about type 2 diabetes or heart damage. Pictorial warnings are being explored as a strategy to reduce children's intake of sugary drinks and related health outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2022

Multi-organoid system to simulate human liver-islet axis in normal and type 2 diabetes

Researchers developed a novel multi-organoid system to simulate the human liver-islet axis, enabling 3D co-culture of hiPSC-derived organoids for up to 30 days. The system exhibited cooperative interaction between liver and islet organoids, reflecting the dynamic interplay among organs in type 2 diabetes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 25, 2022

Randomized controlled trial offers insights on how the timing of dinner and genetics affect individuals’ blood sugar control

A randomized controlled trial found that late eating, associated with high melatonin levels, impairs blood sugar control through a defect in insulin secretion. Participants with the genetic variant in the MTNR1B gene had higher blood sugar levels, highlighting the importance of considering genetics in food timing recommendations.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Step Up: walking may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk for adults 65 and older

A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Discovery could hold the key to alleviating metabolic disease

Researchers found a key role for Tmem120a in promoting expression of fat genes and shutting off muscle genes in fat tissue. This mechanism may explain why metabolic diseases like diabetes appear under certain circumstances, such as high-calorie diets. The discovery has implications for other metabolic diseases and muscle disorders.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 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

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion predominantly affects women, associated with risk for hypertension, diabetes

A cross-sectional study found that mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) predominantly affects women, increasing the frequency and severity of hypertension and type 2 diabetes compared to nonfunctioning adrenal tumors. Patients with MACS carried an increased cardiometabolic burden similar to Cushing Syndrome, even without typical f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2022

People with high-risk prediabetes benefit from intensive lifestyle intervention

Individuals with high-risk prediabetes significantly improved their blood glucose levels through more exercise and healthy eating behavior, while those at low risk showed limited benefits from conventional lifestyle intervention. The study's findings support personalized interventions tailored to each patient's risk profile for effecti...

Diabetes drug from the group of SGLT2 inhibitors normalizes insulin action in the brain

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin can improve insulin sensitivity in the brain, leading to better glucose control and reduced liver fat content. This breakthrough discovery positions SGLT2 inhibitors as a potential treatment for insulin resistance in the brain.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Gum disease increases risk of other illness such as mental health and heart conditions, study finds

A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 19, 2021

Heart disease-protective diabetes drug not used equitably, study finds

A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021

Inequities in use of diabetes medications

A study of 1.1 million patients with type 2 diabetes found disparities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists by racial and ethnic groups, as well as by sex and socioeconomic status. The findings highlight concerns about unequal access to effective diabetes care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 17, 2021

Telehealth-delivered diet and exercise programs led to significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life

Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Taking it easy as you get older? Wrong.

Research from Harvard University reveals that physical activity later in life shifts energy towards mechanisms that extend health, reducing chronic illnesses. The study highlights the importance of staying physically active as we age to allocate energy to physiological processes that slow down deterioration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

Deleting dysfunctional cells alleviates diabetes

Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Not all patients with type 2 diabetes receive appropriate care to prevent cardiovascular diseases

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that patients with type 2 diabetes often do not receive adequate cholesterol-lowering treatment, despite guidelines recommending statin prescriptions for elevated LDL-C levels. Women tend to have higher average LDL-C levels and receive less statin treatment than men.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2021