Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers from Pennington Biomedical serve on global commission on clinical obesity that goes beyond BMI in defining obesity as a disease

The Lancet Commission on Clinical Obesity proposes a new model for diagnosing clinical obesity based on objective measures of illness at the individual level. The proposal aims to settle the ongoing dispute around the idea of obesity as a disease, providing a medically coherent framework for diagnosis.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJan 15, 2025

Biomarker-related genetic predisposition discovered for progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes

A new study identifies molecular mechanisms of the progression from gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes, finding reduced levels of sphingolipids in blood and a mutation in gene CERS2 linked to risk. The discovery could lead to new therapies and interventions to reduce the risk of this progression.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Researchers use AI to help predict and identify subtypes of Type 2 diabetes from simple glucose monitor

A new AI-based algorithm can parse three of the four most common Type 2 diabetes subtypes using data from continuous blood glucose monitors. The technology could help individuals take preventative measures by identifying prediabetes warning signs and adjusting dietary or exercise habits accordingly.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateJan 7, 2025

Study uncovers key role of enzyme G6PC2 in controlling blood sugar by regulating glucagon secretion

A recent study has uncovered the crucial role of enzyme G6PC2 in regulating blood sugar levels by controlling glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells. Genetic variations in G6PC2 impact its expression in alpha cells, and inhibiting this enzyme may provide a new therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2025

People from some racial and ethnic groups may face barriers to obtaining obesity medications

A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

Overactive cells linked to type 2 diabetes

A recent study from the University of Missouri found that peripheral chemoreceptors are overactive in adults with type 2 diabetes, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. While high doses of oxygen reduced chemoreceptor activity, it did not improve glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

What is metformin’s secret sauce?

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2024

Heterogeneity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Researchers have identified three major pathomechanisms of MASLD: hepatic genetic component, metabolic de novo lipogenesis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. These subtypes have distinct risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Novel pharmacological approaches may facilitate targeted therapies for each subtype.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeNews article·DateDec 16, 2024

Danish diabetes medicine increases the risk of severely debilitating eye condition

Two independent studies from University of Southern Denmark confirm that patients with type 2 diabetes who take Ozempic are at increased risk of developing damage to the optic nerve, leading to severe and permanent loss of vision. The risk doubles compared to those not taking Ozempic.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Retina and Vitreous·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2024

Combined screening can detect liver damage in diabetes patients

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combined screening approach can detect liver damage in people with type 2 diabetes. The method involves elastography, an ultrasound-based technique, which was found to be willing to be adopted by most patients. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial, as ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 12, 2024

Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland found that high-dose vitamin D supplements over five years had no impact on type 2 diabetes development among those without prediabetes. The Finnish Vitamin D Trial revealed no statistically significant difference in disease incidence between groups receiving different doses of vitamin D.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalDiabetologia·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2024

The food additive carrageenan (E 407) could disrupt the intestinal barrier and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

A clinical study found increased permeability of the small intestine and inflammation in the gut, linked to higher body weight and insulin resistance. The researchers emphasize the need for further investigations into carrageenan's effects on human health.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 27, 2024

World’s most common heart valve disease linked to insulin resistance in large national study

Researchers found a novel link between aortic stenosis and insulin resistance, with certain biomarkers increasing the risk of the disease. The study's findings suggest that managing metabolic health could be a new approach to reduce the risk of AS and improve cardiovascular health in aging populations.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 27, 2024

New study reveals genetic drivers of early onset type 2 diabetes in South Asians

A new study from Queen Mary University of London has identified the genetic drivers of early onset type 2 diabetes in South Asians, revealing a strong link to lower insulin production and unfavorable body fat distribution. The research also sheds light on treatment responses, highlighting the need for precision medicine approaches.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 26, 2024

Popular diabetes and obesity drugs also protect kidneys, study shows

Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and worsening of kidney function by 22%. The combined reduction in risk was 19%, showing a clear benefit on kidney protection. This study expands current knowledge about this class of drugs, highlighting their role in treating patients with chronic...

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 25, 2024

Anti-obesity drugs, lifestyle interventions show cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss

Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 18, 2024

Study advances understanding of metformin effects on fetus

Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Restricting sugar consumption in utero and in early childhood significantly reduces risk of midlife chronic disease

A new study finds that restricting sugar consumption in utero and early childhood significantly reduces the risk of midlife chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Low sugar intake by mothers before birth and continued restriction after birth increased health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2024

NIH study demonstrates long-term benefits of weight-loss surgery in young people

A recent NIH study found that young people with severe obesity who underwent weight-loss surgery between ages 15 and 18 continued to see significant improvements in health outcomes, including reduced type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol levels. The study, known as Teen LABS, suggests that bariatric surgery may offer ...

NUS study: Breastfeeding lowers cardiovascular risk in women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes; lower gestational diabetes risk with healthy Mediterranean diet with low POP exposure

Researchers from NUS and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that breastfeeding significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk among women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. A healthy Mediterranean diet with low persistent organic pollutant exposure also lowers the risk of GDM.