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Inducing an identity crisis in liver cells may help diabetics

Researchers have successfully reprogrammed liver cells to behave like precursor cells that give rise to the pancreas, paving the way for potential cell therapies for type I diabetes. By altering a single gene, the team induced an identity crisis in liver cells, which then developed into cells with pancreatic properties.

Artificial pancreas likely to be available by 2018

The artificial pancreas, a device monitoring blood glucose levels and automatically adjusting insulin doses, is nearing availability. Clinical trials have shown effective glucose control with reduced risk of hypoglycaemia, but challenges remain in addressing speed of action and cybersecurity concerns.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJun 30, 2016

Is an insulin pump the best therapy for everyone with type 1 diabetes?

A commentary published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics suggests that insulin pump therapy can lead to better blood glucose control and may be beneficial for all patients with type 1 diabetes. The author highlights the importance of pump technology, including sensor-controlled feedback and artificial pancreas systems.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 17, 2016

Melatonin signaling is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a genetic variant of the melatonin receptor gene, MTNR1B, may predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes by increasing sensitivity to insulin-inhibiting effects of melatonin. This increased sensitivity can lead to lower insulin secretion and higher blood sugar levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 12, 2016

Advances in continuous glucose monitoring technology will pave the way to an artificial pancreas

The article discusses the development and future promise of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology, which combines CGM with an insulin pump and sophisticated algorithms for automating insulin control. Key challenges facing successful commercialization include cost, reimbursement issues, and lack of FDA approval for insulin dosing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 19, 2016

Artificial pancreas therapy performs well in pilot study

A pilot study has demonstrated that a mechanical artificial pancreas can better maintain normal blood glucose levels than multiple daily insulin injections in patients with pancreatitis. The treatment combines an AI-powered pump with islet cell transplantation, enabling the transplanted cells to survive longer and produce more insulin.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 20, 2015

Implantable 'artificial pancreas' could help diabetes patients control their blood sugar

Researchers have created an implantable device that continuously measures blood sugar levels and automatically releases insulin as needed, eliminating the need for constant monitoring and daily injections. The artificial pancreas maintained blood glucose within target range nearly 80% of the time in computer simulations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJul 1, 2015

Scientists use MRI to visualize pancreas inflammation in type 1 diabetes

Researchers have developed a novel imaging technique using ferumoxytol and MRI to visualize pancreatic inflammation in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The study found clear evidence of ongoing inflammation in the pancreas, which could help predict disease progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2015

Smoking, alcohol, gene variant interact to increase risk of chronic pancreatitis

A 12-year study found that genetic variants, combined with lifestyle factors like smoking and drinking, can lead to chronic pancreatitis. Researchers identified a specific gene variant that may fail to protect pancreatic cells from injury, increasing the risk of inflammation and scarring.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateJan 8, 2015

A picture's worth a thousand words

Researchers developed a non-invasive imaging technique to track beta cell status in type 1 diabetes patients. The PET scan detects the amount of radiotracer in the pancreas, indicating the overall amount or volume of active beta cells present.

SourceJDRF·JournalDiabetes·DateJun 12, 2014

Dismantling pancreas cancer's armor

Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that removing immune suppressor cells from pancreas tumors triggers a spontaneous anti-tumor immune response, providing hope for future immunotherapy strategies. The study showed that these cells, called granulocyte-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Gr-MDSCs), actively work ag...

Scientists discover new causes of diabetes

Research by the University of Exeter Medical School reveals two new genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, providing insights into how insulin-producing beta cells are formed in the pancreas. This discovery increases the number of known genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, offering hope for improved treatment and potential therapies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2014

Type 1 diabetes: Can insulin-producing cells be regenerated?

Researchers have found that pancreatic β cells can be regenerated at least three times using a mechanism that involves the forced activation of the Pax 4 gene. This breakthrough suggests that the pancreas has a virtually inexhaustible source of cells capable of replacing lost β cells, offering new hope for treating Type 1 diabetes.