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One injection stops diabetes in its tracks

A single injection of FGF1 protein restores blood sugar levels to a healthy range for over two days, reversing insulin insensitivity and the underlying cause of diabetes. This breakthrough discovery offers a new method to control glucose with a safer and more effective treatment.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2014

Progress on detecting glucose levels in saliva

The new sensor uses dye chemistry and plasmonic interferometry to selectively measure glucose concentrations in complex solutions like human saliva. It can detect changes in glucose concentration of 0.1 micromoles per liter, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous methods.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanophotonics·DateJun 3, 2014

Two large meals (breakfast and lunch) better than 6 small meals with same calories for controlling weight and blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes

A study published in Diabetologia found that eating two large meals (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six small meals with the same calories in controlling weight and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers also found that this approach improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat content.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 15, 2014

What fuels Salmonella's invasion strategy?

Research discovered that glucose is the major nutrient used by Salmonella bacteria, but it's also able to use other nutrients. This finding informs potential therapeutic interventions to combat Salmonella infections. The study reveals a wealth of strategies employed by Salmonella to overcome host defenses and evade immune systems.

SourceNorwich BioScience Institutes·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 5, 2014

Lashing out at your spouse? Check your blood sugar

A new study found that lower levels of blood glucose in married individuals predict increased anger and aggression towards their spouse. Participants who had lower evening blood glucose levels were willing to deliver louder and longer noise blasts at their spouse, even after controlling for relationship satisfaction.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2014

Cause for exaggerated insulin response in subset of bariatric surgery patients identified

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered that gastric bypass surgery leads to excessive post-meal insulin response in a subset of patients, characterized by altered islet cell function and reduced insulin clearance. This study sheds light on mechanisms of glucose metabolism alterations following gastric bypass surgery.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateMar 27, 2014

Model predicts blood glucose levels 30 minutes later

A mathematical model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately predict blood glucose levels of individuals with type 1 diabetes up to 30 minutes in advance. This allows for timely action to be taken and reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events, which can be life-threatening.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateMar 25, 2014

A new target for cancer and diabetes: A novel role for the adaptor protein p66shc in regulating glucose metabolism

Researchers have identified a novel role for the adaptor protein p66shc in regulating glucose metabolism, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer and diabetes. Silencing p66shc enhances glucose metabolism and cell growth, indicating it may act as an energy sensor that responds to nutrient availability.

SourceLunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 13, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Jan. 27, 2014

Researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors improved muscle insulin sensitivity and lowered fasting plasma glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. However, the use of these inhibitors also resulted in an increase in endogenous glucose production and decreased insulin secretion.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 27, 2014

Holographic diagnostics

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed portable, inexpensive medical tests using color-changing 'smart' holograms that can detect a wide range of compounds in blood, breath, urine, saliva or tear fluid.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJan 22, 2014

JCI early table of contents for Dec. 16, 2013

Researchers evaluated potential age-promoting compounds using a novel mouse model, finding that UV light exposure and cigarette smoke increased p16INK4 expression, while a high-fat diet did not accelerate this process. This study demonstrates the utility of the p16LUC mouse model for evaluating age-promoting agents.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 16, 2013

Measuring blood sugar with light

Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive method to measure blood sugar levels using photoacoustic spectroscopy and infrared laser light. The technology has the potential to make diabetes management easier and more reliable without pricking or using test strips.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 25, 2013

UC Davis researchers discover a biological link between diabetes and heart disease

A recent study published in Nature reveals that high blood sugar levels can cause irregular heartbeats, or cardiac arrhythmia, by activating a protein called CaMKII. The researchers found that O-GlcNAc, a sugar molecule, attaches to CaMKII and causes it to become overactive, leading to pathological changes in the heart's calcium signal...

UCLA engineers develop new metabolic pathway to more efficiently convert sugars into biofuels

Researchers at UCLA have created a synthetic metabolic pathway that converts all six glucose carbon atoms into three molecules of acetyl-CoA without losing any as carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of biofuels, with potential applications in biorefineries and photosynthetic microbes.

Amino acid with promising anti-diabetic effects

Researchers have demonstrated that the amino acid arginine significantly improves glucose metabolism in both lean and obese mice. The study found that arginine increases the body's production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone that plays a key role in regulating appetite and glucose metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 9, 2013

Insulin secretion disrupted by increased fatty acids

Researchers found that increased fatty acid levels suppress incretin-associated insulin release, highlighting the importance of β cell connectivity. Maintaining β cell connectivity may be a useful strategy for restoring glucose balance in type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2013

Life without insulin is possible

Scientists identified mechanisms necessary to live without insulin, a breakthrough that could lead to alternative treatments against diabetes. Researchers found leptin regulates glucose levels and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, offering hope for patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 3, 2013