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Does sugar feed cancer?

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered that restricting glutamine availability can halt tumor growth by blocking glucose utilization. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting glutamine utilization or MondoA/ TXNIP.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2009

Gut hormone has 'remote control' on blood sugar

Researchers found that a gut hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) activates receptors to regulate glucose levels via a gut-brain-liver neuronal axis. CCK's effects depend on activation of CCK-A receptors, which slow down glucose production in the liver.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 5, 2009

Intensive glucose control halves complications of longstanding type 1 diabetes

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that intensive glucose control halves the rate of eye and kidney damage in people with longstanding type 1 diabetes. The study also showed lower rates of cardiovascular disease events and improved vision loss rates compared to conventional control.

Joint replacement patients with diabetes greatly benefit from controlled glucose

A study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that controlled glucose levels significantly reduce complications after total joint replacement surgery for diabetic patients. Patients with uncontrolled glucose were more likely to experience surgical complications, infection, blood transfusions, and longer hospital stays.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 1, 2009

Continuous glucose monitoring technology -- special issue of Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics

A special supplement of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reviews the latest research findings and critical analysis of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. CGM devices have been shown to improve glucose control, but limitations and drawbacks include finicky technology and limited physician knowledge.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 29, 2009

Pregnant women with mildly abnormal blood sugar levels at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that even mild abnormalities in glucose testing during pregnancy increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Women with these mild abnormalities are 2.5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those with normal glucose testing.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateMay 20, 2009

Energy drinks work -- in mysterious ways!

Researchers found that sugary drinks and tasteless carbohydrates can significantly improve endurance event performance. Athletes given glucose or maltodextrin drinks outperformed those on 'disguised' water by 2-3%.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 14, 2009

'Pre-diabetics' face heightened risk of heart disease

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pre-diabetic adults with post-challenge hyperglycemia have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased glucose and insulin levels, triglycerides, inflammation, and impaired blood vessel function. Routine glucose screening and preventi...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2009

Nano-tetherball biosensor precisely detects glucose

A team of researchers from Purdue University has developed a precise biosensor for detecting blood glucose and potentially many other biological molecules. The device, resembling a tiny cube-shaped tetherball, uses single-wall carbon nanotubes anchored to gold-coated nanocubes to conduct electrical signals.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 22, 2009

Is there a relationship between sleep-wake rhythm and diabetes?

A new gene variant associated with fasting glucose levels influences insulin secretion via melatonin metabolism, implicating a previously unknown relationship between the sleep-wake rhythm and diabetes. Further studies will explore the role of melatonin in regulating insulin secretion and potentially lead to new treatment options.

Lactic acid found to fuel tumors

Researchers found lactic acid is an important energy source for tumor cells and discovered a way to destroy hard-to-kill cells by preventing lactate delivery. Blocking lactate transport kills oxygenated cells that starve hypoxic cells, offering a novel approach to treating tumors.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008

Preventing tumor cells from refueling: A new anti-cancer approach?

Researchers have identified a potential new target for anticancer therapeutics by showing that well-oxygenated tumor cells use lactate as a fuel, while hypoxic cells use glucose. Inhibiting this protein MCT1 disrupts the symbiotic relationship between the two cell types, leading to decreased tumor growth in mouse models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2008