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FGF-21 finds itself as a new therapy for type 2 diabetes

Researchers discovered that FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, significantly reducing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides. FGF-21 also protected animals from diet-induced obesity, providing evidence for its therapeutic potential in treating type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2005

Natural glucose byproduct may prevent brain damage and cognitive impairment after diabetic coma

Researchers at UCSF discovered that administering pyruvate along with glucose after a diabetic coma can prevent brain damage and subsequent memory and learning impairment. The therapy was shown to be more effective than treatment with glucose alone, with rats experiencing significant cognitive deficits when given only glucose.

Drugs targeted at muscle cells

Researchers have discovered two new experimental drugs that target peroxisome proliferators-activated delta receptors (PFAARä) in muscle cells, increasing glucose absorption and boosting energy production. The findings offer a potential alternative to insulin therapy for patients with Type 2 diabetes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalDiabetes·DateApr 18, 2005

Diabetes' link to obesity broken in mice

Researchers genetically altered mice to resist obesity but still develop early signs of diabetes, revealing the complex network of factors leading from obesity to diabetes. By applying a drug treatment, they increased insulin sensitivity, a primary goal of diabetes treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateFeb 15, 2005

JCI table of contents

Researchers propose a new antiviral therapy targeting the smallpox growth factor, demonstrating effectiveness in lowering morbidity and mortality in infected mice. In another study, human bone marrow-derived stem cells are shown to regenerate myocardium after myocardial infarction, providing a potential approach for heart repair.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2005

Sleeping, waking, ... and glucose homeostasis

A mouse study revealed that the molecular clock genes Bmal1 and Clock play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Disrupting these genes led to impaired glucose regulation, even with insulin treatment. The study suggests that our internal circadian clock may influence blood sugar control beyond diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 1, 2004

Nevada researcher re-ignites mammal reproduction debate

A recent study by a University of Nevada researcher suggests that glucose levels in female mammals may influence the sex of their offspring, challenging a long-standing hypothesis in evolutionary biology. The study's findings have significant implications for wildlife conservation and agriculture production.

SourceUniversity of Nevada College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 23, 2004

Continuous insulin monitoring does not raise hospital costs

A study published in Endocrine Practice found that continuous insulin monitoring and endocrinologist involvement did not increase the cost of treating diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. The protocol showed significantly better glycemic control, leading to shorter hospital stays and fewer deep sternal wound infections.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateApr 12, 2004

Buckwheat may be beneficial for managing diabetes

Researchers found that buckwheat extract can reduce blood glucose concentrations in rats with chemically-induced diabetes by 12-19%, suggesting its potential as a management aid. The active component chiro-inositol may play a role in this effect, although further studies are needed to confirm the results.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2003

A dangerous duo: Heart disease and diabetes

Researchers have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating hyperglycemic damage in endothelial cells, which is linked to both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibiting GAPDH activity by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase could activate three major pathways of damage, providing new avenues for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2003

On the horizon of glucose monitoring: A review

Researchers review new glucose monitoring technologies, including non-invasive options that could lead to better compliance with testing recommendations. Continuous glucose monitoring systems also hold promise for early detection of hidden glucose trends.

SourcePenn State·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·DateSep 15, 2003

From diagnostic tool to cancer therapy

A team of researchers has discovered that injecting radioactive glucose can selectively kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissues. The treatment exploits the fact that cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissue, allowing for targeted delivery of radioactivity.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateAug 21, 2003

Gold 'nanoplugs' wire up enzymes

Researchers have developed a technology that uses gold nanoparticles to attach enzymes to electrodes, improving the measurement of biological molecules. The technique enables more sensitive and specific glucose monitoring in diabetic patients, with higher flow rates detected than with traditional methods.

Predicting the birth of big babies

Researchers found that plasma glucose levels were poorly correlated with birth weight, and factors like smoking, pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy were more important predictors. The authors also questioned the historic link between gestational diabetes and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 17, 2003

High sugar blood levels linked to poor memory

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found an association between impaired glucose regulation and reduced hippocampal volume, leading to poorer memory performance. This suggests that improving glucose tolerance may have significant treatment implications for age-related cognitive decline.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2003

Coffee addicts at reduced risk of type 2 diabetes?

A large study of over 17,000 Dutch adults found that those who drank seven or more cups of coffee a day were 50% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes. The study suggests that components of coffee other than caffeine may be beneficial for glucose metabolism, but long-term effects are unknown.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 7, 2002