ScienceDaily: Diabetes News

Newer diabetes medications may have additional cardiovascular benefits

Fri, 17 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

A newer class of medications used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics may also improve cardiovascular health.

Stem-cell-based strategy boosts immune system in mice

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

Raising hopes for cell-based therapies, researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. The researchers showed that, in mice, the tissue can be used to foster the development of white blood cells the body needs to mount healthy immune responses and to prevent harmful autoimmune reactions.

Posttraumatic stress disorder associated with type 2 diabetes

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

The presence of posttraumatic stress disorder is significantly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes.

Cholesterol-lowering drug may reduce exercise benefits for obese adults

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:19:19 EDT

Researchers found that simvastatin, a generic type of drug typically prescribed to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease, hindered the positive effects of exercise for obese and overweight adults.

Intestinal bacterium Akkermansia curbs obesity

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:37:37 EDT

A dominant and useful bacterium called Akkermansia muciniphila is present in the intestinal system of all humans, from babies to the elderly. This microorganism is found in the intestinal mucus layer that protects against intruders. Even more remarkable is that this bacterium has a favorable effect on the disrupted metabolism associated with obesity.

Marijuana users have better blood sugar control

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:52:52 EDT

Regular marijuana use is associated with favorable indices related to diabetic control, say investigators. They found that current marijuana users had significantly lower fasting insulin and were less likely to be insulin resistant, even after excluding patients with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.

Air pollution increases risk of insulin resistance in children

Thu, 09 May 2013 18:48:48 EDT

New research shows that growing up in areas where air pollution is increased raises the risk of insulin resistance (the prescursor to diabetes) in children.

Biomaterial shows promise for Type 1 diabetes treatment

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:45:45 EDT

Researchers have made a significant first step with newly engineered biomaterials for cell transplantation that could help lead to a possible cure for Type 1 diabetes, which affects about 3 million Americans. Engineers and clinicians have successfully engrafted insulin-producing cells into a diabetic mouse model, reversing diabetic symptoms in the animal in as little as 10 days.

Popular diabetes drug does not improve survival rates after cancer

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

Despite previous scientific studies that suggest diabetes drug metformin has anti-cancer properties, a new, first-of-its-kind study has found the drug may not actually improve survival rates after breast cancer in certain patients.

Positive social support at work shown to reduce risk of diabetes

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

Low levels of social support and high levels of stress in the workplace accurately predict the development of diabetes over the long term -- even in employees who appear to be healthy otherwise.

Local health departments find Twitter effective in spreading diabetes information

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:33:33 EDT

The web-based social media site Twitter is proving to be an effective tool for local health departments in disseminating health information — especially in promoting specific health behaviors.

Discovery of new hormone opens doors to new type 2 diabetes treatments

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

Researchers have discovered that a particular type of protein (hormone) found in fat cells helps regulate how glucose (blood sugar) is controlled and metabolized in the liver. Using experimental models and state-of-the-art technology, the scientists found that switching off this protein leads to better control of glucose production from the liver, revealing a potential new target that may be used to treat type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.

Protecting the heart health of diabetic patients

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:45:45 EDT

Diabetics have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease and plaque build-up in their arteries, even if they receive cholesterol-lowering therapies. New research reveals that high blood sugar levels also boost the production of inflammatory cells, which contribute to plaque in blood vessels.

No link found between viral infection and rapidly developing Type 1 diabetes in young children

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:11:11 EDT

Some of the earliest results from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study - a major Europe-USA consortium exploring the causes of Type 1 diabetes in children -- has found no evidence for viral infection as a cause of the rapid-onset form of the condition.

Injectable nano-network controls blood sugar in diabetics for days at a time

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:47:47 EDT

In a promising development for diabetes treatment, researchers have developed a network of nanoscale particles that can be injected into the body and release insulin when blood-sugar levels rise, maintaining normal blood sugar levels for more than a week in animal-based laboratory tests.

New mouse model confirms how type 2 diabetes develops

Fri, 03 May 2013 09:41:41 EDT

Researchers have developed a new mouse model that answers the question of what actually happens in the body when type 2 diabetes develops and how the body responds to drug treatment. Long-term studies of the middle-aged mouse model will be better than previous studies at confirming how drugs for type 2 diabetes function in humans.

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:54:54 EDT

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function. The association between the two was noted in young and middle-age adults as well as the elderly. Smoking and diabetes were especially linked with reduced brain function.

Newly-discovered human fat cell opens up new opportunities for future treatment of obesity

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:17:17 EDT

The body's brown fat cells play a key role in the development of obesity and diabetes. Researchers have now discovered that we humans have two different kinds of brown fat cells and not one kind as previously thought. This discovery opens up new opportunities for future medicines that exploit the brown fat cells' ability to consume calories.

Expanding Medicaid: Mental and financial health improve, but no improvement shown in physical health

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

New findings from the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment show that Medicaid coverage had no detectable effect on the prevalence of diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, but substantially reduced depression, nearly eliminated catastrophic out-of-pocket expenditures, and increased the diagnosis of diabetes and the use of diabetes medication among low-income adults.

Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:31:31 EDT

A diet low in grains, beans and certain vegetables -- combined with "anti-aging" supplements -- improved blood vessel function, in a new study.

Gastric bypass findings could lead to diabetes treatment

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:06:06 EDT

Scientists have shed new light on why gastric bypass often sends diabetes into remission rapidly, opening the door to developing treatment with the same effect.

Gastric bypass surgery alters hormones to relieve diabetes symptoms

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT

Gastric bypass surgery alters the hormones and amino acids produced during digestion, hinting at the mechanisms through which the surgery eliminates symptoms of type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study.

Identification of stem cells’ two separate roles raises possibility of therapies that could inhibit fat formation, promote muscle repair

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT

Many diseases – obesity, Type 2 diabetes, muscular dystrophy – are associated with fat accumulation in muscle. In essence, fat replacement causes the muscles to weaken and degenerate. Scientists have discovered the biological mechanism involved in this process, which could point the way to potential therapies.

Obesity in early 20s curbs chances of reaching middle age

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:09:09 EDT

Young men who are obese in their early 20s are significantly more likely to develop serious ill health by the time they reach middle age, or not even make it that far, suggests research.

Mediterranean diet linked to preserving memory

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT

A new study suggests that the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes consuming foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, chicken and salad dressing, and avoiding saturated fats, meat and dairy foods, may be linked to preserving memory and thinking abilities.

Will green tea help you lose weight?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:47:47 EDT

Green tea extract in tandem with an additional compound could be effective for body weight control and type 2 diabetes, a new study in mice indicates. Evidence has shown that green tea extract may be an effective herbal remedy useful for weight control and helping to regulate glucose in type 2 diabetes.

Mapping of cancer cell fuel pumps paves the way for new drugs

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:48:48 EDT

For the first time, researchers have managed to obtain detailed images of the way in which the transport protein GLUT transports sugars into cells. Since tumors are highly dependent on the transportation of nutrients in order to be able to grow rapidly, the researchers are hoping that their study will form the basis for new strategies to fight cancer cells.

Intermittent fasting may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, study suggests

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Intermittent fasting is all the rage, but scientific evidence showing how such regimes affect human health is not always clear cut. Now a scientific review suggests that fasting diets may help those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, alongside established weight loss claims.

Roundworm quells obesity and related metabolic disorders

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:45:45 EDT

Researchers have shown in a mouse model that infection with nematodes (also known as roundworms) can not only combat obesity but ameliorate related metabolic disorders.

Potential diabetes breakthrough: Hormone spurs beta cell production

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

Researchers have discovered a new hormone that holds promise for a dramatically more effective treatment of type 2 diabetes, a metabolic illness afflicting an estimated 26 million Americans. The researchers believe the hormone might also have a role in treating type 1, or juvenile, diabetes.

Liver disease: New studies demonstrates lethal link between alcohol, weight

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Scientists have revealed the deadly impact that alcohol and body weight have on liver disease.

Drinking one 12-ounce sugar-sweetened soft drink a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22 percent, study suggests

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:52:52 EDT

Drinking one (or one extra) 12-ounce serving size of sugar-sweetened soft drink a day can be enough to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 22 percent, a new study suggests.

Dietary medium chain triglycerides prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:11:11 EDT

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with obesity is increasing rapidly and is a major source of liver pathology. A new study suggests dietary substitution of saturated fat in the form of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) for polyunsaturated fats can prevent progression of NAFLD-associated liver injury and that MCT containing oils could be a new NAFLD therapy.

Researchers discover new explanation for diabetes and poor growth

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:27:27 EDT

A group of researchers has taken a significant step towards understanding the reasons for both diabetes and growth hormone deficiency. Their new discoveries center on the body's ability to regulate certain hormones.

Vitamin E identified as potential weapon against obesity

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:40:40 EDT

A potential new way to fight obesity-related illness has been uncovered, thanks to a serendipitous finding.

Tart cherries linked to reduced risk of stroke

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:21:21 EDT

For the millions of Americans at risk for heart disease or diabetes, a diet that includes tart cherries might actually be better than what the doctor ordered, according to new animal research.

Scientists advance understanding of human brown adipose tissue and grow new cells

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:58:58 EDT

Scientists have reported significant findings about the location, genetic expression and function of human brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the generation of new BAT cells.

Grape intake may protect against metabolic syndrome-related organ damage

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:12:12 EDT

Consuming grapes may help protect against organ damage associated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, according to research presented this week at the Experimental Biology conference in Boston.

Experts examine Mediterranean diet's health effects for older adults

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:57:57 EDT

According to a new study, a baseline adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of hyperuricemia, defined as a serum uric acid concentration higher than 7mg/dl in men and higher than 6mg/dl in women.

'Health MOT' programme could uncover 440,000 new diabetes, heart or kidney patients per year

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

Researchers believe a new health MOT-style program for over-40s is likely to uncover more diabetes, kidney or heart patients than expected.

Common pregnancy conditions risk future diabetes

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EDT

Two common conditions in pregnancy may be risk factors for future diabetes according to a Canadian study of over one million women.

Survived cancer? Now look out for cardiovascular risks

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:17:17 EDT

New research finds that CVD risk factors may be overlooked during survivorship care.

C-peptide levels linked to death and heart disease in nondiabetic adults

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:47:47 EDT

High blood levels of the serum C-peptide are linked to heart disease and death in people without diabetes, according to a large study.

High glucose levels could impair ferroelectricity in body's connective tissues

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:08:08 EDT

New research suggests that more sugar in the body could damage the elastic proteins that help us breathe and pump blood. The findings could have health implications for diabetics, who have high blood-glucose levels.

Unusual suspect: Scientists find 'second fiddle' protein has leading role in type 2 diabetes

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Researchers have found that a protein long believed to have a minor role in type 2 diabetes is, in fact, a central player in the development of the condition that affects nearly 26 million people in the United States alone and counts as one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke and kidney, eye and nerve damage.

New protein target for controlling diabetes

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:34:34 EDT

Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological mechanism involved in the regulation of pancreatic islet beta cells, whose role is to produce and release insulin. The discovery suggests a new therapeutic target for treating dysfunctional beta cells and type 2 diabetes, a disease affecting more than 25 million Americans.

Co-Q10 deficiency may relate to concern with statin drugs, higher risk of diabetes

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:14:14 EDT

A laboratory study has shown for the first time that coenzyme Q10 offsets the cellular changes that are linked to a side-effect of some statin drugs -- an increased risk of adult-onset diabetes.

Modest population-wide weight loss could result in reductions in Type 2 diabetes and cardio disease

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:19:19 EDT

A new article suggests a strong association between population-wide weight change and risk of death from Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

New evidence that natural substances in green coffee beans help control blood sugar levels

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:47:47 EDT

Scientists today described evidence that natural substances extracted from unroasted coffee beans can help control the elevated blood sugar levels and body weight that underpin type 2 diabetes.

Stress during gestation causes a predisposition to the development of pathologies in adulthood

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:59:59 EDT

The intrauterine environment plays an important role in the health of the offspring. Now, experts from the affirm that the mother's stress, due to socio-economic or psycho-social causes, is associated with the development of pathologies related with obesity.

Adding intestinal enzyme to diets of mice appears to prevent, treat metabolic syndrome

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:29 EDT

Feeding an intestinal enzyme to mice kept on a high-fat diet appears to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome -- a group of symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and fatty liver -- and to reduce symptoms in mice that already had the condition.

Diabetes patients need to be consulted to improve treatment, study suggests

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Patients with type 2 diabetes who tailor their own treatment in cooperation with their doctor can reduce their risk of complications such as heart attack by up to 20 percent. This is the result of a new Danish study.

Higher mercury levels in humans associated with increased risk for diabetes

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:15:15 EDT

A new study found that higher levels of mercury exposure in young adults increased their risks for type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent.

Lift weights to lower blood sugar? White muscle helps keep blood glucose levels under control

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Researchers have challenged a long-held belief that whitening of skeletal muscle in diabetes is harmful.

Treatments, not prevention, dominate diabetes research

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:56:56 EDT

Research for diabetes is far more focused on drug therapies than preventive measures, and tends to exclude children and older people who have much to gain from better disease management, according to a new study.

Walking can lower risk of heart-related conditions as much as running

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:02:02 EDT

Walking can lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running. The more people walked or ran each week, the more their health benefits increased.

Obesity without the health problems? There could be a way

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 12:20:20 EDT

Obesity is linked to the widespread epidemics of diabetes and heart disease that plague society, but a lesser-known fact is that the weight can also lead to autoimmune disease. Now, researchers have new information about how that damaging immune response happens and how it might be stopped.

Despite free health care, household income affects chronic disease control in kids

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:22:22 EDT

Even in Canada, where free healthcare is available, the glycated hemoglobin levels of diabetic kids (type 1) are correlated with household income.

White blood cell enzyme contributes to inflammation and obesity

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:32:32 EDT

Researchers have discovered that an imbalance between the enzyme neutrophil elastase and its inhibitor, ±1-antitrypsin, causes inflammation, obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease.

Decreased melatonin secretion associated with higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:24:24 EDT

With previous evidence suggesting that melatonin may have a role in glucose metabolism, researchers have found an independent association between decreased secretion of melatonin and an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes.