RxPG News : Diabetes

Suspected cause of type 1 diabetes caught 'red-handed' for the first time

Fri, 09 May 2008 04:00:00 PST

May 8, 2008 -- Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis working with diabetic mice have examined in unprecedented detail the immune cells long thought to be responsible for type 1 diabetes.

Harmful blood glucose levels linked to defective gene

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 PST

A genetic mutation that can raise the amount of glucose in a person's blood to harmful levels is identified today in a study in the journal Science.

Researchers uncover new genetic links to psoriasis

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PST

In the first comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that increase the risk of the troublesome skin condition. They also found that variations in one genetic region link psoriasis and a related joint disorder, psoriatic arthritis, to four autoimmune diseases: type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

How diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:12:00 PST

Researchers have discovered how diabetes, by driving inflammation and slowing blood flow, dramatically accelerates atherosclerosis, according to research to be published in the March 14 edition of the journal Circulation Research.

CRTC2 inhibitors may be needed for maintaining sugar levels

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 06:57:23 PST

Continually revved up insulin production, the kind that results from overeating and obesity, slowly dulls the body’s response to insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels start to creep up, setting the stage for diabetes-associated complications such as blindness, stroke and renal failure. To make matters even worse, chronically elevated blood sugar concentrations exacerbate insulin resistance.

A focus on the ADVANCE and RISC studies in the Diabetes UK conference March 2008

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 07:22:07 PST

In the recent Annual Professional Conference held in Glasgow(March 5-7, 2008) an interesting talk was on the late breaking trials. There was a focus on the ADVANCE trial (presented by Dr Neil Poulter, London) and the RISC trial (presented by Dr Mark Walker, Newcastle). Here is a brief overview of the studies and the thoughts of the speakers and audience.

Type 2 diabetes may be caused by intestinal dysfunction

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:00:00 PST

NEW YORK (March 5, 2008) -- Growing evidence shows that surgery may effectively cure Type 2 diabetes -- an approach that not only may change the way the disease is treated, but that introduces a new way of thinking about diabetes.

Protein target for diabetes drug regulates blood pressure

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 05:00:00 PST

University of Iowa researchers have identified a molecular pathway in blood vessels that controls blood pressure and vascular function and may help explain why certain drugs for type II diabetes also appear to lower patients' blood pressure. The study is published in the March 5 issue of Cell Metabolism.

Study: highly involved patients don't always see better health outcomes

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:00:00 PST

Patients who prefer to be highly involved in their treatment don't necessarily have better luck managing chronic health conditions, a new study suggests.

Intensive blood sugar treatment in trial of diabetes and cardiovascular disease changed

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:40:00 PST

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has stopped one treatment within a large, ongoing North American clinical trial of diabetes and cardiovascular disease 18 months early due to safety concerns after review of available data, although the study will continue.

Insulin inhibits resistin expression and secretion

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:07:29 PST

Does resistin play a role in insulin resistance? Is insulin the major regulator of resistin? A research article to be published on January 7, 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (volume 14, issue 1) addresses these questions.

Oral anti diabetic substance discovered

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 05:00:00 PST

Research in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science and Science Education of the University of Haifa has discovered a substance that may become an oral treatment for diabetes and its complications. The substance, which is derived from yeast, is called Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). The research is now at the stage where the substance has been successfully tested on diabetic rats and was found to reduce sugar and lipids in the blood of the treated animals. The next stage of the research is to evaluate GTF efficacy in humans, said Dr. Nitsa Mirsky, who is conducting the research.

Stanford researchers shed light on black box of gestational diabetes

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 04:00:00 PST

STANFORD, Calif. - A protein in the pancreas is giving researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine their first chance at cracking the code that determines how diabetes develops during pregnancy, a finding that could lead to new treatments for all forms of diabetes.

'Knocking out' cell receptor may help block fat deposits in tissues, prevent weight gain

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

CINCINNATI�University of Cincinnati (UC) pathologists have identified a new molecular target that one day may help scientists develop drugs to reduce fat transport to adipocytes (fat cells) in the body and prevent obesity and related disorders, like diabetes.

'Twinkle after effect' can help retinal patients detect vision loss quickly and cheaply

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

Boston, MA�Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have discovered a simple and inexpensive way for patients with retinal and other eye disease to keep track of changes in their vision loss. In a study published in this week�s PLoS One (October 24, 2007) they demonstrate that a compelling visual illusion known as the induced twinkle after-effect (TAE) can accurately identify the location and breadth of actual blind spots in people with retinal disease. The twinkle after-effect is a �twinkling� that people can see in a blind spot when they stare at a blank screen after staring at a noisy visual target such as a detuned television screen.

Exercise improves thinking, reduces diabetes risk in overweight children

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

Just three months of daily, vigorous physical activity in overweight children improves their thinking and reduces their diabetes risk, researchers say.

Cross-species transplant in rhesus macaques is step toward diabetes cure for humans

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

St. Louis, Oct. 18, 2007 � With an eye on curing diabetes, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreatic cells destined to produce insulin into diabetic macaque monkeys � all without the need for risky immune suppression drugs that prevent rejection.

Low doses of a red wine ingredient fight diabetes in mice

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

Even relatively low doses of resveratrol�a chemical found in the skins of red grapes and in red wine�can improve the sensitivity of mice to the hormone insulin, according to a report in the October issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication. As insulin resistance is often characterized as the most critical factor contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes, the findings �provide a potential new therapeutic approach for preventing or treating� both conditions, the researchers said.

Genetic 'roadblock' hoped to inspire future type 2 diabetes research

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

Toronto, ON (October 2, 2007) � A team of Mount Sinai Hospital researchers has found that a �genetic roadblock� identified in a recent study could pave the way toward novel treatments for type 2 diabetes.

Botched production of insulin molecule may lead to diabetes

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

ANN ARBOR, Mich. � Picture a pretzel factory production line, with conveyer belts carrying the dough, formed into unbaked pretzels, down to the oven to be cooked.

Joslin researchers uncover potential role of leptin in diabetes

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON�October 1, 2007�A new Joslin-led study has shown that leptin, a hormone known mainly for regulating appetite control and energy metabolism, plays a major role in islet cell growth and insulin secretion. This finding opens up new avenues for studying leptin and its role in islet cell biology, which may lead to new treatments for diabetes. This study appears in the October 2007 issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation.

'Bad carbs' not the enemy, University of Virginia professor finds

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

The latest common wisdom on carbohydrates claims that eating so-called �bad� carbohydrates will make you fat, but University of Virginia professor Glenn Gaesser says, �that�s just nonsense.� Eating sandwiches with white bread, or an occasional doughnut, isn't going to kill you, or necessarily even lead to obesity, he said.

Discovery supports theory of Alzheimer's disease as form of diabetes

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Insulin, it turns out, may be as important for the mind as it is for the body. Research in the last few years has raised the possibility that Alzheimer�s memory loss could be due to a novel third form of diabetes.

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids associated with decreased risk of type 1 diabetes

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

Preliminary research suggests that in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, which is linked to the development of diabetes, according to an article in the Sept. 26 issue of JAMA.

Breath analysis offers potential for noninvasive blood sugar monitoring in diabetes

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

Irvine, Calif. � Breath-analysis testing may prove to be an effective, non-invasive method for monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetes, according to a University of California, Irvine study.

Both aerobic and resistance exercise improved blood sugar control in people with diabetes

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

In a new randomized controlled trial, both aerobic and resistance exercise improved glycemic/blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. The greatest improvements came from combined aerobic and resistance training.

Immune police recognize good and bad guys in the body

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

Immune system police are as good at recognizing bad guys, such as bacteria and viruses, as they are our own tissue, researchers say.

Drug could improve pregnancy outcomes in wider range of women with insulin resistance

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

St. Louis, Sept. 6, 2007 � Women who are obese, have type 2 diabetes or a family history of type 2 diabetes could one day have more successful pregnancies because of a study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Sugary drinks, not fruit juice, may be linked to insulin

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON (Sept. 5, 2007) � Steady increases in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages over the last several decades, as well as rates of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, led nutritional epidemiologists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University and colleagues to explore the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. Their findings suggest that higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, but not 100 percent fruit juice, may be associated with insulin resistance, even in otherwise healthy adults.

Environmental stress probed in cardiovascular disease, diabetes

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

How environmental stress contributes to cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes is under study at the Medical College of Georgia.

How insulin TORC2 blood sugar levels: glowing mice light the way

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

La Jolla, CA � With the help of genetically engineered mice whose livers turned into glowing light bulbs, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have illuminated the underpinnings of an insidious and growing health concern� type II diabetes.

Combination drug therapy for blood pressure may reduce cardiovascular outcomes for diabetes patients

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 04:00:00 PST

By 2030, an estimated 350 million people will be living with diabetes worldwide. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes including heart attack, stroke, and microvascular outcomes such as degenerative eye disease. Current guidelines recommend the lowering of blood pressure for people with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of such events, though a strategy to reduce blood pressure regardless of baseline blood pressure (ie, including people with diabetes who do not have raised blood pressure) has not been proven in randomised trials to date.

Treating diabetes during pregnancy can break link to childhood obesity

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

August 28, 2007 (Oakland, Calif) -- Treating diabetes during pregnancy can break the link between gestational diabetes and childhood obesity, according to a Kaiser Permanente study featured in the September issue of Diabetes Care.

Novel method enables genomic screening of blood vessels from patient tissue

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

COLUMBUS, Ohio � Scientists have developed a new method of capturing a complete genome-wide screening of blood vessel cells in their actual disease state, advancing the potential for genetic research on the tissue responsible for delivering nourishment that can accelerate the growth of both a cancer tumor or wound healing.

Focus on families aims to curb diabetes spread

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

Family lifestyles and their impact on the health of individual family members will be the focus of a new approach to preventing diabetes.

Diabetes appears to increase risk of death for patients with acute coronary syndromes

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

Individuals with diabetes and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) such as a heart attack or unstable angina have an increased risk of death at 30 days and one year after ACS, compared with ACS patients without diabetes, according to a study in the August 15 issue of JAMA.

UCLA researchers identify markers that may predict diabetes in still-healthy people

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

In the first large scale, multiethnic study of its kind, researchers at UCLA have confirmed the role played by three particular molecules known as cytokines as a cause of Type 2 diabetes, and further, have identified these molecules as early biological markers that may be used to more accurately predict future incidences of diabetes among apparently healthy individuals.

Adverse housing conditions contribute to diabetes risk

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

INDIANAPOLIS Fair or poor housing conditions are associated with the risk of developing diabetes in urban, middle-aged African-Americans according to a study published in the Aug. 15 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology by a team of investigators from Indiana University School of Medicine, the Regenstrief Institute, Washington University in St. Louis and other institutions.

RAND finds cases of undiagnosed diabetes drop sharply

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

The number of men in the United States with undiagnosed diabetes has declined sharply over the past 25 years, with Hispanics and African-Americans no longer more likely than whites to unknowingly have the disease, according to a RAND Corporation study issued today.

Adverse housing conditions contribute to diabetes risk

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

Studying people in their homes and neighborhoods, investigators have found that poor housing conditions contribute to the risk for diabetes in urban, middle-aged African-Americans.

Researchers find vitamin B1 deficiency key to vascular problems for diabetic patients

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 04:00:00 PST

Researchers at Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, have discovered that deficiency of thiamine Vitamin B1 - may be key to a range of vascular problems for people with diabetes. They have also solved the mystery as to why thiamine deficiency in diabetes had remained hidden until now.

Reducing inflammation plays key role in type 1 diabetes therapy

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON -- Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have found that a triple combination therapy consisting of both tolerance-inducing and anti-inflammatory properties is successful in abolishing adverse autoimmunity against insulin-producing cells in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes.

New technique to 'see' and protect transplants successful in diabetic animal model

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found a way to overcome a major stumbling block to developing successful insulin-cell transplants for people with type I diabetes.

Genetic finding sheds light on diseases causing blood vessel breakdown

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Twenty-one years after they first described a fatal genetic disorder in Missouri and Arkansas families, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have linked the condition to mutations in a gene known as TREX1.

Some diabetes drugs may increase heart attack risk

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:21:23 PST

London, July 28 - Two drugs commonly prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes double the risk of heart failure, say scientists.

Older is better -- Top-10 comparison of diabetes drugs give metformin top grade

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

A type 2 diabetes drug taken orally and in widespread use for more than a decade has been found to have distinct advantages over nine other, mostly newer medications used to control the chronic disease, according to a study by researchers at Johns Hopkins.

Reducing insulin signaling in the brain can prolong lifespan

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

One route to a long and healthy life may be establishing the right balance in insulin signaling between the brain and the rest of the body, according to new research from Childrens Hospital Boston. The study, published in the July 20 issue of Science, not only reinforces the value of exercising and eating in moderation, but also helps explain a paradox in longevity research.

New review adds more reasons to avoid diabetes drug Avandia

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Little evidence supports using rosiglitazone (Avandia) to improve the quality or length of life among adults with diabetes, according to a systematic review of data by German researchers.

Gene discovered for type 1 diabetes in children

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Pediatrics researchers at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and McGill University in Montreal have identified a gene variant that raises a childs risk for type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes. As investigators continue to pinpoint genes contributing to diabetes, they have their eyes on providing a scientific basis for designing better treatments and preventive measures for the disease.

Selenium supplements may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Selenium, an antioxidant included in multivitamin tablets thought to have a possible protective effect against the development of type 2 diabetes, may actually increase the risk of developing the disease, an analysis by researchers at the University at Buffalo has shown.

Bak protein sets stressed cells on suicide path, researchers show

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

When a cell is seriously stressed, say by a heart attack, stroke or cancer, a protein called Bak just may set it up for suicide, researchers have found.

Link between carbohydrate quality and vision loss is strengthened by new data

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON -- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss may be connected to the quality of carbohydrates an individual consumes. In a study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Allen Taylor, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Nutrition and Vision Research at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University, and colleagues confirmed earlier findings linking dietary glycemic index with the risk of developing AMD.

New blood test might offer early warning of deep belly fat

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Measuring levels of a chemical found in blood offers the best indicator yet of the amount of fat surrounding abdominal organs, according to a new study of lean and obese individuals reported in the July issue of Cell Metabolism, a publication of Cell Press. The buildup of such visceral fat is of particular health concern as it has been linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease risk.

Anti-malarial drug may reduce risk of diabetes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

Preliminary research suggests that use of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine may help reduce the risk of the development of diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a study in the July 11 issue of JAMA.

Class of medications may offer alternative option for treating type 2 diabetes

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

A review of previous studies indicates that use of a class of medications known as incretin-based therapy, which act via certain pathways that affect glucose metabolism may provide modest effectiveness and favorable weight change outcomes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and may represent an alternative to other hypoglycemic therapies, according to an article in the July 11 issue of JAMA.

Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment shows potential for diabetes prevention

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

PITTSBURGH, July 10 Far fewer rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with the drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) went on to develop diabetes compared to those who never took the drug, according to a 20-plus-year University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine-led study reported today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. In addition, those using HCQ who did develop diabetes were less likely to take medications to manage their disease after diagnosis.

Protein's role in lipid absorption may be important to future weight-loss strategies

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

July 5, 2007 -- Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that a protein absorbs lipids in the upper part of the intestine, and they believe its key role in this process may provide a novel approach for obesity treatment in the future.

Chemical in brain acts like a fuel gauge

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

The concept that a drop in blood sugar triggers a craving for food is best understood just before lunchtime.

Early indicator of kidney disease may also predict risk of pre-diabetes

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PST

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A blood component called cystatin C, used to test for early-stage kidney impairment, also may be a very early marker for those at risk of developing a condition known as pre-diabetes, a study conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo has shown. Pre-diabetes is diagnosed when the amount of glucose in the bloodstream begins to rise and remain above normal, an indication that glucose is not being absorbed properly by cells.

It's not too late to change -- lowering cardiac risk later in life

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Can adopting a healthier lifestyle later in life help -- or is it too late? In a study published in the July 2007 issue of The American Journal of Medicine, researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston found that people 45 to 64 years of age who added healthy lifestyle behaviors could substantially reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reduce their death rate. Once these people achieved 4 healthy behaviors, eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables daily, exercising at least 2.5 hours per week, maintaining their Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 30 kg/m, and not smoking, investigators saw a 35% reduction in CVD incidence and a 40% reduction in mortality compared to people with less healthy lifestyles.

Research says sugar coated proteins seal in a memory of diabetes

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Researchers at the University of Warwicks Warwick Medical School have uncovered a process that locks the bodys metabolism in a diabetic state after only relatively limited exposure to high glucose levels.

Among youth in US, whites have highest incidence of diabetes

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Non-Hispanic white youth have the highest rate of diabetes of all racial/ethnic groups for children in the U.S., with type 1 being the predominant kind of diabetes among youth, according to a study in the June 27 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on chronic diseases of children.

Weight management program improves body fat levels, diabetes risk factors for overweight children

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Children who participated in a family-based weight management program designed for inner-city minority children had better outcomes regarding weight gain, body fat, body mass index (BMI) and insulin sensitivity compared to children who received traditional weight counseling in a clinic, according to a study in the June 27 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on chronic diseases of children.

Cord blood may preserve insulin levels in children with type 1 diabetes

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Umbilical cord blood may safely preserve insulin production in children newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, according to findings from a small national pilot study presented Monday (June 25) at the American Diabetes Associations 67th Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

Portion-control dishes may help obese diabetics lose weight

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

A plate and cereal bowl with markers for proper portion sizes appear to help obese patients with diabetes lose weight and decrease their use of glucose-controlling medications, according to a report in the June 25 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Can blindness be prevented through diet?

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Increasing intake of the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, found in popular fish-oil supplements, may protect against blindness resulting from abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, according to a study published online by the journal Nature Medicine on June 24. The study was done in mice, but a clinical trial at Childrens Hospital Boston will soon begin testing the effects of omega-3 supplementation in premature babies, who are at risk for vision loss.

Type 1 diabetes and heart disease -- Heavier may mean healthier

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

CHICAGO, June 23 -- Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences studying links between an early sign of heart disease called coronary artery calcification and body fat have found that, paradoxically, more fat may have some advantages, at least for people particularly women who have type 1 diabetes. Cardiovascular complications, including heart disease, are a leading cause of death for people with diabetes, who tend to suffer cardiovascular disease decades earlier than non-diabetics.

Obese heart attack patients are more likely to survive after treatment than normal weight patients

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Obese and very obese patients have a lower risk of dying after they have been treated for heart attacks than do normal weight patients, according to research published in the European Heart Journal today (Wednesday 20 June). [1]

Women with diabetes left behind in drop in death rates

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

PHILADELPHIA, June 19, 2007 - A new analysis of data from three large national databases finds that in the 29 years between 1971 and 2000, the death rate of men with diabetes has dropped significantly, in line with the overall decline of the death rate for all Americans. But the death rate for women with diabetes did not decline at all.

UT medical researcher determines link between foie gras and disease

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

KNOXVILLE -- University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine professor and researcher Alan Solomon, M.D., director of the Human Immunology and Cancer/Alzheimers Disease and Amyloid-Related Disorders Research Program, led a team that discovered a link between foie gras prepared from goose or duck liver and the type of amyloid found in rheumatoid arthritis or tuberculosis.

Diabetes associated with decreases in life expectancy and number of years free of heart disease

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Men and women with diabetes at age 50 and older appear not to live as long overall, or have as many years without cardiovascular disease, than individuals without diabetes, according to a report in the June 11 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Penn researchers find potential new target for Type 2 diabetes

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Philadelphia - Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a potential new target for treating type 2 diabetes, according to a new study that appeared online this week in Nature. The target is a protein, along with its molecular partner, that regulates fat metabolism.

Diachrome improves blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

Nutrition 21, Inc. today announced new published results from a 447 subject, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study that showed Diachrome, a patented combination of chromium picolinate and biotin, significantly improved glycemic control in patients with poorly controlled blood sugar levels who were being treated with oral anti-diabetic medication (OADs). Patients in the treatment group showed significant improvements in glycemic control (A1C) compared with placebo (an absolute decrease of 0.54%). The greatest improvement was seen in those patients with the poorest glycemic control (baseline A1C levels equal to or greater than 10%). These patients saw an additional absolute A1C decrease of 1.76% despite the fact that they were taking one or more OAD medications.

Fat protein cuts blood vessel inflammation, may help heart, Jefferson scientists find

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

PHILADELPHIA - A natural substance secreted by fat cells can protect blood vessels from the damaging effects of inflammation, one of the factors that contribute to heart disease. Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have shown for the first time in an animal model that the substance a protein called adiponectin helps prevent immune system white blood cells from binding to the inside of blood vessel walls. Harnessing adiponectin's properties, the scientists suggest, may someday help protect against the blood vessel damage so prevalent in patients with obesity and diabetes.

Study tests oral insulin to prevent type 1 diabetes

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:00:00 PST

GAINESVILLE, Fla. University of Florida researchers have begun a clinical study of oral insulin to prevent or delay type 1 diabetes in people at risk for the disease.

Sleep apnea increases risk of diabetes and hypertension in pregnant women

Tue, 22 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

ATS 2007, SAN FRANCISCOSleep apnea is associated with a greatly increased incidence of pregnancy-induced diabetes and high blood pressure, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference, on Wednesday, May 22.

Latest strategies for moving research toward a cure for diabetes explored at global scientific forum

Mon, 21 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

New York - May 21, 2007 -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the worlds largest charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research, will host the Global Diabetes Research Forum (GDRF) in St. Louis on June 1, 2007 as part of its annual conference. Leaders from the scientific, medical, non-profit, and academic research communities will gather to discuss the progress toward JDRFs implemented research strategies incorporating recent clinical trials and ground-breaking therapeutics to accelerate the cure for diabetes.

How insulin producing cells develop!

Sun, 20 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

A key aspect of how embryos create the cells which secrete insulin is revealed in a new study published tomorrow (18 May) in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The researchers hope that their findings will enable the development of new therapies for diabetes, a condition caused by insufficient levels of insulin.

Quality improvement effort pays off in diabetes care

Sun, 20 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

Spending money to improve diabetes care at federally qualified community health centers is a sound investment, according to one of the first studies to examine the clinical and economic impact of quality improvement on diabetes care.

Sleep apnea may increase risk of diabetes

Sun, 20 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

ATS 2007, SAN FRANCISCOResearchers at the Yale University School of Medicine have found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea are at increased risk for developing of type II diabetes, independent of other risk factors. The findings are being presented at the American Thoracic Society 2007 International Conference, on Monday, May 21.

Long-term anti-clotting therapy sweetens stenting outcomes in diabetic patients

Thu, 17 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

(MAY 17, 2007 WASHINGTON, DC)A study showing that diabetic patients who are treated with long-term anti-clotting therapy are less likely to have a heart attack or die more than a year after stenting has been named among the best research papers presented at the 30th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), May 912, 2007.

Reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors when discontinuing hormone replacement therapy

Tue, 15 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to reduce many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, but many women have stopped using HRT due to reports from the Womens Health Initiative that HRT may increase the risk of breast cancer and heart disease. In a study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health examined whether the increased CVD risk from stopping HRT could be minimized by lifestyle change intervention.

Grain fiber and magnesium intake associated with lower risk for diabetes

Mon, 14 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

Higher dietary intake of fiber from grains and cereals and of magnesium may each be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report and meta-analysis in the May 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Employee health program improves blood pressure, diabetes control

Thu, 10 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

WASHINGTON, May 10 Employees who participated in a worksite health program improved blood pressure control by 9 percent and diabetes control by 15 percent, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's 8th Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.

Fat screen delivers plant-derived chemical with antidiabetic effects

Tue, 08 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

After screening hundreds of compounds for their effects on fat development, researchers have discovered that an ingredient found in some plants fights diabetes in mice without some of the side effects attributed to other antidiabetes drugs. The chemical they pinpointed, known as harmine, was first isolated more than 150 years ago from plants traditionally included in ritual and medicinal preparations around the world, the team reports in the May issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, published by Cell Press.

The stem cells that weren't there

Mon, 07 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

Diabetes researchers, investigating how the body supplies itself with insulin, discovered to their surprise that adult stem cells, which they expected to play a crucial role in the process, were nowhere to be found. Many researchers had proposed that adult stem cells develop into insulin-producing cells, called beta cells, in the pancreas.

Students invent protective pouch to enhance cell therapy

Mon, 07 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

Johns Hopkins undergraduates have invented a device to improve cell therapy for diabetes patients by anchoring transplanted insulin-producing cells inside a major blood vessel.

Maggots rid patients of MRSA

Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

University of Manchester researchers are ridding diabetic patients of the superbug MRSA - by treating their foot ulcers with maggots.

International autoimmunity research initiative gains major support

Thu, 03 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has renewed support, with major funding, for an ambitious seven-year-old international research consortium that is pioneering novel strategies for studying and testing new drugs and therapies against autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection, asthma and allergic diseases.

Study shows tight diabetes control does not impact cognitive ability in type 1 diabetes

Wed, 02 May 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON May 1, 2007 A study led by researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center provides good news for patients with type 1 diabetes who want to maintain tight blood glucose control and thus significantly reduce their risk of developing the devastating complications of the disease¾heart disease, kidney failure, eye disease and blindness, and nerve damage. The study, which is part of the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study (EDIC) funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will be published in the May 3, 2007, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

In the most comprehensive look at genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes to date, a U.S.-Finnish team, working in close collaboration with two other groups, has identified at least four new genetic variants associated with increased risk of diabetes and confirmed existence of another six. The findings of the three groups, published simultaneously today in the online edition of the journal Science, boost to at least 10 the number of genetic variants confidently associated with increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes a disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide.

Depression may trigger diabetes in older adults

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

CHICAGO -- Chronic depression or depression that worsens over time may cause diabetes in older adults, according to new Northwestern University research.

Symptoms of depression associated with development of diabetes in older adults

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

Older adults who have had symptoms of depressionwhether those symptoms occurred once, increased or remained steady over a 10-year periodmay be more likely to develop diabetes than those without depressive symptoms, according to a report in the April 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Green tea may help prevent autoimmune diseases

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

Green tea may help protect against autoimmune disease, Medical College of Georgia researchers say.

Standard long-acting insulin as good as newer medications

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

An older type of long-acting insulin is as effective in treating type 2 diabetes as newer and more expensive kinds, according to the results of a recent systematic review. However, the newer medications may cause fewer problems with low blood glucose while patients are sleeping.

Diabetes may be associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

Individuals with diabetes may have a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, a condition that involves difficulties with thinking and learning and may be an intermediate step toward Alzheimer's disease, according to a report in the April issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Leanest teens are biggest energy users and consumers

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

Teens who are most physically active and consume the most calories are the leanest, researchers say.

Joslin study indicates insulin receptors play a critical role in promoting islet growth

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:00:00 PST

BOSTON -- April 2, 2007 -- A new Joslin-led study has identified the insulin receptor as an important protein that promotes islet cell growth in mice whose bodies are unable to use insulin properly, or are insulin resistant, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Since the body's natural response to insulin resistance is to increase insulin secretion from the pancreas and grow more islet cells, also known as beta cells, harnessing this growth response could lead to new treatments for type 2 diabetes. The study appears in the early online edition of this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

LCT reports major step forward for islet transplantation in diabetes patient

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:00:00 PST

Living Cell Technologies Limited (ASX: LCT) today announced it has published evidence outlining the survival and identification of live porcine islet cells and insulin production in a human patient 10 years after receiving a pig islet cell transplant.

Americans still not eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to 2 recent studies

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:00:00 PST

Eat your vegetables has been heard at the dinner tables of America for a long time. Has the message gotten through? Since 1990 the Dietary Guidelines for Americans has recommended consuming at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily. However, two studies published in the April issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine clearly show that Americans are not meeting the mark. This is a serious public health concern because consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables is associated with decreased risk of obesity and certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.