Tag Archives: diabetes

How Wild Blueberries Can Help Combat Heart Disease and Diabetes

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Wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is a perennial plant native to North America. This berry is rich in polyphenols, particularly flavonoids, which offer significant health benefits. A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition provides a comprehensive review of the evidence and insights shared at an expert symposium regarding wild blueberries and their link to cardiometabolic health.

Vaccinium angustifolium. Image credit: Σ64 / CC BY 3.0.

Known for their high nutrient content, wild blueberries, or lowbush blueberries, are celebrated for their abundance of anthocyanins and other beneficial compounds.

These polyphenols, contributing to the berries’ vibrant blue hue, have been thoroughly researched for their powerful antioxidant properties.

“Wild blueberries have been valued for centuries,” noted University of Maine professor Dorothy Krimis Zakas, co-lead author of the recent review.

“Traditional wisdom recognizes their significance, and modern research continues to investigate how the unique constituents of wild blueberries contribute to health when part of a balanced diet.”

This review analyzed 12 human clinical trials conducted across four countries and numerous additional studies on the health effects of compounds found in wild blueberries.

The most consistent result from these studies was an improvement in vascular function, indicating better blood vessel responsiveness.

Some trials noted enhanced endothelial function just hours after consuming wild blueberries, while others observed benefits from regular intake over longer periods.

Recent studies have also highlighted the impact of wild blueberries on the gut microbiome.

Thanks to their high fiber and polyphenol content, these berries resist early digestion and are processed by gut bacteria into metabolites that enter the bloodstream.

These metabolites can constitute a significant proportion of bioactive compounds in circulation post-consumption; one study demonstrated that daily intake of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder boosted levels of beneficial bioactive compounds such as Bifidobacterium.

Emerging evidence suggests that consistent blueberry consumption may enhance cognitive abilities, especially thinking speed and memory in older adults, possibly linked to improved circulation and other systemic effects.

For adults at higher cardiometabolic risk, several studies referenced in the review identified meaningful improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides, following weeks of regular blueberry intake.

“What’s remarkable about wild blueberries is their wealth of polyphenols and nutrients. Their health benefits appear to stem from multiple mechanisms,” explained Sarah A. Johnson, Ph.D., from Florida State University, co-lead author of the review.

“Evidence indicates that these berries may influence various biological pathways related to cardiometabolic health, including vascular function and inflammation, but individual responses may vary.”

“The recent focus on the gut microbiome’s role in health benefits is intriguing and might help researchers understand how to optimize gut health for enhanced wellness.”

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Sarah A. Johnson et al. Wild blueberries and cardiometabolic health: A current review of the evidence. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, published online January 24, 2026. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2025.2610406

Source: www.sci.news

Proximity to Windows May Enhance Blood Sugar Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes

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Another incentive to secure a window seat is its potential to help manage blood sugar levels.

Anton Dios/Shutterstock

Many of us prefer sitting by a window to enhance our mood, but exposure to natural light during the day may also be beneficial for blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Our cells and tissues operate on circadian rhythms, or 24-hour metabolic cycles that influence factors like blood sugar levels. Studies indicate that exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt these rhythms. This raises blood sugar levels, while individuals who spend more time outdoors in sunlight experience enhanced insulin response, a hormone crucial for regulating those levels.

Despite these findings, none of these studies explored the advantages of receiving natural light through windows, especially since most people spend significant time indoors, according to Joris Fuchs from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

To investigate further, Fuchs and his team enlisted 13 participants with type 2 diabetes, averaging 70 years old, to spend 4.5 days in a room with only natural light from large windows from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants continued their usual diabetes medications and largely sat at desks with access to their mobile phones and computers, with their screens dimmed. In the evenings, they were exposed to soft artificial light and could use their devices until 11 p.m., then slept in complete darkness until 7 a.m. They consumed similar meals three times daily to maintain stable weight and followed consistent exercise routines over the 4.5 days.

The researchers conducted a similar experiment with the same group, this time in a windowless room under artificial light. This phase occurred either one month before or after the natural light segment of the study.

Throughout both experiments, participants wore devices to monitor their blood sugar levels continuously; however, due to technical difficulties, data was only obtainable from 10 individuals.

The results indicated that during weeks with more natural light, participants maintained their blood sugar levels within a healthy range 50% of the time, compared to only 43% in the artificial light experiment.

The researchers defined a healthy blood sugar range as 4.4 to 7.2 mmol per liter, aligning with guidelines from the UK National Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although the difference between the two studies may seem minor, extended periods outside of a healthy range can impact an individual’s health significantly, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications, including heart problems, according to Fuchs.

The positive impact of sunlight may stem from the fact that light-sensitive cells in the eye, crucial for regulating metabolic activity cycles, are particularly responsive to shorter wavelengths present in natural light, Fuchs explained.

Further research is essential to validate these findings; however, Fuchs suggests that many individuals with type 2 diabetes can benefit from increased exposure to natural light, even if it’s simply by sitting near a window. “It’s easy, free, and accessible to all,” Hoeks said. It remains uncertain whether individuals with type 1 diabetes or prediabetes gain similar benefits.

Glenn Jeffrey from University College London emphasizes the necessity for larger studies to substantiate these results. Nonetheless, he noted, “the significance of sunlight is gradually gaining recognition.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Millions of Adults Struggle with Hidden ‘Type 1.5’ Diabetes: Here’s What You Need to Know

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You might be surprised to discover that diabetes encompasses more than just two types. While Type 1 and Type 2 are well-known, you may have come across Type 1.5, which has recently gained attention.

Type 1.5 diabetes, formally known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA), is not a new variant of diabetes but is relatively uncommon. It has been recognized as a distinct type since 1993; comprising 3 to 12 percent of all adult diabetes cases.

Nonetheless, LADA is challenging to diagnose due to its similarities with the more prevalent types, often resulting in misdiagnosis. Recent studies indicate that misdiagnosis occurs frequently, with 14% of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes potentially having LADA.

Like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, LADA is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, or glucose, in the blood.

Regardless of the diabetes type, symptoms remain consistent. These include intense thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexpected weight loss. The UK’s leading charity against diabetes notes these include the “four T’s”: thirst, toileting, tiredness, and thinness. diabetes uk

If you experience these symptoms, prompt diagnosis is crucial. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, feet, and even nerves.

So, if the symptoms are similar across diabetes types, how can healthcare experts discern which type you have? And how does this differentiation influence treatment?

Comparing Type 1.5 Diabetes to Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes, in its various forms, has affected humans throughout history. Ancient healers in Greece, India, and Egypt frequently mentioned a peculiar symptom: sweet-smelling urine. Thus, the term diabetes derives from the Greek word “diabetes,” meaning to pass, and the Latin word “mellitus,” meaning sweet.

This sweet-smelling symptom arises from the buildup of glucose in the body. Glucose is processed by a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas, which converts it into a usable energy source for cells.

Glucose buildup occurs when the body either:

  • Fails to produce sufficient insulin (as in type 1 diabetes)
  • Or does not respond effectively to insulin (as seen in type 2 diabetes)

In both scenarios, the kidneys struggle to reabsorb excess glucose in the bloodstream. When they cannot eliminate glucose effectively, surplus sugar spills into the urine, indicating the presence of disease.

LADA shares numerous traits with these two predominant diabetes types, leaning closer to type 1 than type 2.

Finger prick test provides an immediate overview of blood sugar levels.

One significant reason individuals with type 1 diabetes have insufficient insulin is that their immune system attacks pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. As these cells decline, the body struggles to maintain glucose levels.

The same is true for LADA. An influx of immune cells targets the pancreas, leading to decreased insulin production and gradually rising blood sugar levels. However, the timeline for the onset of the disease differs.

Type 1 diabetes typically has a rapid onset, often diagnosed in childhood or during a clinical emergency. In contrast, LADA progresses slowly and usually occurs in adults over 30.

As we age, a protective layer known as the periislet basement membrane (BM) develops around insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Current understanding suggests that this layer shields these cells from immune system attacks.

“By the time LADA autoimmunity begins, the pancreas [cells] have formed larger structures that provide better protection against immune attacks.” Sarah Richardson, Professor of Cellular Biomedicine, University of Exeter.

Thus, LADA’s onset resembles type 2 diabetes, which typically manifests in adults. Due to this similarity, up to 14% of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have LADA.

Significance of Misdiagnosis

The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is a medication called metformin. Administered in pill form, metformin works in two ways: it not only restricts the liver from absorbing excessive glucose but also enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

However, a clear management strategy for LADA is still not established. While metformin may be prescribed, insulin replacement therapy could also be necessary. If someone has LADA misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes, they might receive metformin when insulin is the actual requirement.

Taking inappropriate medication over extended periods can elevate blood sugar levels. Chronically high blood sugar can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, eye issues (retinopathy), foot problems (ranging from increased susceptibility to infections and ulcers to sensory loss), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disorders (neuropathy).

A 2018 study published in diabetes medicine discovered that LADA patients are more likely to develop severe neuropathy compared to those with type 2 diabetes.

LADA can also invoke damage to small blood vessels, termed microvascular disease. A 2020 study indicated that strict glycemic control from the onset of LADA significantly decreases the risk of subsequent microvascular disease.

Consequently, minimizing misdiagnosis rates is vital for individuals with LADA. Fortunately, there are effective methods to distinguish LADA from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

The first and foremost step a doctor can take is to check for antibodies. These antibodies incorrectly signal the immune system to attack insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Finding at least one antibody suggests the presence of autoimmune diabetes. Elevated antibody levels may indicate a more rapid progression of LADA.

This principle also applies when multiple antibodies are present. In such cases, immediate insulin treatment becomes crucial to help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

Practitioners may also assess a person’s insulin output. This can be done by measuring a blood protein known as c-peptide, which is produced during insulin synthesis in the pancreas. Elevated c-peptide levels may respond well to metformin. However, if the levels are significantly low or undetectable, immediate insulin therapy should be initiated. In LADA, c-peptide levels tend to diminish over time, and it is recommended to conduct tests every six months.

A person’s body composition can further indicate LADA. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of the “four T’s” (thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss) who maintain relatively low fat levels or body weight are generally more inclined to have LADA than type 2 diabetes. Additionally, LADA patients typically possess favorable cholesterol levels, which can aid in refining the diagnosis.

Once an accurate diagnosis is established, LADA can be treated appropriately. It’s critical to reach this point with guidance from healthcare professionals.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Hepatitis B Vaccination Linked to Reduced Diabetes Risk

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Daily vaccinations for hepatitis B are administered worldwide

Mehmet Salih Guler / Getty Images

The hepatitis B vaccine not only prevents infection but also appears to lower the chances of developing diabetes.

In most countries, infants receive this vaccine routinely, typically as part of a three-dose series. In the US, it was incorporated into vaccination schedules in 1991. By 2018, around 30% of adults were fully vaccinated.

Researchers previously noted that vaccination may decrease diabetes risk. This is related to hepatitis B, which infects the liver and is transmitted through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids – impairing the liver’s ability to manage glucose. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes.

However, earlier studies didn’t investigate whether vaccination could lower diabetes risk in individuals who were not infected with hepatitis B.

To address this gap, Nhu-Quynh Phan from Taipei Medical University in Taiwan and her team examined health data from over 580,000 people across the US, Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. These records averaged almost four years for each individual, covering the period from 2005 to 2023.

Participants aged 18 to 90 had no types of diabetes and were not infected with hepatitis B. About half were vaccinated, determined by measuring virus-specific antibodies in their blood.

The study revealed that diabetes prevalence among vaccinated individuals was 15% lower than in the unvaccinated group, with most cases being type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form. The findings will be shared at the upcoming annual meeting of the Diabetes Association in Vienna, Austria.

This observational study also indicated a dose-response correlation. Participants with higher levels of hepatitis B-specific antibodies were less likely to develop diabetes compared to those with lower levels. Variations in antibody levels might correlate with the number of vaccinations received, timing of immunization, or individual immune responses.

No participants were purposefully infected with hepatitis B, suggesting that vaccination not only wards off the virus but may also lower diabetes risk, Fan notes. One explanation could be that vaccines help alleviate chronic inflammation damaging the liver and pancreas, which produce hormones like insulin regulate blood sugar levels.

Nonetheless, researchers cannot dismiss the theory that some protective benefits of vaccines might stem from their role in preventing infections, she adds. They are keen to investigate credible pathways and how mouse models can elucidate distinctions between diabetes types, Fan states.

Vaccinated individuals might also engage in healthier lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a nutritious diet and staying active. “Those likely to get vaccinated often exhibit greater awareness of health,” states Albert Osterhouse from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany.

The research team considered factors including participants’ age, gender, and lifestyle choices like smoking, along with conditions such as obesity and hypertension. However, Osterhouse emphasizes the difficulty in ruling out the impact of these variables.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

A Newly Discovered Diabetes Subtype in Young People in Sub-Saharan Africa

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Classical type 1 diabetes may not be the most prevalent diabetes subtype in sub-Saharan Africa

Milomei/Aramie

Recent studies suggest that some individuals in sub-Saharan Africa diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may actually have a newly identified, non-autoimmune variant, necessitating a reassessment of current treatment approaches.

Diabetes affects every individual’s ability to produce or utilize insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. However, the underlying causes differ. In classic type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune reaction destroys insulin-secreting beta cells within the pancreas, aided by “autoantibodies.”

Research led by Jean Claude Nyabou Cut from the University of Exeter reveals that approximately two-thirds of young sub-Saharan Africans diagnosed with type 1 diabetes lack these autoantibodies. This indicates that their insulin shortage might not be immune-related. Additionally, these individuals exhibit a lower predisposition to type 1 diabetes, suggesting an entirely new diabetes variant.

Studies have indicated autoantibodies are less prevalent among sub-Saharan Africans compared to their counterparts in affluent regions such as Europe. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear, primarily due to the scarcity of comprehensive data regarding type 1 diabetes in Africa.

To address this gap, Kat and his colleagues conducted the first multicountry investigation of the condition across sub-Saharan Africa. They assessed three diabetic autoantibodies and the associated genetic factors in 894 Black Africans from Uganda, Cameroon, and South Africa, all of whom were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and receiving insulin treatment.

The findings revealed that 35% of participants possessed autoantibodies, low insulin levels, and an elevated risk of type 1 diabetes. Conversely, the remaining 65% exhibited no autoantibody production, slightly higher insulin levels, and a median genetic risk score that was 18% lower. Despite this, they still experience insulin deficiency and a higher risk of type 1 diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals. Notably, features typical of type 2 or malnutrition-related diabetes were absent.

Researchers including Silvana Obici from Stony Brook Medicine in New York contend that the predominant form of diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa is fundamentally different from classic type 1 diabetes.

The research team additionally compared their findings with data from over 3,000 participants in the US from the Search for diabetes in youth study. Autoantibody-negative type 1 diabetes was identified in only 15% of Black American participants and 9% of White American participants. Intriguingly, among Black Americans without autoantibodies, the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes was similarly low as that observed in the African cohort. This indicates that among White individuals, autoantibody absence does not equate to a non-autoimmune form of diabetes.

The presence of this new non-autoimmune diabetes subtype among both Black Africans and Black Americans highlights the potential influence of both genetic and environmental factors. Some hypotheses suggest it could be linked to an unidentified gene that induces “beta cell vulnerability,” as noted by Soumya Adhikari from Texas Children’s Health. Other possibilities include chronic infections, childhood malnutrition, environmental toxins disrupting beta cells, or the existence of atypical autoantibodies.

This emerging diabetes subtype may necessitate tailored treatment protocols, emphasizing the need for further research, according to Dana Douberry at the Colorado School of Public Health.

“Currently, insulin remains the primary treatment for this new diabetes subtype due to insulin insufficiency,” Katt acknowledges. However, identifying the fundamental causes of these subtypes is critical for improved management, asserts Daverea.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Research Links Fried Foods to Increased Diabetes Risk

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Craving some fries? Indulging in deep-fried delights might raise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

As per research released on Wednesday in the Journal BMJ, swapping out weekly servings of fries for boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes could diminish the risk of this chronic illness.

The study analyzed the eating habits of over 205,000 adults in the U.S. who completed a dietary survey spanning nearly 40 years. They investigated the correlation between potato consumption and the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Results indicated that a weekly intake of French fries raised the risk of type 2 diabetes by 20%. In contrast, consuming an equivalent amount of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes showed no association with the disease.

According to the CDC, one in ten Americans with diabetes has type 2. This condition can lead to elevated risks of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.

The findings emphasize the importance of food preparation methods in determining health risks and benefits, noted Seyed Mohammad Mousavi, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health.

“Not all potatoes are created equal,” he remarked. “Even consuming less than one serving of fries weekly can elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes.”

Unlike boiled or baked potatoes, fries are often cooked in oils high in trans fats or saturated fats. The body struggles to properly metabolize these fats, leading to insulin resistance—an issue that regulates blood sugar levels. Frequent consumption of fried foods can contribute to obesity and inflammation, further increasing the likelihood of type 2 diabetes.

“Fried potatoes absorb fat, raising their caloric content. Consuming multiple servings of fries can contribute to weight gain,” stated Candida Rebello, director of the Nutrition and Chronic Disease Program at Louisiana State University, who was not part of the study.

This research leveraged data collected when various frying methods were prevalent from 1984 to 2021. Nowadays, most fast-food chains utilize vegetable oils like canola, sunflower, soybean, and peanut oils. However, beef fat was common in the 1980s, which shifted to partially hydrogenated oils in the early 1990s. Most trans fats have been phased out of the U.S. diet by 2018.

Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claimed that the seed oils in use today contribute to rising obesity levels in children, suggesting a return to beef fat—a stance lacking robust scientific backing.

“Beef tallow is rich in saturated fats, which can be harmful. I do not endorse that,” Mousavi emphasized.

One drawback of Mousavi’s study is that it doesn’t account for added unhealthy ingredients in boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes.

“What do people put on baked potatoes? Butter, bacon, cheese, sour cream,” said Shannon Gallien, an assistant professor of nutrition science at Texas Institute of Technology. “We don’t know if they consumed the skin either.”

Gallien noted that potato skins are rich in fiber and essential nutrients, helping regulate blood sugar. When prepared without deep frying or excessive fats, potatoes can provide a good source of potassium, which supports blood pressure regulation.

“Certainly, potatoes can be a nutritious food choice as long as they are neither fried nor smothered in fat,” Gallien stated.

Mousavi suggested that baking fries at home with healthier oils like olive or avocado oil could lower diabetes risk compared to fast food versions. Opting for whole grains, such as farro or whole-grain bread and pasta, could yield even greater benefits due to their lower glycemic index, reducing the likelihood of rapid blood sugar spikes.

His research found whole grains pose a lesser risk of diabetes than all potato varieties. Conversely, white rice correlated more strongly with the risk of type 2 diabetes than any of these alternatives.

Megan Marcahai, communications director at Potato USA, emphasized that fries can “fit into a healthful dietary framework when consumed in moderation.”

Gallien highlighted the importance of evaluating one’s overall diet, since it significantly impacts health more than single food items. Nutritionists generally endorse a colorful array of foods, incorporating healthy proteins, varied fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, and nuts.

“People don’t eat isolated items. They consume a range of foods,” Gallien concluded.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Inhaled Insulin Available at No Cost for Children with Type 1 Diabetes Using Injections

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Afrezza: Inhaled Insulin

MannKind Corporation

Inhaled insulin, specifically Afrezza, effectively manages blood glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes, similar to injected insulin. Afrezza is already approved for use in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the US, and the manufacturer is looking to gain approval for pediatric use.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Individuals with this condition typically require daily insulin injections. However, managing blood sugar levels can be challenging, particularly after meals or following exercise.

Dr. Michael Haller from the University of Florida, who has worked on Afrezza’s advisory board, explored the potential of inhaled insulin to enhance glycemic control in adults. Preliminary findings suggest it could be more effective for children than traditional injections. A study was conducted with 230 participants aged 4 to 17, including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients requiring insulin.

All participants were on a basal insulin regimen, administered once or twice daily to maintain baseline levels. Additional rapid-acting insulin was generally required before meals. In the 26-week trial, some children utilized Afrezza as their rapid-acting insulin, while others continued with injectable insulin.

Results indicated that both insulin types achieved comparable blood glucose control. These findings were presented at the American Diabetes Association Conference in Chicago in June. More details can be found here.

“This suggests that Afrezza could be a preferable option for patients due to the delivery method, particularly for those with needle anxiety,” Dr. Haller states. “More importantly, it provides patients with additional strategies for managing a complex condition.”

While some users experienced coughing with the inhaled version, it resolved once they acclimated. However, Afrezza is not recommended for individuals with chronic lung issues like asthma.

Dr. Kathryn Sumpter from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center suggests that inhaled insulin may benefit certain diabetes patients, particularly children who often forget to take their medication before meals. Nonetheless, she believes that many would prefer the injected form, especially for younger children needing precise dosing.

MannKind Corporation intends to seek regulatory approval for pediatric usage of Afrezza in the United States, as noted by Dr. Haller.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

3D Printing Pioneers Safer, Long-Term Treatments for Type 1 Diabetes

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Individuals with type 1 diabetes struggle to produce sufficient insulin for blood sugar regulation

Half Point Image/Getty Image

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device comprising insulin-producing cells, offering potential for long-term management of type 1 diabetes by enabling patients to generate their own insulin without invasive surgery.

Type 1 diabetes patients typically lack the ability to produce enough insulin to manage their blood sugar levels, necessitating regular insulin injections and dietary precautions. A common long-term approach involves transplanting clusters of insulin-producing cells from a donor’s pancreas. However, similar to organ transplants, this method requires invasive surgical procedures.

Quentin Perrier from Wake Forest Research Institute in North Carolina explains, “Currently, the procedure involves injecting human islets into the liver through the portal vein.” Unfortunately, around half of these implanted islets lose their function quickly, necessitating multiple transplants for effective treatment.

By placing islets directly beneath the skin, not only does it minimize surgical invasiveness, but it also alleviates stress and inflammation, factors that can shorten the lifespan of the cells.

Adam Feinberg from Carnegie Mellon University and Fluidform Bio states, “The greater the density, the better the outcome. This approach will reduce the size of the devices required for implantation in patients.”

To achieve this increased density, Perrier and his team utilize 3D printing to create islands from “bioinks” composed of human pancreatic tissue and alginates, a type of carbohydrate derived from seaweed. Living insulin-producing cells are incorporated into this material.

“We combine this bioink with human islets in a syringe and print specialized motifs,” Perrier elaborates. This porous design allows for the development of new blood vessels around the structure.

In laboratory settings, this technique has proven effective, with about 90% of the cells in the islet surviving and functioning for up to three weeks. “The next step is to rigorously test this finding in vivo,” Perrier added. Their research was shared at the 2025 European Organ Transplant Association (ESOT) conference in London on June 29th.

Feinberg and his team have also undertaken the 3D printing of islets themselves. Their technique involves creating a framework akin to “3D printing within a hair gel” by printing cells and collagen directly onto a hydrogel polymer. This was showcased at the International Pancreatic and Islet Transplant Association conference in Pisa, Italy, on June 16th. In diabetic laboratory mice, these islets managed to restore normal glucose control for up to six months.

While Perrier’s findings are “undoubtedly promising,” Feinberg cautions that the inherent variability of human tissues employed in creating the islands can present challenges. “It’s akin to receiving a transplanted organ,” he notes. “The material may function exceptionally well, yet its variability poses challenges and complicates the situation.”

Both Feinberg and Perrier concur that stem cell therapy may hold the key to the future of managing type 1 diabetes. By integrating stem cells into their 3D printing process, they believe this approach could address multiple challenges associated with current cell sources.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Diabetes: Simple Strategies for Reversal and Prevention Explained by a Doctor

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Visualize your body as a large sugar container. At birth, this container is empty. As the years progress, you consume sugar and refined carbohydrates, gradually filling the container. Each time you eat again, if the container is already full, the sugar spills over the edges.

This scenario mirrors what happens in your body. When you consume sugar, your body releases the hormone insulin, allowing sugar to enter the cells for energy. If you don’t adequately burn off this sugar, your cells become saturated over time, and they can no longer effectively utilize it.

Upon consuming sugar again, there is so much present that insulin cannot transport any more, resulting in excess sugar entering the bloodstream. This sugar travels in the form of glucose, and an overload – known as hyperglycemia – is a primary indicator of type 2 diabetes.

When excess glucose exists in the bloodstream, insulin’s ability to facilitate the transfer of sugar to the cells diminishes. Many refer to this as insulin resistance, but the root issue is not with insulin itself; it’s that the cells are overflowing with glucose.

High blood sugar represents just one facet of the problem. Not only is there an excess of glucose in the blood, but there’s also too much in all the cells. Type 2 diabetes manifests as an overflow of glucose throughout the body.

In response to this excess, the body produces more insulin to combat resistance, pushing more glucose into the already overcrowded cells to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

This approach is temporary, as it fails to address the root cause: the surplus sugar. Continuously transferring excess sugar from the bloodstream to the cells only worsens insulin resistance. Eventually, regardless of increased insulin levels, the body cannot force more glucose into the cells.

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So what happens if you don’t eliminate excess glucose? Initially, the body increases insulin production in an effort to drive more glucose into the cells, perpetuating a cycle of resistance.

Glycemic spikes occur when insulin levels cannot keep up with growing tolerance; that’s typically when a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

Doctors may recommend medications like insulin injections or the drug metformin, but these just continuously clear glucose from the blood, redirecting it into other organs like the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, creating further issues without resolving the underlying problem.

Remember the container filled with sugar? Insulin has moved sugar from the blood into a body that cannot handle it. So once you eat again, more sugar spills into the bloodstream, prompting insulin to push it back into the body.

The more glucose your body accepts, the more insulin it needs to combat this resistance. Yet, this insulin will lead to increased resistance as cells expand.

Eventually, if your body surpasses its natural insulin production, you may need medication. Initially, one drug is sufficient, but this can escalate to multiple drugs at higher doses.

The concerning truth is: if you require increasingly larger doses of medication to maintain stable blood sugar, your diabetes is actually worsening.

Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable…without medications

Recognizing that type 2 diabetes stems from excess sugar in the body points to the solution: eliminate the sugar. Don’t just hide it—remove it altogether. There are essentially two ways to achieve this.

  1. Reduce sugar intake.
  2. Burn off the remaining sugar.

That’s all there is to it. The best part? It’s natural and completely free—no medications, no surgeries, and no costs involved.

Step 1: Reduce sugar

The initial step is to completely eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugars lack nutritional value and can be safely omitted. Complex carbohydrates, which are essentially long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbs like wheat flour, digest rapidly into glucose.

The best approach is to minimize or eliminate bread and pasta made from white rice and potatoes, as well as those crafted from white flour.

It’s important to maintain a moderate, rather than high, protein intake. Once ingested, dietary proteins such as meat break down into amino acids. While protein is essential for health, excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, leading the liver to convert them into glucose. Thus, consuming too much protein can also increase sugar levels, making it advisable to avoid highly processed protein sources like protein shakes, bars, and powders.

What about dietary fats? Natural fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil—key components of the Mediterranean diet—are known to minimally affect blood sugar or insulin and have beneficial effects on heart disease and diabetes. Eggs and butter also serve as excellent sources of natural fats.

Dietary cholesterol associated with these foods has proven harmless to human health. Consuming nutritional fats doesn’t contribute to type 2 diabetes or heart disease; rather, it fosters feelings of fullness without introducing sugar into the body.

To limit sugar intake, focus on consuming whole, natural foods. Aim for a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in natural fats.

Step 2: Burn remaining sugar

Exercise—both tolerance training and aerobic activity—can positively impact type 2 diabetes, although dietary adjustments are typically more effective. Fasting is one of the easiest and most reliable methods for burning sugar in the body.

Fasting is essentially the absence of eating. When you eat, your body stores the energy from food. In contrast, when you fast, your body needs to burn stored energy, with glucose being the most accessible energy source. Longer fasting durations can burn away stored sugar.

This may sound drastic, but fasting is the oldest known dietary practice and has been embraced throughout human history without issues. Those on prescription medications should consult their healthcare providers before making changes.

The bottom line? If you don’t eat, your blood sugar will drop. If you refrain from eating, you will lose weight. So, what’s the problem? Largely, it’s unfounded.

A popular fasting strategy includes fasting for 24 hours, 2-3 times a week, or doing 16-hour fasts 5-6 times weekly. The key to reversing type 2 diabetes lies within our reach.

What is essential is an open mind and the courage to challenge conventional beliefs and paradigms.

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This text has been extracted from Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally by Dr. Jason Fung—Out Now (£14.99, Greystone Books).

Available for purchase at Amazon, Foyles, or Waterstones.

Photo credit: Jason Fung

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Study finds that consuming more dark chocolate, instead of milk, lowers risk of developing type 2 diabetes

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A long-term US study found that consuming at least 5 servings of dark chocolate per week (1 serving equals a standard chocolate bar/pack or 1 oz) was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to infrequent consumption. However, increased milk chocolate intake was associated with increased weight gain.

Consuming dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Image credit: Sci.News.

The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased significantly over the past few decades, with an estimated 463 million people affected worldwide in 2019 and projected to rise to 700 million by 2045. I am.

Type 2 diabetes is a multifactorial disease characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, which can lead to a number of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

A series of studies has highlighted the importance of lifestyle factors, such as a healthy diet, in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.

Higher total dietary flavonoid intake, as well as specific flavonoid subclasses, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Randomized controlled trials have shown that these flavonoids exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects that may benefit cardiometabolism and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the data are inconsistent. It wasn’t.

chocolate made from beans cacao tree (Theobroma cacao)one of the foods with the highest flavanol content and a popular snack around the world.

However, the association between chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes remains controversial due to inconsistent results obtained in observational studies.

For new research, Liu Binkai Researchers at Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health combined data from three longitudinal U.S. observational studies of female nurses and male health care workers who had no history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer at the time of recruitment. .

They investigated type 2 diabetes and total chocolate intake in 192,208 participants and 111,654 participants over an average 25-year monitoring period using food frequency questionnaires completed every 4 years. We analyzed the relationship between chocolate subtype (dark and milk) intake.

Because weight change strongly predicts type 2 diabetes risk, the researchers also used these food questionnaires to assess participants' total energy intake.

In the overall chocolate analysis, 18,862 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for personal, lifestyle, and dietary risk factors, the authors found that people who ate all types of chocolate at least five times a week were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate little or no chocolate. We found that the incidence was significantly lower by 10%. .

In the chocolate subtype analysis, 4,771 people developed type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for the same risk factors, those who ate dark chocolate at least five times a week had a 21% significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but there was no significant association with milk chocolate intake. was not found.

Researchers also found that each additional weekly intake of dark chocolate reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 3% (dose-response effect).

Increased milk intake was associated with long-term weight gain, but dark chocolate intake was not.

Dark chocolate has similar levels of energy and saturated fat as milk chocolate, but the high levels of flavanols found in dark chocolate reduce the risk of saturated fat and sugar for weight gain and other cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes. may offset the effects of

“Increased consumption of dark chocolate, but not milk, was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes,” the scientists said.

“Increased milk intake was associated with long-term weight gain, but dark chocolate intake was not.”

“Further randomized controlled trials are needed to replicate these findings and further investigate the mechanisms.”

of study What was posted this week BMJ.

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Liu Binkai others. 2024. Chocolate intake and risk of type 2 diabetes: A prospective cohort study. BMJ 387: e078386;doi: 10.1136/bmj-2023-078386

Source: www.sci.news

An Explanation from a Doctor on How Diabetes Can Be Effortlessly Reversed and Prevented

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Imagine your body as a big sugar bowl. At birth, the bowl is empty. Over decades of eating sugar and refined carbohydrates, your bowl gradually fills up. And the next time you eat, the bowl is already full, so the sugar comes in and spills over the sides of the bowl.

The same situation exists in your body. When you eat sugar, your body secretes the hormone insulin to move the sugar into your cells, where it is used for energy. If we don’t burn enough sugar, after a few decades our cells will be completely full and we won’t be able to process it anymore.

The next time you eat sugar, insulin can’t push any more sugar into the overflowing cells, so it floods into your bloodstream. Sugar moves through the blood in a form called glucose, and too much of it (known as hyperglycemia) is the main symptom of type 2 diabetes.

When there’s too much glucose in the blood, insulin doesn’t seem to be doing its normal job of moving sugar into cells. Then you say your body has become insulin resistant, but it’s actually not the insulin’s fault. The main problem is that the cells are flooded with glucose.

High blood sugar is only part of the problem. Not only is there too much glucose in the blood, there is too much glucose in every cell. Type 2 diabetes is an overflow phenomenon that occurs when there is too much glucose throughout the body.

In response to excess glucose in the blood, the body secretes more insulin to overcome this resistance. This forces more glucose into the flooded cells to keep blood levels normal.

This works, but the effect is only temporary because it doesn’t address the problem of excess sugar. The excess was transferred from the blood to the cells, only worsening insulin resistance. At some point, your body can no longer push glucose into your cells, no matter how much insulin you increase.

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What happens in the body if excess glucose is not removed? First, your body continues to produce more insulin to try to get more glucose into your cells. However, this only creates further insulin resistance, creating a vicious cycle.

When insulin levels can no longer keep up with the increased resistance, blood sugar levels spike. At this point the doctor is likely to diagnose her with type 2 diabetes.

Doctors may prescribe drugs such as insulin injections or a drug called metformin to lower blood sugar levels, but these drugs do not rid the body of excess glucose. Instead, they simply continue to take glucose from the blood and return it to the body.

It can then be carried to other organs such as the kidneys, nerves, eyes, and heart, where it can eventually cause other problems. Of course, the fundamental problem hasn’t changed.

Remember that bowl full of sugar? It’s still around. Insulin simply moves glucose from the visible blood into the invisible body. So the next time you eat, sugar will flood back into your bloodstream and you’ll end up injecting insulin to stuff it into your body.

The more glucose your body is willing to accept, the more insulin it needs to overcome its resistance to it. But as the cells swell more and more, this insulin only creates more resistance.

If you exceed the amount your body can produce naturally, drugs can take over. At first, you only need one type of medicine, but eventually the amount of medicine increases to two or three.

And the problem is that diabetes actually gets worse when you increase the amount of medication you take to keep your blood sugar levels at the same level.

Type 2 diabetes is reversible and preventable without drugs

Once you understand that type 2 diabetes is simply too much sugar in your body, the solution is obvious. Remove sugar. Don’t hide it. Let’s get rid of it. There are really only two ways to accomplish this.

  1. Please add less sugar.
  2. Burn off the remaining sugar.

that’s it. That’s all you need to do. The best part? All natural and completely free. No drugs. No surgery. No cost.

Step 1: Reduce the amount of sugar

The first step is to eliminate all sugar and refined carbohydrates from your diet. Added sugar has no nutritional value, so it’s safe to limit your intake. Complex carbohydrates, which are simply long chains of sugar, and highly refined carbohydrates, such as flour, are quickly digested into glucose.

The best strategy is to limit or eliminate bread and pasta made from white flour, as well as white rice and potatoes.

Protein intake should be kept moderate rather than high. When proteins such as meat are digested, they are broken down into amino acids. Adequate protein is necessary for good health, but excess amino acids cannot be stored in the body, so they are converted into glucose in the liver. Therefore, consuming too much protein adds sugar to your body. Therefore, highly processed and concentrated protein sources such as protein shakes, protein bars, and protein powders should be avoided.

What about dietary fat? Natural fats, found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which are key components of the Mediterranean diet, have little effect on blood sugar or insulin, and are well-known for their health benefits against both heart disease and diabetes. Masu. Eggs and butter are also good sources of natural fats.

It has been proven that the cholesterol contained in these foods has no negative effect on the human body. Eating dietary fat does not lead to type 2 diabetes or heart disease. In fact, it’s beneficial because it helps you feel full without adding sugar to your body.

To reduce the amount of sugar you put into your body, stick to natural, unprocessed whole foods. Eat a diet low in refined carbohydrates, moderate amounts of protein, and high in natural fats.

Step 2: Burn off the remaining sugar

Exercise (both strength training and aerobic training) has beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes, but its power to reverse the disease is much less than dietary intervention. And fasting is the easiest and surest way to force your body to burn sugar.

Fasting is just the flip side of eating. If you are not eating, you are fasting. When you eat, your body stores food energy. When you fast, your body burns food energy. And glucose is the most easily ingested food energy source. Therefore, a longer period of fasting allows you to burn stored sugar.

It may sound harsh, but fasting is literally the oldest diet known and has been practiced throughout human history without incident. If you are taking prescription medications, you should seek medical advice.

But the important question is: Will my blood sugar levels drop if I don’t eat? of course. Can you lose weight if you don’t eat? of course. So what’s the problem? I can’t see anything.

A common practice is to fast for 24 hours two to three times a week to burn off sugar. Another common approach is fasting for 16 hours five to six times a week. The secret to reversing type 2 diabetes is now in our hands.

All you need is an open mind to embrace new paradigms and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.

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This text was extracted from Diabetes Norm: Prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes naturally by Dr. Jason Huangon sale now (£14.99, Greystone Books).

buy from Amazon, Foyles or water stones

Photo credit: Jason Huang

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes is More Challenging Than Clinical Trials Indicate

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Insulin injections help control type 2 diabetes

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People with type 2 diabetes who lose weight while participating in clinical trials appear to be significantly more likely to have their symptoms reversed than those who lose weight outside of such studies.

Treatments such as insulin injections can help people with type 2 diabetes maintain healthy blood sugar levels. However, if you are overweight or obese, your symptoms may improve when you lose weight.

In fact, less than 10 percent of people with type 2 diabetes who lose weight outside of these trials actually lose weight, even when followed for several years. Wu Hongjian At the Chinese University of Hong Kong. In exams, this number can be closer to 90%.

These discrepancies may be due to sometimes different definitions of what it means to reverse type 2 diabetes, as well as the support and different interventions that often accompany participation in clinical trials. he says.

To better understand this, Dr. Wu and colleagues looked at more than 37,000 people in Hong Kong aged 18 to 75 who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 2000 and 2017, about half of whom were women. ) was studied.

Each participant was followed for an average of just under eight years, and the researchers looked at how their weight changed in the year after diagnosis and whether their symptoms improved during the study period.

The researchers measured glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, which reflect the participants’ blood sugar status over several months. To reverse type 2 diabetes, also called remission, Generally defined as an HbA1c of less than 6.5 percent. When measured at least 3 months after stopping treatment. The researchers were investigating whether these levels occurred during her two consecutive tests conducted six months apart.

The research team only measured the participants’ weight one year after diagnosis, at which point 2% were in remission and half had gained weight, Wu said.

By the end of the study, 6% were in remission at some point, Wu said. About two-thirds of these people needed diabetes medication to get their symptoms back under control within three years.

However, by simply recording participants’ weight one year after diagnosis, the researchers were not able to determine whether the participants continued to gain weight or whether other factors, such as gaining weight at a particular time, could account for some of the weight. We do not know whether it brought participants out of remission. Fat that accumulates around the waist and certain internal organs.

In contrast, one small clinical trial found that up to 86% of type 2 diabetics who lost at least 15 kg went into remission within 1 year. People participating in such studies often benefit from professional dietary management, physical exercise programs, moral support, regular monitoring, feedback, reminders and encouragement, Wu says.

But even people who participate in the control groups of some clinical trials and don’t undergo intensive weight loss programs have higher remission rates than what was seen in Wu’s team’s study.

That may be because, outside of clinical trials, doctors are often reluctant to advise patients with type 2 diabetes to stop treatment, he says. This likely also has to do with differences in how remission is defined, Wu said, since trials often require only one HbA1c measurement in a healthy patient.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

New Hope for Diabetes Treatment: Repurposed Medicines Present Promising Results

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A recent study led by Indiana University and the University of Chicago Medicine suggests that a drug called alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) could revolutionize the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Based on a decade of research, DFMO has demonstrated the potential to reduce insulin dependence, and larger clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate DFMO’s impact on beta cell preservation and disease amelioration. Tested.

A recent study led by Indiana University School of Medicine in collaboration with the University of Chicago School of Medicine shows exciting future possibilities for the management of type 1 diabetes and its potential reduction. insulin dependence. The researchers’ findings are cell report medicine, They suggest that repurposing the drug alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) could open the door to innovative treatments in the future.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels and currently requires lifelong insulin treatment to keep patients alive. Is required. Many people living with type 1 diabetes find current treatments, such as daily insulin injections and frequent blood sugar monitoring, inconvenient and difficult to manage.

A 10-year research journey

These latest translation results represent more than a decade of research. Raghu Mirmila, M.D., Ph.D., co-corresponding author of the study, said in 2010 that while running his lab at IU School of Medicine, his team was able to develop beta It was discovered for the first time that cells can be protected from infection. Environmental factors suggest that type 1 diabetes may be preserved. The team then validated these findings in mice.

From 2015 to 2019, Linda DiMeglio, MD, MPH, Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics at IU School of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinologist and Division Director at Riley Children’s Health, provided guidance to people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. He led a clinical trial to confirm the safety of DFMO. They also suggested that it may stabilize insulin levels by protecting beta cells. The trial was funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and used the drug provided by Panvera Therapeutics.

Dr. Emily K. Sims. Credit: Chapital Photography, provided by Emily K. Sims

“After several years of bench-to-bedside research, Drs. [Sarah] “We are pleased to finally share the promising results from the Tercy mouse model, a pilot study in humans,” said DiMeglio, senior author of the study. “Having established the preliminary safety of DFMO in patients with type 1 diabetes, we are excited to collaborate to further explore its potential benefits in a larger clinical trial.”

Regulatory benefits of DFMO and new formulations

Since 1990, DFMO has been approved by the FDA as a high-dose injectable to treat African sleeping sickness, and in 2020 received breakthrough therapy designation as a post-remission neuroblastoma maintenance therapy. Ta. This prior regulatory approval could streamline adoption as a treatment for type 1 diabetes and shorten the approval process from decades to just a few years.

“Using the new formulation of DFMO as a pill allows patients to take it by mouth rather than needing regular injections, and it has a very favorable side effect profile,” said Dr. said one Milmira. Chicago Medicine. “We are very happy to be able to say that we have developed a drug that works differently than other treatments for this disease.”

Current and future clinical research

Researchers have already begun the next steps to investigate the potential of DFMO. The study’s lead author and co-corresponding author, Emily K. Sims, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at IU School of Medicine and pediatric endocrinologist at Riley Children’s Health, recently studied the effects of infectious diseases in more detail. To define it, we have begun a large-scale clinical study involving six institutions. His DFMO treatment to preserve beta cell function in type 1 diabetes. This new research was also funded by JDRF and supported by Panbela Therapeutics.

Sims, who is also a physician and scientist at the IU School of Medicine’s Herman B. Wells Pediatric Research Center and Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, hopes that DFMO, perhaps as part of a combination therapy, will not only help patients; There is. People who have recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes but are at risk of developing the condition may also be tested.

“As we embark on this new multicenter clinical trial to further investigate the efficacy of DFMO, we are confident that the encouraging results obtained to date will allow us to modify the underlying disease process of type 1 diabetes. ”Sims said. “We invite even more participants to this pioneering study. With their help, the knowledge we gain today has the potential to shape a brighter future for people affected by type 1 diabetes. Masu.”

Reference: “Inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis preserves beta cell function in type 1 diabetes” Emily K. Sims, Abhishek Kulkarni, Audrey Hull, Stephanie E. Werner, Suzanne Cabrera, Lucy D. Mastrandrea, Batur Hammoud, Soumyadeep Sarkar, Ernesto S. Nakayas, Teresa L. Mastracci, Susan M. Perkins, Ouyang Fangqian, Bobbie Jo Webb Robertson, Jacob R. Enriquez, Sarah A. Turcy, Carmela Evans. · Molina, S. Alice Long, Lori Blanchfield, Eugene W. Garner, Raghavendra G. Mirmila and Linda A. Dimeglio, November 1, 2023; cell report medicine.
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101261

People who want to know more about New clinical trials can be accessed on the research website.

Source: scitechdaily.com

Revolutionary Drug Delivery System Transforms Diabetes Treatment

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Stanford University engineers have created an injectable hydrogel depot technology that allows GLP-1 drugs to be administered once every four months, rather than requiring daily injections. This new hydrogel has the potential to revolutionize treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight management by significantly reducing the burden of daily injections.

The hydrogel drug delivery system was developed by materials engineers at Stanford University and turns daily or weekly injections of drugs like Ozempic, Maunjaro, Trulicity, and Victoza into a single injection every four months. This new system could greatly improve patient compliance and health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes, as well as providing a more manageable treatment regimen.

The hydrogel contains GLP-1 drug molecules and slowly releases them over time, eliminating the need for frequent injections. This novel nanocomposite hydrogel is made of polymers and nanoparticles that dissolve over the course of several months, similar to how a sugar cube dissolves in water. Once the hydrogel is injected under the skin, it gradually releases the drug as it dissolves, providing sustained delivery over a four-month period.

Initial testing in laboratory rats has shown promising results, and future trials will be conducted on pigs to further validate the system’s effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to conduct human clinical trials within the next two years to evaluate the long-term administration of GLP-1-based treatments.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and a seed grant from the Stanford Diabetes Research Center.

Source: scitechdaily.com

The unexpected connection between diet, diabetes, and mental well-being

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New research reveals important links between nutrition, diabetes, and mental health. Poor dietary choices can put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Conversely, a diet rich in essential nutrients and low in processed foods can reduce these risks. The findings highlight the importance of informed dietary choices in the management and prevention of diabetes, anxiety, and depression and have implications for public health policy and medical practice.

A new literature review by researchers at the College of Public Health provides new insights into the relationship between nutrition and mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes (diabetes mellitus) are two to three times more likely to experience depression than people without diabetes. Current treatments include therapy, medication, or both.

However, understanding of the multifaceted relationship between nutrition, mental health, and DM is relatively new in scientific discussion. Mason researchers sought to learn about the relationship between nutrition, diabetes, and mental health.

The impact of nutrition on diabetes and mental health

Two literature reviews by Associate Professor Raedeh Basiri show that malnutrition plays a dual role in contributing to both the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and mental health effects such as anxiety and depression. I am. According to the results of this study, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety increase his risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety. Nutritional interventions can help with both of these health issues.

“Our findings highlight that dietary choices play a vital role in reducing the risks associated with both diabetes and mental health. These findings The implications of these findings extend beyond the scientific community, as they are expected to inform public health policies, medical practices, and dietary recommendations that can positively impact people. ” said Basili, lead author of the paper.

Strengthen dietary choices for health and prevention

“This research ultimately aims to enable individuals to make informed health-promoting dietary choices, which will help prevent and manage diabetes, anxiety, and depression. It serves as a proactive strategy,” Basili said.

More specifically, the research team’s findings provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between dietary patterns, health impacts, and the important role of eating behavior in the context of type 2 diabetes and mental health. Masu.

The research team found that eating foods rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products may be associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. found that it was associated with lower risk. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods has been found to have negative effects, making you more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety.

The importance of a nutritious diet

Additionally, the researchers found that although people consume energy-dense foods, they lack essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, selenium, chromium, and magnesium. I found the meals to be nutritious. It is associated with worsening of unfavorable symptoms in both mental health and the development of type 2 diabetes. This relationship highlights the importance of nutrient-dense food choices for overall health and well-being.

“Current scientific evidence highlights the potential benefits of adopting a balanced diet in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression while enhancing glycemic control in people with diabetes.” said Basili.

References: “Exploring the interrelationships of diabetes, nutrition, anxiety, and depression: Implications for treatment and prevention strategies,” by Raedeh Basiri, Blessing Seidu, and Mark Rudich, September 29, 2023. nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15194226

“Key Nutrients for Optimal Glycemic Control and Mental Health in People with Diabetes: A Review of the Evidence,” by Raedeh Basiri, Blessing Seidu, and Lawrence J. Cheskin, September 9, 2023. nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15183929

Source: scitechdaily.com

New research reveals the potential of using short audio recordings as a diagnostic tool for diabetes | Latest Findings in Science and Technology

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New research has found that diabetes may be diagnosed with just a short audio recording from a mobile phone.

Scientists can determine whether someone has diabetes with nearly 90% accuracy using just a 6-10 second audio sample and basic health data such as age, gender, height, and weight I created an AI model.

Klick Labs recruited 267 people for the study, including some who had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Each subject was asked to record a phrase on their phone six times a day for two weeks, and the team used AI to analyze more than 18,000 samples to determine the acoustic differences between diabetics and non-diabetics. I looked into it.

These included changes in pitch caused by type 2 diabetes that are imperceptible to the human ear.

This model had an accuracy rate of 89% for women and 86% for men.

Study author Jaycee Kaufman said the results could “change” the way we screen for diabetes.

More than 90% of adults with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes, but many go undetected for years as symptoms may be systemic or absent. I am.

Testing for this disease usually requires a visit to a general practitioner and urine and blood tests.

“Current detection methods can be time-consuming, travel-intensive, and costly,” Kaufman said.

“Voice technology has the potential to completely remove these barriers.”

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Previous research has shown that audio recordings can be used in conjunction with AI to diagnose other diseases. Including new coronavirus infection.

Klick Labs believes this technology can also diagnose conditions such as prediabetes and hypertension.

This peer-reviewed study was published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal.

Source: news.sky.com