Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) might be a safe and non-invasive way to manage blood glucose in diabetes, say researchers who examined the effects of EMFs in altering the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in the liver and causing an improvement in the body’s response to insulin. Read more
Glycated hemoglobin (A1c) testing is a standard method of assessing blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. However, researchers are finding that iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can affect A1c testing results. Read more
Type 2 diabetes is the condition that results when β-cells (beta cells) cannot release enough insulin for the body’s needs. A group of researchers say they have new insight into how “weak” beta cells bond with other, more mature cells to boost insulin production, which can help us understand more about the processes that lead […]
Severe hypoglycemia can lead to fatal complications, including heart arrhythmias, seizures, and coma. Research has also found that patients with hypoglycemic events severe enough to require medical assistance also had increased risk of developing cancer and skin, respiratory, and digestive complications. Read more
Insulin is the mainstay treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes who also have beta-cell failure; however, some insulin regimens can be complicated to manage and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Now, researchers say that a simple add-on therapy with the GLP-1 Agonist medication albiglutide can reduce insulin use for patients with type 2 […]
Researchers have discovered a new insulin inhibitory receptor, named inceptor. (Insulin receptors are areas in human cells that allow insulin in the blood to join or bind with the cell.) The researchers found that blocking inceptor function makes the insulin signaling pathway in pancreatic beta cells more sensitive, which could potentially allow protection and regeneration […]
Prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to complications that damage the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. The effects can be permanent and cause further damage, even if blood glucose levels are reduced. This is called metabolic memory, and is reason to control blood glucose levels sooner rather than later. Read more
New studies have investigated a once-daily pill that can optimize insulin therapy and reduce HbA1c among adults with type 1 diabetes. The pill, a novel liver-selective glucokinase activator, also known as TTP399, showed superior A1c reduction compared to placebo. Read more
A small trial found that an endoscopic therapeutic procedure, which involved putting a small balloon filled with hot water down the patient’s throat, successfully reduced the need for insulin use in most participants. The procedure burns away some of the small intestine’s surface cells which are then replaced; the new cells signal the body to […]
Hypoglycemia is a major risk for people with diabetes on insulin-containing regimens. These risks are even greater in those taking beta-blockers, as symptoms of low blood sugar can be masked by the drug. However, administering insulin with glucagon may help to reduce the risk, researchers say. Read more
People with diabetes are at greater risk for severe complications of COVID-19, but researchers say people with well-controlled blood glucose levels, defined as 70-72mg/dL.(3.9-10 mmol/L), have better COVID-19 treatment outcomes. Read more
Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new synthetic film that could help manage diabetes. The material would be consumed as a liquid; the film has the ability to self-assemble in the intestine to block the absorption of glucose, and subsequently dissolve. Read more
People with diabetes are at higher risk for complications of COVID-19, and good diabetes management is key for maximizing health and reducing risk. But for many with type 1, obtaining insulin is a challenge due to job and health insurance losses in the pandemic. Read more
As people age, obesity and diabetes put them at higher risk for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease. Type 2 diabetes damages the brain regions that govern memory, movement, and visual processing, but maintaining good glucose levels can help reduce the risk. Read more
For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, their maternal glucose levels play a large role in determining fetal growth. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) allows expecting mothers to assess the changes in their blood glucose levels. Read more
Multiple studies have been conducted to evaluate the performance of oral semaglutide, which is the first oral medication in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. The PIONEER 8 trial found reductions in A1c and body weight when oral semaglutide is paired with various insulin regimens. Read more
Betalin Therapeutics says that it will submit a request next month for human clinical trials in the UK for its tiny micro-pancreas that can “cure” diabetes for millions of people and eliminate the need for insulin injections. The device is designed for people with type 1 diabetes, and those with type 2 diabetes who require […]
Researchers have found a strong association between early episodes of poor blood sugar control, epigenetic changes (which affect the activity of particular genes without altering their DNA sequences), and diabetic complications years later, even if patients subsequently had better glycemic control. Read more
Lab research suggests that saliva testing may one day offer a more cost-effective and painless alternative to finger sticks for measuring glucose levels and monitoring diabetes management. Read more
Many countries have enacted lockdowns in order to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). These stay-at-home orders have disrupted daily routines for many diabetes patients, which has created concerns over the possible consequences of added stress, isolation, and elevated blood sugars on glucose management. Read more