Significant fluctuations in HbA1c may increase risk for serious complications and death, especially in higher-risk populations such as the elderly. Recurrent periods of hypoglycemia can have many negative effects on the body. Researchers examined whether blood glucose fluctuations could predict patient outcomes. Read more
An enzyme that plays a major role in the development of cancer and type 2 diabetes also activates a protein that contributes to Parkinson’s, researchers say, potentially providing a new research avenue that could someday help treat all three diseases. Read more
People who reported eating two or more servings per week of oily fish, such as sardines, had a 22% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a large study in the U.K. Read more
The Bydureon BCise once-weekly injection has received FDA approval for use in children and teens age 10-17 after trial results showed it significantly reduced blood sugar in adolescents. This is the first once-weekly dose of the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class approved for older children. Read more
Having diabetes increases the risk of developing heat stress during outdoor activities, especially during hot and humid summer weather. Both people with type 1 diabetes and people with type 2 diabetes may have impaired body heat regulation. Diabetes exercise expert Dr. Sheri Colberg shares tips on keeping safe during hot weather exercise. Read more
A recent study of patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) had disturbed glucose metabolism, despite having no history of diabetes diagnosis. This points to the need for careful monitoring of glucose metabolism to identify prediabetes or diabetes, the researchers say. Read more
Intensive treatment to achieve lower blood glucose levels is usually beneficial and recommended to help patients avoid long-term complications of diabetes. However, older adults have a higher risk of hypoglycemia than younger patients when given intensive treatment for glycemic control, so guidelines recommend they receive less aggressive glycemic targets. But there is evidence many older […]
Early research results for an injectable formulation combining prandial (pre-meal) insulin with pramlintide showed the combination improves blood glucose control and helps achieve weight loss in people with type 1 diabetes. Pramlintide is an analog of a hormone called amylin, which helps reduce blood sugar spikes after eating a meal. Read more
Diabetes is the leading cause of adult-onset blindness, due to diabetic retinopathy (DR). DR is a common diabetes complication, and as it progresses, abnormal retinal blood vessels grow to increase oxygen supply to the retina. This can eventually lead to vision loss. A study was conducted to assess the relationship between DR severity and the […]
Adding the diabetes drug sotagliflozin (Zynquista) early in treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes was effective in reducing heart failure, heart attack, and stroke in the patients studied, according to trial results presented at the American Diabetes Association symposium. Read more
Many patients with COVID-19 seem to have an increase in blood sugar. There can be many causes, including decreased glucose tolerance and insulin production, which can be caused by inflammation as well as having overweight or obesity. Is the increase in blood sugar a coincidence or something more? Read more
The 2021 American Diabetes Association (ADA) virtual symposium included a session debating the value of digital coaching systems for type 2 diabetes, which are increasing in popularity. While these systems can reduce the need for more expensive in-person visits, some doctors are not convinced there is good evidence for the systems’ effectiveness. Read more
GLP-1 RAs are a class of diabetes medication that includes drugs like Trulicity, Ozempic, and Byetta. Drugs in this class have been shown to have a beneficial effect on heart health. Researchers examined whether GLP-1 RAs’ effectiveness in reducing blood glucose (HbA1c) levels is responsible for the reduction in cardiovascular risk associated with the medications. […]
Time-restricted eating refers to a diet plan in which eating is restricted to a specific period of time during the day. Researchers say time-restricted eating may be able to help people with type 2 diabetes reduce nocturnal hypertension. Elevated blood pressure during the night has been linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Read more
HbA1c variability — changes in blood glucose levels and swings between hypo- and hyperglycemia — can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Often, glucose variability is associated with poor diabetes management, which can contribute to poor heart health. Read more
Creating treatment interventions that made diabetes management more like a game helped patients who had diabetes and overweight or obesity improve their physical activity levels, researchers found, although it did not seem to help them manage their blood glucose or lose weight. Read more
In people who do not have diabetes, the hormone amylin is secreted in the pancreas alongside insulin, and people with diabetes lack both insulin and amylin. Do artificial pancreas systems perform more effectively when pramlintide, a medication that is an analog of amylin, is added to them? Read more
A popular drug type, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), that is used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers has been found to improve blood sugar control in patients with diabetes when used in addition to their usual treatment. These drugs do not prevent diabetes in people who do not already have the condition, the researchers say. […]
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a 2.4 mg/week subcutaneous dose of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide for weight loss in people who have obesity, or overweight with a related health complication. Semaglutide is already in use to treat type 2 diabetes, but the approval for this drug, to be sold under […]
Soaring summer temperatures can make anyone sluggish and uncomfortable, especially when accompanied by high humidity. But people with diabetes may be at greater risk for some negative effects of hot weather. One example is that people with diabetes tend to more easily suffer from dehydration. Read more