Author: Staff

Everyday diabetes medicine could treat common cause of blindness

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that metformin, a common diabetes med, might help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in Western countries.

In a study of 2,000 people with diabetes, those taking metformin were 37% less likely to develop intermediate AMD over 5 years. 🚀 The researchers analysed eye photos and adjusted for factors like age and sex.

This is a big deal, as AMD affects 1.1-1.8 million people in the UK and costs £11.1 billion annually. And currently, there’s no treatment for geographic atrophy (dry AMD) in the UK and Europe.

Markers at birth may help predict type 1 diabetes

Researchers have found markers in umbilical cord blood that could predict type 1 diabetes in kids later in life. The study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed data from over 16,000 babies in Sweden and found certain proteins linked to increased risk. These markers might be influenced by exposure to “forever chemicals” during pregnancy. The team used machine learning and supercomputing power to identify these patterns, offering a potential new screening test at birth. Next steps involve exploring interventions or lifestyle changes to offset these risks.

Linking financial incentives to improved blood sugar levels may support type 2 diabetes management

A new study in Israel gave people with type 2 diabetes a discount on their meds if their blood sugar levels improved. Those who got the discount had better blood sugar control compared to those who didn’t. The study suggests offering financial incentives could be a good way to support disadvantaged patients with diabetes.

Mapping proteins in African genomes reveals new paths to fight type 2 diabetes

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to better diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes in African populationd. By studying plasma proteins in individuals from continental Africa, they’ve identified new genetic links and protein patterns that could pave the way for more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatments. The study, led by Helmholtz Munich and partners, highlights the importance of including underrepresented populations in medical research. Their findings also provide a valuable dataset for researchers worldwide.

Prediabetes is increasingly common among children living with overweight or obesity – prevalence has risen alongside maternal overweight

Prediabetes is on the rise among Finnish kids with overweight or obesity, jumping from 11% in the early 2000s to 50% in 2017-2019. This increase is linked to a rise in maternal overweight, which went from 20% to 69% over the same period. Researchers are concerned as prediabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues, and say early screening and intervention are crucial for kids with obesity-related issues.

New clues reveal how gestational diabetes affects offspring

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism linking gestational diabetes to pregnancy complications. The study found that gestational diabetes alters the placenta’s processing of genetic messages, leading to incorrect assembly of hundreds of genetic messages and potentially disrupting placental function. The researchers identified a key protein, SRSF10, that appears to contribute to this disrupted process. Targeting SRSF10 may help mitigate the effects of gestational diabetes on offspring. The study’s findings provide new insights into the underlying biology of gestational diabetes and open up new avenues for intervention to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Healthy Nordic Diet Shows Promise in Treating Type 2 Diabetes and Fatty Liver Disease

A new clinical study has found that a healthy Nordic diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can effectively reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The diet, which is high in dietary fibre and low in saturated fat, outperformed both a low-carbohydrate diet and the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations in a one-year trial.

The study, led by Ulf Risérus, Professor of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism at Uppsala University, found that participants who followed the healthy Nordic diet saw a 20% reduction in liver fat and improved blood sugar control. Over half of the participants also experienced a remission of their fatty liver disease.

Normalizing blood sugar can halve heart attack risk

A groundbreaking study has found that reversing prediabetes through lifestyle changes can cut the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and premature death by 50%. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,400 people with prediabetes and found that those who normalized their blood glucose levels had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease. A fasting blood glucose value of ≤ 97 mg/dL is a simple marker for lower heart disease risk. The study’s findings suggest that sustained normalization of blood glucose should be a key target for clinical guidelines, adding a fourth pillar to cardiovascular prevention.

Predicting who is at risk of developing type 1 diabetes, as new drugs now available

A new genetic risk score can predict who’s at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes, and it could be used in large-scale health studies to identify adults who could benefit from new treatments. The score uses genetic information to predict risk and feeds into an online clinical calculator that’s already available to clinicians. This is a big deal because new drugs like teplizumab can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes by up to three years, but they only work if given before symptoms develop. The genetic risk score can help identify who should get autoantibody testing to see if they’re eligible for these new treatments.

Gestational diabetes: Continuous glucose monitoring reduces risk of excessive birth weight

A study led by the Medical University of Vienna found that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in women with gestational diabetes reduces the risk of having a baby with excessive birth weight. The study of 375 women showed that CGM led to a lower rate of large-for-gestational-age babies (4% vs 10%) compared to traditional finger-prick testing. CGM allows women to track their blood sugar levels in real-time, enabling them to make adjustments to their lifestyle or insulin therapy. However, the study also found that strict sugar management may influence the risk of insufficient fetal growth, requiring further investigation.

AI-inspired texture analysis detects “silent” retinal damage in early diabetes

Researchers at Wenzhou Medical University and the University of Coimbra have made a breakthrough in detecting early-stage retinal damage in diabetes using AI-inspired texture analysis. This method can identify subtle changes in retinal tissue before any visible signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) appear, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and reducing the risk of blindness.

The study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) images to analyze retinal texture in diabetic rats and found significant changes in texture metrics, such as autocorrelation and homogeneity, even when structural and molecular damage was minimal. These changes occurred before any major inflammation or vascular leakage was detectable.

The researchers believe this technology could lead to the development of AI-assisted diagnostic tools that can automatically screen for preclinical DR based on retinal texture signatures. This could enable ophthalmologists to identify high-risk patients before permanent vision damage occurs, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.

The study’s findings have significant implications for the early detection and treatment of DR, which affects over 130 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of blindness among working-age adults. Further clinical trials are needed to validate the results in human subjects.

Individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer complications after stent surgery

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people with diabetes, especially type 1, are at a higher risk of complications after stent surgery. The study looked at over 160,000 patients who received drug-eluting stents and found that those with type 1 diabetes were more than twice as likely to experience complications, such as artery narrowing or blood clots, compared to those without diabetes. The risk is highest in the first few months after surgery. Researchers say treatment and follow-up care for patients with diabetes may need to be adjusted.

Breakthrough in Diabetic Nerve Damage Treatment

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered a possible therapeutic approach to treat diabetic nerve damage. The study found that a protein called p35 accumulates in nerve cells, blocking the regrowth of nerve fibres. By targeting this protein, the team developed peptides that can increase nerve regeneration in diabetic mice, improving motor and sensory functions.

Shape of your behind may signal diabetes

Researchers from the University of Westminster used MRI 3D mapping to study the gluteus maximus muscle in the buttocks. They found that the shape of the muscle changes with aging, lifestyle, frailty, osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes, and these changes differ between women and men. The study used data from 61,290 MRI exams in the UK Biobank database and found that people with type 2 diabetes showed sex-specific changes in muscle shape. Men showed muscle shrinkage, while women showed enlarged muscle with fat infiltration. The researchers suggest that shape changes in the gluteus maximus may indicate early functional decline and metabolic compromise in people with type 2 diabetes.

One-hour blood glucose level: a better chance to prevent diabetes

A recent study has found that measuring blood glucose levels one hour after consuming a glucose solution can be a more effective way to predict and prevent type 2 diabetes. This one-hour glucose value is considered a critical indicator of impaired glucose regulation, even before prediabetes is diagnosed.

The study, which involved 317 participants, showed that individuals with elevated one-hour glucose levels responded well to lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and regular exercise. These interventions improved insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 80% compared to those with prediabetes .

Key Findings:

  • Early Detection: The one-hour glucose value is a more sensitive marker for detecting impaired glucose tolerance than traditional measures like HbA1c, fasting glucose, or two-hour glucose.
  • Lifestyle Intervention: Participants with elevated one-hour glucose levels showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function after lifestyle interventions.
  • Reduced Risk: The risk of developing type 2 diabetes was 80% lower in individuals with elevated one-hour glucose levels who participated in the intervention.

This new approach could help identify at-risk individuals earlier and provide targeted prevention strategies, potentially reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Would you like to know more about the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or how to incorporate lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar levels?

Diabetes Drug Shows Promise in Reducing AFib Episodes

A preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 found that metformin, a diabetes medication, reduced irregular heartbeat events in overweight/obese adults with atrial fibrillation (AFib). The study, META-AF, analyzed 99 adults with AFib and obesity/overweight who underwent catheter ablation and received either usual care or usual care plus metformin.

Key Findings

  • Reduced AFib episodes: 78% of the metformin group had no AFib episodes lasting 30 seconds or more, compared to 58% in the usual care group.
  • Fewer repeat ablations: The metformin group had fewer patients who needed a repeat ablation or electric shock (6% vs 16%).
  • Minimal weight change: Weight changes were minimal in all participants, suggesting weight loss wasn’t the primary reason for metformin’s benefits.

Implications

The study suggests metformin may be a useful adjunct to standard care for AFib patients with obesity, potentially reducing recurrent episodes. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and compare metformin with other diabetes medications.

Study reveals strong link between type 2 diabetes and hearing loss

A recent study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery has found a significant link between type 2 diabetes and hearing loss. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,900 individuals with diabetes and 4,000 control subjects, revealed that people with type 2 diabetes are 4.19 times more likely to experience hearing loss.

The prevalence of hearing loss among patients with type 2 diabetes was found to range from 40.6% to 71.9%, with the risk increasing with the duration of diabetes. Those with diabetes for more than 10 years had a 2.07 times higher risk of hearing loss compared to those with shorter disease duration.

The study suggests that hearing loss in type 2 diabetes may be caused by microcirculatory alterations affecting the cochlea, leading to changes in the inner ear capillaries. Poor glucose control was also found to correlate with more severe hearing impairment.

Given the rising number of people with diabetes, this research highlights the importance of comprehensive diabetes care that includes hearing assessments. Hearing loss could serve as an early indicator of microvascular disease, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further complications .

Most Americans Open to Plant-Based Diet to Fight Diabetes

A new poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and Morning Consult finds that 65% of Americans would consider adopting a low-fat, plant-based diet to help prevent type 2 diabetes or improve blood sugar control if recommended by their doctor.

Key Findings

  • Awareness of diet’s benefits is low: Only 21% of adults are aware that a low-fat plant-based diet can help prevent or improve type 2 diabetes.
  • Misconceptions about low-carb diets: 50% of adults believe a low-carb diet is the best way to prevent or improve type 2 diabetes, despite research suggesting animal-based low-carb diets may increase risk.
  • Support needed for plant-based diets: Nearly half of adults say having online resources and guidance from a dietitian would be very helpful for success on a plant-based diet.

Research Backs Plant-Based Diets

Studies by the Physicians Committee have shown that low-fat plant-based diets can improve blood sugar control, weight, and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and even reduce the need for medication.

New hope for treating kidney disease in type 1 diabetes

A recent study led by Hiddo Lambers Heerspink, a clinical pharmacologist at the University Medical Center Groningen, has found that the drug finerenone can reduce protein excretion in the urine of patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. This reduction indicates a protective effect on kidney function and suggests that finerenone may be an effective treatment for kidney disease in type 1 diabetes.

Key Findings

  • Finerenone reduces protein excretion: The study found that finerenone reduced protein excretion in the urine by about 25% in patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
  • Safe and well-tolerated: Finerenone was found to be safe and well-tolerated, except for a slightly elevated potassium level in the blood.
  • First new drug in 30 years: Finerenone is the first new drug in over 30 years that has shown to be effective and safe for treating kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Implications

The study’s findings suggest that finerenone may be a valuable treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The drug’s ability to reduce protein excretion in the urine is a promising indicator of its potential to slow kidney disease progression.

New Model Predicts Diabetes Complications and Treatment Outcomes

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new model, DOMUS, that predicts the risk of complications and treatment outcomes for patients with type 2 diabetes. The model uses data from nearly 130,000 patients and takes into account various factors, including blood sugar levels, weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Key Findings

  • Early treatment matters: The model shows that early treatment of diabetes can make a significant difference in preventing long-term complications.
  • Predicts 14 complications: DOMUS predicts the risk of 14 different complications, including heart attacks, kidney failure, and depression.
  • Models disease progression: The model predicts how risk factors such as weight, cholesterol, and A1C levels change over time.

Implications

The DOMUS model has the potential to inform clinical decision-making and policy decisions related to diabetes treatment and management. It can help clinicians and policymakers understand the potential benefits and costs of different treatment approaches and make more informed decisions about resource allocation.

Future Directions

The researchers are working on external validation of the model using different data sources and plan to apply it to study racial and ethnic disparities in predicted outcomes. The model has the potential to be used by insurers, policymakers, and public health agencies to guide decisions about diabetes treatment and management.