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.
Author: Staff
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.
AI-Powered Diabetes Prevention Program Shows Promise
A recent study published in JAMA has found that an AI-powered diabetes prevention program (DPP) app can reduce the risk of diabetes in adults with prediabetes similarly to traditional human-led programs. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, compared the effectiveness of an AI-powered DPP app to human-led programs in over 368 participants.
Key Findings
- Similar outcomes: Both the AI-powered DPP app and human-led programs achieved similar rates of diabetes risk reduction, with 31.7% and 31.9% of participants meeting the CDC-defined composite benchmark, respectively.
- Higher initiation and completion rates: The AI-powered DPP app had higher rates of program initiation (93.4% vs 82.7%) and completion (63.9% vs 50.3%) compared to traditional human-led programs.
Implications
The study suggests that AI-powered DPPs could be an effective alternative to existing human-coached programs, especially for patients with logistical constraints. The AI-powered app’s ability to provide personalized interventions and always be available could extend its reach and make it a valuable tool in diabetes prevention.
Future Directions
The study team plans to explore how the AI app outcomes translate to broader, underserved patient populations and investigate patient preference, engagement, and costs associated with AI-led DPPs. This research has the potential to inform the development of more effective and accessible diabetes prevention programs.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Children Linked to Neighborhood Environment
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine highlights the importance of neighborhood environment in shaping the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children. The study analyzed data from over 174,000 children nationwide and found that certain neighborhood and household characteristics, such as limited green space and access to processed foods, were associated with a higher risk of T2D.
Key Findings
- Neighborhood environment: The study found that neighborhood characteristics, such as walkability, litter, and access to processed foods, played a significant role in T2D risk.
- Food insecurity: Children in food-insecure households or areas with limited access to nutritious foods were more likely to develop T2D.
- Government assistance programs: Participation in programs like SNAP and school meals was linked to increased intake of processed, energy-dense foods high in sugar and fat.
Implications
The study suggests that effective T2D prevention and early detection efforts must consider both environmental factors and food quality. The researchers recommend improving access to nutritious foods, creating healthier neighborhood environments, and investing in policies that promote long-term wellness from the very start of life.
Potential Solutions
- Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: Implementing policies like full bans in schools and larger taxes may be necessary to reduce consumption.
- Improving dietary habits: School-based programs that promote healthy eating and physical activity can be effective in reducing T2D risk.
- Creating healthy environments: Neighborhood design and access to green spaces can influence physical activity levels and T2D risk.
The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing T2D in children, including improving access to nutritious foods, creating healthier neighborhood environments, and investing in policies that promote long-term wellness. By addressing these factors, we can work towards reducing the risk of T2D in children and promoting a healthier future for generations to come.
The persistence of diabetes stigma
A recent study by Kyoto University researchers highlights the persistence of diabetes stigma among medical students and residents in Japan. Despite growing awareness, nearly half of the 921 respondents held misconceptions about diabetes, such as believing it’s always genetic or that people with diabetes have shorter life expectancy .
Key Findings
- Awareness of diabetes stigma: 57% of respondents reported awareness of diabetes stigma, while 25.9% were aware of advocacy efforts.
- Misconceptions: About half of medical students and residents held misconceptions about diabetes, with residents more likely to hold stigma-related beliefs.
- Limited impact of clinical education: Clinical lectures increased awareness, but subsequent training had limited impact on reducing stigma.
Implications
The study suggests that medical education curricula need to be revised to address diabetes stigma and promote accurate knowledge. The researchers plan to conduct a follow-up survey to assess the effectiveness of their efforts.
Importance
Diabetes stigma can lead to social isolation, psychological distress, and poor disease management. By addressing these issues in medical education, future physicians can become agents of change, fostering environments where diabetes is understood accurately and without stigma.
Noninvasive On-Skin Biosensors for Diabetes Management
A recent review published by researchers from The University of Manchester and A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology highlights the potential of noninvasive on-skin biosensors for real-time diabetes management. These biosensors analyze sweat and other skin biomarkers to provide continuous metabolic monitoring, eliminating the need for finger-prick blood tests.
Key Findings
- Noninvasive skin biosensors offer a painless alternative: These biosensors can track glucose, lactate, cortisol, and inflammatory cytokines in real-time without blood draws.
- Multimodal integration and AI-driven insights: The biosensors can combine biochemical markers with physiological signals, and machine-learning algorithms can convert multimodal data into personalized glycemic predictions and early warnings.
- Innovative design and features: The biosensors use various sensor modalities, materials engineering, and microfluidics to ensure skin conformity and long-term wear.
Potential Applications
- Closed-loop therapeutics: Sweat-triggered microneedle patches and thermal drug-delivery films can be explored for automatic insulin or metformin release.
- Digital health integration: The biosensors can transmit encrypted data to smartphones and cloud platforms for telemedicine and population-level analytics.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Standardizing sweat-to-blood correlations: Overcoming sensor drift and ensuring equitable access to these biosensors remain key research priorities.
- Regulatory pathways: Compliance with regulatory standards, such as ISO 20916 and FDA SaMD, is crucial for clinical translation.
The review provides a comprehensive guide for developing next-generation wearable biosensors that merge materials science, electronics, and AI to deliver painless, personalized diabetes care. These biosensors have the potential to transform daily diabetes management and improve patient outcomes.
Vitamin D and Glucose Homeostasis
Vitamin D, traditionally recognized for its critical role in calcium homeostasis and skeletal health, has increasingly been explored for its pleiotropic, non-skeletal functions. Among the most compelling areas of research is its profound interaction with the endocrine system, particularly the pathogenesis and management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, affects millions globally and represents a severe public health crisis. Epidemiological studies have consistently revealed an inverse correlation between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), the storage form of the vitamin, and the incidence of both Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This established association has shifted the perception of Vitamin D from a simple nutrient to a crucial prohormone intimately involved in regulating glucose metabolism, β-cell function, and systemic immunity. This essay will critically review the complex biological mechanisms by which Vitamin D influences pancreatic β-cell health and insulin sensitivity, examine the epidemiological evidence linking deficiency to increased diabetes risk, and evaluate the current, often mixed, findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning Vitamin D supplementation for disease prevention.
The Dual Mechanism of Action in Glucose Regulation
Vitamin D’s active metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol), exerts its effects by binding to the nuclear Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a super-family member of ligand-activated transcription factors. The ubiquitous presence of the VDR on tissues well beyond the skeletal system, including pancreatic β-cells, adipose tissue, and immune cells, highlights its widespread hormonal function.
In the context of glucose homeostasis, Vitamin D operates via two primary mechanisms: direct effects on insulin secretion and indirect effects on insulin sensitivity. Directly, the binding of 1,25(OH)2D to VDR within the pancreatic β-cells is crucial for regulating the intracellular calcium environment. Insulin exocytosis is a calcium-dependent process, and Vitamin D helps modulate the calcium flux necessary for robust glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, it supports the transcription of genes necessary for β-cell function, including those that mediate the conversion of proinsulin to active insulin. Deficient Vitamin D status, often accompanied by secondary hyperparathyroidism and resulting alterations in calcium signaling, can directly impair the pancreas’s ability to secrete insulin effectively.
Indirectly, Vitamin D enhances insulin action in peripheral tissues, thereby improving systemic insulin sensitivity. It is hypothesized that 1,25(OH)2D can increase the expression of insulin receptors and key glucose transporters, such as GLUT-4, in muscle and adipose cells. By modulating intracellular signaling pathways, Vitamin D helps ensure that the peripheral tissues are responsive to the circulating insulin, facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream. Vitamin D’s role as a negative regulator of the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) also plays a part, as elevated PTH levels, common in severe Vitamin D deficiency, have been independently linked to decreased insulin sensitivity.
Immunomodulation and Type 1 Diabetes Risk
The relationship between Vitamin D and T1DM, an autoimmune condition involving the T-cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β-cells, is primarily mediated through its potent immunomodulatory properties. 1,25(OH)2D is recognized as an effective regulator of both innate and adaptive immune responses.
In autoimmune contexts, Vitamin D helps steer the immune system away from a pro-inflammatory state. It achieves this by inhibiting the proliferation of cytotoxic T-cells, promoting the induction of regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs), and suppressing the transcription of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-12 (IL-12), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α). By dampening this autoimmune response, adequate Vitamin D status in early life and throughout childhood is theorized to protect the developing β-cells from the destructive insulitis characteristic of T1DM. This hypothesis is supported by epidemiological data showing a strong inverse correlation between early-life Vitamin D supplementation and T1DM incidence, as well as the observed seasonal and latitude-dependent variations in T1DM rates, which mirror local sun exposure and, consequently, Vitamin D synthesis.
Epidemiological Evidence and Type 2 Diabetes Prevalence
The case for Vitamin D in T2DM is strongly supported by large-scale observational data. Meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies consistently show that individuals with Vitamin D deficiency, typically defined as serum 25(OH)D levels less than 50 nmol/L (<20 ng/mL), face a significantly increased risk—sometimes over 50% higher—of developing T2DM compared to those with sufficient levels.
Furthermore, a complex, potentially bidirectional relationship exists. While deficiency appears to raise the risk of developing diabetes, the presence of diabetes, particularly T2DM, also increases the risk of Vitamin D deficiency. This is partly due to shared risk factors, such as obesity, which can sequester Vitamin D in adipose tissue, lowering circulating levels, and the chronic inflammation inherent in T2DM, which may disrupt Vitamin D metabolism. The consistent finding is that low serum 25(OH)D levels are not merely a marker of poor health but are independently associated with worsened insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and faster progression from prediabetes to overt T2DM. This epidemiological consistency provides a robust foundation for interventional strategies, suggesting that optimizing Vitamin D status could be a modifiable factor in global diabetes prevention efforts.
Evaluating Clinical Intervention Trials
Despite the compelling biological plausibility and strong epidemiological association, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating Vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of incident T2DM have yielded mixed, often conflicting, results.
Large-scale prevention trials, such as the Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes (D2d) study, which randomized participants with prediabetes to 4,000 IU of daily Vitamin D or placebo, found that supplementation did not significantly lower the risk of progression to T2DM in the overall cohort (Hazard Ratio (HR) of 0.88, P=0.12). This finding suggested, at the time, that empiric, high-dose supplementation might not be a panacea for diabetes prevention in the general prediabetic population.
However, subsequent meta-analyses and individual participant data (IPD) analyses have brought critical nuance to these findings. A systematic review of three major RCTs, for example, found that while the overall risk reduction was modest (around 15%), the benefit was overwhelmingly concentrated in specific subgroups. Crucially, in participants who achieved and maintained high target serum 25(OH)D levels, defined as ≥125 nmol/L (≥50 ng/mL), the risk reduction for incident T2DM was drastically higher, reaching an impressive 76%. This suggests that for Vitamin D supplementation to be effective as a preventative agent, a high baseline deficiency must be present, and the treatment must be titrated to achieve and maintain clinically optimal serum concentrations, well above the historical levels required merely for bone health.
The evidence base establishing Vitamin D as a critical regulator of glucose homeostasis is substantial, stemming from intricate mechanistic discoveries—involving VDR signaling, calcium flux in β-cells, and the modulation of the immune system—and powerful epidemiological data linking low 25(OH)D levels to increased diabetes risk. While early, broad-spectrum RCTs did not deliver the definitive positive outcome once hoped for, the contemporary analysis of clinical data strongly suggests that the benefit of Vitamin D supplementation is highly dependent on patient selection and target achievement. Supplementation appears most effective in high-risk individuals with prediabetes and baseline Vitamin D deficiency, provided the treatment achieves and sustains truly optimal serum concentrations. As the global incidence of diabetes continues to rise, optimizing Vitamin D status emerges as an accessible, low-risk, and potentially effective strategy for mitigating metabolic disease burden. Further personalized, long-term intervention studies are warranted to clearly define the optimal dosage, target concentration, and specific patient populations most likely to benefit from this essential nutrient.