Author: Staff

More sleep and physical activity may prevent Type 2 diabetes in teens

Adolescents who swapped 30 minutes of sedentary time each day for
either sleep or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity showed lower
insulin resistance—a marker linked to Type 2 diabetes risk. The biggest
effect came from adding activity: replacing 30 min of sitting with
moderate-to-vigorous exercise cut insulin resistance by nearly 15%;
swapping the same 30 min for sleep cut it by about 5%. Shifting 30 min
to light activity didn’t produce a significant change.


Study basics
• Data came from Project Viva, a long-term health study of women and children in Eastern Massachusetts.
• 802 teens (average age ∼12.9) wore accelerometers for 7–10 days and
kept sleep logs; 394 of them had fasting blood tests in late adolescence
(average age ∼17.5) to calculate HOMA-IR.
• Teens spent about 48% of their day sedentary, 33% sleeping, 17% in light activity, and 2% in moderate-to-vigorous activity.


Context
• The results were presented as an oral abstract at the American Heart
Association’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 (Boston, March
17-20). The abstract is preliminary—not yet peer-reviewed.
• Researchers note the study can’t prove cause-and-effect, and insulin
resistance data were available for only 49% of the original
participants.
• The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 includes tips like screen-free bedtime
routines and pairing physical activity with social time to make it
easier to replace sedentary habits.


Takeaway
Even modest changes—30 minutes a day moved from sitting to sleep or,
better yet, to active movement—could help preserve cardiometabolic
health in teens.

Type 1 diabetes associated with higher risk of dementia

A study published March 18 2026 in Neurology (American Academy of Neurology) found that people with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing dementia — nearly three times higher than people without diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was also linked to higher risk, about twice as high as those without diabetes.

The research involved 283,772 people (average age 64), including 5,442 with type 1 diabetes and 51,511 with type 2 diabetes, followed for about 2.4 years. During that period, 2.6% of those with type 1 diabetes developed dementia, compared with 1.8% of those with type 2 diabetes and 0.6% of those without diabetes. After adjusting for factors like age and education, the authors estimate roughly 65% of dementia cases among people with type 1 diabetes could be attributed to the condition.

Study author Jennifer Weuve noted that while type 1 diabetes is rare (≈5% of diabetes cases), people with it are living longer, so understanding its link to dementia is increasingly important. The study shows an association, not causation, and its limitation is that diagnoses came from electronic health records and surveys, which may miss some cases.

Type 2 diabetes risk varied widely among adults 18-40 with prediabetes

Here’s a summary of the press release:

Key Findings

  • A one-size-fits-all approach may miss young adults with prediabetes who need more intensive prevention.
  • In 662 adults ages 18-40 with prediabetes, the overall 5-year risk of progressing to Type 2 diabetes was 7.5%.
  • Risk rose to 10.9% for those who met criteria for GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) weight-loss medication (obesity or overweight + at least one condition like high blood pressure or high cholesterol).
  • Risk climbed to 15.1% for those with higher fasting glucose (110–125 mg/dL) and to 24.8% for those with both higher fasting glucose and GLP-1RA eligibility.

Implications

  • Using fasting glucose levels plus other risk factors (obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) could help identify young adults who would benefit from earlier, targeted lifestyle interventions or, in some cases, GLP-1RA medication.
  • Lifestyle changes—weight loss, healthy eating, regular moderate physical activity—may slow progression and reduce heart/kidney risks.

Context & Caveats

  • Presented at the American Heart Association’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 (Boston, March 17–20). The findings are from a research abstract, not yet peer-reviewed.
  • GLP-1RAs are FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and for weight loss in eligible patients, not for preventing Type 2 diabetes in prediabetes.
  • Cost-effectiveness of using GLP-1RAs for prevention isn’t known.
  • Study limitations: no hemoglobin A1c data (only fasting glucose); data collected 1985–2011 from three U.S. studies (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, CARDIA, Framingham Heart Study Third Generation). Participants’ mean age was 32; 33% women, 47% Hispanic/Latino, 45% non-Hispanic White, 7% non-Hispanic Black.

Bringing diabetes treatment into focus

A new press release from Kyoto University talks about a new method for assessing beta cell mass in people with type 1 diabetes, which could totally change how we treat it.

Summary:

  • The Problem: In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells. Current ways to measure the remaining beta cells are indirect and not always accurate, making it tough to know if new treatments are working.
  • The Solution: Researchers developed a noninvasive method using an 18F-labeled PET tracer that targets GLP-1 receptors, which are found on beta cells. This allows for direct imaging of the beta cell mass using PET/CT scans.
  • The Findings: In a study at Kyoto University Hospital, people with type 1 diabetes had lower pancreatic uptake of the tracer compared to those without diabetes. This measurement was also linked to lower A1c levels (meaning better blood sugar control) and less daily insulin needed. No major side effects were reported.
  • Why It Matters: If more studies confirm these results, this PET/CT method could give doctors a clear, quantitative way to measure beta cell mass. This would be super helpful for staging the disease, tracking its progression, and evaluating new therapies designed to preserve or restore beta cells.

One in three diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes during dental appointment

A new study from King’s College London found that a simple finger-prick blood test during a routine dental appointment can catch pre-diabetes or diabetes in a surprising number of people.

Summary:

  • Main finding:: One in three people tested during a dental visit were diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, even if they didn’t know they had it.
  • Easy Test: They used an HbA1c finger-prick test that gives results in just six minutes.
  • Why Dentists? The study suggests dental appointments are a super valuable chance to screen for diabetes, especially for older patients, those with a higher BMI, or people who already have gum disease.
  • Strong Link: The research also showed a clear connection between severe gum disease and higher HbA1c levels, highlighting how oral health and metabolic health are totally linked.

A dentist might become your first line of defense against diabetes!

Biochemical parameters in patients with diabetic nephropathy versus individuals with diabetes alone

This press release from Xia & He Publishing Inc. [13-Feb-2026] outlines a study that compared biochemical parameters across four groups: patients with diabetic nephropathy (DNp), individuals with diabetes alone (DC), those with non-diabetic nephropathy (NC), and healthy controls.

What they found:

  • DNp Group: This group showed the most severe biochemical issues, with significantly higher fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. This points to really poor blood sugar control and kidney damage.
  • DC Group: People in this group had elevated random glucose levels and notably worse lipid profiles, including high triglycerides, VLDL, LDL, and cholesterol.
  • NC Group: This group displayed elevated inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase.
  • Overall: The study concluded that DNp patients have the most severe biochemical disruptions compared to the other groups, with both their glycemic and kidney function being significantly impaired. Different inflammatory and lipid patterns were observed across the groups.

Genetic link between T2D and high blood pressure uncovered

New research from the University of Surrey and Université de Lille reveals a genetic link between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and high blood pressure. People with one condition are more likely to develop the other due to shared genetic factors.

The study analyzed over 1,300 genetic variants and identified 5 clusters contributing to the development of both conditions, including metabolic syndrome and impaired pancreatic beta-cell function. This discovery could lead to earlier identification of high-risk individuals and more personalized care.

“Genetic risk is inherited and remains stable throughout life,” says Dr. Vincent Pascat, making it a valuable tool for precision medicine.

Special strength training with lighter weights effectively strengthens muscle health and metabolism in type 2 diabetes

A new study from the German Diabetes Center (DDZ) finds Blood Flow Restriction Training (BFRT) is a game-changer for people with type 2 diabetes.

BFRT uses lighter weights (30% of max strength) with cuffs on thighs to restrict blood flow, and it:

  • Boosts muscle strength as much as classic strength training
  • Reduces visceral fat (the bad stuff around organs)
  • Improves mitochondrial function (energy production)
  • Increases blood flow

It’s low-impact, so perfect for those who struggle with heavy weights or mobility issues. Participants felt stronger and more resilient, and some even signed up for gym memberships.

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.