Category: Risk Factors

Scientists at the University of Exeter have identified DNA changes in two non-coding genes, RNU4ATAC and RNU6ATAC, as a cause of autoimmune neonatal diabetes in 19 babies.

Key findings

• First time non-coding genes linked to neonatal diabetes: Unlike most genetic research that focuses on protein-coding genes, this study found mutations in genes that produce functional RNA molecules instead of proteins. These RNA molecules help regulate other genes and how genetic information is interpreted.
• How it was discovered: Using genome sequencing of children worldwide through Exeter’s free genetic testing program for suspected genetic diabetes, researchers found mutations in these two genes disrupted ∼800 other genes, many tied to immune function.
• Disease mechanism: All 19 children had an autoimmune form of diabetes where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells, similar to type 1 diabetes. The mutations appear to disrupt immune pathways.

Why it matters

1. Diagnosis: Up to half of people with rare diseases lack a diagnosis. Exploring non-coding DNA could provide answers for more families.
2. Treatment potential: Understanding the cause opens possibilities for new treatments and better care for neonatal diabetes.
3. Broader implications: One or more of the 800 disrupted genes may play a central role in autoimmune diabetes, potentially revealing new biology and drug targets for the more common type 1 diabetes.

Study details

• Lead: Associate Professor Elisa De Franco, University of Exeter Medical School
• Support: NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre and Exeter NIHR Clinical Research Facility
• Publication: Peer-reviewed, announced April 9, 2026

Dr De Franco noted this shows “the importance of non-protein coding genes and their potential to cause disease in humans.” Dr Matthew Johnson added that while this condition is rare, it gives researchers “a window into the ways type 1 diabetes can develop.

A new UCLA-led study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found that women with diabetes are less likely to receive crucial preventive care and certain cancer screenings compared to women without diabetes.

Summary:

• Preventive Care Gaps: The study, which analyzed over 40 previous studies, highlighted that physicians often overlook services like conception counseling and some cancer screenings for women (ages 15-49) with diabetes.
• Specific Findings: For women with diabetes, contraceptive services were received by 48% (vs. 62% for those without), cervical cancer screening rates ranged from 38-79% (vs. 46-86%), breast cancer screenings were 38-69% (vs. 54-82%), and pre-conception counseling was only given to just over 1% of those planning pregnancy (vs. 46% for women without diabetes).
• Need for Coordinated Care: The researchers emphasized that robust, coordinated care teams involving endocrinology, primary care, and other specialists could significantly improve access to these services.
• Limitations & Future Research: The review was limited by a small number of studies, some relying on patient recall, and many with small sample sizes. Future research should focus on how health systems can leverage electronic health records and improve care coordination to address these gaps.

A new NTNU study finds that people with a high genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes are developing the disease much more often now than they did in the 1980s — and the researchers link the rise to today’s environment of easy-access calories and sedentary leisure.

What the study did
• Analyzed data from over 86,000 participants with nearly 200,000 measurements from the HUNT Study (Trøndelag Health Study, running since 1984).
• Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology by PhD fellow Vera Vik Bjarkø and colleagues.

What they found
• The gap in type 2 diabetes prevalence between people with high versus low genetic risk widened from the 1980s to the 2010s.
• For people with low genetic risk, prevalence stayed low throughout the period.

Why this matters
• Researchers suggest modern “temptations” — abundant cheap snacks, sweets available any day (not just weekends), plus more sedentary activities like multiple TV channels, phones, and tablets — amplify genetic vulnerability.
• In other words, people with high genetic risk appear especially susceptible in a society that encourages unhealthy eating and inactivity, while those with low genetic risk seem to have protective factors that buffer these exposures.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Obesity is a major public health concern worldwide, and its link to diabetes is well-established. Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, and it can also exacerbate the condition in individuals who already have diabetes. In this essay, we will explore the role of obesity in diabetes, including the mechanisms underlying this relationship and the implications for prevention and treatment.

The Link Between Obesity and Diabetes

Obesity is characterized by an excess of body fat, which can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. As a result, the body produces more insulin to compensate, leading to a range of negative health consequences.

Mechanisms Underlying the Relationship Between Obesity and Diabetes

Several mechanisms underlying the relationship between obesity and diabetes have been identified, including [1]:

• Inflammation: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which can contribute to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.
• Adipokines: Adipokines are hormones produced by fat cells that can influence glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
• Lipotoxicity: The accumulation of lipids in tissues can lead to lipotoxicity, which can contribute to insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

Implications for Prevention and Treatment

The link between obesity and diabetes has significant implications for prevention and treatment. Strategies for preventing and treating obesity, such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions, can also help prevent and manage diabetes.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle modifications, such as [2]:

• Weight loss: Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
• Physical activity: Regular physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
• Healthy diet: A healthy diet that is low in added sugars, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates can help prevent and manage diabetes.

Pharmacological Interventions

Pharmacological interventions, such as [3]:

• Metformin: Metformin is a medication that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Conclusion

The relationship between obesity and diabetes is complex and multifactorial. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this relationship can inform strategies for prevention and treatment. Lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions can help prevent and manage diabetes, and addressing obesity is a critical component of these efforts.

References

1. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. (2019). Obesity and diabetes: A review of the literature.
2. Diabetes Care. (2018). Lifestyle modifications for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
3. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. (2020). Pharmacological interventions for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

A recent study led by researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has found that parathyroid surgery significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 30% in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The study analyzed data from over 3,100 adult patients with PHPT and found that those who underwent parathyroidectomy had a lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who did not have surgery.

Key Findings

• Parathyroid surgery reduces diabetes risk: Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy had a 30% lower risk of developing diabetes compared to those who did not have surgery.
• Benefits particularly pronounced in younger patients: The benefit of parathyroid surgery was particularly pronounced in younger patients and those with more severe PHPT.
• Potential metabolic benefits: The study suggests that parathyroid surgery may offer important metabolic benefits beyond its known effects on calcium regulation.

Implications

The study’s findings have implications for the treatment and management of PHPT, particularly in patients at high risk of developing diabetes. The results suggest that parathyroid surgery may be a useful treatment option for patients with PHPT, not only for its known benefits on bone and kidney health but also for its potential metabolic benefits.

Call for Awareness and Early Treatment

The researchers hope that the study will raise public awareness of PHPT and encourage early diagnosis and treatment, particularly among individuals at high risk of developing diabetes. Early treatment may allow more patients to benefit from the wide-ranging health improvements provided by surgery.