Body Weight Fluctuation Linked to CV Events in Diabetes
BY LIAM DAVENPORT: Patients with type 2 diabetes whose weight fluctuates appear to be at increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, such as stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and death, compared with those whose weight remains stable, an analysis of previously published trial data suggests.
Looking at outcomes in over 6000 patients with type 2 diabetes, the researchers found that each standard deviation (SD) increase in body weight variability was associated with a significantly increased risk for any coronary event, major coronary events, and death. (read more)
‘Unusual’ diabetes approach: Vitamin D may boost insulin cell survival, finds study
BY WILL CHU: The discovery was made by Salk Institute researchers, who describe the activation of vitamin D receptors (VDR) at enhanced levels, which appear to dampen the inflammation process – one of the triggers for the condition.
“This study started out by looking at the role of vitamin D in beta cells” said first study author Dr. Zong Wei, a research associate in Salk’s Gene Expression Laboratory.
“Studies have suggested a correlation between high vitamin D concentrations in the blood and a lower risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism was not well understood.
“It’s been hard to protect beta cells with the vitamin alone. We now have some ideas about how we might be able to take advantage of this connection.” (read more)
This tiny chip uses A.I. to control blood sugar levels for critical diabetes patients
BY ARJUN KHARPAL: For critically ill diabetes patients, making sure their blood sugar levels are correct is crucial. If they drop then glucose needs to be administered, but if they rise too high then insulin is required.
Currently, this is done by nurses in hospitals, but one start-up has created an “artificial pancreas” that can automate the process, and it’s a chip that’s smaller than a thumbnail.
Boston, MA.-based Admetsys has created a solution that can constantly monitor blood sugar levels in real time. It’s artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm then triggers its software to either administer glucose or insulin via the drip that a patient is connected to. (read more)
Dexcom’s newest diabetes device can read your blood sugar without any blood, and it’s a life-changer
BY ERIN BLACK: I have Type 1 diabetes, which means my body doesn’t produce any insulin. So I have to inject insulin to regulate my blood sugar and check my levels by using a glucometer. This means I have to stick my finger with a needle anywhere from 5 to 10 times a day.
Dexcom provided me with a review unit of its new G6 continuous glucose monitor that’s approved by the FDA to require no blood at all.
CGMs allow diabetics to see their blood sugar throughout the day and night with a sensor that is inserted under the skin. Previously, CGMs needed a blood glucose reading in order to calibrate the device.
The new Dexcom G6 comes factory-calibrated and requires no finger stick. I’ve been wearing the device for nine days and I am really impressed with it. (read more)
Diabetes Ups Kidney Cancer Risk in Women
BY JODY A CHARNOW: Type 2 diabetes is independently associated with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma in women, but not men, according to a new study published in Diabetes Care.
In a study of 117,570 women in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and 48,866 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS), Rebecca E. Graff, ScD, of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues found that women with type 2 diabetes had a significant 1.5-fold increased risk of RCC compared with non-diabetic women in multivariate analysis. Women with type 2 diabetes for 5 years or less had a significant 2-fold greater risk of RCC compared with non-diabetic women; women with type 2 diabetes for more than 5 years were not at significantly elevated risk of RCC, the investigators reported. (read more)
