Weight loss injection mimics gastric bypass surgery
BY JACK WOODFIELD: Scientists have created an injection which impersonates the impact of gastric bypass surgery.
It was successfully tested it on 14 obese people at high risk of type 2 diabetes and shown to lead to significant weight loss. On average, participants lost 4.4kg and also experienced improved blood glucose levels, with some experiencing near-normal levels.
About 6,000 gastric bands and bypasses are performed every year by NHS surgeons, but the procedures are costly and can lead to complications, including abdominal pain, chronic nausea, internal bleeding and infection.
In a bid to offer another a medication alternative to this type of surgery, a team led by Imperial College London have developed an injection which may be able to negate the need for surgery.
The researchers built on previous studies suggesting a major reason behind the success of gastric bypass surgery was down to the gut releasing specific hormones referred to as ‘GOP’ in greater numbers. (read more)
Is diabetes keeping you up at night?
BY THE NORTH AMERICAN MENOPAUSE SOCIETY: Hormone changes are known to alter insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, as well as interfere with women’s sleep patterns. But little was known about the association between diabetes and sleep disturbances during the menopause transition until now, as a new study concludes that women with diabetes are at greater risk for sleep disturbances. Study results are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Estrogen and progesterone are known to influence cell response to insulin. As a result, it has been suspected that the hormone changes of the menopause transition could cause fluctuations in a woman’s blood sugar levels, putting her at greater risk of diabetes. Statistically, midlife women have a higher prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes during the menopause transition. (read more)
Diabetes risk tied to common chemicals, but can curbed by healthy habits
BY LISA RAPAPORT: Chemicals in everything from food wrappers to clothing and furniture are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but much of this added risk is reduced with good eating and exercise habits, a study suggests.
Researchers tested blood samples from 957 diabetes-free people for chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances), which are used to make consumer products stain-resistant, water-repellant and nonstick. Participants were then randomly assigned to an intensive lifestyle modification program designed to help them lose 7% of their body weight, or to take a placebo pill and stick with their usual eating and exercise habits.
After two years, researchers did another round of blood tests for PFAS. When the tests showed levels of one type of PFA known as PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) had risen, people in the placebo group were more likely to develop diabetes in subsequent years. But the risk of diabetes didn’t go up for people who had made dramatic changes to their eating and exercise habits. (read more)
Machine learning enhances diabetes care, education
BY HEALIO: Machine learning has immense potential for improving diabetes care, particularly when used by diabetes care and education specialists, according to two presenters at the American Association of Diabetes Educators annual meeting.
“We are in no way saying, and I in no way believe at all, that machine learning will replace diabetes education,” Mark Heyman, PhD, CDE, vice president of clinical operations of medical technology company One Drop, said during the presentation. “But we really want to understand how it fits within the context of the role of the educator.”
With new technology making it easier than ever to record information about blood glucose levels, physical activity and meals, among other parameters, the amount of personal health information is exploding. Finding easy ways to put these data to use can be a challenge, which is what machine learning aims to address. (read more)
Study highlights benefits and challenges of CGM devices for children with type 1 diabetes
BY JACK WOODFIELD: The benefits and challenges of continuous glucose monitoring(CGM) for children with type 1 diabetes have been reviewed by parents in a new analysis.
US scientists from the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Tampa, Florida, reviewed data from the T1D Exchange to assess the impact of CGM devices.
The study involved 55 parents of children aged between 1-7 years who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least six months and had an HbA1c level of below 91.3 mmol/mol (10.5%).
All of the parents were quizzed over their experiences with blood glucose meters, insulin pumps and CGM devices, with the responses enabling qualitative analysis. (read more)
