Diabetes News You Can Use
Roux-en-Y, sleeve gastrectomy outperform gastric banding in weight loss study
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology reveals that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are more effective than adjustable gastric banding for severe obesity, achieving at least 50% excess weight loss in 68% and 41% of patients, respectively, compared with 25% for adjustable gastric banding. The trial involved 1,346 participants and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was also found to be the most cost-effective option.
Full Story: Endocrinology Advisor (4/14)
CGM devices may overestimate glucose levels
A small study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that included 15 participants reveals that continuous glucose monitoring devices may overestimate blood glucose levels in healthy adults, potentially leading to unnecessary dietary changes. The research highlights discrepancies between CGM readings and traditional finger-prick tests, particularly after consuming foods like smoothies and whole fruits. Experts emphasize the importance of understanding these limitations and suggest confirming CGM readings with additional methods.
Full Story: Medscape (4/15)
Inhaled insulin shows promise as alternative for T1D
A 13-week study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that inhaled Technosphere Insulin combined with insulin degludec offers comparable or slightly improved glycemic control for adults with type 1 diabetes compared with traditional methods like multiple daily injections and automated insulin delivery systems. The study found improvements in daytime time-in-range and A1C levels, particularly for those switching from MDI or sensor-augmented pumps. However, AID users experienced a reduction in nighttime TIR while maintaining overall glycemic control. Forty percent of participants expressed willingness to continue using TI.
Full Story: Medical Dialogues (4/14)
Study shows surge in tirzepatide use post-approval
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine highlights a significant increase in tirzepatide dispensations following its approval, especially among adults with type 2 diabetes and those prescribed weight-lowering medications. The research, which analyzed insurance claims from a large US database, shows that by December 2023, tirzepatide accounted for 12.3% of glucose-lowering medication dispensations among adults with diabetes and 40.6% among adults without diabetes prescribed weight-lowering medications. The study notes a decline in other glucose-lowering and weight-lowering medications, with tirzepatide’s uptake being more rapid and sustained compared to other medications.
Full Story: HealthDay News (4/15)
IDF recognizes type 5 diabetes related to malnutrition
Malnutrition-related diabetes has been officially recognized as type 5 diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation. This form of diabetes, distinct from types 1 and 2, primarily affects young men in low- and middle-income countries. A working group will develop diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines.
Full Story: Medscape (4/11)
GLP-1 drugs show promise for kidney transplant patients
A study in The Lancet indicates that GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic could significantly benefit kidney transplant patients by reducing the risk of organ failure by 49% and lowering the mortality rate by 31% within five years. However, the study also highlights a 49% increased risk of diabetic retinopathy among users, underscoring the need for careful monitoring of eye health.
Full Story: HealthDay News (3/6)
Noncoding gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes
Researchers have identified noncoding gene variants that are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a study in Communications Medicine. “The more we understand about the genetics of diabetes, the closer we move to precision medicine — treating people according to the specific type of diabetes that they have,” lead author Dharambir Sanghera said.
Full Story: Technology Networks (2/28)
Glycemic control decreases among young adults after 2020
Diabetes rates for US adults ages 20 and older were steady from 2013 to 2023, but fewer patients achieved glycemic control after 2020, according to a research letter published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The decrease in glycemic control especially affected adults ages 20 to 44.
Full Story: Healio (free registration) (2/27)
Sleep patterns linked to health across 16 systems
A study in Nature Medicine analyzes sleep data from the Human Phenotype Project, revealing significant correlations between sleep patterns and various physiological systems. The study shows that deep sleep decreases with age and that sleep traits strongly predict insulin resistance and blood lipid levels.
Full Story: Medscape (3/3)
Bariatric surgery has lasting quality-of-life benefits
A study in Diabetes Care found that metabolic and bariatric surgery yields long-term improvements in physical health-related quality of life and health utility for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, compared with medical and lifestyle intervention. Mental health-related quality of life was similar between groups, highlighting a need for additional psychological support.
Full Story: Endocrinology Advisor (3/3)
Diabetes Research Center
Related News
NIDDK 75th Anniversary
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of NIDDK, Diabetes Care and Diabetes have published a compendium of ten articles that highlight just a few of the major contributions NIIDK has fostered through its support of research. These articles provide a broad, but clearly not complete, view of the results that have been achieved through their fostering of science across the country. Included amongst these is a paper by members of NIDDK about the research centers including the Diabetes Research Centers Program. There is also an editorial that celebrates NIDDK and at the same times raises concerns about the future of research and public health related to diabetes given the current discussion about the funding and restructuring of NIDDK and CDC.
DRC Affiliate Edward Boyko is Co-Chair of New Diabetes Atlas
DRC affiliate, Edward Boyko, professor (General Internal Medicine) is co-chair of the new edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas. As the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, the latest IDF Diabetes Atlas emphasizes the urgent need for improved prevention, early detection and intervention to tackle the burden diabetes places on individuals, communities, health systems and economies.
Learn more on our news site.
CVTMC Director Karin Bornfeldt Announced as 2025 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Fellow
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) announced that CVTMC Director Karin Bornfeldt, professor (Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition), has been named among its 2025 class of fellows. Designation as a fellow recognizes commitment to the ASBMB through a history of exceptional and sustained service to the society as well as impactful accomplishments in research, education, mentorship, and service to the scientific community. Twenty-four fellows were selected this year. Read more here.
Affiliate Anne Manicone receives Pilot Award
Affiliate Anne Manicone, professor (Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine) received a Pilot Project Award, “Identifying Novel Compounds to Polarize Macrophages toward Reparative States,” from the parent P30 Grant, “Cystic Fibrosis Translational Research in the Post-CFTR Modulator Era,” funded by NIH/NIDDK. This 2-year award will provide $264,000 towards developing new strategies to target chronic inflammation seen in people with Cystic Fibrosis.
Congratulations to this year’s funding awardees
Congratulations to this year's funding awardees: Dr. Megan Capozzi and Dr. Huu Hien Hunyh have been awarded Pilot and Feasibility awards and Dr. Devasena Ponnalagu has been awarded the New Investigator award.