The goal of the Diabetes Research Center is to foster and support both basic and clinical research in diabetes and related metabolic disorders with the ultimate purpose of translating findings into opportunities to prevent these diseases and to improve clinical care and outcomes.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors may significantly increase the risk of falls in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the risk is even greater when these drugs are used in combination with glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, researchers reported in the journal Scientific Reports. The study followed 471 patients over a median of two years, finding that SGLT2 inhibitor use was an independent predictor of falls, while GLP-1 receptor agonist use alone was not significantly associated with fall risk.

Full Story: Medscape (4/25)  

Type 1 diabetes was associated with a higher risk of fractures, according to a study presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. The meta-analysis, which included data from 78,130 individuals across 19 countries, found that type 1 diabetes increased the risk of osteoporotic fractures in both men and women, mostly independent of femoral neck bone mineral density.

 Full Story: Endocrinology Advisor (4/24)  

Research published in the journal Diabetes Care found that 23.8% of patients with resistant type 2 diabetes also had hypercortisolism. “These results add to our understanding of why type 2 diabetes may be difficult to control in some individuals and suggest a potential role for screening for hypercortisolism in individuals in whom glycemic treatment targets are not met despite treatment with multiple medications,” researchers said.

 Full Story: Medscape (4/24)  

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)  

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)  

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)  

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)  

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)  

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)  

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)