Tag: Type 2 diabetes

Categories : Metabolic Disorders NeurologyTags :

Could the Brain be Targeted to Treat Type 2 Diabetes?

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Successfully treating type 2 diabetes may involve focusing on brain neurons, rather than simply concentrating on obesity or insulin resistance, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.  

For several years, researchers have known that hyperactivity of a subset of neurons located in the hypothalamus, called AgRP neurons, is common in mice with diabetes. 

“These neurons are playing an outsized role in hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes,” said UW Medicine endocrinologist Dr Michael Schwartz, corresponding author of the paper.

To determine if these neurons contribute to elevated blood sugar in diabetic mice, researchers employed a widely used viral genetics approach to make AgRP neurons express tetanus toxin, which prevents the neurons from communicating with other neurons. 

Unexpectedly, this intervention normalised high blood sugar for months, despite having no effect on body weight or food consumption.   

Conventional wisdom is that diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, stems from a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors, including obesity, lack of physical activity and poor diet. This mix of factors leads to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production.  

Until now, scientists have traditionally thought the brain doesn’t play a role in type 2 diabetes, according to Schwartz. 

The paper challenges this and is a “departure from the conventional wisdom of what causes diabetes,” he said. 

The new findings align with studies published by the same scientists showing that injection of a peptide called FGF1 directly into the brain also causes diabetes remission in mice. This effect was subsequently shown to involve sustained inhibition of AgRP neurons.

Together, the data suggest that, while these neurons are important for controlling blood sugar in diabetes, they don’t play a major role in causing obesity in these mice, the researchers noted in their report.  

In other words, targeting these neurons may not reverse obesity, even as it causes diabetes to go into remission, Schwartz explained. 

More research is needed on how to regulate activity in these neurons, and how they become hyperactive in the first place, he said. Once these questions are answered, Schwartz said that a therapeutic approach might then be developed to calm them down. 

This approach could represent a shift in how clinicians understand and treat this chronic disease, Schwartz said.  He noted, for instance, that semaglutide and other new drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes are also able to inhibit AgRP neurons.  

The extent to which this effect contributes to the antidiabetic action of these drugs is unknown. Further research might help scientists to better understand the role of AgRP neurons in how the body normally controls blood sugar, and to ultimately translate these findings into human clinical trials, he added.  

Source: University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine

Categories : Lab Tests and ImagingTags :

Simpler Blood Glucose Monitoring to Delay or Prevent Onset of Diabetes

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The highs and lows of blood glucose aren’t just an energy rollercoaster; they could be a key to detecting diabetes risk early and spare a needle prick or two.

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have identified a simple, noninvasive method for assessing blood glucose regulation – an essential factor in diabetes risk. Their approach, based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, could improve early detection and risk assessment for diabetes without relying on blood samples and expensive or complex procedures.

The study is published in Communications Medicine.

Often called a “silent epidemic,” diabetes is an increasingly prevalent global health concern, with significant health and economic consequences. Early detection of impaired glucose regulation – an intermediate stage between normal blood glucose levels and diabetes – is essential for preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 diabetes. Conventional diagnostic tools, however, often miss early signs because they rely on periodic blood samples rather than continuous monitoring.

“Traditional diabetes tests, while useful, do not capture the dynamic nature of glucose regulation under physiological conditions,” said Shinya Kuroda, a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science and co-author of the current study.

To find a more practical alternative, the team turned to CGM, a wearable technology that continuously tracks glucose levels in real time, providing a clearer picture of blood glucose fluctuations in everyday life. Their goal was to identify a CGM-based method for estimating glucose handling capacity, which maintains stable levels, without invasive procedures.

The team analyzed 64 individuals without a prior diabetes diagnosis, using a CGM device, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and clamp tests that are used to assess insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. They then validated their findings with an independent dataset and mathematical simulations.

Their analysis showed that AC_Var, a measure of glucose-level fluctuations, strongly correlates with the disposition index, a well-established predictor of future diabetes risk. Moreover, the researchers’ model, which combines AC_Var with glucose standard deviation, outperformed traditional diabetes markers – such as fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and OGTT results – in predicting the disposition index.

“By analysing CGM data with our new algorithm, we identified individuals with impaired glycaemic control – even when standard diagnostic tests classified them as ‘normal,’” said Kuroda. “This means we can potentially detect issues much earlier, creating an opportunity for preventive interventions before diabetes is diagnosed.”

The team also showed that the method was more accurate than conventional diagnostic indicators in predicting diabetes complications such as coronary artery disease. To facilitate broader access to this approach, the research team has developed a web application that allows individuals and health care providers to easily calculate these CGM-based indices.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide a practical, accessible tool for widespread diabetes screening,” Kuroda said. “By enabling early detection of glucose regulation abnormalities, we hope to prevent or delay disease onset and reduce long-term complications.”

Source: University of Tokyo

Categories : Metabolic DisordersTags :

High Muscle Strength Linked to Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

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Researchers from the School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) conducted a large-scale epidemiological study to explore the potential health benefits of high muscle strength in preventing type 2 diabetes (T2D) across varying levels of genetic risk. The study found that higher muscle strength was associated with over 40% lower risk of T2D, regardless of genetic susceptibility to T2D. The study highlights the importance of maintaining or improving muscle strength as a key strategy for preventing T2D. The findings were published in BMC Medicine.

T2D is one of the most common chronic metabolic disorders, and it is associated with an increased risk of various complications, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and narrowing of blood vessels. It is characterised by hyperglycaemia, due to insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. Evidence suggests that around 10% of the global population is affected by T2D, therefore, preventing T2D is a significant global public health concern. T2D can be caused by the interplay between non-modifiable genetic traits and modifiable lifestyle factors. Muscle strength is an important aspect of muscular fitness, and it has been found to be associated with lower risk of various cardiometabolic diseases including T2D. However, it remains unclear whether improving muscle strength should be considered a T2D prevention strategy in individuals with varying levels of genetic susceptibility to T2D, particularly those with high genetic susceptibility to T2D.

The research utilised data of 141 848 white British individuals without baseline T2D from the UK Biobank, an ongoing prospective cohort of over 500 000 UK adults which includes extensive genotype and phenotype information. Muscle strength was assessed in the form of grip strength. Genetic risk of T2D was estimated based on 138 known genetic variants for T2D.

The participants were followed up for more than seven years. During the follow-up period, 4,743 new T2D cases were identified. The findings indicated that, compared with low muscle strength, individuals with high muscle strength was associated with a 44% lower relative risk of developing T2D, even after taking into account T2D genetic risk as well as other risk factors. Moreover, the research team observed evidence of an interaction between muscle strength and genetic susceptibility to T2D, suggesting that muscle strength may play a role in modifying the impact of genetic risk to T2D onset. The findings further revealed that individuals at high genetic risk of T2D but with high muscle strength could have a lower absolute risk of T2D, compared with those at low or medium genetic risk but with low muscle strength.

This groundbreaking study uncovered the first-ever prospective associations between muscle strength, genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, and the risk of developing the disease. ‘The findings emphasise the crucial role of maintaining or enhancing muscle strength as a key strategy for preventing T2D in middle-aged and older adults, regardless of their genetic risk levels and including those at high genetic risk. We believe that these results offer novel insights into the significant impact of higher muscle strength on metabolic health,’ said Dr Wang Mengyao, from the School of Public Health at HKUMed, the first author of this study.

‘This study highlights the significance of Biobank studies in examining the interaction between exposures and genetics in influencing the risk of T2D. Further research utilising ethnic-specific Biobank studies is needed to determine if these findings are applicable to other populations, such as East Asians,’ expressed Professor Ryan Au Yeung, Assistant Professor from the School of Public Health at HKUMed, a co-author of this study.

‘Individuals in middle-to-late life are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. However, our study has demonstrated the potential roles of high muscle strength in preventing the future risk of developing type 2 diabetes not only in all individuals, but also in individuals with high genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. Our study supports the current public health guidelines which suggest that adults should engage in muscle-strengthening activities for at least two days per week from a disease prevention perspective,’ added Professor Youngwon Kim, from the School of Public Health at HKUMed, the corresponding author of the study.

Source: The University of Hong Kong

Categories : Diet and Nutrition Metabolic DisordersTags :

Millions of Diabetes and Heart Disease Cases Linked to Sugary Drinks, New Study Finds

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A new study from researchers at Tufts University, which appears in Nature Medicine, estimates that 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease occur each year globally due to consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

In developing countries, the case count is particularly sobering. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the study found that sugar-sweetened beverages contributed to more than 21% of all new diabetes cases. In Latin America and the Caribbean, they contributed to nearly 24% of new diabetes cases and more than 11% of new cases of cardiovascular disease.

Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa are countries that have been particularly hard hit.  More than 48% of all new diabetes cases in Colombia were attributable to consumption of sugary drinks. Nearly one third of all new diabetes cases in Mexico were linked to sugary drink consumption. In South Africa, 27.6% of new diabetes cases and 14.6% of cardiovascular disease cases were attributable to sugary drink consumption.

Sugary beverages are rapidly digested, causing a spike in blood sugar levels with little nutritional value. Regular consumption over time leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and a host of metabolic issues tied to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, two of the world’s leading causes of death.

“Sugar-sweetened beverages are heavily marketed and sold in low- and middle-income nations. Not only are these communities consuming harmful products, but they are also often less well equipped to deal with the long-term health consequences,” says Dariush Mozaffarian, senior author on the paper and director of the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School.

As countries develop and incomes rise, sugary drinks become more accessible and desirable, the authors say. Men are more likely than women to suffer the consequences of sugary drink consumption, as are younger adults compared to their older counterparts, the researchers say.

“We need urgent, evidence-based interventions to curb consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages globally, before even more lives are shortened by their effects on diabetes and heart disease,” says Laura Lara-Castor, NG24, first author on the paper who earned her PhD at the Friedman School and is now at the University of Washington.

The study’s authors call for a multi-pronged approach, including public health campaigns, regulation of sugary drink advertising, and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.  Some countries have already taken steps in this direction. Mexico, which has one of the highest per capita rates of sugary drink consumption in the world, introduced a tax on the beverages in 2014. Early evidence suggests that the tax has been effective in reducing consumption, particularly among lower-income individuals. 

“Much more needs to be done, especially in countries in Latin America and Africa where consumption is high and the health consequence severe,” says Mozaffarian. “As a species, we need to address sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.”

Source: Tufts University

Categories : Diet and NutritionTags :

Five Years of Vitamin D Supplements Fails to Prevent Diabetes

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Using significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly men and women, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland which appears in Diabetologia.

In population studies, low levels of vitamin D in the body have been associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, but such observational studies cannot directly prove a causative link. Experimental studies have shown that the use of significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended slightly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism, ie, those with prediabetes. In contrast, no effects have been observed in individuals without prediabetes. However, the studies with non-prediabetic subjects have used relatively small doses of vitamin D or have been short-term. Until now, there has been no research data on the effects of long-term use of high doses of vitamin D on the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals without glucose metabolism disorders.

In the Finnish Vitamin D Trial (FIND) conducted at the University of Eastern Finland from 2012 to 2018, 2 495 men aged 60 and older and women aged 65 and older were randomised for five years into either a placebo group or groups receiving either 40 or 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day. In the statistical analyses of the now-published sub-study, 224 participants who were already using diabetes medications at the start of the study were excluded. Comprehensive information was collected from the participants on lifestyle, nutrition, diseases, and their risk factors. Data was also obtained from national health registers. About one-fifth were randomly selected for more detailed examinations, and blood samples were taken from them.

During the five years, 105 participants developed type 2 diabetes: 38 in the placebo group, 31 in the group receiving 40 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day, and 36 in the group receiving 80 micrograms of vitamin D3 per day. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of cases between the groups.

In the more closely studied group of 505 participants, the blood calcidiol level, which describes the body’s vitamin D status, was on average 75nmol/L at the start, and only 9% had a low level, ie, below 50nmol/L. After one year, the calcidiol level was on average 100nmol/L in the group that used 40 micrograms of vitamin D per day and 120nmol/L in the group that used 80 micrograms of vitamin D per day. There was no significant change in the placebo group. The effects of vitamin D on blood glucose and insulin levels, body mass index, and waist circumference were examined during the first two years of the study, but no differences were observed between the groups.

The findings of the FIND study reinforce the view that the use of higher doses of vitamin D than recommended does not significantly affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals without prediabetes and who already have a good vitamin D status. So far, there is no research data on whether high doses of vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing type 2 diabetes in individuals without prediabetes but with vitamin D deficiency.

Source: University of Eastern Finland

Categories : Metabolic Disorders UrogenitalTags :

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists also Protect the Kidneys, Study Shows

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GLP-1 agonists significantly reduced kidney deterioration and failure, regardless of diabetes status

Chronic kidney disease (CKD). Credit: Scientific Animations CC4.0

The biggest and most comprehensive analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes shows they have significant benefits in people with and without diabetes.1 Findings appear in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide 1, a hormone which stimulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels. More recently, they have emerged as effective treatments for obesity – slowing digestion, increasing satiety and reducing hunger. 

But while the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease are well known, their impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been less certain.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 large-scale clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists involving a total of 85 373 people (79.4% with type 2 diabetes and 20.6% with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease but without diabetes). Seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists were investigated among the trials. 

The results showed that compared to placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and the worsening of kidney function by 22% (defined by a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate – a measure of how much blood the kidneys filter clean every minute – of at least 50%). The combined reduction in the risk of kidney failure, worsening kidney function, and death due to kidney disease was 19%. 

The analysis also confirmed previous findings that GLP-1 receptor agonists protect cardiovascular health, with a 14% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, and non-fatal stroke, compared to placebo. Death by any cause was 13% lower among patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Lead author Professor Sunil Badve, Professorial Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Sydney said the study expanded current knowledge about this class of drugs in key areas, including benefits in people with CKD, and in people with and without diabetes. 

“This is the first study to show a clear benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists on kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease, suggesting they have a key role in kidney-protective and heart-protective treatment for patients with common medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity with cardiovascular disease, or CKD,” he said.

“These results are particularly important for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is a progressive condition eventually leading to kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation and is associated with premature death, mostly from heart disease. It has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life and incurs substantial healthcare costs.” 

CKD is estimated to affect one in ten people worldwide, equivalent to around 850 million people.2 It is the tenth leading cause of death and is projected to become the fifth most common cause of death by 2050.3 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity are independent risk factors for CKD and represent a major global health burden.4

Source: George Institute for Global Health

References

  1. Badve S et al. Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular disease outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00271-7
  2. Jager KJ, et al. A single number for advocacy and communication-worldwide more than 850 million individuals have kidney diseases. Kidney Int. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2019.07.012 
  3. GBD 2021 Forecasting Collaborators. Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00685-8 
  4. The Global Burden of Metabolic Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases Collaboration. Cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mortality burden of cardio-metabolic risk factors between 1980 and 2010: comparative risk assessment. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(14)70102-0 
Categories : Metabolic Disorders Neurodegenerative DiseasesTags :

Long-term Study Finds Link between Earlier Diabetes Diagnosis and Dementia Risk

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People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age are at a higher risk for developing dementia than those diagnosed later in life, according to a study led by researchers at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. The findings, published in PLOS ONE, show that the increased risk is especially pronounced among adults with obesity.

“Our study suggests that there may be cognitive consequences to earlier onset type 2 diabetes, and it points to the need for strategies to prevent dementia that consider both diabetes and obesity,” said Xiang Qi, assistant professor at NYU Meyers and the study’s first author.

Type 2 diabetes is a known risk factor for dementia. Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, scientists think that some of the hallmarks of diabetes, such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and inflammation, may encourage the development of dementia in the brain.

While type 2 diabetes was once a disease of older adults, it is increasingly prevalent among younger individuals: one in five people with type 2 diabetes worldwide is under 40 years old.

To understand how the timing of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis relates to dementia risk, the research team analyzed data from 2002 to 2016 in the Health and Retirement Study, a longitudinal study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. The PLOS ONE study included 1213 US adults aged 50 and over with type 2 diabetes confirmed by blood tests, without dementia at baseline. Following participants for up to 14 years, 216 (17.8%) developed dementia based on follow-up telephone interviews.

The researchers found that adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at younger ages were at increased risk for developing dementia, compared to those diagnosed at 70 years or older. Adults diagnosed with diabetes before age 50 were 1.9 times as likely to develop dementia as those diagnosed at 70 and older, while those diagnosed between 50–59 years were 1.72 times as likely and those diagnosed between 60–69 years were 1.7 times as likely.

Using linear trend tests, the researchers found a graded association between age at diagnosis and dementia risk: for each year younger a person is at the time of their type 2 diabetes diagnosis, their risk for developing dementia increases by 1.9%.

“While we do not know for sure why an earlier diabetes diagnosis would increase the risk for dementia, prior studies show that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in mid-life may experience more vascular complications, poor blood sugar control, and insulin resistance – all of which are known risk factors for cognitive impairment,” said Bei Wu, the Dean’s Professor in Global Health and vice dean for research at NYU Meyers and the study’s senior author.

In addition, obesity appeared to influence the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia. Individuals with obesity who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 50 had the highest dementia risk in the study.

The researchers note that this greater understanding of the connection between diabetes onset, obesity, and dementia may help inform targeted interventions to prevent dementia.

“Our study highlights the importance of one’s age at diabetes diagnosis and suggests that specifically targeting obesity – whether through diet and exercise or perhaps medication – may play a role in staving off dementia in younger adults with diabetes,” said Wu.

Source: New York University

Categories : Metabolic DisordersTags :

How Organisations Can Support Mobile Workforces with Diabetes – From Prevention to Management

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As global mobility surges, managing chronic conditions like diabetes during travel has become a significant concern. Diabetes remains one of the fastest-growing global public health issues1,affecting approximately 422 million people worldwide and causing 1.5 million deaths annually.2 International SOS, the world’s leading health and security services company, has reported a significant year-on-year increase in diabetes-related assistance cases over the past three years, with a 28% increase in 2022 and a 32% increase in 2023.

Meanwhile, year-to-date 2024 data indicates a further uptick.3 With World Diabetes Day approaching on 14 November, organisations are urged to support diabetes prevention and management strategies. This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’4 highlights the need for equitable, comprehensive and affordable diabetes care.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, emphasises the importance of comprehensive health strategies: “It is important for organisations to understand the unique challenges that employees with diabetes face, particularly when travelling. By recognising these specific needs, companies can provide the necessary support and resources to help their employees manage their condition effectively. This ensures that employees can maintain their health and productivity, even when they are on the go. With thoughtful planning and the right resources, organisations can help their employees navigate the complexities of diabetes, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.”

People with diabetes face a double burden: a higher risk of life-threatening conditions like heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure, compounded by the psychological toll of diabetes distress. Individuals with diabetes are two to three times more likely to experience depression compared to those without the condition.5 These challenges can significantly impact employee wellbeing, leading to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher healthcare costs for employers.

According to The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global healthcare costs for individuals living with diabetes are expected to exceed $1054 billion by 2045.6 Furthermore, the prevalence of diabetes is projected to rise, with 643 million people affected by 2030, and 783 million by 2045.7 With this rising prevalence, it is crucial for organisations to implement strategies that help their workforce manage and prevent this chronic condition. Minor adjustments can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, concentration and energy levels, and reduce the chance of on-the-job injury.

Dr Katherine O’Reilly continues, “Early diagnosis is crucial. Raising awareness about diabetes symptoms can prompt people to get screened, enabling early detection and intervention to prevent or delay its onset.  This proactive approach can prevent undiagnosed diabetes from causing severe health complications, affecting various organ systems, including eye damage, heart and kidney disease, nerve damage and poor wound healing. By prioritising employee health, organisations can enhance productivity and foster a more engaged and resilient workforce. This approach also promotes a positive work environment and supports overall employee wellbeing.”


International SOS offers five tips for organisations to support employees in managing and preventing diabetes:

  1. Education and awareness: Increase awareness about diabetes symptoms to encourage early diagnosis and effective management, thereby preventing severe health complications.
  2. Provide comprehensive health solutions: Offer resources such as dietary guidelines, exercise programmes and regular health screenings to help employees manage their diabetes.
  3. Supportive culture and policies: Develop and implement policies allowing for flexible work schedules and access to medical care while travelling. Foster a culture that prioritises health and wellbeing by accommodating regular meals and exercise, and ensuring employees have time to rest and recover from travel.
  4. Promote a healthy lifestyle: Offer guidance on maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise. Provide resources such as a list of healthy meal options and tips for finding nutritious food in different locations.
  5. Facilitate health monitoring and provide adjustments: Ensure employees have scheduled breaks to take medication, check blood sugar levels and eat regular meals. Provide a private space for insulin administration and other medical needs.

  1. Hossain, J., Al-Mamun, Islam, R. Health Science Reports | Diabetes mellitus, the fastest growing global public health concern: Early detection should be focused (2024)
  2. World Health Organization | Diabetes
  3. International SOS Assistance Tracker Data (2021 – 2024)
  4. World Health Organization | World Diabetes Day 2024
  5. CDC | Diabetes and Mental Health (2024)
  6. International Diabetes Federation | Diabetes Atlas Report 2021
  7. Parker ED, Lin J, Mahoney T, Ume N, Yang G, Gabbay RA, ElSayed NA, Bannuru RR. | Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2022. Diabetes Care (2024)
Categories : Mental Health Metabolic DisordersTags :

A Diabetes Drug may Reduce Depression Symptoms

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Research using animal models has shown that the diabetes drug dulaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, may reduce symptoms of depression. A new study published in Brain and Behavior reveals the mechanisms that are likely involved.

By conducting a range of tests in mice treated with and without dulaglutide, investigators confirmed the effects of dulaglutide on depressive-like behaviours, and they identified 64 different metabolites and four major pathways in the brain associated with these effects.

Markers of depression and the antidepressant effects of dulaglutide were linked to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism.

“These primary data provide a new perspective for understanding the antidepressant-like effects of dulaglutide and may facilitate the use of dulaglutide as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression,” the authors wrote.

Source: Wiley

Categories : Metabolic DisordersTags :

How Muscle Energy Production is Impaired in Type 2 Diabetes

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Mitochondria (red) are organelles found in most cells. They generate a cell’s chemical energy. Credit: NICHD/U. Manor

A new study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows that people with type 2 diabetes have lower levels of the protein that breaks down and converts creatine in the muscles. This leads to impaired function of the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouses’ of the cell.

Creatine is a popular supplement for improving exercise performance as it can make muscles work harder and longer before they become fatigued. Previous studies however showed a possible link between high blood creatine levels and increased type 2 diabetes risk. This has raised questions about whether creatine supplementation may contribute to that risk.

New research based on studies in both humans and mice shows that people with type 2 diabetes have lower protein levels in their muscles that metabolises and converts creatine – a protein called creatine kinase. 

“This reduced protein level leads to impaired creatine metabolism in the muscle. This may explain why people with type 2 diabetes accumulate creatine in their blood,” says principal investigator Anna Krook, Professor at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at Karolinska Institutet.

Scientists don’t know exactly what high creatine levels in the blood mean for the body, but it is known that it does have an effect outside the cells. 

“The findings indicate that impaired creatine metabolism is a consequence of type 2 diabetes, rather than a cause of the disease,” says Anna Krook. 

Impairs mitochondrial function

The study also shows that low levels of creatine kinase are not only linked to higher creatine levels in the blood, but also impair the function of mitochondria in the muscle. Mitochondria, which convert nutrients into energy, function less well in muscle cells with reduced creatine kinase, leading to both lower energy production and increased cell stress.

“This is quite consistent with the fact that people with type 2 diabetes have poorer energy metabolism. In the future, one possibility could be to regulate creatine kinase as part of the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes,” says Anna Krook.

An unexpected finding of the study was that changes in creatine kinase levels affected the appearance of mitochondria and also their ability to produce energy, regardless of the amount of creatine available. 

“This suggests that although the main role of creatine kinase is to process creatine, it affects mitochondrial function in other ways,” explains David Rizo-Roca, the study’s first author.

“Our next step is to find the molecular mechanisms behind these effects,” he says. 

Source: Karolinska Institutet