Salk Scientists Develop Diet Pill, Fexaramine: Safe and Effective Treatment for Obesity and Diabetes

A new fat burning compound can lead to weight loss without causing side effects. The pill, fexaramine, remains in the intestine rather than dissolve in the blood stream like other appetite suppressants or caffeine-based diet drugs. Researchers are confident that fexaramine can be an effective treatment for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Fexaramine works by making the body think that it has consumed calories which causes it to burn fat. In trials, researchers who developed the drug at the Salk Institute found that they effectively stopped weight gain, lowered cholesterol, controlled blood sugar and minimized inflammation.

Initially they used fexaramine in obese and diabetic mice, the researchers note that in five weeks of daily intake, the mice stopped gaining weight, lost fat and had lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels than untreated mice. In addition, the mice had a rise in body temperature--which signals metabolism ramping up--and some deposits of white fat in their bodies converted into a healthier, energy-burning beige form of the tissue.

The effects of the drug in mice led the scientists to believe that fexaramine can be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity in humans.

Rate Of Obesity and Diabetes Linked To Ownership of Devices in Low to Med Income Countries

An international study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal show that in low and medium income countries, ownership of devices such as televisions, computers, and even cars are now being associated with an increased rate of obesity and diabetes. They note that the rate of obesity increased from 3.4% for no devices owned to 14.5% for 3 devices owned.

For high income countries, there was no relationship between household devices ownership and obesity or diabetes. The researchers explain that this is so because the negative impact of the devices on health have already occurred and are already reflected in the high rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in these countries.

Ownership of these type of devices open up opportunities for sedentary entertainment like television, computers and video games. Because of this, physical activity diminishes. Recent research indicates that recommended levels of physical activity - at least 35-60 minutes per day - increases bone strength specially for children.

Transforming Skin Cells To Insulin Producing Beta Cells To Treat Type 1 Diabetes

Credit: Catherine Twomey for The National Academies

Scientists have developed a technique that could replenish insulin producing beta cells using stem cell technology. They used skin cells and transformed them into cells that could secrete insulin. The transformed cells called PPLCs, can mimic early pancreas-like cells that can manufacture insulin.

Early testing shows that the technique is successful.

Type 1 diabetes is disease where the immune system of the body attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas. This results in the loss of insulin which is needed to control the blood sugar levels. If left untreated, high sugar levels can be fatal.

There is no cure for diabetes yet but it can be managed with regular glucose monitoring and insulin injections.

Because stem cells have the ability to transform into any type of cell in the body, scientists have high hopes that this may be the key to finding a cure for diabetes and other diseases. This latest discovery is a positive step in finding a permanent cure for type 1 diabetes.

Healthy Lifestyle Advice Same For Diabetics and Non-diabetics

A study published by the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke in Nuthetal, Germany suggests that the suggested lifestyle of people with diabetes is not different from the lifestyle advised for the general public. It is just that diabetics would benefit more from the healthy lifestyle in comparison with non-diabetics.

People with diabetes have problems maintaining their glucose (blood sugar) levels because of insulin production. Either their body cannot produce enough insulin or that the insulin is rejected by the body. Diabetes is a condition where insulin production and/or insulin action is defective.

If left untreated, glucose levels in the blood starts rising and a condition called hyperglycemia sets in. Hyperglycemia can cause damage to nerves, blood vessels, and other body organs. Hyperglycemia is strongly associated with heart attacks and death in subjects with no coronary heart disease or history of heart failure.

There is no cure for diabetes but the disease can be regulated through medication and maintaining a healthy lifestyle characterized by proper nutrition and exercise. The newly published study states that the suggested lifestyle is the same for both diabetics and non-diabetics but comes out more beneficial to non-diabetics.

Whole Fruit Diet of Blueberries Grapes and Apples Lower Risk of Diabetes By 23%

Based on data gathered between 1984 and 2008 from 187,382 participants, scientists have released a study that show whole fruit diet particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes while fruit juice consumption increases the risk.

The study shows that a daily diet one or more servings of fruit juice increases risk by as high as 21% while 2 servings of whole fruits per week lowers type 2 diabetes risk by 23%.

Diabetes is a disease where the body has difficulty in controlling blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is used as a source of energy by the cells and is transported there through the hormone, insulin. People with diabetes have problems with how insulin is handled by the body; either the cells reject it or that there is not enough insulin produced.

There are two types of diabetes; Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is when the immune system starts attacking insulin producing beta cells which prevents the body to manufacture insulin. Formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is generally hereditary and manifests during childhood.

Type 2 diabetes happens when the cells start rejecting the body's produced insulin or that the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and can be associated with risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and also can be hereditary.

Link Between Alzheimer's Disease and Glucose Intolerance (Pre-Diabetes)

Georgetown University neurologist R. Scott Turner, MD, PhD, found that almost half (43%) of tested subjects nationwide who has mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were also glucose intolerant (pre-diabetic) or are already diabetic. The study suggests a link between the two disorders and opens the subject up to further analysis.

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal but not high enough to reach levels considered to be diabetic. It could be a precursor to diabetes but with proper treatment and therapy, could be avoided. A recent study show that there is a 56% chance of pre-diabetic people to regress back to normal blood sugar levels following treatment and therapy.

Alzheimer's Disease is a neurological condition that affects the patient's brain functions such as memory, thinking, cognition, and psychological behavior. The disease slowly progresses throughout the whole of the brain destroying healthy brain cells. It has no known cure.

Coincidentally, a separate study showed that Rosiglitazone,a drug used for diabetes, showed signs that it can restore the neuronal signaling required for proper cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Newly Discovered Hormone, Betatrophin, May Offer More Effective Diabetes Treatment

Harvard Stem Cell Institute co-director Doug Melton (r) and postdoc Peng Yi examine images related to their discovery of betatrophin, a new hormone that is a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Credit: B. D. Colen/Harvard University

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) have recently discovered a new hormone called betatrophin that can lead to a more effective treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In twenty years, diabetes is projected to affect 550 million people all over the world. Currently, it is the number one cause for foot amputations and non-genetic vision impairments.

There are two type of diabetes, Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Although both types are caused by lack of insulin, they differ in how this is caused. Type 1 diabetes is mostly genetic and invoves the immune system attacking beta cells which are responsible for producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body rejecting its own insulin or that there is not enough insulin produced by the body. Of the two, 95% of diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes and the leading cause of Type 2 diabetes is obesity.

Insulin is needed by the body to regulate the blood sugar (glucose) levels of the body. Insulin helps in moving glucose from the blood to cells where it is stored for future use as energy. Without insulin or when there is not enough insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream. At high levels of glucose, blood vessels start to harden and other complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and other organ malfunctions arise.

There is no cure for diabetes. The disease can only be managed through glucose monitoring, insulin injections and other medications that help regulate glucose levels.

Lactate As An Alternative Energy Source for the Brain

Researchers find that using lactate instead of glucose also works as an alternative energy source for the brain. Glucose is naturally associated as the main energy source for living tissues but there have been findings that it is lactate that is preferentially metabolized by neurons in the brain.

Lactate or lactic acid is a by-product of carbohydrate metabolism. Lactate used to be associated with oxygen depletion after physical exercise, muscle fatigue, and a key factor in acidosis-induced tissue damage. But after various studies and findings, lactate has experienced a 180 degree turnaround. It is now considered an important factor in cellular, regional and whole body metabolism.

The findings may have a major impact on diabetics who have problems with maintaining their glucose levels. By utilizing the same effect that lactate has on the human brain as glucose, it can retain normal neural activity during diabetes induced complications.

Diabetes Patients Taking GLP-1 Based Medication Has Reduced Risk of Heart Failure

GLP-1 and Diabetes
Credit:Wikipedia

A study shows that diabetes patients taking a class of medication targeting the GLP-1 hormone has a reduced risk of heart disease.

Diabetes is one of the most serious health problems around. In the next 20 years, diabetes is expected to affect nearly 552 million people globally.

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a commonly hereditary condition where the immune system starts to attack insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed by the body to regulate the blood sugar levels in the bloodstream.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two types. It accounts for 95% of cases of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, there is not enough insulin produced by the body or that the insulin produced is being rejected by the cells.

The growth of cases of Type 2 diabetes is generally associated with the rise of obesity. Every 10 seconds, 3 people will be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Every 10 seconds, 1 person will die from it due to complications arising from it.

Heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke are the top diabetes related complications. There is no cure for diabetes. The disease can only be managed through glucose monitoring, insulin injections and other medications that help regulate blood sugar levels.

One medication used by diabetes patients to manage diabetes are DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitors prevent DPP-4 (Dipeptidyl peptidase-4) from breaking down a hormone called GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1).

GLP-1 is a hormone released from the gut that travels to the pancreas and allows the increased production of insulin when glucose levels starts rising.

GLP-1 also holds back the production of a hormone called Glucagon. Glucagon encourages the liver to convert glucose reserves into active glucose. By holding back the production of glucagon, the levels of glucose in the bloodstream are minimized.

GLP-1 does not live long as DPP-4 breaks down the hormone. By inhibiting DPP-4, GLP-1 hormones lasts longer and insulin production and glucagon reduction continues.

Closed Loop Insulin Delivery System Improves Glucose Control And Reduces Risk of Hypoglycemia For Diabetics

Closed Loop Insulin Delivery System
Credit: BioMed Central Ltd.

A Closed Loop Insulin Delivery System improved the control of glucose levels and reduced the risk of hypoglycemia compared with conventional pump treatment in a trial published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Diabetes is a disease where the body has difficulty maintaining glucose levels in the blood. There is a problem with insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels. There is either too little insulin produced (or none at all) or that the body is rejecting it.

In type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly identifies the insulin producing beta cells located in the pancreas as harmful and start attacking it. Because of this, type 1 is identified as an autoimmune disorder. This kind of disorder is hereditary and can be passed down through families.

Diabetes is a life long disease. There is still no cure for it. Despite this, diabetes can be managed. Regular insulin shots are done in lieu of the body's production process.

An important part of managing diabetes is monitoring one's blood glucose levels. Once the levels indicate a higher than normal glucose measurement, an insulin shot will help bring it down. It is important that the blood glucose levels being aimed for are as near normal as possible (that is in the range of those of a person who does not have diabetes).

A recent technology that combines both blood monitoring and insulin delivery is the closed loop insulin delivery system. The device continuously monitors the glucose levels in the blood and when it senses that the levels are too high, it automatically delivers insulin to the body.

Findings Suggest Beta-Carotene Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists at the Stanford University Medical Center published their findings that beta-carotene lowers the risk for type 2 diabetes. They noted that test subjects with higher beta-carotene levels correlated with lower blood-glucose levels. On the opposite end, they note that a form of vitamin E may increase the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.

Beta-carotene is an organic pigment found in plants called carotenoids. It comes in red, orange, and yellow pigments. Carotenoids are not manufactured by the body but is obtained through eating carotenoid-rich food.

Carrots are generally associated with beta-carotene but other fruits and vegetables also carry this nutrient.

Beta-Carotene and the Human Body

Another association with carrots is that it gives better eyesight. This is also because of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is found in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants. They have a direct reaction to light, especially blue light and near-ultraviolet light which they absorb. These types of light are damaging to the eye and beta-carotene other carotenoids directly absorb these to protect the eye.

Beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A once the body needs it. It supplies 50% of the vitamin A needed by the body. Although, high levels of beta-carotene is deemed unsafe when taken long term as it can turn skin yellow or orange.

Also, people who smoke are discouraged from taking beta-carotene supplements because it might increase the risk of lung and prostate cancer.

Creating New Beta Cells: Stem Cell Advances For Diabetes Treatment

The islets of Langerhans are responsible for the endocrine function of the pancreas. Each islet contains beta, alpha, and delta cells that are responsible for the secretion of pancreatic hormones. Beta cells secrete insulin, a well-characterized hormone that plays an important role in regulating glucose metabolism.

Stem cell treatment for diabetes is slowly progressing as scientists study the process of regenerating insulin producing beta cells from stem cells.

Diabetes is a disease where production of insulin by the, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, is either not enough or not even produced.

Insulin is created in the pancreas, as part of the body's endocrine system. Within the pancreas, in a region called the islets of Langerhans are cells called Beta cells. These beta cells are the cells responsible for the actual production and secretion of insulin.

Diabetes occurs when these beta cells stop producing insulin or does not produce enough. The number of beta cells in the body are kept in balance within the pancreas. Studies have shown that obese people who have not contracted diabetes have a higher amount of beta cells than obese diabetics.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are special cells that can differentiate (transform) into a higher or specialized type of cell. The body has different types of stem cells such as blood stem cells, heart stem cells, and even brain stem cells. These cells can only differentiate into cells specific to the organ they are associated with.

There are also pluripotent stem cells that can differentiate into any type of cell. These are embryonic stem cells. But because embryonic stem cells are harvested from living embryos, some sectors consider it a moral issue.

Advances in medical technology and research have allowed scientists to induce other cells to become pluripotent. This allows the production of pluripotent stem cells without using an embryo.

Genetic Association on Abnormal Insulin Production Found in Three Genes; TBC1D30, KANK1 and PAM

Effect of insulin on glucose uptake and metabolism. Insulin binds to its receptor (1), which starts many protein activation cascades (2). These include translocation of Glut-4 transporter to the plasma membrane and influx of glucose (3), glycogen synthesis (4), glycolysis (5) and fatty acid synthesis (6).
Source: Wikipedia

Studies show that three genes, TBC1D30, KANK1 and PAM , may have an influence on abnormal insulin production which may predispose people to diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone that brings sugar (glucose) to the cells for energy storage. It is produced by beta cells found in the pancreas.

It is responsible for regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, skeletal muscles, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood.

When insulin fails to do its job, glucose which is supposed to be stored in cells end up in the blood. As this progresses, blood sugar levels start going up leading to complications such as heart attack or kidney failure.

Diabetes is a disease where the insulin in the body is either rejected or too low. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a disorder where the immune system of the body starts attacking and destroying the insulin producing beta cells.

Type 2 diabetes is when the insulin produced is too low or that the cells start rejecting its own insulin. This is the most popular of the two types and accounts for about 95% of diabetes cases.

Intensive Weight Loss Programs Increases Chance of Remission of Type 2 Diabetes

Studies have shown that intensive weight loss programs among patients with type 2 diabetes have a modest chance of having the disease in remission.

Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot properly moderate its blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is used as a source of energy by the cells. It is transported there through the hormone, insulin.

In diabetes, the body has a problem with its insulin and with that, glucose is not properly transferred to the cells. Glucose remains in the bloodstream and builds up to high levels. High glucose levels leads to hardening of the blood vessels and other complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and other organ malfunctions.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is when the immune system starts attacking insulin producing cells. This type is usually hereditary and manifests itself during childhood. It was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is when the cells start rejecting the body's produced insulin or that the body does not produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and can be acquired through risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and also can be hereditary.

Rise In Diabetes Major Cause In Increase Of Visual Impairment Cases For Young People

Studies show that cases of visual impairment not due to need for glasses is significantly increasing because of the rise in type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is a major contributing factor on the rise of type 2 diabetes among young people. For the past few years, steps have been undertaken to control obesity even going as far as increasing the taxes levied on soda and sugar rich food.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes with 95% of diabetes cases. Obesity, physical inactivity and family history of the disease are the three prime causes of the disease. But with the prevalence of diabetes, also comes its underlying effects and consequences such as vision impairment and a weakened immune system.

Type 2 diabetes is an incurable disease where the body starts to reject its own produced insulin. Insulin is needed to control the glucose (blood sugar) levels in the body. Without insulin, complications such as hyperglycemia can occur.

Countries Using High Fructose Corn Syrup Have 20% More Prevalence of Diabetes

Researchers have found a link between the use of high fructose corn syrup in a country's food source and the spread of type 2 diabetes.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are made from corn syrup. The syrup contains glucose (a simple sugar) which is then converted to another more sweeter type of sugar, fructose. Both glucose and fructose are simple sugars that are sweet, colorless, and odorless.

HFCS are commonly used as a sweetener in commercially available foods and beverages. Soda, cereals, candies, and bread are some of the food that use HFCS.

HFCS in food and drinks is said to be one of the major reasons for the rise of obesity in children.

Teens Getting Seven Hours Of Sleep Improves Insulin Resistance By 9%

Insulin resistance happens when the body does not respond to its own produced insulin. This form of diabetes is known as Type 2 Diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes, on the other hand, is close to an autoimmune disease where the beta-cells producing the insulin are attacked by the body's own immune system.

In both cases of diabetes, insulin is a major factor. Insulin is a hormone and is important to the human body as it helps regulate blood sugar (glucose). It also assists in either using or storing the glucose derived from food.

Aside from regulating glucose levels, insulin also helps in regulating the carbohydrate and fat metabolism of the body. Without insulin, glucose levels can rise which can be toxic to the body. This is condition is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can damage nerves, blood vessels, and other body organs.

To prevent hyperglycemia, diabetics constantly monitor their blood glucose levels.

There are 2 types of diabetes, these are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Over 95% of diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes. The reason being is that Type 1 is primarily a hereditary disease. A Type 1 diabetic is most likely to have acquired it from his or her parent's genes.

There is no cure for diabetes. It can be safely regulated through glucose monitoring, insulin shots, and proper diet and exercise.

Lack of sleep leads to insulin resistance in teens

A new study suggests that increasing the amount of sleep that teenagers get could improve their insulin resistance and prevent the future onset of diabetes.

"High levels of insulin resistance can lead to the development of diabetes," said lead author Karen Matthews, PhD, of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry. "We found that if teens that normally get six hours of sleep per night get one extra hour of sleep, they would improve insulin resistance by 9 percent."

Research Show Relationship Between Intestinal Bacteria and Type 2 Diabetes

The human body is a host to thousands of species of bacteria. The bulk of these bacteria live in the human intestinal tract or the gut. These bacteria perform activities that are beneficial to the body.

Bacteria that are not harmful and are beneficial to the body are said to be part of the normal flora. Since "flora" pertains to plants, the term "biota" is also used although generally, flora is an accepted word to describe this microsystem.

Human gut flora, consists of an average of 500 different species. They serve various beneficial functions such as fermenting unused energy substrates, training the immune system, preventing growth of harmful, pathogenic bacteria, regulating the development of the gut, producing vitamins (such as biotin and vitamin K) for the host, and producing hormones to direct the host to store fats.

Although the relationship of gut flora and the human body is generally beneficial and mutual, there are certain situations and conditions that bacteria can cause infections, disease, and even cancer.

Gut bacteria could cause diabetes

The number of people suffering from type 2 diabetes world-wide has risen rapidly in recent years, and scientists estimate that just as many people could be suffering from the illness without realising it. New research now indicates that your gut bacteria can reveal whether you suffer from the disease.

"We have demonstrated that people with type 2 diabetes have a high level of pathogens in their intestines," says professor Jun Wang from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology and Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research.

Excess Amount of Visceral Fat Increases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Obesity is a disorder where there is the body has an excessive amount of fat. This results from an uneven balance of calories where there is more calories taken in than burned.

Obesity is a serious condition as it may lead to more serious disorders such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Visceral fat is the fat that is located between organs. Acids released by these type of fat is metabolized by the liver and can cause insulin resistance which leads to Type 2 diabetes.

Visceral fat as compared to subcutaneous fat (fat located underneath the skin) is easier to lose. Cardiovascular exercise, weight training, and proper diet greatly helps in the reduction, control and maintenance of visceral fat.

The benefits of reducing the amount of visceral fat are low blood pressure, low cholesterol levels, healthier cardiovascular system, and overall feeling of well being.

Where body fat is stored may determine the likelihood of obese persons developing Type 2 diabetes

Obese individuals with excess visceral fat (abdominal fat that surrounds the body’s internal organs) have an increased risk for the development of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study by researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center. By contrast, persons with excess abdominal subcutaneous fat (fat underneath the skin) were not at higher risk for the onset of diabetes.

Healthy Adequate Sleep Contribute To Weight Loss Programs

A very important process for the human body is sleep. During sleep, the body builds up its organs and tissues. It also prioritizes the growth and rejuvenation of the internal systems such as the immune system, nervous system, skeletal system, and the muscular system.

It is analogous to having the body shut down for maintenance and overhaul.

The body follows an internal clock to know when the appropriate time for the body to go to sleep. This is called the Circadian Rhythm. This internal schedule covers all regular biological process covered in a 24 hour cycle. Eating, sleeping, and other process follow this rhythm. As such, a disruption in the circadian rhythm is an important factor in some disorders such as stress, obesity, and overall well being of the body.

Research has shown that healthy dream sleep relieves stress, lowers confusion and delay cognitive disturbances. A new study shows that healthy dream sleep can contribute to weight loss as well.

Adequate sleep helps weight loss

Adequate sleep is an important part of a weight loss plan and should be added to the recommended mix of diet and exercise, states a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Although calorie restriction and increased physical activity are recommended for weight loss, there is significant evidence that inadequate sleep is contributing to obesity. Lack of sleep increases the stimulus to consume more food and increases appetite-regulating hormones.