Diabetes

Posted on Diabetes

Could Overactive Cells Be Driving Type 2 Diabetes?

Scientists at the University of Missouri-Columbia are zeroing in on a surprising culprit behind type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues: overactive chemoreceptor cells in the neck. These tiny sensors, located near the carotid artery, monitor oxygen levels in the body, but when they go into overdrive, they may signal trouble for your heart and metabolism.

Why These Cells Matter

When chemoreceptors become overactive, they’re linked to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and even a greater risk of cardiovascular-related death. In experiments with rats, removing these overactive cells showed promise in reducing blood pressure and improving blood sugar control. Inspired by these results, the researchers explored a less invasive approach: Could high doses of oxygen, known as hyperoxia, calm these overactive cells and improve human health outcomes?

Testing the Theory

The study involved two groups of participants — 17 with type 2 diabetes and 20 without it. The researchers found that chemoreceptors were noticeably more active in people with diabetes, especially in those with the highest blood sugar levels.

When participants were exposed to hyperoxia, the chemoreceptor activity dropped. Heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate also decreased. But here’s the catch: This calming effect on chemoreceptors didn’t translate into improved blood sugar control or insulin sensitivity for people with diabetes.

What This Means for Diabetes Research

While the study confirmed that overactive chemoreceptors play a role in type 2 diabetes, it also showed that simply reducing their activity with oxygen isn’t enough to fix the problem.

“The goal was to understand how these chemoreceptors influence cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes in diabetes,” explained Dr. Camila Manrique-Acevedo, one of the study’s authors. “Now we know that hyperoxia alone doesn’t improve metabolic function, so we can shift our focus to other promising therapies.”

The Road Ahead

This research adds another piece to the puzzle of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health. By pinpointing the role of chemoreceptors, scientists are one step closer to developing targeted treatments that could help patients manage their conditions more effectively.

For now, the hunt continues for new ways to tackle the overactive cells that may be driving diabetes and its complications.

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Posted on Diabetes

Metformin’s “Secret Sauce” Revealed: How This Wonder Drug Works

Pipetting liquified metformin

First study author Colleen Reczek pipettes liquified metformin. Credit Northwestern University

Metformin, a diabetes drug taken by millions, has long been hailed as a “wonder drug.” Not only does it lower blood sugar for people with Type 2 diabetes, but it’s also been shown to slow cancer growth, reduce inflammation, and even improve COVID-19 outcomes. Despite its widespread use for over 60 years, scientists have never fully understood how metformin works — until now.

In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, researchers at Northwestern University have finally cracked the code. They’ve discovered that metformin targets the mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells, to lower blood sugar.

The Mitochondria Connection

Metformin specifically interferes with mitochondrial complex I, a key component of the cell’s energy-making machinery. By doing so, it temporarily disrupts the cell’s energy supply in a way that lowers glucose levels. Importantly, this disruption primarily affects cells in the gut, liver, and kidneys — areas where metformin’s effects are most needed — while leaving healthy cells largely untouched.

“This research gives us a clearer understanding of how metformin works,” said Navdeep Chandel, senior author of the study and a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “It’s a mystery we’ve been trying to solve for decades.”

Testing the Theory in Mice

To confirm their findings, the research team created genetically engineered mice with a yeast enzyme (NDI1) that mimics mitochondrial complex I but is resistant to metformin’s effects. When treated with metformin, the blood sugar levels in normal mice dropped, but those in the NDI1-engineered mice didn’t budge. This experiment proved that mitochondrial complex I is a key target of metformin in lowering glucose levels.

While the study showed that metformin primarily works through mitochondrial complex I, researchers noted it might also act on other pathways to a more minor degree, leaving room for future exploration.

Beyond Diabetes: Metformin’s Many Superpowers

Metformin’s effects aren’t limited to diabetes. Previous research from Chandel’s team revealed that the drug’s anti-cancer properties are also linked to its ability to inhibit mitochondrial complex I. Another study by co-author Dr. Scott Budinger found that metformin reduces inflammation caused by pollution exposure.

“We think that metformin’s diverse benefits — from lowering blood sugar to reducing inflammation and possibly fighting cancer — all tie back to its inhibition of mitochondrial complex I,” Chandel explained.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Metformin’s discovery as a mitochondrial disruptor could pave the way for new treatments targeting mitochondrial complex I. It might even explain how metformin improves healthspan (the length of time people live in good health).

While this research brings us closer to understanding metformin’s “secret sauce,” Chandel emphasizes that more studies are needed to confirm and expand on these findings.

This humble drug, derived from the French lilac plant, continues to cement its status as a medical marvel, offering hope not just for diabetes patients but for a broader range of health challenges.

As science digs deeper into metformin’s mechanisms, one thing is clear: this 60-year-old drug still has plenty of surprises.

Posted on Diabetes, Diet

Low Glycemic Index Rice: A Global Solution for Fighting Diabetes

Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Max Planck Institute are spotlighting low glycemic index (Low GI) rice as a potential game-changer in the fight against type 2 diabetes, a disease affecting millions worldwide.
Scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Max Planck Institute are spotlighting low glycemic index (Low GI) rice as a potential game-changer in the fight against type 2 diabetes, a disease affecting millions worldwide.

What Is Low GI Rice?

The glycemic index (GI) measures how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels. High-GI foods, like white rice, are digested quickly, causing sharp spikes in blood sugar—a significant factor in diabetes risk. Low-GI foods digest more slowly, releasing sugar gradually and helping to control blood sugar levels.

Most white rice, a staple food for billions, has a high GI of 70–94. Low GI rice, with a GI below 55, is designed to be a healthier alternative while still maintaining the flavour and texture people love.

Why It Matters

Diabetes is a growing health crisis worldwide, with over 537 million people affected in 2021—a number expected to exceed 780 million by 2045. While Asia faces the greatest impact due to its high rice consumption, other regions like Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East are also at risk as rice becomes a larger part of their diets. Introducing Low GI rice could help slow the rise of diabetes across the globe.

Health and Economic Benefits

Low GI rice has the potential to make a big difference. By reducing blood sugar spikes, it can help prevent diabetes and support better health for people who already have the disease. It could also open up new markets for farmers, offering a premium product for health-conscious consumers.

Some countries, like Bangladesh and the Philippines, have already started using Low GI rice varieties that were originally bred for climate resilience. However, there’s still work to do—early versions of Low GI rice often have a firmer texture, which some people find less appealing. Researchers are working to improve this while keeping the rice affordable and easy to grow.

A Healthier Future

Low GI rice isn’t just about rice. The science behind it could be applied to other staple foods like wheat and potatoes, helping to create healthier options worldwide. Governments, scientists, and businesses are working together to make Low GI rice more available, affordable, and popular.

As diabetes continues to rise, Low GI rice offers a simple, practical way to improve diets and health worldwide. By bringing healthier choices to people’s tables, this innovation could help build a future where fewer people face the burden of diabetes.

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Posted on Diabetes, Eye health

Study finds drug may slow progression of diabetic retinopathy in diabetics

Empagliflozin was associated with a 22 percent lower risk of progression from early stages of diabetic retinopathy to more advanced stages in this patient group
Empagliflozin was associated with a 22 per cent lower risk of progression from early stages of diabetic retinopathy to more advanced stages in this patient group.


Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects about 26 per cent of people with diabetes. While many patients have an early form of DR, the condition can progress, posing the threat of irreversible vision loss. Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose contratransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2), an oral medication that helps patients with type 2 diabetes control their glucose levels. A research team led by investigators from Mass General Brigham conducted a cohort study comparing treatment with empagliflozin to another form of diabetes treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes. They found that while empagliflozin did not reduce the risk of DR in patients with no history of that disease, among patients who had early-stage DR, the medication was associated with a decreased risk of progression.


“Our findings showed that in patients with type 2 diabetes and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, empagliflozin could be beneficial in slowing down progression to more advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy,” said lead author Helen Tesfaye, PharmD, MSc, of the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Our findings could help inform clinical decision-making for patients with diabetes who have non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or are at risk for developing DR.”

The study represents a collaboration between Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), both founding members of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, with experts from BWH’s Division of Renal (Kidney) Medicine and MGH’s Diabetes Center working with Tesfaye and colleagues from the Division of Pharmacoepidemiology.

“Leveraging the clinical and analytical expertise of our multidisciplinary team allows us to identify risks and benefits of diabetes medications that are not being studied—or may not be apparent—in clinical trials,” said Deborah Wexler.

Posted on Diabetes

Improving health in rural areas needs community

Involving local leaders, churches integral in addressing chronic health problems
Involving local leaders and churches is integral in addressing chronic health problems.

With Type 2 diabetes on the rise, prevention measures are critical. However, it’s often hard for people living in rural areas to access health care and lifestyle resources that can improve their health.

According to a recent study from the University of Georgia, involving local leaders and churches could make all the difference in these communities.

Working with the UGA Archway Partnership, researchers and community members implemented the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Diabetes Prevention Program across rural Georgia.

The program is designed to help people develop healthy habits that can prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes. However, the program has limited reach in rural areas.

“In having conversations with our community partners, we realized that there might be an opportunity to address diabetes in rural areas,” said Henry Young, co-author of the study and a professor at UGA’s College of Pharmacy. “The community was very involved, engaged and excited to participate.”

This initiative could pave the way for more programs focused on improving health in underserved communities.

Social connection helps cement lifestyle changes.

The CDC program consists of modules centred around topics such as increasing physical activity. The course is spread over a year, with the first half dedicated to establishing healthy habits while the second focuses on maintaining them.

During these sessions, participants discussed what was going well for them and any challenges they faced, and tips were provided that helped them make healthier choices. They also provided much-needed support to one another.

“They created and shared recipes,” said Young. “They went on walks together. Social engagement and interpersonal interactions helped address overall health and well-being.”

With the small size of many rural communities, the researchers found that bonds with other members may be key in encouraging lifestyle changes. In turn, these initiatives can strengthen existing community bonds.

Adopting healthier habits takes local support.

Getting people to change their behaviours can be challenging. Participants sticking to traditional diets and a slow-paced lifestyle seen in many rural areas may lead to resistance to change and a tendency for people to be set in their ways regarding diet and exercise.

So, the researchers worked with local churches and community leaders to encourage adopting these new healthy habits.

Twenty churches were involved in the program, with 33 life coaches from the local community trained to help facilitate discussions during each one-hour session. Most of those lifestyle coaches came from the churches.

The researchers then conducted interviews with these coaches and religious leaders to understand how participants felt about their health and the program.

“The participants always went above one hour because they were so engaged in the discussion,” said Smita Rawal, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral associate from UGA’s College of Pharmacy. “People were so open to discussing their health as well as helping each other and motivating each other to adopt healthier lifestyles.”

Rural regions face unique barriers to accessing healthcare

Participants cited transportation as a significant obstacle to participating in community events.

Many of them also struggled with different health issues, which made attending sessions more challenging.

To overcome these challenges, community members, including churches and their leadership, arranged for vans or organized carpooling to make meetings more accessible for those without reliable transportation. And some lifestyle coaches also made home visits for those who missed sessions due to illness.

“To be successful, we need to identify and address barriers,” said Young. “But then we also need to leverage resources to support these healthier lifestyle interventions.”