Posted on Diabetes, Diet

People with type 2 diabetes who eat low-carb may be able to discontinue medication

Study finds low-carbohydrate diet may improve beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes
The study finds that a low-carbohydrate diet may improve beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes.

Adults with type 2 diabetes on a low-carbohydrate diet may see benefits to their beta-cell function, allowing them to manage their disease better and possibly discontinue medication, according to new research published in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.


Beta-cells are endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.

More than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and over 90% of them have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people 45 or older, but more and more children, teens and young adults are also developing the disease.

People with type 2 diabetes have a compromised beta-cell response to blood sugar, possibly due in part to eating too many carbohydrates. Beta-cell failure or insufficiency on top of insulin resistance is responsible for the development and progression of type 2 diabetes.


“This study shows people with type 2 diabetes on a low-carbohydrate diet can recover their beta-cells, an outcome that cannot be achieved with medication,” said lead study author Barbara Gower, PhD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala. “People with mild type 2 diabetes who reduce their carbohydrate intake may be able to discontinue medication and enjoy eating meals and snacks that are higher in protein and meet their energy needs.”

The researchers gathered data from 57 white and Black adults with type 2 diabetes, half on a low-carbohydrate diet and the other half on a high-carbohydrate diet. They examined their beta-cell function and insulin secretion at baseline and after 12 weeks.

All of the participants’ meals were provided. People on the carbohydrate-restricted diet ate 9% carbohydrates and 65% fat, and participants on the high-carbohydrate diet ate 55% carbohydrates and 20% fat.

The researchers found that those on a low-carbohydrate versus a high-carbohydrate diet saw improvements in the acute and maximal beta-cell responses, which were 2-fold and 22% greater, respectively. Within each race group, Black adults on a low-carbohydrate diet saw 110% greater improvements in the acute beta-cell response and White adults had improvements in the maximal beta-cell response that was 48% greater than their respective counterparts on the high-carbohydrate diet.

“Further research is needed to determine if a low-carbohydrate diet can restore beta-cell function and lead to remission in people with type 2 diabetes,” Gower said.
Posted on Cancer

Unique Ways to Stand By Cancer Patients with Everyday Support

Photo by Freepik

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it can feel as though the ground has shifted beneath your feet. The journey ahead is fraught with emotional, practical, and social challenges, yet it also presents countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact. From simple yet profound acts of empathy to innovative therapeutic approaches, there are myriad ways to support someone navigating this difficult path. This article dives into unique and actionable strategies that can provide much-needed relief and companionship to cancer patients, transforming a difficult journey into one of shared resilience and hope.

Offer Consistent Emotional Support Through Regular Check-Ins

Creating a routine for regular check-ins can offer invaluable emotional support. Whether it’s through phone calls, messages, or in-person visits, maintaining steady communication helps patients feel heard and understood. This consistent interaction not only aids emotional well-being but also boosts self-awareness and mindfulness, providing a safe space for patients to express their feelings. By proactively addressing potential issues, you can prevent emotional outbursts and ensure holistic support during their recovery process.

Assist with Transportation Services

Ensuring reliable transportation can significantly ease the challenges cancer patients face in getting to their medical appointments. Coordinating rides with family, friends, or local volunteer organizations provides essential logistical support and brings peace of mind, allowing patients to focus on their treatment rather than the stress of travel arrangements. Setting up a schedule, either through a shared calendar app or by designating a transportation coordinator, helps streamline efforts, keeping everyone informed. Some communities also offer specialized services for cancer patients, such as non-emergency medical transportation programs, which can provide accessible, comfortable rides to and from appointments

Building Connections Through Community Support Groups

Connecting a loved one with cancer to community support groups can offer them a comforting space to share experiences and find encouragement from others facing similar challenges. These groups provide an outlet where patients can discuss their journey openly, gaining both emotional relief and practical advice. Family members or friends can assist by researching local and online options, ensuring that the group aligns with the patient’s personal preferences, whether that’s in-person gatherings, virtual meetings, or specific types of support, such as art therapy or exercise classes tailored for cancer patients.

Help Easing Financial Strain with Grant Opportunities

Navigating the financial burdens of cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Helping your loved one connect with organizations that provide specific grants for medical expenses can be immensely helpful. Resources like the Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition offer financial aid based on location and diagnosis. Grants from various foundations can cover medical and living costs, alleviating financial strain and allowing patients to focus on their recovery.

Art Therapy as an Emotional Outlet and Stress Reliever

Art therapy offers a valuable outlet for cancer patients, allowing them to express complex emotions and reduce stress through creative activity. Engaging in art—whether through painting, drawing, or even simple crafts—can provide a reprieve from the mental strain that often accompanies treatment. Family members and friends can help by arranging sessions with a licensed art therapist or setting up a dedicated space with art supplies at home, encouraging regular time for creativity. This process can serve as both a mental escape and a form of self-reflection, helping patients process their experiences in a non-verbal, therapeutic way.

Guided Meditation for Calm and Clarity

Guided meditation can be a powerful tool for cancer patients seeking calm and clarity amidst the challenges of treatment. By focusing on breathing, visualization, and gentle mindfulness, meditation offers a break from the mental and physical demands of cancer, fostering a sense of control and inner peace. Family and friends can support this practice by helping their loved one find accessible resources, such as meditation apps, videos, or local classes tailored for individuals managing chronic illness. Regular meditation sessions, even for just a few minutes, can alleviate anxiety and promote a clearer, more centered mindset.

Find Inspiration to Advance Your Career to Help Others

A loved one’s cancer diagnosis can profoundly influence career goals, inspiring a shift toward roles that make a tangible difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. For example, if you work as a nurse, perhaps seeking an MSN degree can pave the way for more specialized work to help other cancer patients. Online degree programs make this transition more accessible, offering the flexibility to balance studies with work and personal commitments. By channeling your experience into a career path that supports cancer care, you not only honor your loved one’s journey but also gain the tools to impact others in deeply meaningful ways.

Supporting a loved one with cancer involves more than just being present; it’s about finding meaningful ways to show compassion, share burdens, and encourage strength throughout their journey.  Each small act contributes to a larger foundation of support, making a challenging path feel a bit more navigable. Advocacy for cancer patients can take many forms, but what matters most is a dedication to easing their experience and reminding them they’re not facing it alone.

Posted on ADHD

Tactile massage helped young people with ADHD

Anna-Carin Robertz

Anna-Carin Robertz, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. Credit Photo by University of Gothenburg

Tactile massage can relieve hyperactivity, impulsivity, and attention deficits in ADHD, according to a small-scale study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. Young people also found that the massage made it easier to fall asleep.  

In a recent study, 14 young people between the ages of 15 and 17 diagnosed with ADHD received tactile massages once a week for 10 weeks. The massages were administered by certified massage therapists in Trollhättan or Uddevalla, following a specific massage protocol. Tactile massage involves soft and deliberate movements, performed slowly and according to a specific structure.

Twelve of the 14 young people completed the entire treatment. They were asked to rate their mood and symptoms of ADHD before, during and after treatment. The young people’s guardians were also asked how they felt about their child’s well-being in different ways, before and after treatment. 

Positive effects 

The results show that hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention deficit were reduced. The treatment also reduced irritation and defiant tendencies. At follow-up, three months after the end of treatment, some of the positive effects seemed to remain.  

The study’s lead author is Anna-Carin Robertz, a PhD student at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg. She is also a specialist nurse in psychiatry within the NU healthcare system, where she has previously offered tactile massage as a complement to conventional treatment, including to young people with ADHD.  

“Tactile massage appears to be a safe and effective treatment for adolescents with ADHD. Our study is small but contributes to a scientific basis for healthcare priorities. Perhaps there is an opportunity to create a simpler form of the treatment so that it becomes more resource-efficient for the healthcare system to offer it,” says Anna-Carin Robertz. 

Easier to sleep 

Sleep problems are more than twice as common among young people with ADHD compared to their peers. Several young people described that it had become much easier to fall asleep at night after receiving the tactile massage.  

“Very little is known about alternatives to sleep medication for young people. This study could lead to more research on how massage therapy can help improve sleep patterns,” says Anna-Carin Robertz. 

ADHD is a common diagnosis among children and young people under the age of 18 in Sweden. Data from the National Board of Health and Welfare’s statistical database in November 2023 showed that 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls had an ADHD diagnosis at that time. Both daily adjustments and medication can help a person with ADHD cope better with schoolwork and social relationships, but the effectiveness of such interventions is highly individual.

Posted on ADHD, Parkinson's Disease

Large-scale study of brain volume finds genetic links to Parkinson’s disease and ADHD

Researchers from USC and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia conducted an international study that revealed hundreds of genetic variants that shape the brain.
Researchers from USC and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Australia conducted an international study that revealed hundreds of genetic variants that shape the brain.

In one of the largest-ever studies of DNA and brain volume, researchers have identified 254 genetic variants that shape key structures in the “deep brain,” including those that control memory, motor skills, addictive behaviours and more.

The research is supported by the Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis (ENIGMA) consortium. This international effort, based at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, brings together over 1,000 research labs across 45 countries. The goal is to identify genetic variations that impact the structure and function of the brain.

“A lot of brain diseases are known to be partially genetic. From a scientific standpoint, we are aiming to identify the specific changes in the genetic code that cause these,” stated Paul M. Thompson, PhD, who is the associate director of the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute and the principal investigator for ENIGMA.

“By conducting research worldwide, we are beginning to pinpoint what has been referred to as ‘the genetic essence of humanity,’” he stated.

Identifying brain regions that are larger or smaller in certain groups, such as people with a specific brain disease, compared to others, can help scientists begin to understand the causes of brain dysfunction. Discovering the genes that control the development of those brain regions provides further insight into how to intervene.

In a recent study partly funded by the National Institutes of Health, a team of 189 researchers from around the world gathered DNA samples and conducted magnetic resonance imaging brain scans to measure volume in key subcortical regions, also known as the “deep brain,” from 74,898 participants. They then conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic variations linked to various traits or diseases. The study found gene-brain volume associations that are associated with a higher risk for Parkinson’s disease and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“There is strong evidence that ADHD and Parkinson’s have a biological basis, and this research is a necessary step to understand and eventually treat these conditions more effectively,” said Miguel Rentería, PhD, an associate professor of computational neurogenomics at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR Berghofer) in Australia and principal investigator of the Nature Genetics study.

“Our findings suggest that genetic influences that underpin individual differences in brain structure may be fundamental to understanding the underlying causes of brain-related disorders,” he said.

Studying the deep brain

The researchers analyzed brain volume in key subcortical structures, including the brainstem, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, nucleus accumbens, putamen, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus and ventral diencephalon. These regions are critical for forming memories, regulating emotions, controlling movement, processing sensory data from the outside world, and responding to reward and punishment.

GWAS revealed 254 genetic variants associated with brain volume across those regions, explaining up to 10% of the observed differences in brain volume across participants in the study. While previous research has clearly linked certain regions with disease, such as the basal ganglia with Parkinson’s disease, the new study reveals which gene variants shape brain volume with greater precision.

“This paper, for the first time, pinpoints exactly where these genes act in the brain,” providing the beginnings of a roadmap for where to intervene said Thompson,

Posted on Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis: medication with cognitive behavioral therapy lower fatigue

Combining treatments was not more effective than either intervention delivered individually
Combining treatments was not more effective than either intervention delivered individually.

A University of Michigan-led study of commonly used treatments for people with multiple sclerosis finds that medical and behavioural interventions, and a combination of the two, result in meaningful improvements in fatigue.

The randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of modafinil, a wake-promoting medication used to treat sleepiness in people with sleep disorders, and cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, in reducing fatigue for over 300 adults with multiple sclerosis whose symptoms interfered with their daily activities.

Overall, investigators found that treatment with either modafinil or CBT alone, delivered over the phone, significantly reduced fatigue over 12 weeks. 

A combination of both treatments, as did each therapy, also worked, but it did not result in better fatigue scores than the independent interventions.  

“Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, yet there is still uncertainty about how available treatments should be used or how medication-based treatments compare to behavioural treatments in the real world,” said first author Tiffany J. Braley, M.D., M.S., director of the Multiple Sclerosis/Neuroimmunology Division and co-founder of the Multidisciplinary MS Fatigue and Sleep Clinic at University of Michigan Health.

“This research offers new evidence to show that both CBT and modafinil are comparably effective for MS fatigue, which could shape treatment approaches to one of the most challenging symptoms experienced by people with multiple sclerosis.”

Of nearly 3 million people with multiple sclerosis worldwide, up to 90% experience fatigue. Nearly half describe it as their most disabling and impactful symptom.

The research used a real-world approach that more closely resembled clinical practice than traditional clinical trials. It included stakeholders with MS who helped design the study.

More than 60% of participants in each study group reported clinically meaningful improvement in fatigue, which was measured using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale.

“These treatments, individually and as a combination, should be considered as potential options for people with multiple sclerosis with chronic, problematic fatigue,” said senior author Anna L. Kratz, PhD, professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at U-M Medical School.

Collaborators at a secondary study site, the University of Washington, contributed to this pragmatic trial.

“This study focused intently on patient-centred outcomes, and our findings highlight the importance of shared decision-making about treatment selection, considering patient characteristics and broader treatment goals,” Braley said.

Trial participants who received only CBT maintained lower fatigue scores at an additional follow-up appointment 12 weeks after the study treatments ended.

CBT has shown robust and durable effects on fatigue in previous research.  

“While many people with multiple sclerosis have limited access to behavioural health care like CBT, offering the treatment through telehealth can help reach more patients,” Kratz said.

“Our study shows that CBT is a feasible treatment that teaches fatigue management skills that can be employed indefinitely, with enduring benefits that last well beyond the treatment period.”

Although the three treatment assignments worked similarly well overall, participants’ sleep habits, or “sleep hygiene”, affected how well the treatment worked for fatigue.

Those with poor sleep hygiene tended to have better fatigue outcomes with CBT, and participants with excellent sleep hygiene showed better fatigue outcomes with modafinil.

“Using wake-promoting medications such as modafinil could worsen sleep quality in patients whose sleep problems are behavioral,” Braley said.

“As sleep disturbances also contribute to fatigue in people with MS, it is important to avoid selecting fatigue treatments that could worsen sleep. Behavioural treatments such as CBT that include sleep education may be preferable for people with MS who have poor sleep habits.”