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Researchers identify genetic risk factors associated with diabetes
Date: 2012-01-03 00:00:00

A simple blood test may be able to predict an individual's future risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.... Full Story

Mother's diet during pregnancy may impact child's future diabetes risk
Date: 2012-01-06 00:00:00

An unhealthy diet during pregnancy can increase the chances that a woman's child will receive a positive blood test for type 2 diabetes later in life, according to a new study from a team of British researchers.... Full Story

Lifestyle intervention program can be cost-effective method for preventing diabetes
Date: 2012-01-10 00:00:00

A team of researchers has identified ways to improve the cost-effectiveness of a proven strategy for helping those at risk for developing diabetes lose weight and improve their insulin blood test scores. The findings could help many individuals avoid the condition entirely.... Full Story

New study helps explain why coffee drinkers are less likely to develop diabetes
Date: 2012-01-11 00:00:00

Drinking coffee has been shown to improve the results of blood tests for markers associated with type 2 diabetes risk, but until now no one has been sure exactly what accounted for this property.... Full Story

Integrated treatments for depression improve diabetes care
Date: 2012-01-12 00:00:00

Individuals with diabetes rely on blood testing to make sure their insulin and blood sugar levels are within normal ranges. However, when diabetics also have depression, as many do, they are less likely to take these steps to manage their blood sugar properly.... Full Story

Researchers recommend taxing soda
Date: 2012-01-13 00:00:00

Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages could significantly reduce their consumption, according to a new report published in the journal Health Affairs. This could have an impact on the blood test results of individuals with diabetes, as well as the overall health of those at risk for heart health problems.... Full Story

Many people have immune system risk factors
Date: 2012-01-16 00:00:00

Many more people may be at risk for receiving blood test results that reveal they have type 1 diabetes than previously thought. A new study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that a high percentage of the population has immune system dysfunction that put them at risk for autoimmune disorders.... Full Story

Insulin may reduce heart risk in diabetics
Date: 2012-01-23 00:00:00

When a patient has consistently low insulin test results they are at a much higher risk of of experiencing cardiovascular complications. However, a new study indicates that diabetics may be able to reduce their likelihood of suffering these types of problems through insulin therapy.... Full Story

Researchers develop chip to test glucose in saliva
Date: 2012-01-23 00:00:00

Diabetics must undergo several blood tests per day to ensure that their glucose levels are within a healthy range. This process can be burdensome and leave individuals with sores on their fingers. In order to remedy the situation, a team of researchers from Brown University has developed a system that may allow diabetics to test their saliva instead of blood.... Full Story

Diabetics do not benefit from regular blood sugar testing
Date: 2012-01-31 00:00:00

Many individuals with type 2 diabetes are instructed by their doctors to take regular blood tests to measure their glucose levels. However, new research indicates that this may not be linked to better health or treatment outcomes.... Full Story

High blood sugar may increase heart health risk factor, even in non-diabetics
Date: 2012-02-02 00:00:00

Blood tests for glucose levels may reveal cardiovascular damage that could predict a person's long-term risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, according to a new study from a team of Johns Hopkins University researchers.... Full Story

Dental visits may present good opportunity to test for diabetes
Date: 2012-02-14 00:00:00

Individuals who seek treatment for periodontal disease may be good candidates for blood tests for diabetes. There is a known correlation between the two conditions, and new research suggests that blood samples taken from the mouth may accurately detect the presence of diabetes.... Full Story

Poor sleep may pose risks for metabolic health
Date: 2012-03-01 00:00:00

Sleep problems may increase a person's risk of receiving lab test results that indicate they have diabetes. A new study suggests that a poor night's sleep can elevate markers of inflammation in a person's body, which may be a risk factor for diabetes.... Full Story

Time spent seated may be important diabetes risk factor in women
Date: 2012-03-02 00:00:00

Women who spend extended amounts of time seated are more likely to receive lab test results indicating they have risk factors for diabetes, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.... Full Story

Metabolic syndrome increases risk of kidney disease, study finds
Date: 2012-03-06 00:00:00

Individuals who receive lab tests indicating they have metabolic syndrome may be significantly more likely to suffer from chronic kidney disease, particularly if they have very poorly controlled glucose levels.... Full Story

Researchers develop criteria for prediabetes diagnosis
Date: 2012-03-13 00:00:00

Blood testing is the only way to diagnose a person with diabetes or prediabetes. However, there has been much disagreement over exactly what categorizes a person as having the latter condition. This has implications for the delivery of preventative services.... Full Story

New study links white rice to higher diabetes risk
Date: 2012-03-19 00:00:00

Individuals who eat a lot of white rice may be significantly more likely to receive lab tests indicating they have type 2 diabetes, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health.... Full Story

Diabetes prevention is cost-effective
Date: 2012-03-23 00:00:00

For individuals with unhealthy blood tests measuring glucose levels, taking preventive measures to reduce their diabetes risk may cost less in the long run than treating metabolic health problems, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.... Full Story

Poor blood sugar management may put diabetics at higher heart attack risk
Date: 2012-03-26 00:00:00

Individuals who have received blood tests indicating poorly controlled glucose levels may be significantly more likely to die from a heart attack, according to a new study out of the University of Gothenburg.... Full Story

Bariatric surgery produces blood sugar benefits for diabetics
Date: 2012-03-27 00:00:00

For individuals who have received blood tests indicating they have diabetes, weight loss surgery may help them reach healthier blood sugar levels and potentially even resolve their condition, according to a new study out of the Cleveland Clinic.... Full Story

Increased exercise linked to lower rates of immobility among older diabetics
Date: 2012-03-28 00:00:00

While weight loss and physical activity can greatly improve the health of a person who has received a blood test indicating they have diabetes, many individuals with the condition who are overweight may find it difficult to be physically active due to impaired mobility. However, a new study highlights how important it is for these individuals to get more exercise.... Full Story

Low-glycemic index breakfasts helps control blood sugar, experts say
Date: 2012-04-02 00:00:00

A low-glycemic index breakfast may play an important role in keeping blood tests for glucose at healthy levels, a pair of experts recently reported at the Institute of Food Technologists' Wellness 12 meeting.... Full Story

HbA1c testing is preferable diabetes test, experts say
Date: 2012-04-04 00:00:00

For individuals who may be at risk for developing diabetes, blood testing plays an important role in diagnosing their condition and determining whether or not lifestyle changes are necessary. However, not all tests are the same.... Full Story

Experts urge diabetics to manage their cholesterol levels
Date: 2012-04-05 00:00:00

Diabetics may have more to worry about than just their blood sugar levels. Experts say that these individuals should also consider cholesterol testing, as cardiovascular complications stemming from high cholesterol are very common.... Full Story

Obesity and diabetes may be linked to autism
Date: 2012-04-09 00:00:00

Unhealthy blood tests for glucose levels among pregnant women may be linked to an increased risk of delivering a child who has autism or other developmental delays, according to a new study out of the University of California, Davis.... Full Story

Diabetics face many social challenges
Date: 2012-04-11 00:00:00

Individuals with diabetes must constantly monitor their blood test results and be very careful about the types of food they eat. New research suggests that the healthcare system and society at large may not do enough to accommodate the needs of diabetics.... Full Story

Many women may face pregnancy complications associated with weight and blood sugar
Date: 2012-04-12 00:00:00

Blood testing for glucose levels may be critical for all pregnant women. A new study has found that even modest elevations in blood sugar, when combined with being somewhat overweight, can lead to potentially serious pregnancy complications.... Full Story

New study uncovers link between diabetes and plastic chemical
Date: 2012-04-13 00:00:00

High levels of exposure to plastics chemicals known as phthalates may lead to unhealthy glucose blood tests, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.... Full Story

Poor sleep quality may be risk factor for obesity, study finds
Date: 2012-04-17 00:00:00

People who get less than six hours of sleep at night may face a high risk of becoming obese, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Human Biology. The researchers said the situation may make individuals more likely to receive positive lab tests for diabetes and other chronic health conditions.... Full Story

Diabetics often don't know important test scores
Date: 2012-04-20 00:00:00

Most diabetics do not know their most recent cholesterol test scores or results from other important health screenings, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.... Full Story

Alternative therapies may benefit diabetics
Date: 2012-04-23 00:00:00

Blood testing plays an important role in the ability of diabetics to manage their glucose levels, which is important for avoiding health complications. However, this is not the only consideration when it comes to living with diabetes. The condition can cause a person to feel as though they have little control over their life, which sometimes leads to depression.... Full Story

Expert calls for more research into link between diabetes and depression
Date: 2012-05-02 00:00:00

When a person with diabetes receives a blood test indicating they have poor control of their glucose levels, they are at a higher risk of experiencing complications, including depression. One researcher now says the medical community needs to develop a better understanding of blood sugar's effects on mood.... Full Story

Low testosterone increases diabetes risk in men
Date: 2012-05-04 00:00:00

Blood tests indicating low testosterone levels may put men at a higher risk of developing diabetes, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.... Full Story

Losing weight may help overweight diabetics cure their metabolic problems
Date: 2012-05-07 00:00:00

Dropping some pounds may help diabetics improve their insulin blood test scores to the point where they can no longer be considered to have the metabolic condition, according to a new study from a team of Finnish researchers.... Full Story

Fast eaters may be more likely to develop diabetes
Date: 2012-05-08 00:00:00

Individuals who eat rapidly may face a high risk of receiving blood test results indicating they have diabetes, according to a new study presented at the European Congress of Endocrinology.... Full Story

Experts urge diabetes testing
Date: 2012-05-10 00:00:00

With type 1 diabetes rates on the rise, experts are urging more people to consider blood testing to check for the presence of the illness. This may help detect metabolic problems in millions of people who are unaware that they have them.... Full Story

Low-carb diet may be best for diabetics, researchers say
Date: 2012-05-11 00:00:00

A low-carb diet may help diabetics significantly improve their blood test scores for insulin and glucose levels, even if the diet is high in fat, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetologia.... Full Story

Researchers test new device to monitor blood sugar levels
Date: 2012-05-14 00:00:00

One of the most difficult parts of living with type 1 diabetes is the need for regular blood testing to measure glucose levels. However, a team of researchers from the University of Virginia is currently testing a device that could make checking blood sugar levels significantly easier.... Full Story

Experts predict rapid rise in diabetes rates
Date: 2012-05-15 00:00:00

Blood tests for diabetes could spike in the near future, according to a new study. Researchers projected that more than 53 million Americans may have the metabolic condition by 2025.... Full Story

Remote monitoring improved blood sugar management
Date: 2012-05-23 00:00:00

Blood testing to monitor glucose levels plays an important role in the ability of diabetics to manage their condition. When medical professionals monitor the results of these tests remotely it may significantly improve diabetics' ability to maintain their health, according to a new study.... Full Story

New product helps diabetics improve blood sugar control
Date: 2012-06-12 00:00:00

A team of researchers has shown that diabetics can improve blood test scores by utilizing a specially formulated meal replacement product. The findings suggest that it may be possible for individuals to normalize their blood sugar levels without losing any weight.... Full Story

Omega-3 supplements lower diabetics' cholesterol levels
Date: 2012-06-14 00:00:00

Taking a special omega-3 supplement in conjunction with statin medications may help individuals with type 2 diabetes significantly improve their cholesterol test scores, according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association.... Full Story

Diabetics need ongoing support following diagnosis, study finds
Date: 2012-06-14 00:00:00

In order to deal with the constant rigors of blood testing and other aspects of disease management, diabetics require several informational sessions with their primary care physician following their diagnosis, according to a new study.... Full Story

Tight blood sugar control linked to decreased risk of neuropathy
Date: 2012-06-15 00:00:00

Diabetics who aggressively control their glucose levels through regular blood testing and medications as needed may be significantly less likely to develop neuropathy than those with poor blood sugar control, according to a new study published in the Cochrane Review.... Full Story

Phone calls can help diabetics develop healthy lifestyle habits
Date: 2012-06-19 00:00:00

When medical professionals provide phone calls to diabetics to offer lifestyle counseling, it leads to much better disease management and improved blood test scores, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health.... Full Story

Compound in peaches may support metabolic health
Date: 2012-06-20 00:00:00

Individuals who have received blood tests indicating they have high glucose levels putting them at risk for developing diabetes may want to eat more peaches or other stone fruits. New research indicates that these fruits have high levels of compounds that have been shown to support metabolic health.... Full Story

Poor blood sugar management leads to complications for diabetics
Date: 2012-06-21 00:00:00

Regular blood testing is an important part of diabetics' efforts to manage their condition. Maintaining healthy glucose levels is critical to avoiding many of the complications that often accompany the metabolic condition.... Full Story

Expert says chemical pollutants to blame for rise in obesity and diabetes
Date: 2012-06-27 00:00:00

Obesity and diabetes rates are increasing rapidly, and one expert thinks that high levels of exposure to certain industrial chemicals may play a role in this process. Limiting exposure to these compounds may improve blood tests results for measures of metabolic syndrome.... Full Story

Early medication treatment helps preserve health in diabetics
Date: 2012-07-02 00:00:00

Intensive treatment starting soon after diagnosis may help diabetics achieve healthier blood test results for glucose levels, when compared to those of delayed treatment, according to a new study published in the journal Diabetes Care.... Full Story

Researchers preserve pancreas function in diabetic rats
Date: 2012-07-03 00:00:00

Following blood testing that indicates the presence of type 2 diabetes, one of the worst things that can happen to a patient is the loss of function in the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This typically makes it very hard for patients to control their blood sugar, which increases the risk of complications.... Full Story

Fast food may increase risk of diabetes, heart disease
Date: 2012-07-06 00:00:00

Individuals who frequently consume fast food may have an elevated risk of receiving blood testing indicating the presence of diabetes, according to a new study published in the journal Circulation. The meals appeared to increase heart disease risk as well.... Full Story

Blood sugar medications may be tied to increased risk of bladder cancer
Date: 2012-07-10 00:00:00

There are a number of medications that can help diabetics achieve healthy glucose levels on their next blood test. However, a new study warns that one class of drugs may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.... Full Story

Phthalates may be linked to diabetes in women
Date: 2012-07-16 00:00:00

A common chemical found in some women's personal care products may increase their risk of developing diabetes, according to new research from Brigham and Women's Hospital. Those who are concerned about the effects of exposure to phthalates may want to take a blood test to measure their blood sugar levels.... Full Story

Medical groups release statement about low-calorie sweeteners
Date: 2012-07-16 00:00:00

People who find out they have diabetes, with the help of a blood test, need to make certain lifestyle adjustments, which may include medication regimens as well as modifications in exercise and diet habits. Recently, the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association released a joint statement that supported the use of low-calorie sweeteners.... Full Story

Type 1 diabetics may benefit from newer technologies
Date: 2012-07-17 00:00:00

People who find out they have Type 1 diabetes because of a blood test will have to spend the rest of their lives monitoring their glucose levels and injecting insulin. These processes typically involve frequent pin pricks of the fingers and shots of the hormone. Recently, a team of scientists from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted a study that validated the use of continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, which are thought to be more convenient for diabetes regimens.... Full Story

Diabetes risk factors may be common among South Asians
Date: 2012-07-25 00:00:00

New research published in the journal Diabetes Care indicates that people of South Asian descent - Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian - may be at greater risk of type 2 diabetes compared to individuals from white European families. This study suggests that South Asians may benefit from blood testing for diabetes risk factors.... Full Story

Sexual problems may be common for diabetic women
Date: 2012-07-30 00:00:00

A new study from the University of California, San Francisco suggests that diabetes may increase the likelihood that women become dissatisfied with sex. Such findings underscore the importance of undergoing a blood test in order to correctly diagnose diabetes.... Full Story

Threshold for diabetes diagnoses may need to be lower for black people
Date: 2012-08-07 00:00:00

A blood test to measure hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels is a good indicator of an individual's blood sugar control during the previous two to three months. However, whether these test results are indicative of diabetes may be unclear when it comes to physiological differences between white and black patients, according to researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.... Full Story

Chronic pain is prevalent among type 2 diabetes patients
Date: 2012-08-08 00:00:00

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes through a blood test is an important step toward preventing and treating the potential health complications that come with the disease. According to a multi-institutional study from California, nearly half of adults who have type 2 diabetes have to deal with acute and chronic pain, while nearly one-fourth cope with other problems such as nerve damage, depression and emotional instability.... Full Story

Natural oil may fight diabetes
Date: 2012-08-13 00:00:00

Scientists are working to diversify the available treatments for individuals who find out, through a blood test, that they have diabetes. One team of scientists from the Missouri University of Science and Technology discovered that oil extracted from the seeds of the wild almond tree (Sterculia foetida) may be able to fight both obesity and diabetes.... Full Story

Class of diabetes medications may elevate risk of bladder cancer
Date: 2012-08-14 00:00:00

Blood testing is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis of diabetes and effective treatment. However, new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania reveals that a class of diabetes medications known as thiazolidinedione drugs (TZDs), which include pioglitazone or rosiglitzaone, may raise patients' risk of bladder cancer.... Full Story

Health behaviors and diet have strong ties to diabetes among the disadvantaged
Date: 2012-08-22 00:00:00

New research published in the British Medical Journal reveals that disparities in the incidence of type 2 diabetes between people of different socioeconomic statuses may be explained in large part by lifestyle differences. These findings may be relevant to people who screen positive for the metabolic disorder through a blood test.... Full Story

Residing in walkable area may help prevent diabetes
Date: 2012-09-18 00:00:00

Individuals hoping for negative results on a blood test for insulin deficiency may want to consider moving to a neighborhood that's easier to walk around.

According to an examination of the entire population of Toronto, highly-populated locations with many destinations within a walking distance and roads that make it easy to walk from one place to another can have an impact on individuals' chances of become diabetic. These findings from St. Michael's Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences have been published in Diabetes Care Today.

"Previous studies have looked at how walkable neighborhoods affect health behavior, but this is the first to look at the risk of developing a disease," said lead author Gillian Booth.

More Americans are in dire need of moderate exercise, according to new research released by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. By their estimates, more than half of all Americans will be obese by 2030. Unless obesity levels in the U.S. stop increasing at their current rate, the majority of residents will be at a greater risk of a positive result from a blood test for diabetes.

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Insulin tablets show potential to delay onset of diabetes
Date: 2012-09-19 00:00:00

People hoping to avoid a positive result from blood testing for type 1 diabetes may be able to prevent the onset of the condition with oral insulin tablets, according to a new study from the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Unlike type 2 diabetes, the other form of insulin deficiency usually occurs in children and adolescents. Whereas type 2 diabetes develops when cells cannot correctly use insulin, type 1 diabetes involves the body being unable to produce insulin at all. Type 1 diabetics only account for 5 percent of the total number of individuals dealing with insulin problems according to the ADA.

"If a person has two autoantibodies and one of them is against insulin, there is a 50 percent risk that they will develop type 1 diabetes within five years. There are indications that oral insulin may prevent or delay the clinical onset," said Ake Lernmark, quoted by Medical Xpress.

For this study, the ADA surveyed almost 375 individuals at risk for developing type 1 diabetes for almost 10 years. Individuals who remained on oral insulin treatment had a reduced chance of losing their ability to produce insulin, which would have led to an unfavorable result from diabetes blood testing.

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Living in a walking-friendly neighborhood may protect against diabetes
Date: 2012-09-21 00:00:00

Although physical activity has long been thought to reduce individuals' risk of developing diabetes, new Canadian research indicates that simply residing in a community that is conducive to short walks helps prevent positive results from blood tests for insulin deficiency.

"Previous studies have looked at how walkable neighborhoods affect health behavior, but this is the first to look at the risk of developing a disease," said Gillian Booth, a St. Michael's Hospital endocrinologist and researcher. His organization compiled these findings alongside the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.

The density of the population, the ease with which people could walk from one street for another, and attractive nearby destinations within a 10 minute walk, were the three factors researchers used to determine the walkability of areas in Toronto. Surveying data from the residents of these communities, the analysts determined that residents of walkable neighborhood had 50 percent less chance of receiving unfavorable information from diabetes blood tests.

A 2009 article from NBC pointed to several studies showing that moderate exercise reduces diabetes risk. In particular, a Nurses' Health Study indicated that breaking a sweat once a week could decrease the chance of women becoming diabetic by 30 percent.

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Obese kids are at risk for big health issues
Date: 2012-09-26 00:00:00

Noting that childhood obesity results in above-average blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and thicker-than-normal heart muscle, a study published in the British Medical Journal suggests kids with weight problems are 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop heart disease and screen positive on blood tests for type 2 diabetes.

After examining numerous studies, which included a total of almost 50,000 children between 5 and 15 years old, researchers from the University of Oxford determined that obese youngsters had much higher cholesterol levels and blood pressure than youths of average weight. They also note that fasting insulin levels, which could lead to affirmative diabetes blood tests, were substantially higher in obese children than in those who were only overweight.

"Weight, and especially obesity, has a significant effect on the risk parameters for cardiovascular disease that are present in children from age 5," write the study authors. "This effect could give them a head start on their normal and even overweight classmates for future cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke."

Reports show the U.K. is hardly exempt from the global obesity epidemic. According to British news source The Guardian, 33 percent of British 11-year-olds are considered obese.

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International study looks into gut bacteria in diabetics
Date: 2012-09-28 00:00:00

Chinese and Danish researchers have observed a clear difference between bacteria found in healthy digestive organs and the guts of individuals who screened positive for type 2 diabetes in a blood test. This information can be viewed in the journal Nature.

Analysts at the University of Copenhagen (UC) say they can't tell yet if the irregular gut bacteria is related to the cause of diabetes or if the reserve scenario is true, but they hope their findings will eventually lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options for individuals receiving a blood test that indicates insulin deficiency.

"It is important to point out that our discovery demonstrates a correlation," said professor Karsten Kristiansen from the UC Department of Biology. "The big question now is whether the changes in gut bacteria can affect the development of type 2 diabetes or whether the changes simply reflect that the person is suffering from type 2 diabetes."

High amounts of gut bacteria - microbes that live in the human digestive system, were also shown to enhance fat absorption in a study appearing earlier this month in the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

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New diabetes drug possibly on its way to market
Date: 2012-10-03 00:00:00

A pharmaceutical company is in the mid-stages of testing a new once-a-week treatment for people who have received a positive blood test result for type 2 diabetes, according to Reuters.

Trials for MK-3102, produced by Merck & Co., were shown to reduce the blood sugar of almost 700 subjects, in proportion to the amount of the drug they consumed, in a 12-week study. The next phase of tests will compare MK-3102 to other diabetes treatments.

"We think this is going to be a very attractive choice for patients who have a high pill burden. Any attempt to simplify the regimen for those patients is helpful," Nancy Thornberry, the company's head of diabetes and endocrinology, told Reuters.

The American Diabetes Association states that individuals who have gotten unfavorable outcomes from a diabetes blood test can take pills to keep their blood glucose levels under control, especially if they were diagnosed recently and don't need to take more than 20 units of insulin daily. However, it is not considered likely that oral medications will benefit diabetics who have lived with the condition for more than a decade.

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Group therapy recommended for depressed diabetic women
Date: 2012-10-04 00:00:00

Multiple medical organizations have connected the detection of diabetes through blood testing with a greater risk for the eventual development of depression. According to The Mayo Clinic, depression in diabetics could result from the additional daily stress of managing insulin deficiency and complications from diabetes-related conditions.

However, a study from Loyola University Chicago indicates that group therapy could be more helpful to depressed women coping with type 2 diabetes as a supplementary treatment to antidepressant drugs that could contribute to weight gain. The study included two groups of subjects, all of whom received positive results from diabetes blood testing. One set of subjects underwent typical treatments for diabetes and depression, while another was active in a therapy group. The researchers found 35 percent of those in group therapy remained depressed six months later, as opposed to 80 percent of subjects who underwent normal treatment.

"The next step would be to explore other tailored group cognitive-therapy programs for depression based on gender, race or disease," said Sue Penckofer, a study co-author and faculty scholar at Loyola. "This is particularly important since depression is associated with relapse and use of cognitive therapy is associated with a lower relapse rates."

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French diabetes meds could be much more effective than standard treatments
Date: 2012-10-05 00:00:00

In what could be good news for people whose blood testing for diabetes produced positive results, Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company, has stated that its insulin product Lantus is three times as effective at reducing blood sugar levels compared to other medications.

Sanofi says it came about these findings during a six-year study that included more than 12,500 subjects who had, at one point, undergone blood testing that indicated they had the insulin deficiency condition.

"Contrary to conventional understanding that diabetes is a progressively worsening disease, these new results from this sub-study suggest that achieving and maintaining glycemic control early with insulin glargine might positively affect the natural history of the disease," said Riccardo Perfetti, Sanofi's vice president of Medical Affairs and Global Diabetes.

According to Reuters, Lantus accounts for 80 percent of the global market share for continuously acting insulin, and more than $5 billion worth of the treatment was sold in 2011. The news source also reports that Sanofi has had to focus its efforts on beating competition from drug manufacturers that produce facsimiles of its products at lower costs.

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Exercise could turn "bad" cholesterol into "good" cholesterol, study says
Date: 2012-10-09 00:00:00

A plethora of scientific evidence shows that taking up an exercise routine can, over time, lower the results of cholesterol tests. However, new findings published in the Journal Lipid Research indicates that a workout schedule could lead to fat cells producing a hormone that creates high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" kind of cholesterol.

"When you exercise and diet, you're improving the function of your adipose tissue, your heart and vascular systems, and even muscle performance," said lead study author Christine Ballantyne, director for the Methodist's Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. "You're getting a lot of benefits that you may not see by just looking at the weight on a scale."

Researchers came to this conclusion by examining data of overweight or obese individuals who had a positive result from a blood test for diabetes and signed up for study that would monitor them while they switched to a much healthier lifestyle. Their blood was periodically drawn to test for HDL and other substances.

According to the American Diabetes Association, results from a cholesterol test showing high amounts of low-density lipoprotein increase the odds of receiving a similarly gloomy result from a blood test for diabetes.

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Hormone connected to multiple diseases
Date: 2012-10-10 00:00:00

A recent study shows that high levels of a certain satiation hormone called proneurotensin, found in the gastrointestinal system, could be linked to an increased probability of receiving positive blood tests for diabetes or breast cancer, and may even make the chances of a heart attack more likely.

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this study compiles examinations of blood samples collected over several years from more than 4,500 individuals participating in the Swedish population study Malmo Diet and Cancer.

"It was surprising to find such a clear link to the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as to breast cancer," said Olle Melander of the Department of Clinical Sciences at Lund University. "Obesity is a common risk factor for all three conditions, but the connection with proneurotensin is not explained by obesity or other known risk factors."

HealthDay News spoke with Melander in a follow-up report, and the study's primary author told the news source that the correlation between higher-than-average amounts of proneurotensin and higher chances of unfortunate outcomes from blood tests applied to women, but not men.

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Insulin manufacturer's stock drops
Date: 2012-10-28 00:00:00

Bloomberg reported that pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk's stock has dropped by 3.3 percent on Oct. 26, making it the company's largest loss in more than a year, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it may require the Danish drug maker's newest insulin product, Treisba, to undergo additional studies.

The source noted that medications for diabetes, which can be detected with a lab test, have been monitored more closely by health authorities after it was revealed that GlaxoSmithKline's Avandia increased the risk of heart attacks. The FDA also wrote in a report that analyses of previously conducted studies have shown that Novo Nordisk's product poses more of a risk to heart health, compared to the other products on the market

According to Bloomberg, an analyst at Berenberg Bank wrote that if the FDA rules that Novo must conduct additional studies on the cardiovascular effects of Treisba after its initial approval, it could delay the drug reaching the U.S. market by several years.

"There is no cause for concern based on what we know," Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, Novo's chief science officer told the news source. "This product is approvable. Whether that is with or without a post-approval cardiovascular outcomes study commitment, it's a different story."

Japanese officials have already approved Treisba, as has a European Advisory board on Oct. 19.

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Enzyme may be linked to angina in type 2 diabetes patients
Date: 2012-11-28 00:00:00

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have found that an enzyme known as arginase may contribute to the development of angina in patients with type 2 diabetes.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), angina is a cardiovascular condition in which pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, neck and back occurs due to a deficiency of oxygen and blood flow to the heart.

During the study the scientists looked at patients with angina and type 2 diabetes, which can be detected with a blood test. They found that the arginase enzymes inhibit nitric oxide molecules from forming, and according to study investigator John Pernow, M.D., Ph.D., F.E.S.C, plays a crucial role in dilating vessel walls and preventing plaque buildup.

"The fact that we could demonstrate the presence of arginase in several types of cells in the vessel walls gives us an entirely new explanatory model for the development of complications in these patients," said Pernow.

When the subjects were given a medication that suppressed the enzyme, blood flow improved. The researchers also found that the enzyme-inhibiting drug did not help patients with angina who did not have type 2 diabetes and did not affect subjects who did not have any of the conditions.

The Karolinska Institutet researchers are planning a follow-up study, which will test the effects of the enzyme-inhibitor drug on a larger group of subjects.

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Diabetes and hypertension may contribute to colon cancer recurrence
Date: 2012-12-21 00:00:00

Recent research conducted at the Temple University School of Medicine and Fox Chase Cancer Center found that metabolic syndrome contributors (high blood pressure and diabetes) may increase the likelihood of colon cancer returning. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines metabolic syndrome as a group of risk factors that contribute to the development of coronary artery disease and stroke.... Full Story

Study discovers genetic variants that contribute to diabetes
Date: 2012-12-26 00:00:00

A recent study published in the journal Nature Genetics has discovered three genetic variants, or DNA mutations, that are involved with the production of the hormone insulin. The findings may give scientists valuable insight on what causes diabetes.... Full Story