Insulin News and Research

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Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert glucose, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Insulin allows cells to use glucose for fuel and is secreted by beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. The release of insulin from the pancreas is stimulated by increased blood glucose, vagal nerve stimulation, and other factors. Insulin is obtained from various animals and available in a variety of preparations. Commercial insulin preparations differ in a number of ways, including differences in the animal species from which they are obtained; their purity, concentration, and solubility; and the time of onset and duration of their biologic action. An oral hypoglycemic agent is not a form of insulin therapy.

Wholegrain rye changes gut bacteria and lowers inflammation in obesity trial

In a 12-week randomized trial, replacing refined wheat with wholegrain rye in a calorie-restricted diet did not produce greater weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. Wholegrain rye did, however, lower C-reactive protein and alter gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in ways that may have positive cardiometabolic implications.

24 Mar 2026

IGFBP1 identified as potential biomarker for IBD monitoring in elderly patients

A recent study published in Current Molecular Pharmacology highlights the potential of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) as a monitoring biomarker for disease activity in elderly patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

24 Mar 2026

Algorithm-guided insulin dosing improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes

A University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology-developed algorithm – paired with a continuous glucose monitor – can help users better manage their type 2 diabetes by recommending insulin-dose adjustments, a new study found.

24 Mar 2026

Breast reduction surgery is linked to lower diabetes and heart risk

Findings suggest breast reduction surgery is associated with lower long-term diabetes and cardiovascular risks, enhancing women's metabolic health.

24 Mar 2026

Palmatine improved fatty liver markers in a preclinical type 2 diabetes study

Researchers used a bioinformatics-plus-rat-model approach to investigate how palmatine may help treat T2DM-associated MASLD, identifying five core targets: ADRB2, BCL3, EGR1, FOS, and MAP3K8. In rats, palmatine improved liver injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, glycolipid metabolism, steatosis, and fibrosis, while reducing apoptosis-related signaling, providing a preclinical foundation for further therapeutic study.

23 Mar 2026

Mediterranean diet may protect health through mitochondrial microproteins

A new study led by researchers at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that the benefits of the Mediterranean diet may be driven, in part, by tiny proteins hidden within our mitochondria, opening a new window into how diet shapes aging and disease risk.

23 Mar 2026

Scientists turn red blood cells into long-lasting drug and imaging carriers in mice

A new preclinical study shows that red blood cells can be tagged in vivo and used as long-lasting carriers for imaging agents and therapies, opening a new route for safer drug delivery and vascular imaging.

23 Mar 2026

Firmer potatoes lower post-meal blood sugar spikes

Minimally cooked potatoes may reduce blood sugar spikes, but benefits are short-lived and specific to certain populations, as shown in recent research.

23 Mar 2026

Replacing sedentary time improves insulin resistance in adolescents

Adolescents who replaced just half an hour of sedentary behaviors, such as sitting on the couch or spending time at the computer, each day for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or sleep may lower their insulin resistance, a key factor in preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association's EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026.

23 Mar 2026

GLP-1 drugs cut heart and kidney risks in type 1 diabetes study

In a large target trial emulation of 174,678 people with type 1 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonist initiation was associated with lower risks of major cardiovascular events and end-stage kidney disease over five years. The study also found no increased risk of hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycemia, supporting further randomized trials of GLP-1RAs as adjunctive therapy in type 1 diabetes.

22 Mar 2026

Losing health insurance worsens diabetes outcomes in low-income adults

Losing health insurance can quickly worsen health for people with diabetes as patients struggle to control the disease after coverage is interrupted, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University,

22 Mar 2026

Mandated caps reduce insulin out-of-pocket costs among US Medicare beneficiaries

A new analysis led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health finds that out-of-pockets caps on insulin for Medicare Part D beneficiaries have reined in insulin prices.

19 Mar 2026

Researchers show how smartwatches can help identify insulin resistance

Researchers developed a scalable framework that predicts insulin resistance using wearable-device signals, routine blood biomarkers, and demographic data, with stronger performance when these data streams were combined. The study also introduced an AI agent to explain insulin resistance risk, interpret results, and support earlier metabolic risk screening.

17 Mar 2026

Routine care gap leaves metabolic acidosis undetected in chronic kidney disease

A Japanese registry has identified a blind spot in the routine care of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum bicarbonate levels are rarely measured, leaving metabolic acidosis largely undetected and hence, undertreated.

16 Mar 2026

New polygenic risk scores improve prediction of metabolic disease outcomes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are metabolic conditions with many causes, including overlapping and distinct genetic features.

16 Mar 2026

Skipping breakfast may raise metabolic syndrome risk

The link between skipping breakfast and metabolic syndrome highlights the need for dietary strategies to improve cardiometabolic health in at-risk populations.

16 Mar 2026

Kyoto University unveils noninvasive assessment for diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system starts to destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Progressive loss of these cells destabilizes the body's glucose levels and drives the course of the disease, so preserving or restoring beta cell mass is a central treatment goal.

13 Mar 2026

Father's nicotine use may increase diabetes risk for offspring

A mouse study found that a father's nicotine exposure can affect the offspring's ability to process sugar and may contribute to diabetes risk, according to new research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

12 Mar 2026

Can eating almonds reduce inflammation in obesity?

Adding almonds to the diet of adults with obesity enhances inflammatory cytokine profiles and diet quality, highlighting a simple anti-inflammatory strategy.

12 Mar 2026

Eating earlier in the day is linked to lower nighttime glucose in gestational diabetes

A secondary analysis of a randomized trial examined whether the timing of the first daily meal affects 24-hour glucose patterns in pregnancies with gestational diabetes. Earlier first meals were associated with lower nocturnal glucose levels and an earlier daily glucose rhythm, although overall glycaemic control metrics were similar between groups.

11 Mar 2026