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.

Millions of people threatened by the diabetes time bomb

Millions of lives are threatened by the dual epidemics of diabetes and obesity that are bound to explode in this century, international diabetes and obesity organizations said today in the run up to World Diabetes Day.

11 Nov 2004

Shp2 protein plays a critical role in obesity

A team of researchers led by The Burnham Institute's Gen-Sheng Feng, Ph.D. has discovered that a protein called Shp2 plays a critical role in obesity.

11 Nov 2004

Dietary supplement DHEA could play a role in reducing abdominal fat in elderly men and women

Preliminary research indicates that the dietary supplement DHEA could play a role in reducing abdominal fat in elderly men and women with age-related decreases in DHEA levels, according to a study in the November 10 issue of JAMA.

10 Nov 2004

New beta blocker may help diabetic patients with high blood pressure

A medication that is commonly used to control high blood pressure does not raise blood sugar levels in diabetics who also have high blood pressure, according to researchers from Rush University Medical Center.

9 Nov 2004

Reviparin significantly reduces death and repeat heart attacks without increasing the risk of stroke

A major Canadian-led global study has found that an inexpensive anti-blood-clotting drug significantly reduces death and repeat heart attacks without increasing the risk of stroke.

8 Nov 2004

Stable weight significantly reduces risks of heart disease and development of metabolic syndrome

Gaining 15 pounds or more over several years is the major contributor to progression of risk factors for heart disease and development of metabolic syndrome, while maintaining a stable weight -- even in individuals considered obese – significantly reduces those risks, according to a study led by a Northwestern University researcher.

8 Nov 2004

Discovery of internal molecular clock that governs the metabolism of sugars and fats within the body

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that components of the internal molecular clock of mammals have an important role in governing the metabolism of sugars and fats within the body.

4 Nov 2004

Long-term safety of transplanted pig cells to humans confirmed

Living Cell Technologies Limited has published a paper in the November issue of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology which demonstrates the long-term safety of transplanted insulin-producing pig islets in people with type 1 diabetes.

4 Nov 2004

The microorganisms that normally live in the gut can increase body fat

The microorganisms that normally live in the gut can increase body fat, say researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They found that gut microbes can open the "gates" fat uses to enter the body's fat cells.

1 Nov 2004

Diabetic or obese patients suffering advanced heart failure have higher levels of fat embedded in their hearts

Heart failure, progressive and potentially fatal weakening of the heart muscle, is associated with both obesity and diabetes, but the mechanisms by which damage occurs are not well-understood, said senior author Heinrich Taegtmeyer, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cardiology.

1 Nov 2004

Expert panel see hope for stem cell use as diabetes cure

A report from a medical panel of academic and community-based endocrinologists and transplant surgeons acknowledged that a recent study supports the use of stem cells as a future cure for type I diabetes.

1 Nov 2004

Sugary foods are making up a growing chunk of kids’ daily diets

Obesity researcher Michael I. Goran, professor of preventive medicine in the Keck School of Medicine of USC, said sugary foods are making up a growing chunk of kids’ daily diets.

26 Oct 2004

Human Genome Sciences announces agreement with GSK for development of drug to treat diabetes

Human Genome Sciences today announced an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline under which GlaxoSmithKline has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Albugon (albumin-glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1), a drug currently in late-stage preclinical development by Human Genome Sciences for potential use in the treatment of diabetes.

26 Oct 2004

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

A woman with hypertension, low magnesium levels, and a cooperative family allowed scientists to pinpoint the mutation, which affects the genes of the mitochondria — the energy-producing power plants of the cell that are passed from mother to offspring.

25 Oct 2004

Rosiglitazone helps boost the effectiveness of a treatment for opening clogged arteries

Rosiglitazone, a drug taken to help improve blood sugar levels, also helps boost the effectiveness of a treatment for opening clogged arteries, according to a study in the November issue of Diabetes Care.

25 Oct 2004

Newly discovered gene could be a significant contributor to diabetes in Americans

A gene involved in the action of insulin is associated with type 2 diabetes and the body’s response to insulin, report scientists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

25 Oct 2004

Lag-3 gene dampens immune responses by controlling regulatory T-cell function

The discovery that the Lag-3 gene acts as a brake to prevent immune system responses from running out of control solves a mystery that has puzzled researchers since the gene was discovered 14 years ago.

22 Oct 2004

Atypical antipsychotics commonly used to treat children with aggression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may trigger insulin resistance

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center say a group of drugs known as "atypical antipsychotics" that are commonly used to treat children with aggression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may trigger insulin resistance, a condition that increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.

21 Oct 2004

Insulin pumps effective for children with diabetes

Pre-school youngsters with type I diabetes can be treated as successfully with insulin pumps as with daily injections, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine report.

18 Oct 2004

Discovery of fundamental mechanism within cells that link obesity and type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have discovered what they believe is the fundamental mechanism within cells that links two fast-rising public health threats: obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

18 Oct 2004

Insulin News and Research

Further Reading

Millions of people threatened by the diabetes time bomb

Shp2 protein plays a critical role in obesity

Dietary supplement DHEA could play a role in reducing abdominal fat in elderly men and women

New beta blocker may help diabetic patients with high blood pressure

Reviparin significantly reduces death and repeat heart attacks without increasing the risk of stroke

Stable weight significantly reduces risks of heart disease and development of metabolic syndrome

Discovery of internal molecular clock that governs the metabolism of sugars and fats within the body

Long-term safety of transplanted pig cells to humans confirmed

The microorganisms that normally live in the gut can increase body fat

Diabetic or obese patients suffering advanced heart failure have higher levels of fat embedded in their hearts

Expert panel see hope for stem cell use as diabetes cure

Sugary foods are making up a growing chunk of kids’ daily diets

Human Genome Sciences announces agreement with GSK for development of drug to treat diabetes

A single change in a person’s DNA can contribute to a range of life-shortening risk factors

Rosiglitazone helps boost the effectiveness of a treatment for opening clogged arteries

Newly discovered gene could be a significant contributor to diabetes in Americans

Lag-3 gene dampens immune responses by controlling regulatory T-cell function

Atypical antipsychotics commonly used to treat children with aggression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may trigger insulin resistance

Insulin pumps effective for children with diabetes

Discovery of fundamental mechanism within cells that link obesity and type 2 diabetes

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