Supplements, Weight Research / 11.06.2026

Berberine in the Age of Ozempic

Supplement Notice: Berberine is a dietary supplement and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for prescription medications including metformin, semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), or any other FDA-approved therapy. Berberine can interact with prescription medications including warfarin, cyclosporine, and metformin. Do not use berberine as a replacement for prescribed treatment without consulting your physician. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Few supplements have had a more dramatic cultural moment than berberine. Once confined to the shelves of specialty health stores and the protocols of integrative medicine practitioners, berberine has become something of a phenomenon — propelled partly by social media comparisons to semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist that has transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The comparison has a surface-level appeal. Both compounds influence metabolic pathways involved in blood sugar regulation. Both are discussed in the context of weight management. Berberine is a fraction of the cost, available without a prescription, and marketed across wellness channels as a "natural" alternative. The shorthand — "nature's Ozempic" — spread quickly and widely. The problem is that shorthand compresses a complicated evidence picture into a slogan. What the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence on berberine actually shows is more interesting — and more nuanced — than either its most enthusiastic proponents or its dismissers tend to acknowledge.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Technology / 07.06.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_74111" align="alignleft" width="92"]Luis A. Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, RDResearch Scientist, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Assistant Professor, Department of Health System Sciences Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics University of California, San Francisco Dr. Rodriguez[/caption] Luis A. Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, RD Research Scientist, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Assistant Professor, Department of Health System Sciences Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine Assistant Adjunct Professor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics University of California, San Francisco ADA 2026 Poster Presentation: Machine-Learning Modeling for T2DM Prediction in over 3 Million Adults American Diabetes Association 85th Scientific Sessions, June 2026
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the risk factors used to develop the prediction model? Response: Type 2 diabetes develops gradually over many years, often without clear warning signs. As a result, it can be difficult for health systems to identify which adults are most likely to benefit from prevention efforts before the disease develops. In this study, we used electronic health record data from more than 3 million adults in Kaiser Permanente Northern California to develop a prediction model that estimates an individual's risk of developing type 2 diabetes over 1, 3, and 10 years. The model is based on information routinely collected during clinical care, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, blood glucose levels, smoking, physical activity, medical and family history, and medication use. By combining these clinical, biological and behavioral factors, the model provides a more comprehensive assessment of diabetes risk than traditional screening approaches.
Dental Research / 21.05.2026

[caption id="attachment_73889" align="aligncenter" width="500"]why-regular-dental-care-is-important.jpg Photo by Gustavo Fring[/caption] Historically, medical and dental care have been treated as separate disciplines in the minds of many patients. Most people associate dental visits primarily with cavity prevention, fresh breath, and achieving a bright, confident smile. However, modern clinical research paints a much broader and more complex picture of why oral hygiene is so critical. The human mouth is a literal gateway to the entire body, and neglecting its care can lead to a cascade of medical issues that extend far beyond tooth decay. Establishing a consistent routine with a reliable local dental spot for preventative screenings and professional cleans is actually one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against long-term, chronic systemic inflammation. The mechanism behind this whole-body impact comes down to the immune system's biological response to bacterial overgrowth. When plaque is allowed to accumulate and harden into tartar, it creates a highly protected environment where harmful bacteria thrive along and beneath the gumline. This bacterial invasion triggers an immediate immune response, causing localised inflammation known as gingivitis. If left untreated by a professional, this early-stage condition progresses into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe infection that breaks down the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, creating pockets where even more bacteria can rapidly multiply.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Diabetes / 16.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70686" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ibrahim Kamel, MD, MHABoston Medical Center – Brighton Clinical Instructor Boston Medical Center Boston University Dr. Kamel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ibrahim Kamel, MD, MHA Boston Medical Center – Brighton Clinical Instructor Boston Medical Center Boston University   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis use carries risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.  It is important for physicians to screen for the use of cannabis to better understand each patients risk. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Clinically physicians should screen for and council on the risk of cannabis use. People should know what is the risk in the substances they use and make the choice that they feel is right. 
Diabetes / 29.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70452" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Simon Berry MRCP, MbChBClinical Research Fellow in Diabetes School of Medicine and Population Health Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK Dr. Berry[/caption] Dr. Simon Berry MRCP, MbChB Clinical Research Fellow in Diabetes School of Medicine and Population Health Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Obesity is an increasing problem in people with type 1 diabetes, augmenting cardiovascular risk and leading to issues with insulin resistance, which make it harder to match insulin injections to carbohydrate intake. Tirzepatide is licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our study looked at people with type 1 diabetes who had been prescribed tirzepatide off-license. It found that after starting tirzepatide, there was significant weight loss, improvements in glucose levels (HbA1c and time in range on continuous glucose monitoring) and reductions in insulin requirements. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting were common but generally tolerated and importantly, there was no increase in the frequency of low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) or any cases of pancreatitis.

Cost of Health Care, Diabetes, Pharmaceutical Companies / 28.05.2025

Reasons for the Price Increase of Insulin .jpg The price of insulin keeps on skyrocketing every year. According to the American Diabetes Association, spending on insulin tripled within a decade. By 2022, the cost had hit a staggering $22.3 billion. Between 2017 and 2022, the inflation-adjusted cost of insulin increased by 24%. This is a significant problem since millions of people suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can’t go without the drug. Over the years, people have initiated an insulin overpricing lawsuit. In 2023, Eli Lilly settled for $13.5 million and agreed to cap its price at $35 for four years. So why is insulin so expensive in the United States, and what can you do about it?
Author Interviews, Diabetes / 16.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com with: [caption id="attachment_67952" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. David Klonoff MDMedical Director of the Dorothy L. and James E. Frank Diabetes Research Institute of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF Dr. Klonoff[/caption] Dr. David Klonoff MD Medical Director of the Dorothy L. and James E. Frank Diabetes Research Institute of Mills-Peninsula Medical Center Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this the FITTER Forward expert recommendations?
  • The focus of healthcare professionals (HCPs) tends to be primarily on the drug and overall treatment, while the administration of insulin and other peptide medications—which can play a critical role in outcomes—is often overlooked. The Fitter Forward group, consisting of 16 diabetes experts from 13 countries, decided to update a previous set of recommendations that was almost a decade old, with newly published evidence and materials. This new report, published in the April 2025 edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, highlights recent advances in needle technology, the physiology of insulin injections, and proper injection techniques.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Diabetes, JAMA, Weight Research / 09.04.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_67848" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Catriona Reddin MDFourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine  and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland Dr. Reddin[/caption] Dr. Catriona Reddin MD Fourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine  and an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Dementia is a leading cause of disability globally, which is projected to affect approximately 75 million people by 2030. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for dementia, it was unclear if glucose lower therapies reduce the risk of dementia. The research, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials involving over 160,000 participants, found that while most glucose-lowering therapies were not significantly associated with a reduction in dementia risk, one class of drugs—GLP-1Ras—was linked to a significant reduction.
Dental Research, Lifestyle & Health / 28.03.2025

[caption id="attachment_67637" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Hidden Health Issues source[/caption] Not all health problems come with loud warning bells. Some creep in silently, progressing gradually, often undetected, until they reach an advanced stage. These hidden health issues don’t scream for attention — they whisper, easily dismissed, or misattributed to fatigue, age, or stress. Unfortunately, their quiet onset doesn’t mean they’re harmless. In fact, many of these silent conditions can lead to serious complications when ignored for too long. This is why it’s vital to pay close attention to subtle bodily changes and embrace regular check-ups, even in the absence of symptoms. Let’s take a closer look at some of these quiet culprits that may be affecting your health behind the scenes. The Silent Trouble in Your Mouth Oral health often takes a backseat when it comes to overall wellness. People tend to think of dental issues as isolated concerns—more cosmetic than clinical. However, poor oral hygiene can open the door to several silent health issues. Among the most underestimated are cavities. Unlike a sudden toothache or visible decay, cavities often begin without pain or any apparent signs. They develop gradually, caused by plaque buildup and acidic erosion of the tooth’s enamel. You might brush and floss regularly but still have microscopic food particles lodged between your teeth. Over time, these contribute to bacterial growth and enamel wear. Initially, cavities don’t cause discomfort, which is precisely what makes them dangerous. If ignorned, cavities can escalate into infections, nerve damage, and even complete tooth loss. Worse still, oral infections may enter the bloodstream and pose risks to heart health.
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Lancet, Ophthalmology / 26.02.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_66831" align="alignleft" width="125"]Professor Michel Michaelides BSc MB BS MD(Res) FRCOphth FACSProfessor of Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital  Prof. Michaelides[/caption] Professor Michel Michaelides BSc MB BS MD(Res) FRCOphth FACS Professor of Ophthalmology and Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
  • Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is a rare inherited retinal disease (IRD) that causes the degeneration of the cone and rod cells in the retina. It is characterized by severe vision loss at birth/early infancy and is one of the commonest causes of legal blindness in childhood. There is a wide range of severity at birth/early infancy, ranging from light perception to useful central vision; with variable rate of progression over time, LCA is estimated to occur in about 1 in 33,000 people. There are more than 30 genes that cause LCA.
  • LCA associated with genetic deficiency of AIPL1 is one of the most severe forms of LCA – resulting in profound visual loss from birth (often light perception only) and rapidly progressive retinal degeneration.
  • The study sought to evaluate whether early intervention by gene supplementation therapy in children with LCA associated with AIPL1 was safe and could improve outcomes.
Diabetes, Sugar / 24.01.2025

[caption id="attachment_66088" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Source[/caption] Not many of us think of health repercussions while turning to a refreshing canned drink on a hot day. Beverages like flavored sodas and fruit juices are packed with refined sugar and have little nutritional benefits. They have long been associated with Type-2 diabetes but continue to be popular globally.  Earlier this January, a revealing study published in Nature Medicine brought causal factors for diabetes into question again.  The research indicates that some people have a greater risk of developing diabetes from sugary drinks than others. The general observation suggests that men are more susceptible than women, with younger and better-educated adults at higher risk than older adults with less education. The study, supported by the Gates Foundation and the American Heart Association, opened a can of worms. As healthcare professionals and individuals, how can we lower our risk of Type-2 diabetes from innocuous drinks without calling for a blanket ban?
Diabetes / 05.11.2024

  choosing-diabetic-treatment.jpg Living with diabetes can feel overwhelming, especially when you have to manage your blood sugar every day. It's more than checking your glucose levels. It's also about finding a solution that fits easily into your life. With so many choices out there, picking the right one can be tough. But knowing your options can help you take control and make things easier. In this guide, we'll walk you through simple and effective ways to find a diabetes management plan that works for you.
Cost of Health Care, Diabetes, Pharmacology / 21.10.2024

[caption id="attachment_64143" align="aligncenter" width="500"]diabetes-insulin Source[/caption]

Access to affordable insulin remains a challenge for millions of people living with diabetes around the world, particularly in middle-income countries. To bridge this gap, platforms are emerging that connect patients with high-quality insulin at reduced prices. For individuals struggling to afford their life-saving medication, these services offer a convenient and affordable solution, making a significant impact on global health.

The Global Insulin Crisis

Diabetes affects millions worldwide, and the demand for insulin continues to rise. Major insulin manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi, dominate the global market, producing essential medications for managing blood sugar levels. However, in many parts of the world, including countries like India, Mexico, and the Philippines, insulin prices remain prohibitively high. This leaves a substantial portion of the population without access to the medication they need to live healthy lives. Data shows that insulin prices are often out of reach for people in middle-income countries. The situation is particularly dire in regions like Kenya, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where the cost of insulin may equal a month's salary. With nearly three major companies controlling the insulin market, competition is limited, and prices remain high. As a result, many patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes face inconsistent access to insulin, which can put their health at significant risk.
Diabetes, Weight Research / 28.08.2024

Editor's note:  Compounding is allowed when there is a shortage of the drug involved, but legal restrictions should be followed.  [caption id="attachment_62994" align="alignleft" width="134"]weight-loss-obesity_pexels-shvets-production-6975473 Image Source[/caption] In recent years, the world of diabetes management has seen a major breakthrough with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Tirzepatide. These cutting-edge therapies aren't just about controlling blood sugar levels; they represent a fundamental shift in how we manage chronic diseases. Tirzepatide and other GLP-1 drugs have captured the attention of the medical community and patients alike because of their potential to enhance overall health and promote longevity. Thanks to recent studies, we're seeing a future where diabetes management goes beyond traditional approaches. Instead, we're moving into a world of comprehensive metabolic health where we can hope for a healthier, longer life. It's exciting to think about what these new therapies could mean for people living with diabetes and how they could change the broader landscape of healthcare. Tirzepatide is an incredible medication that boasts a unique dual action mechanism as both a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This one-of-a-kind attribute means that Tirzepatide is able to offer an array of benefits in regards to glucose control. By increasing insulin secretion and reducing glucagon levels, Tirzepatide assists with blood sugar regulation in a powerful way.  Tirzepatide has also been shown to be a valuable tool in managing obesity, which is a common comorbidity in type 2 diabetes. The weight loss properties of this medication have been linked to improved metabolic outcomes and reduced cardiovascular risk. Truly, Tirzepatide is a force to be reckoned with in the medical community.
Diabetes, Weight Research / 25.07.2024

Introduction to Tirzepatide [caption id="attachment_62575" align="alignleft" width="133"]weight controlPexels Image Source[/caption] Weight loss injections have gained significant attention over the years, with many people seeking effective solutions to combat obesity. The Tirzepatide weight loss injection is one of the latest breakthroughs in this area. But how does this new treatment differ from other weight loss injections? Let's delve into the unique characteristics and benefits of Tirzepatide compared to its counterparts. Tirzepatide has been making waves due to its impressive efficacy in promoting weight loss. Unlike traditional methods focusing solely on diet, exercise, or other medications, Tirzepatide offers a novel approach by leveraging the body's natural hormonal responses. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how Tirzepatide stands out among the plethora of weight loss treatments available today.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Pediatrics / 23.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62443" align="alignleft" width="218"]Prof. Richard Oram PhDAssociate Professor, Diabetes UK Harry Keen Fellow Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility University of Exeter Prof. Oram[/caption] Prof. Richard Oram PhD Associate Professor, Diabetes UK Harry Keen Fellow Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility University of Exeter MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In contrast to most autoimmune diseases, male sex is a risk factor for type 1 diabetes (T1D). This raises the hypothesis that either immune, metabolic, or other differences between sexes may impact risk or progression through stages of T1D. However, understanding the mechanisms for this could inform future interventions or risk stratification of individuals at-risk of T1D.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Johns Hopkins, Nutrition / 22.07.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Shutong Du Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We know that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are high in salt, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives and have undergone multiple industrial processes. These foods have been linked to adverse health outcomes like weight gain and cardiovascular diseases. Despite these risks, current diabetes guidelines do not address UPFs.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Environmental Risks / 24.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_62064" align="alignleft" width="200"]Todd Hagobian, Ph.D.pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA FRANK H 2016 ilyfrankh.com Dr. Hagobian[/caption] Todd Hagobian, Ph.D. pronouns he/him/his Department Chair & Professor, Kinesiology and Public Health Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous observational studies have shown that urinary BPA is related to Type 2 diabetes risk. Meaning, higher urinary BPA is related to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. However, no published study to date has determined whether several days of BPA administration (participants consume BPA) increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. MedicalResearch.com: Where is bisphenol found?  Can exposure to bisphenol be limited in everyday life? Response:  BPA and other bisphenols are found in canned foods and plastics. BPA is one of the most widely used synthetic chemicals and we consume foods that are packed in this chemical. Most of BPA exposure comes from canned foods, and 93% of the US populations has detectable urine levels of BPA. We can limit BPA by reducing canned foods (or purchased BPA free cans) and plastic use.
Diabetes, Genetic Research / 16.05.2024

How At-Home Genetic Testing Can Detect Your Diabetes Risk 

Disclaimer: This blog content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. In recent years, the popularity of at-home genetic testing has surged, offering individuals ease and convenience at their doorstep. These tests provide a glimpse into their genetic blueprint and the potential health risks they might face. The promise of insights into various genetic predispositions, including the risk for diseases like diabetes is one you can’t miss.  While these tests can provide valuable information about one's genetic susceptibility to diabetes, it is crucial to approach the results with caution. They are not a substitute for traditional methods of diabetes screening and risk assessment but can complement them by providing additional layers of insight.
Author Interviews, Biomarkers, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Diabetes, Endocrinology / 26.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60548" align="alignleft" width="160"]Dr. Bita Zahedi MD MAEndocrinologist Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. Zahedi[/caption] Dr. Bita Zahedi MD MA Endocrinologist Massachusetts General Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a measure of dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) to investigate the role of dietary AGEs in diabetic disease processes.  AGEs are a group of highly reactive compounds involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, such as microvascular disease, cardiomyopathy, and possibly bone health. AGEs form through a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and free amino groups of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, also known as a Maillard or browning reaction. Endogenous AGE formation and accumulation is a normal part of metabolism and aging, however the process of glycation can be enhanced by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased oxidative stress. Additionally, AGEs can be absorbed from exogenous sources via consumption of various food items. Prior studies demonstrate that skin AGEs are predictive of Dietary AGEs (dAGEs) which are naturally present in certain uncooked foods, mainly animal-derived products, furthermore the method of food preparation can result in significant AGE formation. Considering the ubiquitous intake of dAGEs, it is possible that the consumption of exogenous AGEs contribute to AGE-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and its subsequent detrimental sequalae.
Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Diabetes, Ophthalmology / 16.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60529" align="alignleft" width="200"]Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Ph.D., M.DDirector, Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI) Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dr. Hafezi-Moghadam[/caption] Ali Hafezi-Moghadam, Ph.D., M.D Director, Molecular Biomarkers Nano-Imaging Laboratory (MBNI) Associate Professor of Radiology, Harvard Medical School Brigham and Women’s Hospital MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: “It is very easy to answer many fundamental biological questions” said Richard Feynman in his 1959 address, where he also offered his simple and ingenious solution: “you just look at the thing!”[1]. As a biologist, I am familiar with the challenges surrounding looking at things in the context of life. There is no single device or technology that lets me simply see the answers to my questions. How does diabetes harm the tissues in the body? When exactly does the pathology start and which molecules and cells are involved? Trying to answer these questions, I have spent the past two decades innovating new ways of quantifying expression of molecules in the living organism [2]. At the same time to study diabetes, we needed a realistic rodent model that mirrors the human disease. In collaboration with KC Hayes[3], we first introduced the Nile grass rat (NGR, Arvicanthis niloticus), a gerbil that recapitulates the main features of the human type 2 diabetes [4]. For visualization of early changes, the eye offers a unique site. Much of my lab’s work focused on the first effects of diabetes in the retina, the site of the neurons that perceive light in the back of the eye [5], [6], [7]. In recent studies, we focused on how diabetes affects the lens in the eye of our animals [8], [9]. Diabetes is a major risk factor for cataract formation, a condition during which the lens loses its original transparency to visible light. How diabetic cataracts are formed is not well understood. A popular and prevailing theory, termed “sugar cataracts”, has been around for over half a century. According to the sugar hypothesis of cataracts, the excess levels of the sugar molecule, glucose, in the lens are transformed through the polyol pathway into the sugar-alcohol sorbitol. The resulting osmotic dysbalance leads to swelling of the fiber cells and opacity of the lens. Even though the sugar hypothesis has never been proven, it was generally accepted and remained unchallenged for a very long time. That is where our latest experimental results became relevant.
Anemia, Author Interviews, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, NEJM / 30.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Heerspink Prof. Hiddo Lambers Heerspink, PhD PHARMD Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology University Medical Center Groningen Groningen

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is dapagliflozin primarily indicated for?   Response: Dapagliflozin is a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. The multinational, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, DAPA-CKD trial demonstrated the kidney and cardiovascular benefits of dapagliflozin in 4304 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Based on the results of this and other trials, current guidelines recommend use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with CKD, T2D, or heart failure. Anemia is common among patients with CKD and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Previous studies showed that SGLT2 inhibitors increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, but data are lacking in patients with CKD with and without T2D. In this post-hoc analysis of DAPA-CKD, we assessed the effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo on the correction and prevention of anemia in this population.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Gastrointestinal Disease / 04.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Celine B. E. Busch, Research Associate Gastroenterology and Hepatology Standard PhD Candidate Dr. Jacques Bergman Professor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Amsterdam UMC MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the ReCET procedure? Response: Currently more than 400 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes (T2D) and these numbers are rapidly increasing. At the moment there is no treatment option available that effectively treats the root cause of T2D, i.e. insulin resistance, the increasing loss of response to our body’s own insulin. T2D is generally treated with drug therapy, yet drug therapy can be expensive, requires the patient to take their drugs every day, and at best “controls” the disease without actually resolving it. Despite the availability of many T2D drugs, less than 50% of all T2D have adequately controlled blood glucose levels. The duodenum (the first part of the small bowel, immediately distal to the stomach) has proven to play a crucial role in glucose homeostasis in T2D. We know from bariatric surgery, that bypassing the duodenum by an Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has an immediate and profound effect on T2D by improving the sensitivity to the body’s own insulin resistance. However, performing invasive bariatric surgery for many T2D is not feasible. But we can reach the duodenum easily via upper GI endoscopy. ReCET is a single endoscopic procedure, performed under deep sedation. The ReCET catheter is advanced next to the scope, and once it is placed in the duodenum the flex circuit is unfolded until it touches the full circumference of the duodenum. The flex circuit contains the electrodes that create a pulsed electric field which “electroporates” the cells. Electroporation irreversibly makes small, that cause the cell to die of natural cell death, or apoptosis. This process can be precisely titrated for its depth of damage and does not generate heat thus avoiding damage to deeper wall layers, a major hurdle for standard endoscopic ablation techniques. The ReCET procedure lasts about 60 minutes to treat a 10-15 cm segment of the duodenum. The procedure does not cause significant side-effects and patients are discharged the same day.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Karolinski Institute, Pediatrics, Weight Research / 28.02.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60075" align="alignleft" width="128"]Yuxia Wei | PhD Student Unit of Epidemiology Institute of Environmental Medicine Karolinska Institutet Stockholm | Sweden Yuxia Wei[/caption] Yuxia Wei | PhD Student Unit of Epidemiology Institute of Environmental Medicine Karolinska Institutet Stockholm | Sweden   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Diabetes is traditionally known for having two types (type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes). However, it is becoming increasingly clear that diabetes is much more complex than this traditional classification. Several attempts have been made to address this heterogeneity and in 2018, a  Swedish ground-breaking study proposed that there are five distinct subtypes of diabetes in adults. They have been replicated in different populations and it has been shown that there are differences between the subtypes in terms of genetics and risks of complications. Another way of elucidating the relevance of these subtypes is to investigate whether the influence of known risk factors for diabetes is different on different subtypes. Our study is one of the first attempts to address this. We used a study design known as Mendelian randomization, to investigate the influence of childhood obesity on these diabetes subtypes that typically occur after age 35. This work was a collaboration between Karolinska institutet in Stockholm, University of Bristol in the UK and Sun Yat-Sen University in China.
Author Interviews, Diabetes, JCEM, Pharmacology / 28.01.2023

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle, MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Tingting Geng PhD Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubating) School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan, China MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous studies have suggested that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may lead to an increase in cardiovascular events due to the drug-drug interactions between PPIs and clopidogrel and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are at more than three times higher prevalence of using PPIs, and two- to fourfold higher risk of developing cardiovascular complications and premature death than general populations. However, evidence regarding the influence of PPI use on subsequent risks of cardiovascular disease and mortality among patients with T2D is scarce. We conducted a prospective study using the UK Biobank study to examine the association of PPI use with risks of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke and mortality among patients with T2D. Using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models and a propensity score-matched cohort, researchers found robust results that PPIs use was associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease (adjusted HR=1.27), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR=1.34), heart failure (adjusted HR=1.35), and mortality (adjusted HR=1.30).
Author Interviews, Diabetes, JAMA, Pediatrics / 20.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_59555" align="alignleft" width="150"]Michael Cabana, M.D., M.A., M.P.H Professor of Pediatrics Albert Einstein College of Medicine Physician-in-chief at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Cabana joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019 Dr. Cabana[/caption] Michael Cabana, M.D., M.A., M.P.H Professor of Pediatrics Albert Einstein College of Medicine Physician-in-chief at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Cabana joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have historically been far more common in adults, but the number of children and teens who have these conditions is rising. However, there is still very limited research on whether screening, early detection, and early treatment of diabetes will improve a child’s long-term health. Due to this lack of evidence, the Task Force was unable to assess the benefits and harms of screening, particularly in Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander populations, who are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We are calling for more research on this important topic.