In a world that is constantly evolving, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the health challenges that affect millions globally. World Diabetes Day, celebrated on 14 November each year, focuses on raising awareness around the millions of people who do not have access to adequate healthcare to manage their diabetes.
Join us in exploring the current landscape in diabetes and health research.
‘Rebooting’ retired endocrinologists to provide vital diabetes care
In the face of a staff shortage among endocrinologists in the US, patient care for those with diabetes is paramount, although geographically challenging to those in remote, rural areas.
Dr Richard Santen proposes a solution to improve the care of patients in underserved areas through ‘re-booting’ endocrinologists and telehealth, enabling an efficient support programme to be rolled out across the nation. This method, with information about the whole process found on his website, could eventually be implemented globally.
The neuroscience of metabolism
An estimated 130 million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States right now. So it might come as a shock that a fundamental concept of diabetes – that the condition is rooted in the role of the pancreas on blood sugar levels – might not be the whole truth.
Dr Michael Schwartz of the University of Washington researches the role of the brain in hunger, metabolism, and homeostasis. His work opens new questions around obesity and health, and new treatment prospects for all those affected by diabetes.
Could a serpin antibody help to treat type 1 diabetes?
Dr Jan Czyzyk and his team at the University of Minnesota explore the interplay between inflammation and tissue regeneration in pancreatic islet cells, focusing on biomolecules called serpins. Their research reveals that protease activity, controlled by serpins, can impact inflammation and tissue regeneration.
In the context of type 1 diabetes, the team demonstrates that manipulating serpin B13 can reduce inflammation and boost insulin-producing cells. This discovery presents a potential therapeutic approach for diabetes and other diseases involving serpin and Notch pathways.