During the normal 120-day life span of the red blood cell, glucose molecules react with hemoglobin forming glycated hemoglobin.  A few decades ago researchers discovered that in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, the quantities of these glycated hemoglobins are much higher than in healthy people. Once a hemoglobin molecule is glycated, it remains that way. A buildup of glycated hemoglobin within the red blood cell therefore reflects the average level of glucose to which the cell has been exposed during its 3 month life...

Compugen Ltd. announced today the discovery and experimental confirmation of a genetic marker for type 2 diabetes.  A predisposition marker is of particular value in type 2 diabetes since lifestyle plays an important role in the disease.  Following diagnosis, those at high-risk might benefit from more aggressive management either through changes in lifestyle or drug treatment.  See here for the Compugen press release.

The drug liraglutide, known as Victoza, and designed to help control blood glucose levels in diabetics, can also help non-diabetics lose weight.  The Lancet reports that a new study has shown liraglutide yields greater weight loss results than the leading anti-obesity pill, Xenical. Liraglutide also reduced blood pressure in study participants, as well as the prevalence of prediabetes (84—96% reduction).   Nausea and vomiting occurred more often in individuals on liraglutide than in those taking a placebo, but such side effects...

Pre-diabetes is a condition in which people have higher than normal blood sugar levels.  BBC News reports a person with pre-diabetes has a 12 times increased risk of developing full-blown diabetes.  The charity, Diabetes UK, called the condition a “ticking time bomb.” Pre-diabetes often occurs in people who are overweight, and the condition can be reversed with exercise weight loss, and a healthy diet.  In the UK, an estimated seven million people have pre-diabetes.  Diabetes UK said recent research shows pre-diabetes...

A recent study showed that people with Type 2 diabetes had significantly lower total brain volume, as well as gray and white matter volume, according to a recent article from Diabetes in Control. The study, conducted by Dr. Jane S. Saczynski of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, examined the brains of 4,415 elderly residents of Iceland by looking at MRI scans. Those participating in the study did not have dementia. From that group, 11% had Type 2 diabetes, while 36% had impaired fasting glucose levels, suggesting possible...