Your genes may be signaling how well you respond to metformin.  If you have the right genetic makeup, metformin may lower your A1C score to a healthy level.  A change or variation in gene that tells the body how to create a small structure with cells call an organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) contributes to metformin's effectiveness.  (A simplified explanation of an organic cation transporter is a chemical that helps certain atoms to enter a cell.)

When we pass on scientific experiments from animal studies we are careful because they do not often turn out the same in humans. However, a recent study from Columbia University Medical Center conducted with mice revealed how important the bone compound osteocalcin is to the endocrine system.

Just the fact that you are reading this means that you are looking for medical information. We often refer to health literacy as simply the ability to speak intelligently with your doctor about your condition. We hope My Diabetes Information is helping you maintain your literacy.

During ongoing research to pinpoint genes that may contribute to the risk of developing diabetes, researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and McGill University in Montreal have identified a gene variant that raises a child's risk for type 1 diabetes. The research team uncovered new type 1 diabetes instigators on chromosome 16, occupied by a gene called KIAA0350As. Investigators have their eyes on providing a scientific basis for designing better treatments and preventive measures for the disease.

CHICAGO — There are millions of people battling diabetes that are not able to control their weight using diet and exercise alone. Their genetics and other factors have programmed them to be obese. If they are insulin dependant, insulin may actually make them more prone to be overweight. Medicare has recently begun covering bariatric (weight loss) surgery although significant death rates have previously been reported in Medicare patients undergoing the procedure. However, the risks of death and other complications after bariatric surgery appear similar between patients younger and older than age 60, and also between Medicare recipients and non-recipients, according to a study in the June issue of Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Because of the uproar in the diabetes community fueled by a New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) last week, the publication decided to release some preliminary findings in an article about an additional study on rosiglitazone (brand name Avandia). But even these preliminary findings are open to a lot of interpretation, and audiences are drawing different conclusions . One of todays' headlines read Diabetes drugmaker cites "reassuring" study, while another national media outlet captioned with Newest Avandia Study Not Reassuring. Even in the New England Journal of Medicine there were three different editorial pieces, all putting forth different interpretations of this data. Keep in mind that this is only preliminary.

A drug company can decide which countries it wants to introduce its drugs into first. Here in the United States, we assume drug companies will introduce them here first. Usually American drug companies introduce drugs in the United States. But drug companies in Europe often apply for approval there. The same holds true with Japan, Israel, and other counties where there are quite a few drug-producing companies.

A study out of the Netherlands, and published in the journal Diabetes Care, found that chromium yeast was not beneficial to people with type 2 diabetes. The study lasted six months and enrolled about 60 patients. Chromium yeast is also known as Baker's yeast.

ROCHESTER, Minn. &mdash Sometimes doctors have to surgically remove a portion, or a person's entire pancreas. Infections and inflammation can shut down the pancreas. The natural result when the pancreas fails is diabetes &mdash often called pancreatogenic diabetes. The Mayo Clinic has been experimenting with pancreatic islets in select patients undergoing partial pancreas removal. Its most recent report on the progress of the procedure has found that the procedure shows promise for reducing the effects of diabetes related to pancreatogenic diabetes.

Higher dietary intake of fiber from grains, cereals, and magnesium, may each be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a report and analysis in the May 14 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.