In recent decades, the antihyperglycemic biguanide metformin has been used extensively in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, despite continuing uncertainty over its direct target. In this paper, using two independent approaches, we demonstrate that cellular actions of metformin are disrupted by interference with its metal-binding properties, which have been known for over a century but little studied by biologists. We demonstrate that copper sequestration opposes known actions of metformin not only on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent signaling, but also on S6 protein phosphorylation. Biguanide/metal interactions are stabilized by extensive pi-electron delocalization and by investigating analogs of metformin; we provide evidence that this intrinsic property enables biguanides to regulate AMPK, glucose production, gluconeogenic gene expression, mitochondrial respiration, and mitochondrial copper binding. In contrast, regulation of S6 phosphorylation is prevented only by … [Read more...]
The Nova Max Plus Meter
Nobody questions our need for blood glucose meters to be accurate. Yet only a few of the meter manufacturers seem to be doing anything about it. People with diabetes rely on our meters to see what the food we eat, the exercise we get, and the medication we take does to our blood glucose levels. Only when we know that our levels are too high or too low we can we take corrective action. But anyone who has compared two readings on the same meter... … [Read more...]
Exercise for Any Patient, Every Patient
The Exercise is Medicine initiative will help you incorporate physical activity counseling and recommendations into the briefest of healthcare encounters. CDC Expert Commentary … [Read more...]
Maternal obesity, diabetes associated with autism, other developmental disorders
A major study of the relationships between maternal metabolic conditions and the risk that a child will be born with a neurodevelopmental disorder has found strong links between maternal diabetes and obesity and the likelihood of having a child with autism or another developmental disability. … [Read more...]
Enzyme In Saliva Helps Regulate Blood Glucose
Scientists from the Monell Center report that blood glucose levels following starch ingestion are influenced by genetically-determined differences in salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down dietary starches. Specifically, higher salivary amylase activity is related to lower blood glucose... … [Read more...]
Sugar production switch in liver may offer target for new diabetes therapies
A newly discovered molecular switch controls liver glucose production and may represent a new avenue for treating insulin-resistant type II diabetes. … [Read more...]
Victoza Superior To Januvia In Blood Sugar And Body Weight Control
Diabetes drug Victoza (liraglutide [rDNA] injection) has been shown to be superior to Januvia (sitagliptin) in achieving body weight reduction and blood sugar control, Novo Nordisk has announced... … [Read more...]
New Method Yields Insulin-Producing Pancreatic Cell Clusters
Three-dimensional clusters of pancreatic beta-cells that live much longer and secrete more insulin than single cells grown in the laboratory are valuable new tools for studying pancreatic diseases such as diabetes and for testing novel therapies. This cutting-edge advance is described in an article in Tissue Engineering, Part C, Methods, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.... … [Read more...]
Vitamin D Found Most Lacking in Big City and Rural Dwellers
Veterans living in large metropolitan areas and rural areas were more at risk for vitamin D deficiency and associated medical problems than those living in urban settings. Medscape Medical News … [Read more...]
Salivary Amylase and Glucose Control
When you eat carbohydrates, digestion begins in the mouth. Your salivary glands secrete a hormone called salivary amylase that starts breaking down starches and other large carbohydrates into smaller carbohydrates and glucose. … [Read more...]
