Diabetology, Volume 4, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 4 articles

Regular consumption of dietary sugars can cause significant damage to the β-cells. Almost a century after the discovery of insulin, it has been suggested that the frequent consumption of certain carbohydrates can damage pancreatic β-cells, causing disturbances in the regulation of insulin secretion. Most noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension have a common origin, metabolic dysfunction, which is partly due to β-cell malfunction. In this article, we believed that sugars can lead to an imbalance in cellular metabolism, causing insulin exocytosis to dangerously increase or decrease blood insulin concentrations. In this study, we describe the major mechanism of insulin secretion and discuss the effects of sugar on pancreatic β-cells. Although many environmental factors strongly influence β-cells, occidental diet, including excess sugar, has been found to be the predominant factor that kills or disrupts the functioning of the unique cells that produce, store, and secrete insulin. Full article

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction. Growing evidence supports the use of cognitive training to target cognitive dysfunction in T2DM, but only limited evidence exists surrounding its feasibility and acceptability. The primary aim of this research is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive training study in T2DM. Adults diagnosed with T2DM were randomly allocated to either a 6-week cognitive training group or a usual care control group. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment, adherence, retention, motivation, data collection, and intervention design) were evaluated using a traffic light progression criterion. Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore study acceptability. Cognition was measured at baseline and post-intervention. Forty-one participants completed the study (age 66 ± 9.8 years; HbA1c 54.0 ± 13.3 mmol.mol). Feasibility was shown in the adherence, retention, and motivation of participants, whilst minor amendments were proposed to the study design, recruitment, and data collection. Participants described cognitive training as highly enjoyable, with study components broadly reported as acceptable. Data signalled improvements in cognition, with large improvements observed in executive function. This study provides evidence for the potential feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy for cognitive training in T2DM. Recommendations for future studies are provided. Full article

The metabolic syndrome (MetS), first introduced by Haller in 1975, was sometimes also known as insulin resistance syndrome, syndrome X, and plurimetabolic syndrome. In 1989, it was rechristened by Kaplan as the “Deadly Quartet” based on a consolidation of central obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and systemic hypertension. MetS is positively associated with a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state, attributed to increased pro-thrombotic and inflammatory marker activity. Moreover, MetS is frequently associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, impaired glucose tolerance, hyperuricemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. Despite concerted endeavors worldwide, the complexity of the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome still needs to be clearly understood. Currently, therapeutic possibilities are confined to individual therapy for hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, regular physical exercise, and a restricted diet. In this review, progress regarding the understanding and pathophysiology of MetS; recent emerging technologies, such as metabolomics and proteomics; the relation of MetS with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases; and the association of MetS with COVID-19 are discussed. Full article

Approximately half of all people with diabetes are women; however, the inclusion of women at all levels of research on diabetes is lacking. Clinical and pre-clinical trials do not have gender equity despite the differing progression of diabetes complications in women, and fewer women sit in academic or clinical leadership positions in diabetes than men. Whilst this scenario is not unique to diabetes, the purpose of this opinion article is to evaluate women’s position in diabetology and focus on why the drive for gender equity at all levels is important. This article serves as a preface to the upcoming Diabetology Women’s Special Issue Series, which aims to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women and people who identify as women in the hope of raising female voices in diabetes research and practice. Full article