December 2018 - Diabetes Research Connection

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Diabetes Research News
December 19, 2018

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Risk May Increase with Cannabis Use

Legalization of recreational and medicinal cannabis use has increased throughout the United States, but that does not mean that it does not come with risks. While cannabis can have positive effects for certain conditions, it may also be dangerous for others. A recent study found that using cannabis may double the risk of individuals with type 1 diabetes of developing diabetic ketoacidosis.

In a small, self-reported study of 450 individuals in Colorado with type 1 diabetes, approximately 30% reported using cannabis within the past 12 months. Of that group, around 40% smoked, used edibles, or vaped at least four times per week. The study found that while 8.2% of non-users had been hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis within the last year, this jumped to more than 20% for cannabis users. Furthermore, individuals with type 1 diabetes who used cannabis also had higher average HbA1c levels than non-users. Researchers believe the increased risk may come from the fact that “cannabinoids alter gut motility and cause hyperemesis.”

However, there is still more research necessary to further explore this risk as the study had several limitations. Many of the participants who reported using cannabis were younger with lower income and lower use of diabetes technology such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). In addition, access to healthcare was not taken into consideration. Furthermore, some participants may have had underlying conditions that also impacted their risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis.

Regardless, this study opens doors for more in-depth research regarding the effects of cannabis use on type 1 diabetes. It is important to understand how this drug may impact health, treatment, and quality of life.

The Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), though not involved with this study, strives to support novel research studies regarding all aspects of type 1 diabetes by providing essential funding to early career scientists. This is made possible by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, and 100% of research funds go directly to the scientists. To learn more about current projects and how to help, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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Diabetes Research News
December 14, 2018

Researchers Examine Gut Bacteria in Children for Risk Factors for T1D

In an effort to better understand how type 1 diabetes may develop, researchers took a closer look at how gut health changes from infancy through childhood and into adulthood. They used data collected through The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in Youth (TEDDY) study, which utilized reports from Finnish, German, Italian, Mexican, American, and Turkish children. This particular study on gut bacteria focused on 783 children between the ages of three months and five years from Finland, Germany, Sweden, and the United States.

Some of the factors they examined were whether children were breastfed or formula fed and for how long, any illnesses they contracted, antibiotics they took, environmental changes, and life experiences. Their gut microbial profile was determined through stool samples. One interesting finding was that when there were more Bacteroides species and a decreased production of short-chain fatty acids, there was an increased susceptibility to islet autoimmunity (IA) or type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The researchers found that the gut microbiomes differed greatly between participants, and there was a marked difference in children who were breastfed versus those that were not, as well as once solid foods were introduced into their diet. Breastfeeding showed higher levels of an enzyme that helps with milk fermentation, while solid foods increased enzymes that help metabolize fiber. In addition, participants who had taken oral antibiotics showed disrupted microbial stability along with decreases in some strains of Bifidobacterium. However, early probiotic supplementation helped protect control subjects against islet autoimmunity.

All of these factors may play a role in the development of islet autoimmunity or T1D. This study has increased awareness of the role that environmental factors may play in T1D along with genetics. There are still numerous issues this study did not address, but it is a strong starting point for further research, especially when it comes to the influence of breastfeeding and oral antibiotics on the development of T1D.

The Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is interested to see how this study may impact future research in T1D and furthering the understanding of factors related to disease development and prevention. The DRC supports early career scientists pursuing novel research related to the prevention and treatment of T1D as well as improved quality of life for individuals living with this disease. Learn more about current studies and how to help by visiting http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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Diabetes Research News
December 6, 2018

Nasal Glucagon May Become New Option for Treating Hypoglycemia

When blood sugar drops and hypoglycemia occurs, it is critical for individuals with type 1 diabetes to receive immediate treatment to raise their blood sugar. If left untreated, it can lead to severe confusion, seizures, or even loss of consciousness. One of the main ways of treating hypoglycemia is administering glucagon.

Glucagon is a hormone that stimulates the body to convert glycogen into glucose. It also keeps the liver from consuming too much glucose so that it can be circulated in the bloodstream instead. Traditionally, glucagon is delivered through an intramuscular injection. A solution is mixed to dissolve the glucagon, then it is administered by syringe.

However, many caregivers – or even bystanders – may be hesitant to give someone else a shot of glucagon. Preparing the syringe and shot is a multistep process and can be confusing if the person is not properly trained. Plus, they are under considerable stress in emergency situations where it must be given, which can complicate things even further.

A new study has found that nasal glucagon may be just as effective as intramuscular glucagon in raising blood sugar levels during episodes of hypoglycemia. There is no preparation necessary before administering the medication. It is a powder that comes in a single-use device that is sprayed up the nose. It isn’t even necessary for the patient to inhale because the powder is absorbed on its own.

Both treatment methods were tested on 70 adult participants with type 1 diabetes. A state of hypoglycemia was induced, and then they were treated with either the intramuscular or nasal glucagon. One to seven days later, the process was repeated, and the other form of medication was administered. In 100 percent of cases, hypoglycemia was reversed and participants had no serious adverse events. In 97 percent of cases, treatment success was achieved within 15 minutes.

This new treatment option was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) by Leona Plum-Moerschel, MD, of Profil Mainz, Germany. According to Plum-Moerschel, “I think we can all agree that the safety profile is very much acceptable for an emergency treatment. I personally would expect that, due to its simplicity of use, nasal glucagon will create a greater community who can render quick aid in a rescue situation.”

The Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is interested to see if this nasal formulation will be brought to market and how it will affect the treatment of hypoglycemia in children and adults. It is encouraging to see treatment options becoming more user-friendly so that even non-medical personnel can effectively administer emergency medications.

The DRC supports research geared toward the treatment and prevention of type 1 diabetes, as well as improvement of quality of life for those living with the disease. Access to funding is essential for scientists to continue advancing their research, and the DRC provides these types of resources. To learn more about current projects and donate to support these efforts, visit http://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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