Top stories in endocrinology: novel neuropeptide may predict risk for obesity and diabetes, adhesive patch measures blood glucose

Among the top stories in endocrinology is a cross-sectional study that found levels of spexin, a newly identified neuropeptide, decrease with age and may predict risk for obesity and diabetes. An adhesive patch successfully measured blood glucose levels in the hair follicles of healthy adults without using a finger stick. Other stories include diabetes apps that are evolving to help individuals manage their disease and reach their health goals, higher carotenoid consumption is associated with reduced hip fracture risk, and adults with diabetes had increased risks for heart failure in hospitalization.

Novel neuropeptide may hold clues to obesity, diabetes risk

Levels of circulating spexin, a newly identified neuropeptide, decrease with age and may predict risk for obesity and diabetes, according to findings from a cross-sectional study of healthy Chinese women. Read More.

Adhesive patch measures blood glucose without finger stick

A noninvasive, transdermal patch with an array of miniature “pixels” successfully measured blood glucose levels in the hair follicles of two healthy adults in in vivo models, according to findings from a proof-of-concept study published in Nature Nanotechnology. Read More.

Diabetes apps evolve to address individual health issues, goals

Diabetes requires active participation by the person living with the condition to optimize treatment and meet health goals. While people with diabetes may work with physicians, diabetes educators and dietitians in managing their disease, the use of interactive tools can give them an advantage. As mobile applications become a more integral part of daily life, it was intuitive that diabetes apps would increase in prevalence. Read More.

Higher carotenoid consumption associated with reduced hip fracture risk

Chinese adults who consume greater levels of carotenoids, including foods rich in beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein, are less likely to experience hip fracture vs. those with a diet that includes less of the antioxidants, according to findings from a case-control study. Read More.

Diabetes increases mortality rate in overt heart failure

Among adults with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction who developed heart failure, those with diabetes had increased risks for heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular death and death from any cause compared with those without diabetes, study data show. Read More.