Top endocrinology stories: Melatonin may play role in diabetes risk, suicide rates higher in patients with diabetes

Among the top stories in endocrinology this week were studies that suggested that higher endogenous melatonin levels may be associated with decreased risk for developing type 2 diabetes in older men and adults newly diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to die of suicide, alcohol-related causes or accidents than those without diabetes.

Other top stories included findings that showed that obesity and weight change may predict the trajectory of childhood sleep-disordered breathing, early engagement and intervention are “crucial” for children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and metformin is ineffective for long-term metabolic improvements in teen obesity.

Melatonin may play role in diabetes risk in men

A higher endogenous melatonin level in older Japanese men may be associated with decreased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to findings published in Clinical Endocrinology. Read more.

Suicide, alcohol-related and accidental deaths higher in diabetes

Finnish adults newly diagnosed with diabetes are more likely to die of suicide, alcohol-related causes or accidents over 7 years vs. those without diabetes, suggesting a need for increased psychological and social support following disease diagnosis, according to findings from a registry-based study. Read more.

Obesity, weight change may predict trajectory of childhood sleep-disordered breathing

Children with obesity and sleep-disordered breathing are more likely to have persistent sleep conditions into adolescence vs. children without obesity, whereas children who lose weight are more likely to experience remission of sleep-disordered breathing symptoms, according to study findings published in Pediatric Obesity. Read more.

Early engagement, intervention ‘crucial’ for children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

Children newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at high risk for disease-related complications, including a fourfold increase in microalbuminuria over 1 year; however, weight loss and taking medications as prescribed can improve long-term outcomes, according to findings published in Pediatric Diabetes. Read more.

Metformin ineffective for long-term metabolic improvements in teen obesity

Adolescents with obesity assigned to long-term metformin therapy experienced initial improvements in BMI and insulin resistance that were not sustained after 3 years, according to findings published in Nutrition & Diabetes. Read more.