It is estimated that nearly 30 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease worldwide. The incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is rising rapidly in the aging population. Several studies have found an association between Alzheimer’s disease and type II diabetes. Scientists are trying to uncover the metabolic pathway through which diabetes induces Alzheimer’s disease, which will help in developing treatment that may prevent or slow down progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

via: PubMed

In morbidly obese people, gastric bypass surgery is considered an effective method for reducing body weight and improving insulin sensitivity simultaneously. Despite initial improvement in the blood sugar level, in overwhelming majority of cases, diabetes returns after some time. Recent researches have shown that bariatric surgeries significantly reduce the levels of certain amino acids. Researches in changes in specific amino acids and the risk of developing diabetes will help to develop new diabetes treatments that can prevent diabetes remission following gastric bypass.

via: American Diabetes Association

While resistance to insulin originates in the pancreas, scientists are studying the role of brain in regulating the body’s response to insulin. Studies have shown that insulin present in the hypothalamus controls the activities of the fat tissues. During physical activities or starvation when the energy requirement of the body increases, the fat tissues break down to release fatty acids. However, in people with type II diabetes, abnormality in the brain insulin signaling releases the fatty acids even when the body does not need additional energy. The excess fat circulating in the body contributes to insulin resistance. Scientists are trying to find the defects that impair the brain insulin function.

via: American Diabetes Association

While insulin injection is currently the most preferred insulin delivery option, researchers are currently studying new ways of delivering insulin that are painless and more convenient. Although the first inhaled insulin formulation, launched few years ago, was withdrawn from the market amidst fear of adverse side effects and financial losses of the manufacturer, few pharmaceutical companies are trying to develop an advanced and side effect free inhaled insulin therapy. Other alternative insulin delivery options that researchers are currently studying include oral insulin, nasal insulin, insulin pens, insulin patch and methods to improve insulin absorption.

via: PubMed

Latest type II diabetes treatment is going high tech with researchers studying the role of computer and virtual reality as possible options for type II diabetes management. The purpose of these studies is to develop interactive online tools that will educate people diagnosed with type II diabetes about the complications of the condition and train them in basic self care. Through a questionnaire, the interactive online tool makes a diabetic aware of the health risks associated with high blood sugar level. Scientists believe that the virtual reality technology will be the best way to serve the underserved population and reduce the cost of diabetes management.

via: UIC