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EndoBreak: New Ertugliflozin Txs; Monitoring Glucose Via Sweat?

— News and commentary from the endocrinology world

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The FDA and the European Medicines Agency regarding three treatments for type 2 diabetes with the SGLT2 inhibitor, ertugliflozin, Merck and Pfizer announced this week. The treatments, supported by the series of VERTIS studies, include one for monotherapy, one for the fixed-dose combination of ertugliflozin and sitagliptin (Januvia), as well as one for the fixed-dose combination of ertugliflozin and metformin.

A new study reported that Howard County in Maryland de-sugared itself following a multi-component campaign over the course of several years in an effort to lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Still, despite the promising results, Howard County ranks as the third highest U.S. county in regards to median family income, limiting the potential for wide-range generalizability. ()

Announced this week, 2017's winner of the highly coveted Brain Prize suggested that might be effective at fighting growing obesity rates. The theory is based on an animal study that reported the release of dopamine when animals saw the packaging of a fruit juice treat. (The Guardian)

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston won a 3-year, $2.4 million grant to develop a virtual research center with the goal of improving public health through community-based interventions. The project, , is in collaboration with Novo Nordisk in an effort to curb rising type 2 diabetes rates.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) teamed up with Quest Diagnostics this week to better identify those with prediabetes, at risk for type 2 diabetes. Quest, which conducts wellness screening for employers, is pledging up to $200,000 for ADA, donating $1 for each biometric wellness screening completed by an employee. The initiative, called " will run March 28 -- ADA Alert Day -- through April 27.

More evidence regarding was published this week: individuals who felt stigmatized due to their weight were 60% more likely to be physically inactive and 30% less likely to exercise once weekly. "People who have experienced weight-related discrimination may lack the confidence to exercise in public. They may also begin to believe the negative stereotypes against themselves as lazy and worthless, leaving them wondering why they should bother trying to be active," said author , in a press release. (BMJ Open)

Advice for drinking had no affect on body weight among overweight and obese adolescents, a small study reported. However, these results may be limited, since few of the kids in the intervention group actually drank eight full cups each day. (JAMA Pediatrics)

A new monitor attached to the skin can through a microliter of sweat through three glucose sensors, a new study reports. Researchers say the device may be used to automatically administer diabetes drugs following an abnormally high reading, but more research is needed. (Science Advances)

Part of the new research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health 2017 Scientific Sessions, a longitudinal, observational study reported that consuming a diet high in gluten was linked to a . "Gluten-free foods often have less dietary fiber and other micronutrients, making them less nutritious, and they also tend to cost more," said author , of Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in a press release. (ScienceDaily)

Researchers linked the hormone lipocalin 2 -- produced by the bone-forming cells, osteoblasts -- to appetite suppression and weight loss in a mouse model. In a press release, the lead author, , of Columbia University Medical Center, explains how recent studies prove that " and produces hormones that affect brain development, glucose balance, kidney function, and male fertility." (Nature)

  • author['full_name']

    Kristen Monaco is a senior staff writer, focusing on endocrinology, psychiatry, and nephrology news. Based out of the New York City office, she’s worked at the company since 2015.