Tag

Insulin

All articles tagged with #insulin

Cottage cheese hype vs. evidence: little direct proof of muscle or fat loss benefits
health3 days ago

Cottage cheese hype vs. evidence: little direct proof of muscle or fat loss benefits

Despite its high protein and popularity in fitness circles, cottage cheese has not been shown in direct studies to improve muscle mass or body weight; a review found no studies examining its effects on muscle growth, strength or fat loss, and high-quality randomized trials are scarce. Some research shows cottage cheese triggers a higher insulin response than other proteins, but energy expenditure and appetite appear unchanged when calories and protein are matched. Plausible mechanisms exist, but claims should be backed by direct evidence. Cottage cheese remains a nutritious protein option, and researchers are continuing to explore its effects on gut health, aging, and muscle health.

Peptides win FDA panel ok, CRISPR tragedy raises ethics questions, insulin supply tightens biotech spotlight
biotech1 month ago

Peptides win FDA panel ok, CRISPR tragedy raises ethics questions, insulin supply tightens biotech spotlight

An FDA panel narrowly approved allowing compounding pharmacies to produce certain unregulated peptides—a win for RFK Jr.—while Science reports a six-year-old girl's death in China after an experimental brain-directed CRISPR therapy, prompting ethics and oversight concerns; Sanofi insulin pens are in short supply, underscoring ongoing biotech and pharmaceutical tensions.

Fasted workouts aren't a magic fat-loss hack, dietitians say
health1 month ago

Fasted workouts aren't a magic fat-loss hack, dietitians say

Dietitians say fasted workouts may boost fat burning during the session because low insulin nudges the body toward stored fat, but they don’t automatically improve long-term fat loss; overall weight management relies more on total calories, consistency, and exercise. Eating before workouts can boost energy, performance, and muscle building, especially for weights, HIIT, or endurance training. If you choose to train fasted, consider the workout type, timing, and how you feel; stop if you experience dizziness or weakness and refuel with 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbs, waiting about 15 minutes before resuming. Certain groups should avoid fasting before workouts, including people with diabetes on insulin, pregnant individuals, those with a history of fainting or disordered eating, and anyone training long hours with high caloric needs.

politics1 month ago

Collins-backed insulin price cap advances in GOP-led committee

The Republican-led Senate Health Committee voted 17-5 to advance the INSULIN Act, which would cap private-insurance insulin costs at $35 per month, with six Republicans joining Democrats in support and chair Bill Cassidy opposing. A Baldwin amendment to include uninsured patients was added and then stripped. While a House companion would be needed for passage, the measure would create the first nationwide cap on private-plan out-of-pocket costs for a non-preventive drug; however, the real impact may be limited since many insurers already cap at $35 and Medicare already has a $35 cap.

Sweeteners May Have Hidden Metabolic Costs, New Analysis Finds
health1 month ago

Sweeteners May Have Hidden Metabolic Costs, New Analysis Finds

A review of 21 randomized trials links artificial and low-calorie sweeteners to higher fasting insulin and HbA1c, with a possible reduction in insulin sensitivity; gut microbiome changes may be involved, and higher consumption could relate to greater cardiometabolic risk, though causality isn’t proven. While avoiding large amounts of added sugar is prudent, replacing sugar with these sweeteners may be better than sugar, but not risk-free.

Family Tag Rugby Suggests Quick Brain Boosts and Better Post-Meal Insulin
health2 months ago

Family Tag Rugby Suggests Quick Brain Boosts and Better Post-Meal Insulin

A small study with 16 families tested a 45-minute tag rugby session versus rest. Researchers found immediate cognitive benefits (children improved working memory; parents faster information processing) and lower post-meal insulin after exercise, with similar blood glucose. Results are preliminary (single session, small sample) but indicate family-based activity may be a practical way to support health and cognitive performance while encouraging together time.

Lab-Grown Insulin Cells Restore Blood Sugar in Diabetic Mice
science4 months ago

Lab-Grown Insulin Cells Restore Blood Sugar in Diabetic Mice

Researchers refined a stem cell protocol to produce mature, glucose-responsive insulin-secreting cells from human pluripotent stem cells. When transplanted into the anterior chamber of the eye in diabetic mice, these cells gradually restored blood-sugar control, addressing earlier issues with maturity and purity and signaling potential for patient-specific regenerative therapies.

Six Weeks Without Added Sugar Resets My Cravings and Energy
health4 months ago

Six Weeks Without Added Sugar Resets My Cravings and Energy

A health writer undertook six weeks without added refined sugar (natural fruit sugars allowed) to test effects on energy, cravings and mood; she experiences steadier energy, disappearance of the post‑lunch slump, and craving reductions after about three weeks, notes sugar’s ubiquity and a dopamine-driven addictive loop, and after six weeks decides to limit sugar to weekdays with occasional weekend treats, finding even a chocolate cookie tasted too sweet.

Jelly Roll’s labs reveal why your family might need more than a standard checkup
health4 months ago

Jelly Roll’s labs reveal why your family might need more than a standard checkup

Jelly Roll’s blood work showed alarming problems: very high insulin, low testosterone, high cholesterol, and an A1C in diabetes territory—issues not caught by standard annual panels. The piece argues for asking primary care doctors to order expanded tests (A1C, fasting insulin, testosterone, lipid panel, thyroid TSH) and to review results in detail, as well as considering direct-to-consumer panels, since insurance coverage is variable. The message: document personal health history to qualify for expanded testing and retest if results are borderline, because these tests can reveal hidden metabolic risks early.

Bipartisan Deal Seeks $35 Insulin Cap With Uninsured Pilot
politics5 months ago

Bipartisan Deal Seeks $35 Insulin Cap With Uninsured Pilot

A bipartisan group of senators led by Jeanne Shaheen announced a deal to cap the price of insulin at $35 per month, including a pilot program in 10 states for the uninsured and changes to rebate programs for pharmacy benefit managers; the plan would be attached to other must-pass legislation, and still requires buy-in from Senate leadership and the president to move forward.

The 3-Hour Night Window: Stopping Eating Before Bed May Aid Heart Health
health5 months ago

The 3-Hour Night Window: Stopping Eating Before Bed May Aid Heart Health

A study of 39 adults found that extending overnight fasting to 13–16 hours (vs. 11–13) lowered nighttime blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol, and improved daytime insulin response. Because melatonin begins rising about three hours before bed, stopping eating three hours prior supports the body’s nightly wind-down and may reduce weight gain, cardiovascular risk, and sleep disruption. The article suggests making lunch the biggest meal (12–2 pm) to create a three-hour buffer before a 9–10 pm bedtime; if eating before bed is necessary for blood sugar stability or athletic recovery, opts for a light snack with lean protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates (e.g., cottage cheese with berries and nuts).

Bioengineered insulin implant hints at needle-free diabetes care
science6 months ago

Bioengineered insulin implant hints at needle-free diabetes care

Scientists report a living implant that houses insulin-producing cells to regulate blood glucose, potentially replacing injections if it works in humans; animal tests show year-long sugar control but immune barriers, safety concerns, and donor cell supply still pose challenges, with next steps including human trials and adaptive uses for other diseases.

FTC Reaches Landmark Settlement with Express Scripts to Slash Drug Costs and Boost Transparency
business6 months ago

FTC Reaches Landmark Settlement with Express Scripts to Slash Drug Costs and Boost Transparency

FTC settlement ends Express Scripts’ rebate practices that inflated insulin prices, requiring reforms that base patient costs on net price, boost transparency, and shift to a cost-based model at retail pharmacies. The deal could cut patients’ out-of-pocket costs by up to $7 billion over 10 years and bring new revenue to community pharmacies, while reshoring the Ascent GPO to the United States; a 30-day public comment period precedes final order.

11 lifestyle levers to recalibrate your metabolism, according to endocrinologists
health7 months ago

11 lifestyle levers to recalibrate your metabolism, according to endocrinologists

Endocrinologists say metabolism is driven by hormonal balance and daily choices. Key ideas include boosting metabolic rate by managing insulin through lower carbohydrate intake and protein-first meals, using resistance training to preserve muscle, staying active at work to avoid long sedentary periods, and prioritizing sleep and circadian alignment with natural light. They also suggest time-restricted eating with early dinners, stress management, and cautious use of home hormone tests or weight-loss injections. Be alert for signs of hormonal imbalance (fatigue, weight change, menstrual issues, thirst or urination) and seek medical guidance for a tailored plan.

Sugar smart: timing, type, and balance to avoid energy slumps
health-and-wellbeing7 months ago

Sugar smart: timing, type, and balance to avoid energy slumps

Sugar activates the brain’s reward system and comes as glucose or fructose, which are processed differently: glucose prompts insulin release and energy storage, while fructose is sent to the liver and can be converted to fat. In excess, both raise triglycerides and may raise heart- and liver-related risks; repeated insulin spikes can fuel inflammation. The so-called 'sugar rush' is largely a myth, and when a sugar-induced dip occurs, people tend to eat more later. Timing matters: morning glucose responses are usually more favorable, and having sugar as part of a balanced meal with fiber, healthy fats, and protein helps blunt spikes. Moderation is best; avoid late-day sugar and be cautious with sugar substitutes, which may impact the gut/oral microbiome and can, in some cases, convert to fructose. Given that many people regularly eat sugary snacks (about 84% daily, with 79% up to three), reducing intake is sensible rather than demonizing it.