#Diabetes

A new international study has revealed that even modest increases in blood sugar levels—not just advanced diabetes—can have a significant negative impact on men’s sexual health as they age, shifting the traditional understanding of male reproductive well-being. The latest findings, presented at the Endocrine Society’s ENDO 2025 annual meeting in San Francisco, spotlight metabolic health, especially mild hyperglycemia, as a key driver in changes to sexual functioning among men, offering a new roadmap for prevention and intervention.

A new study has brought hope to millions living with type 2 diabetes globally and in Thailand, revealing that a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) may significantly improve blood sugar control. The latest findings, detailed in Medical News Today, suggest that adopting an eating pattern that simulates the effects of fasting without total food deprivation could play a valuable role in diabetes management.

Type 2 diabetes is a mounting concern in Thailand, where shifting dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles contribute to rising rates of the condition. Blood sugar regulation remains the cornerstone of diabetes treatment, with poorly controlled glucose levels linked to complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and cardiovascular issues. The possibility that a non-pharmaceutical dietary approach can help ease this burden is particularly relevant for Thai patients navigating both medical and cultural food practices.

A major new study published this week in the journal Nature Medicine has found compelling evidence that even small quantities of processed meat may increase the risk of major diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, and heart disease. The research also found significant health risks tied to regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and trans fatty acids, sending ripples through health communities worldwide, including here in Thailand. For a nation where processed meats—like sausages, ham, and bacon—are popular in everyday diets and street food culture, these findings have urgent relevance for both policymakers and the general public.

In a groundbreaking research effort that could transform the lives of millions, scientists have unveiled a potential cure for type 1 diabetes and other debilitating autoimmune diseases through a novel protein-based therapy, according to a new international study published in the journal Cell (nyulangone.org). The collaborative research, spearheaded by NYU Langone Health, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhejiang University, demonstrates for the first time how targeted suppression of misbehaving immune cells in animal models may fully halt disease progression—pointing toward a future in which permanent relief from diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and autoimmune hepatitis could be within reach.

A new wave of research shines a spotlight on two naturally occurring minerals—magnesium and chromium—commonly found in certain superfoods, as potential allies in the fight against high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Health experts and recent meta-analyses suggest that diets rich in these minerals can significantly reduce insulin resistance and help manage blood sugar levels before insulin therapy becomes necessary. This development is particularly relevant in Thailand, where the urbanization-driven rise in non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mirrors global trends, and dietary adjustments are seen as a practical, preventive strategy (getsurrey.co.uk).

A simple exercise that can be done anywhere—seated calf raises—has stirred growing excitement in diabetes circles, following viral reports of its effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels. The renewed focus comes after a social media influencer detailed his dramatic improvement in blood sugar control, sparking questions in Thailand and globally: Can something as simple as calf raises truly help fight the diabetes epidemic?

The news gained traction after a viral video featured a young professional who revealed he had reduced his HbA1c from a prediabetic 6.1% to a healthy 5.4% over several months simply by integrating regular seated calf raises into his routine after meals, based on his nutritionist’s advice. Unlike brisk walking, which is often recommended yet hard to fit into a busy schedule, this exercise only requires 10 minutes, sitting right at your own desk. He cited research on the effectiveness of these movements for blood sugar and inspired many to attempt the regimen themselves (Times of India; also highlighted in MSM news outlets: MSN).

A new scientific study has overturned a widespread dietary myth, revealing that consuming seed oils like soybean and corn oil may actually lower inflammation and improve heart health—contrary to persistent claims suggesting otherwise. The findings, presented at the prestigious NUTRITION 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida, are highly relevant for Thai consumers amid ongoing debates about cooking oil safety and chronic disease in the Kingdom.

Seed oils, including commonly used vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid—a type of omega-6 fatty acid—have become controversial, with vocal critics suggesting they may promote inflammation and contribute to the country’s rising rates of heart disease and diabetes. These oils are common kitchen staples in Thai households and are found in a variety of popular foods, from street-side stir fries to commercial packaged snacks.

Aronia berry—known to botanists as Aronia melanocarpa, and affectionately dubbed “chokeberry” for its mouth-puckering tartness—has traversed continents, centuries, and cultures. Once central to the medicinal practices of Native Americans and now celebrated by a new wave of health-conscious consumers, this unassuming dark berry is at the epicenter of a vibrant dialogue between age-old tradition and cutting-edge science. As increasing numbers of consumers in Thailand and worldwide search for foods that both nourish the body and connect with cultural wisdom, aronia’s journey offers a compelling case study in how modern research can validate, challenge, and inspire time-honored herbal practices.

A new wave of social media buzz is touting psyllium husk as “nature’s Ozempic”, a cheaper, natural alternative to prescription weight loss drugs like Ozempic, which has gained global fame for its effectiveness in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes (The Guardian). Experts, however, urge caution and nuance, pointing to both real benefits and critical caveats regarding psyllium husk—not as a miracle weight-loss agent, but as a dietary fiber with distinct physiological effects worthy of attention for Thai health-conscious consumers.

A new wave of research is upending long-held assumptions about sugar, revealing that consuming sugar in beverages—such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks—may pose a significantly higher risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic illness compared to eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. The findings, drawn from a major meta-analysis and recently published studies, highlight the unique dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed scrutiny of sugary drink consumption, especially in countries like Thailand where sweetened drinks are a staple of daily life.

A groundbreaking international study has revealed that drinking sugar-laden beverages—such as sodas and fruit juices—may sharply increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, more so than consuming sugar through foods. Conducted by a team led by researchers at Brigham Young University in the United States, with collaboration from German partners, the research analyzed health data from over half a million people across multiple continents. The findings carry major implications for public health in Thailand, where sweet drinks are woven into daily routines and the rate of diabetes continues to climb.

A growing body of research is challenging the controversial reputation of omega-6 fatty acids, suggesting that a diet rich in linoleic acid — the main omega-6 found in nuts and vegetable oils — may substantially lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These findings signal important implications for Thai health, where heart disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of illness and death.

Cardiometabolic health, or the collective well-being of the heart, blood vessels, and metabolic systems, is a crucial marker of long-term health outcomes. In Thailand, the dual threats of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes profoundly impact communities, families, and the nation’s economy. Traditional Thai diets, once centred on fresh produce, fish, rice, and moderate use of oils, are rapidly converging with global food trends — bringing concerns over the increased consumption of processed foods and changing fat profiles. Against this backdrop, understanding the impact of dietary fats on health is especially relevant for Thai readers seeking guidance in a sea of conflicting nutrition advice.

A new wave of research has sounded the alarm on a widespread but often overlooked health threat: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a “silent disease” that afflicts about 16 million Americans—most of whom don’t know it. Recent studies published in major medical journals, including The Lancet and findings summarized by the Daily Mail, reveal that a staggering 80% of those living with this deadly form of fatty liver disease remain undiagnosed, raising urgent concerns for public health systems, including here in Thailand (source, Wikipedia, Asia-Pacific Trends PDF).

Scientists are turning to a surprising new window into our well-being: our sweat. The latest research reveals that this often-overlooked bodily fluid can provide critical real-time insights into hydration, stress, glucose levels, and even early warnings for certain diseases—potentially transforming how we monitor health in Thailand and globally.

As highlighted in a recent CNN “Chasing Life” podcast episode, teams of biomedical engineers and medical researchers are leveraging advances in wearable technologies to analyze sweat’s chemical signals. Unlike blood tests, which are invasive and must be performed in clinical settings, sweat-based diagnostics promise a painless, continuous, and convenient alternative. Modern “smart” patches or wristbands equipped with microfluidic sensors can monitor key biomarkers simply by touching your skin, making them ideal for everyday use.

A growing body of research suggests that a simple adjustment to daily routines—standing up or taking a brisk stroll for just two minutes after every twenty minutes of sitting—could play a crucial role in stabilising blood sugar, even for those who struggle to fit formal exercise into their lives. Health experts are drawing attention to the so-called ‘2 per 20’ rule, which is quickly gaining traction as an accessible strategy for people at risk of diabetes and those seeking to maintain better metabolic health amid increasingly sedentary lifestyles, such as those common among office workers and students in Thailand and around the world. (Indian Express)

A recent story from Greensboro, North Carolina, has drawn new attention to the transformative power of exercise in the fight against type 2 diabetes, with important lessons for Thai readers. The case of a woman who reversed her diabetes through dedication to fitness is not an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of emerging medical research that is reshaping the understanding of diabetes management in both the United States and Thailand. As diabetes remains a major health challenge globally and in Thailand—with rising rates tied to modern lifestyles—such stories of reversal and remission offer new hope and actionable guidance.

The Japanese walking method, also known as Japanese Interval Walking Training (IWT), has become one of the latest global health trends, captivating both fitness enthusiasts and health experts alike. The method—which alternates three minutes of low-intensity walking with three minutes of higher-intensity walking, repeated for a total of 30 minutes—has shown promise not only as an accessible workout, but also as a scientifically backed approach to improving cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and overall wellbeing. As this movement continues to gain adherents worldwide, recent research underscores its potential, particularly for Thai society grappling with rising rates of non-communicable diseases.

A recent breakthrough study has revealed that a small population of brain cells could be the decisive factor in reversing type 2 diabetes, challenging decades-old beliefs that link the condition solely to obesity and insulin resistance. Conducted by researchers at the University of Washington and published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the study found that silencing certain hyperactive neurons in diabetic mice led to a dramatic and sustained normalization of blood sugar levels—regardless of any changes in body weight or eating habits. This pioneering research could stand to transform diabetes management not only for patients internationally but also for millions of Thais living with this chronic disease (Neuroscience News).

A new wave of scientific research has shown that smartwatches—coupled with health apps and digital coaching—can play a crucial role in helping patients with Type 2 diabetes start and sustain essential exercise regimens. This finding, drawn from the recently published MOTIVATE-T2D study in BMJ Open, could mark a transformative step in diabetes care, especially for those newly diagnosed and adapting to new lifestyles [News Exeter][ICT Health].

This development comes at a crucial moment in Thailand, where over 4 million people are living with diabetes—most with Type 2 diabetes—and where sedentary lifestyles and dietary risks continue to drive rates higher, particularly in urban centers [WHO Thailand Diabetes data][Bangkok Post Report]. For Thai readers, the research speaks directly to the increasing integration of digital health tools in everyday life, as the popularity of smart devices continues to rise across the country.

As worries mount over rising health risks linked to excess sugar, new research and dietary guidelines have spotlighted seven key red flags that may signal overconsumption of sugar. With Thailand’s daily sugar intake averaging far above recommended levels, recognising these warning signs could be critical to tackling a growing public health threat.

Experts indicate that the average Thai consumes about 23 teaspoons of sugar daily—almost four times the maximum recommended by health authorities (Bangkok Post). This stands in stark contrast to the American Heart Association’s recommended limit—no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) for women. The main culprits are often sweetened beverages, desserts, and even processed foods that don’t taste overtly sweet but are laced with added sugars.

A landmark international study has revealed that living with combinations of chronic physical illnesses—such as heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions, or liver problems—more than doubles the risk of developing depression, underscoring the urgent need for Thailand’s healthcare system to integrate physical and mental health care. The research, published in Nature Communications Medicine and based on health data from over 142,000 adults, highlights a concerning link between certain multimorbidity profiles and future depression diagnoses, particularly when illnesses like heart disease and diabetes occur together (Neuroscience News).

A century-old anatomical puzzle may finally provide relief for millions battling diabetic nerve pain, according to groundbreaking new research that has reignited scientific interest in the Nageotte nodule—a little-known cellular structure first described over a hundred years ago. The latest study, led by scientists at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), reveals that these tiny cell clusters are not only abundant in people with diabetes, but likely play a crucial role in the development of debilitating peripheral neuropathy, a leading cause of chronic pain, diminished mobility, and even amputation worldwide.

A new scientific study has revealed that simply restricting carbohydrate intake twice a week—rather than severely cutting calories through intermittent fasting—can offer similar improvements in metabolic health. This finding promises a potentially more sustainable and accessible route for people in Thailand and worldwide seeking the metabolic advantages typically associated with intermittent fasting, but who struggle with its more stringent regimens. The research, published on May 11, 2025, provides fresh insights into how diet modification can contribute to better heart and metabolic function without the challenges of strict calorie deprivation (ScienceAlert).

A recent international study has revealed that higher concentrations of caffeine in the blood may help reduce body fat and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, sparking fresh debate about caffeine’s broader health effects for Thais and coffee lovers worldwide. The findings, published in BMJ Medicine and involving researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, University of Bristol, and Imperial College London, point to new possibilities for managing obesity and diabetes—two major public health challenges in Thailand—by leveraging something as simple as a cup of coffee.