Scientists have discovered a new technique for turning embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic tissue in what could prove a significant breakthrough in the quest to find new treatments for diabetes.

An international blood pressure study (ACCOMPLISH )comparing two single-pill drug combinations has yielded results so significant that the study has been stopped early – and the researchers say their findings might alter the way high blood pressure is treated worldwide.

Patients who slept for short or long durations experienced an increase in weight compared with those who slept for an average duration of 7 to 9 hours, according to the results of a longitudinal study.

Less weight gain, reduction of inflammation, lower cholesterol and triglycerides and lower blood sugars, all from tart cherries.

Safety review of becaplermin gel (Regranex, Johnson & Johnson) is being conducted after study results suggested an increased risk for cancer-related mortality, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned healthcare professionals last week.

The FDA has warned that more cases of lung cancers have been reported in patients treated with the inhaled insulin Exubera than in controls in clinical trials. So with this new information it looks like the end of research on inhaled insulins.

Exubera gets pulled from the market, Lilly discontinues AIR. Why is this happening. Why would patients want Ouch over Ouch less? Richard Dolinar, MD, Senior Fellow Healthcare Policy, Heartland Institute, thinks he knows what happened. Click here to find out what he figured out.

Everyone seems to agree that there is little in the ONTARGET megatrial, presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 57th Annual Scientific Session, to quibble about and that it shows clear results: doctors now have a choice of an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in high-risk CHD/diabetes …

The diabetes drug pioglitazone (Actos) led to a significant slowing of atherosclerosis, albeit small, as measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), compared with glimepiride, according to the results of a new study.

Sanofi-Aventis SA’s weight-loss drug rimonabant failed to slow heart disease by a key measure in obese patients with fat around the middle, and it significantly raised the risk of anxiety and depression.