Latest news with #ZhengzhouUniversity
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Study finds intermittent dieting may improve diabetes outcomes among obese
Dietary approaches like intermittent energy restriction, time-restricted eating, and continuous energy restriction can all improve blood sugar levels and body weight in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a study. Although researchers identified improved HbA1c levels, and adverse events were similar across the three groups, the IER group showed greater advantages in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering triglycerides, and strengthening adherence to the dietary interventions. IER typically involves periods of reduced calorie intake. It differs from intermittent fasting (IF) as it involves periods of complete or near-complete food abstinence. The research directly compared 5:2 intermittent energy restriction with 10-hour time-restricted eating in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. 'The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating such patients,' said Haohao Zhang, Ph.D., chief physician at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China. The study involved 90 patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to the IER, TRE, or CER group, with consistent weekly caloric intake across all groups. A team of nutritionists supervised the 16-week intervention. Of those enrolled, 63 completed the study. There were 18 females and 45 males, with an average age of 36.8 years, a mean diabetes duration of 1.5 years, a baseline BMI of 31.7 kg/m², and an HbA1c of 7.42 per cent. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction and weight loss between the IER, TRE, and CER groups. However, the absolute decrease in HbA1c and body weight was greatest in the IER group. Compared to TRE and CER, IER significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and triglycerides and increased the Matsuda index, a measure of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Uric acid and liver enzyme levels exhibited no statistically significant changes from baseline in any study group. Two patients in the IER group and the TRE group, and three patients in the CER group, experienced mild hypoglycemia. The IER group had the highest adherence rate (85 per cent), followed by the CER group at 84 per cent and the TRE group at 78 per cent. Both the IER and CER groups showed statistically significant differences compared with the TRE group. Zhang said these findings highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of dietary interventions for people who have obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study is presented at the ongoing ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, US.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Intermittent energy restriction can better aid in diabetes control among obese: Study
New Delhi: Dietary approaches like intermittent energy restriction, time-restricted eating, and continuous energy restriction can all improve blood sugar levels and body weight in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a study. Although researchers identified improved HbA1c levels, and adverse events were similar across the three groups, the IER group showed greater advantages in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering triglycerides, and strengthening adherence to the dietary interventions. IER typically involves periods of reduced calorie intake. It differs from intermittent fasting (IF) as it involves periods of complete or near-complete food abstinence. The research directly compared 5:2 intermittent energy restriction with 10-hour time-restricted eating in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes. 'The findings provide scientific evidence for clinicians to choose appropriate dietary strategies when treating such patients," said Haohao Zhang, Ph.D., chief physician at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China. The study involved 90 patients who were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to the IER, TRE, or CER group, with consistent weekly caloric intake across all groups. A team of nutritionists supervised the 16-week intervention. Of those enrolled, 63 completed the study. There were 18 females and 45 males, with an average age of 36.8 years, a mean diabetes duration of 1.5 years, a baseline BMI of 31.7 kg/m², and an HbA1c of 7.42 per cent. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences in HbA1c reduction and weight loss between the IER, TRE, and CER groups. However, the absolute decrease in HbA1c and body weight was greatest in the IER group. Compared to TRE and CER, IER significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and triglycerides and increased the Matsuda index, a measure of whole-body insulin sensitivity. Uric acid and liver enzyme levels exhibited no statistically significant changes from baseline in any study group. Two patients in the IER group and the TRE group, and three patients in the CER group, experienced mild hypoglycemia. The IER group had the highest adherence rate (85 per cent), followed by the CER group at 84 per cent and the TRE group at 78 per cent. Both the IER and CER groups showed statistically significant differences compared with the TRE group. Zhang said these findings highlight the feasibility and effectiveness of dietary interventions for people who have obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study is presented at the ongoing ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, US.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Strengthening Ties To China During Prime Minister's Trade Delegation
Launching new study abroad and research collaboration partnerships with top Chinese universities and research institutes is the focus of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's involvement in the Prime Minister's trade delegation to China. Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith is delighted to be participating in this visit to China to formalise these arrangements which offer exciting opportunities to future students interested in coming to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as forge new research collaborations. These partnerships include a major research partnership with Shanghai's prestigious Fudan University, focused on public health, biotechnology, and climate science, as well as articulation and study abroad agreements with one of China's largest universities, Zhengzhou University. This visit provides an important opportunity for Victoria University of Wellington to position itself as a top choice for students to consider when looking at studying overseas, says Professor Smith. 'We are committed to deepening our partnerships with China's leading institutions—united by a shared ambition to blend academic excellence with global citizenship. 'Together, we are preparing the next generation to lead with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.' 'Being part of this delegation reflects New Zealand's recognition of universities as engines of innovation, diplomacy, and enduring global relationships. It is a privilege to represent our sector and reinforce education's vital role in connecting nations.' Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon says New Zealand's education sector is globally respected for its quality, innovation, and commitment to partnership. 'Our universities, including Victoria University of Wellington, play a key role in fostering long-term academic and research collaborations with countries like China. These connections not only support student mobility and world-class research but also strengthen the broader relationship between our two countries.' Victoria University of Wellington already maintains deep connections and a broad reach across China through longstanding research partnerships, student mobility programmes, and alumni networks. The University first signed an agreement with Xiamen University in the 1980s, and its Confucius Institute was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to New Zealand in 2010. It is a founding partner of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University and hosts the pre-eminent New Zealand Contemporary Chinese Research Centre. In 2023, Victoria University of Wellington welcomed its first cohort of students enrolled at a Joint Institute through a partnership with China's largest university—Zhengzhou University, a globally ranked university with around 73,000 students. Professor Smith says universities play a crucial role in international dialogue as the world faces increasingly complex challenges. 'In a world facing complex, interconnected challenges—from climate change to public health—our researchers are advancing global solutions. This delegation is a powerful opportunity to showcase how collaboration across borders strengthens those efforts.' 'At Victoria University of Wellington, we see education not simply as a journey, but as a launchpad—for discovery, for leadership, and for impact. We are proud to support the aspirations of students who will shape the future of our world.' The University will also be launching the Kitea Impact Programme—a leadership development initiative for future global changemakers—and a work integrated learning programme which provides students with hands-on experience in real-world projects while offering New Zealand businesses deeper insights into the Chinese market and access to top talent. Professor Smith will participate in official events and meetings in Beijing and Shanghai and will reinforce Victoria University of Wellington's commitment to China by signing partnership agreements with a number of prestigious Chinese universities. About the partnerships Research collaboration with Fudan University, Shanghai—one of China's most prestigious and research-intensive universities—in the areas of public health, biotechnology, and climate science. Student mobility agreements with Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou—one of the two leading universities in China specialising in cultivating professionals for China's media and broadcast industries. Students will be provided a pathway into Victoria University of Wellington's Master's degrees in Computer Science, and Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation. Research collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences—a leading research centre in Beijing in the fields of philosophy and social sciences. The research collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre focuses on climate change, diaspora studies, and modern Chinese history. Student mobility agreements with Yantai University, a comprehensive university in Shandong with more than 29,000 students, which will see students transfer to complete a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor degree in Language Sciences. Study abroad agreement with Zhengzhou University in Henan. With around 73,000 students, it is the largest university in China. The agreement will allow students from ZZU to study at VUW for one or two trimesters.
Medscape
12-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
SGLT2 Inhibitors May Offer Better Delirium Protection in T2D
In adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with lower risks for delirium and all-cause mortality than the use of metformin, with more prominent protective effects in high-risk patients such as those aged 80 years or older. METHODOLOGY: T2D is a recognized risk factor for delirium. Although several studies have shown neuroprotective effects of metformin and cognitive protection by SGLT2 inhibitors, a real-world comparative analysis is lacking. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from electronic health records of healthcare organizations worldwide for a head-to-head comparison of metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing delirium among patients with T2D. After propensity score matching, they included adults with T2D who initiated either SGLT2 inhibitors (n = 79,723; mean age, 65.52 years; 39.77% women) or metformin (n = 79,723; mean age, 65.62 years; 39.43% women) between January 2005 and January 2025. The primary outcome was the first recorded diagnosis of delirium, and the secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. TAKEAWAY: The use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with a lower risk for incident delirium than the use of metformin (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.95). The risk for all-cause mortality was also reduced in patients who used SGLT2 inhibitors (aHR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.87-0.88). The protective effect of SGLT2 inhibitors against delirium was most prominent in patients aged 80 years or older (aHR, 0.83; P < .0001), men (aHR, 0.94; P = .0131), White patients (aHR, 0.90; P < .0001), and patients with better glycemic control with A1c levels between 5% and 6.49% (aHR, 0.91; P = .0212). < .0001), men (aHR, 0.94; = .0131), White patients (aHR, 0.90; < .0001), and patients with better glycemic control with A1c levels between 5% and 6.49% (aHR, 0.91; = .0212). Among patients who used SGLT2 inhibitors, the use of medicines such as insulin, sulfonylureas, antiepileptics, and sedatives was also associated with a significantly reduced risk for delirium ( P < .05 for all). IN PRACTICE: 'By leveraging real-world data on an unprecedented scale, this study not only bridges a critical knowledge gap but also paves the way for a paradigm shift in first-line diabetes management, prioritizing both metabolic and neurocognitive health,' the study authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Mingyang Sun and Xiaoling Wang, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital in Zhengzhou, China. It was published online in Diabetes Care . LIMITATIONS: The researchers relied on diagnostic codes which may have missed milder cases of delirium, especially those managed outside hospital settings. The presence of residual confounding factors could not be completely ruled out. Information on neurocognitive markers was absent, which restricted the understanding of the neuroprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by grants from National Key Research and Development Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Lo-Hsu Medical Foundation, Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital. The authors reported having no conflicts of interest.
