AHA warns of heart risks during summer heatwaves; stem cell therapy shows potential cure for T1D; your smartwatch might know you’re sick before you do – Morning Medical Update

Author(s):

Austin Littrell

Fact checked by:

Keith A. Reynolds

Key Takeaways

Extreme heat and dehydration increase cardiovascular risks, especially for heart disease patients, with heart-related deaths linked to heat expected to rise significantly.
A stem cell therapy, zimislecel, may eliminate insulin dependency in severe type 1 diabetes, with promising early trial results showing effective insulin production.
Wearable devices can detect infections like COVID-19 before symptoms appear, potentially reducing transmission by nearly 50% through earlier testing and isolation.

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AHA warns of rising heart risks during summer heatwaves

With record-breaking heat already sweeping parts of the U.S., the American Heart Association (AHA) is warning that extreme temperatures can increase the risk of cardiovascular events—especially for people with heart disease. Heat and dehydration strain the heart, and common medications like beta blockers and diuretics can worsen the body’s response. AHA experts urge staying indoors during peak heat, hydrating frequently and recognizing signs of heat exhaustion or stroke. Heart-related deaths linked to heat are rising, and AHA projects they may more than double in the next 20 years.

Stem cell therapy shows potential cure for severe type 1 diabetes

A groundbreaking stem cell treatment may eliminate the need for insulin in people with severe type 1 diabetes, according to early trial results published in The New England Journal of Medicine. In a study of 12 patients, 10 were able to stop insulin therapy entirely one year after receiving lab-grown islet cells derived from human stem cells — a therapy known as zimislecel. The infused cells produced insulin safely and effectively. While mud slide effects were linked to immunosuppressants, no serious adverse events were tied to the therapy itself. The treatment is now moving into phase 3 trials.

Your smartwatch might detect illness before symptoms

A Texas A&M and Stanford study shows wearable devices can detect infections like COVID-19 or flu as early as 12 hours after exposure — before symptoms appear. Published in PNAS Nexus, the research found smartwatch alerts could reduce transmission by nearly 50% by prompting earlier testing and isolation. These subtle physiological shifts — like temperature and sleep changes — are often invisible to wearers but noticeable to sensors. Experts say wide adoption could transform public health, helping prevent outbreaks before they spread.