CONTRACTING Covid-19 may accelerate the onset of visible symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children, an autoimmune condition, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Researchers found that children infected with the virus and in the early stages of type 1 diabetes without displaying symptoms, progressed more rapidly to a clinical onset of the autoimmune disorder.
Symptoms of type 1 diabetes can include unusual thirst and hunger, along with frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision. Treatment typically involves insulin therapy, requiring regular injections through the day.
In an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system attacks the healthy cells and organs, instead of protecting it against foreign disease-causing agents.
Previous studies have found elevated levels of islet autoantibodies in children infected with Covid-19. Produced when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged, these autoantibodies from one's blood samples can help in diagnosing type 1 diabetes.
In this study, the researchers, including those from the Institute of Diabetes Research, Helmholtz Munich, Germany, found that children who already had islet autoantibodies (early stages of type 1 diabetes) developed diagnosable symptoms of the condition at a faster rate after a Covid-19 infection, compared to those not infected.
From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 until 2023, children participating in the Fr1da study (for type 1 diabetes) were tested for antibodies produced in response to Covid-19, along with islet autoantibodies.
The researchers thus had "valuable data" on the association between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and type 1 diabetes.
They showed that cases of type 1 diabetes diagnoses among children in early stages of the disease increased at a higher rate during the pandemic, compared to that pre-pandemic.
A new weight-loss drug, amycretin, has delivered the most significant results yet for appetite-suppressing GLP-1 medications, according to two newly published studies in The Lancet and presentations at the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Record weight loss from Amycretin injections
Researchers found that participants receiving high-dose weekly injections of amycretin lost 24.3 per cent of their body weight over 36 weeks. This outcome surpasses the results seen in longer trials involving other GLP-1 drugs such as tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro), which previously led the field with an average weight loss of 20 per cent over 72 weeks.
Amycretin, developed by Novo Nordisk, the same pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy and the Type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic, works by targeting both the GLP-1 and amylin receptors. These receptors help control blood sugar levels and suppress appetite.
Strong results for oral version
In addition to the injectable form, a parallel study explored amycretin in tablet form. Conducted over 12 weeks and involving 144 adults, the trial showed those on the highest daily dose (100mg) lost 13.1 per cent of their body weight – a substantial result for an oral medication over such a short period.
Both studies also reported improvements in metabolic and glycaemic health. The authors wrote that amycretin “effectively lowered body weight and improved metabolic and glycaemic parameters in people with overweight or obesity”. They called for longer and larger trials to assess long-term safety and optimise the dosing regimen.
Pills could overtake jabs in the future
While the injectable version delivered record weight loss, the promising results from the pill suggest oral treatments could soon rival or even surpass jabs in convenience and effectiveness.
Health experts have described the development of an effective pill as a potential “game-changer” in tackling obesity. Professor Jason Halford, former president of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, said: “They will be easier to produce, store and use, and this should mean they could become more widely available. That would produce a significant impact on the nation’s health.”
Limited NHS rollout as private demand surges
Obesity remains a major issue in the UK, with around two in three adults considered overweight or obese. The NHS is set to begin prescribing GLP-1 injections from late June 2025, although the initial rollout will be limited. Around 220,000 people are expected to be treated through the NHS within the next three years.
Eligibility criteria are strict, covering only the most obese patients with at least four chronic health conditions linked to excess weight. Meanwhile, private use of these medications has surged, with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK having already purchased jabs like Wegovy.
Wegovy also shows promise at higher doses
Separately, another study presented at the ADA meeting focused on Wegovy (semaglutide), examining the effects of a higher weekly dose of 7.2mg. This led to average weight loss of 20.7 per cent over 72 weeks, up from 13.7 per cent at the standard dose used in earlier trials.
As competition intensifies in the weight-loss drug market, amycretin’s early results, particularly in tablet form, suggest it could play a major role in the future of obesity treatment.
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I recently joined the incredible team at the Asian Sports Foundation. It is an honour to work alongside passionate individuals such as Shazia Ali, Harleen Kaur and Angus Martin. Since it was founded by Jug Johal, the Asian Sports Foundation has worked to transform inactivity into active living, promoting better wellbeing and greater representation of Asian communities in sport and physical activity.
This is a cause close to my heart. The undeniable power of sport and movement to improve both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. It is a message I have consistently championed, alongside a commitment to equity and inclusion, which is why I am so excited to contribute to a charity that truly embodies this ethos.
In recent weeks, my conversations with Parkinson’s UK and various Asian community groups about boosting wellbeing through activity have shed light on a critical issue: Parkinson’s is on the rise, yet awareness and support remain limited, especially within South Asian communities. The stories I have heard have been deeply moving and point to a pressing need for change.
One person told me about their family’s experience. “We didn’t know much about Parkinson’s at the time,”
They said – a sentiment echoed by many. There is little information about the condition within the community, and it is often shrouded in stigma. In some circles, it is even viewed as a ‘curse’. The diagnosis came as a devastating blow. “We were shocked. All our dreams and plans to see the world came crashing down.” Their honesty reflects the profound emotional impact and isolation many families face.
For those unfamiliar, Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain condition. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. With over 40 symptoms – ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety – and no known cure, the challenges are immense. But staying active and connected can make a real difference.
Parkinson’s is a complex, progressive brain conditionInstagram/ itsmitamistry
This is where organisations like Parkinson’s UK are so vital. They support people at every stage of the Parkinson’s journey, and their efforts to raise awareness in marginalised and ethnic communities are commendable. Their work builds on a strong foundation, which includes local events, essential support services and a pioneering Race Equality in Research programme, aimed at improving understanding and treatment across all communities.
My aim – and a key focus for the Asian Sports Foundation – is to amplify these efforts through inclusive, impactful programmes. We want to act as a bridge, connecting communities with the support and information they need. If you or someone you know is
experiencing symptoms, please know that you are not alone. The journey can be overwhelming, but there are people who care and resources that can help.
I would genuinely love to hear from you. Share your experiences, tell me how we can help, and if you are part of a grassroots community group, let us work together to break the silence and build a more informed, supportive environment for all.
Whoever said you need moonlight to find magic clearly has not stepped onto the spectacular, LED-lit dance floor at this daytime Bollywood bonanza.
From the moment the doors opened at Popworld in London, Bollyday fizzed with the kind of unfiltered joy usually reserved for weddings or late-night parties – except here, you still get home in time for a proper night’s sleep (and Sunday roast prep).
The 4pm to 9pm window is sheer genius. No frantic dash for the last tube, no overpriced taxis, and no bleary-eyed ‘never again’ mantra the next morning.
Parents can drop in after football practice, dog owners can pop out without fretting about late-night walks, and early-rising professionals can toast the weekend without sacrificing their productivity.
Daytime parties are not new – but Bollyday bottles the concept, shakes it with Bollywood sparkle, and serves it ice cold.
If British Asian DJ royalty had a throne, Shai Guy would be polishing the crown. His reputation precedes him – yet he still managed to overdeliver.
He slid through an eclectic mix of 70s and 80s disco-era anthems, noughties earworms and today’s stadium-shaking hits.
Just when you thought you had the set figured out, he dropped slick western house cuts and Afrobeat flourishes that sent hands skyward.
Bollyday
The dance floor never emptied – not once. Even the self-confessed two-left-feet brigade found themselves belting out choruses they did not know they knew.
Cross-generational Bollywood adventurers shared the space in perfect, sweat-soaked harmony.
It is rare to see Gen Z TikTokers trading moves with aunties reliving their early 90s bhangra gig glory – but Bollyday makes that collision feel entirely natural.
Non-Asian guests turned up out of curiosity and left draped in imaginary chiffon, convinced they had stumbled onto the set of a Karan Johar epic.
Set in the heart of London, the venue is as convenient as it is atmospheric.
The retro-futuristic dance floor glowed underfoot – think Saturday Night Fever meets Dil Dhadakne Do.
Scenic photo ops were practically compulsory; birthday crews made full use, balloons in tow.
British Asian nights out have come a long way since the daytime bhangra circuits of the 80s and 90s.
Bollyday is the next leap: an inclusive, wellness-friendly, rhythm-heavy celebration that proves you do not need darkness to turn up the heat.
With the mental health benefits of dancing well documented, this matinee rave feels as good for the soul as it does for the step count.
Bollyday
Uniqueness, practicality, cross-generational appeal and a stellar soundtrack make Bollyday an instant classic – expect copycats soon.
But for now, mark your diaries: the next Bollyday returns to London on Saturday, 6th September, with plans to go nationwide shortly afterwards.
Tickets will evaporate faster than a filmi teardrop.
For its trailblazing timetable, sublime venue and Shai Guy’s pitch-perfect DJing, Bollyday earns a full, unreserved five stars.
Go once and you will wonder why we ever surrendered our sleep to nightlife in the first place.
A mischievous elf-like toy called Labubu has gone from niche collectable to global cultural phenomenon. Created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung and popularised by Chinese toy giant Pop Mart, Labubu has captured the imaginations of collectors from Beijing to London and beyond, with celebrity endorsements and long queues at retail stores fuelling its rapid rise.
The birth of Labubu
Labubu originated as a character in The Monsters, a picture book series by Lung. With its signature wide eyes, pointed ears and toothy grin, the figure was designed to be kind-hearted yet chaotic, charming in a deliberately imperfect way. The name “Labubu” itself doesn’t mean anything; it was invented for the character.
The toy first gained traction when Pop Mart acquired licensing rights in 2019. Pop Mart, founded by Wang Ning in 2010, had already found success with blind-box toys—sealed packages that keep the buyer unaware of which toy they’ve purchased until they open it. This model, combined with Labubu’s offbeat appeal, became a winning formula.
Global popularity and celebrity power
Although Labubu gained popularity in China early on, its international breakthrough came post-pandemic. Fans describe the toy as an “anti-cute” character that resonates with those tired of perfect aesthetics. Its appeal lies in its unpredictability, emotional expressiveness, and the thrill of collecting.
The Labubu frenzy went global in 2024, particularly after Thai K-pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK posted about the dolls. Soon after, global celebrities including Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, and David Beckham were seen with Labubu toys, turning the quirky character into a fashion accessory and internet talking point. Rihanna, for instance, was photographed with a Labubu clipped to her designer handbag, while Kardashian showed off her full collection online.
Booming sales and global reach
The celebrity exposure helped drive international demand. Pop Mart now operates over 2,000 vending machines—nicknamed "roboshops"—as well as more than 130 stores in over 30 countries. By the end of 2024, nearly 40% of its total revenue came from outside mainland China.
Sales have soared, and Pop Mart’s market value now surpasses that of Western toy giants like Mattel and Hasbro. In early 2025, the company reported a rise of nearly 500% in international revenue compared to the previous year.
The role of scarcity and surprise
A key part of Labubu’s success is its blind-box marketing strategy. Collectors never know exactly what version they’re getting; some are common, while rare “chaser” variants are far harder to find. This element of chance keeps consumers coming back for more. Some fans have even learned to weigh or shake boxes in hopes of guessing the contents.
Collector Desmond Tan, for example, says he often purchases multiple boxes in a single visit. He finds particular joy in identifying rare editions through feel alone, a practice now widespread among collectors.
Labubu dolls come in dozens of themed series, including “Exciting Macaron” and “Fall in Wild.” Limited editions and seasonal drops often sell out within minutes, both online and in-store. Prices range from £14 to £40 at retail, but rare items command much higher prices on resale markets.
Cultural soft power
The Chinese government has celebrated Labubu’s international popularity as a form of soft power. State media outlets like Xinhua have described the toy as an example of "Cool China"—a creative cultural product that resonates globally. This aligns with a wider push to promote Chinese intellectual property abroad, alongside video games and animated films.
Despite the success, the popularity has led to concerns over counterfeit products. Chinese customs officials recently confiscated over 70,000 fake Labubu toys, a sign of just how widespread the demand has become.
More than a toy
For many fans, Labubu represents more than just a collectable. It is an escape, a conversation piece, and in some cases, a personal symbol. Its curious charm, global reach, and viral appeal show how a character with no clear backstory can still capture hearts across continents.
What began as a quirky elf in a Hong Kong picture book has now become a cultural icon, equal parts weird, adorable and unstoppable.
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Hogan’s current hospital stay follows a neck fusion surgery he underwent in May 2025
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has been hospitalised for ongoing neck and back issues, but representatives have confirmed he is not in critical condition, dismissing online speculation suggesting otherwise.
The 71-year-old wrestling icon, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was reported by TMZ Sports to be undergoing treatment related to injuries sustained during his decades-long in-ring career. His representative said Hogan is already mobile again and “not on his deathbed”, following false claims made on air by Florida radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge.
The speculation began after Bubba stated he had heard Hogan’s health had declined significantly and that family members were being called to say their goodbyes. However, he admitted the information was second-hand and unverified at the time of broadcast.
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In reality, Hogan’s current hospital stay follows a neck fusion surgery he underwent in May 2025, which was described as successful. He has undergone numerous operations over the years to treat wear and tear from wrestling, particularly to his spine, hips and knees.
Despite his physical challenges, Hogan has continued to make public appearances. His most recent confirmed outing was in January 2025 on WWE Raw, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand during the programme’s Netflix launch. The segment received a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Hogan remains one of the most recognisable figures in professional wrestling, having helped define the industry during the 1980s boom. He held multiple world titles and was central to WWE's rise to global popularity, later moving to WCW and becoming a founding member of the nWo.
His team has confirmed there is no cause for alarm, and that his current hospitalisation is part of ongoing care rather than any emergency. No further surgeries have been announced at this stage.