 |
|
Women with diabetes at increased risk for irregular heart rhythm
September 28, 2009Diabetes increases by 26 percent the likelihood that women will develop atrial fibrillation (AF), a potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythm that can lead to stroke, heart failure, and chronic fatigue. These are the findings of a new Kaiser Permanente study, published in the October issue of Diabetes Care, a journal of the American Diabetes Association.
While other studies have found that patients with diabetes are more likely to have AF, this is the first large study-involving nearly 35,000 Kaiser Permanente patients over the course of seven years-to isolate the effect of diabetes and determine that it is an independent risk factor for women.
"The most important finding from our study is that women with diabetes have an increased risk of developing this abnormal heart rhythm," said the study's lead author, Greg Nichols, PhD, investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Ore. "Men with diabetes are also at higher risk, but the association between the two conditions is not as strong. For men, obesity and high blood pressure are bigger risk factors from diabetes."
"AF is the most common arrhythmia in the world, and diabetes is one of the most common and costly health conditions. Our study points out that there is a connection between these two growing epidemics-one we should pay closer attention to, especially among women," says Sumeet Chugh, MD, co-author and associate director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles. "The gender differences need to be looked at more closely because they could have significant implications for how we treat diabetes in men and women."
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and too fast, causing blood to pool and clot. If the clot travels out of the heart and becomes lodged in an artery or in the brain, it can cause a stroke. About 2.2 million Americans are diagnosed with AF; however, many more people have the condition but don't know it. Diabetes affects more than 23 million Americans-and, according to the study, nearly 4 percent, or 1 million, have atrial fibrillation.
The study involved 17,372 patients in Kaiser Permanente's diabetes registry in Oregon and Washington and an equal number of non-diabetic patients, matched for age and sex. Researchers used Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®, the world's largest civilian electronic health records system, to identify the non-diabetic patients. The two groups were followed for an average of 7.2 years until Dec., 31, 2008, or until they died or left the health plan. At the start of the study 3.6 percent of the patients with diabetes had AF, vs. only 2.5 percent of the non-diabetic patients-a difference of 44 percent. During the study period, diabetics were more likely than non-diabetics to develop AF. But after controlling for other factors like obesity, high blood pressure and age, the increased risk was only significant among women. Women with diabetes were 26 percent more likely than their non-diabetic counterparts to develop AF.
Kaiser Permanente
"AF is the most common arrhythmia in the world, and diabetes is one of the most common and costly health conditions. Our study points out that there is a connection between these two growing epidemics-one we should pay closer attention to, especially among women," says Sumeet Chugh, MD, co-author and associate director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles. "The gender differences need to be looked at more closely because they could have significant implications for how we treat diabetes in men and women."
Atrial fibrillation occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and too fast, causing blood to pool and clot. If the clot travels out of the heart and becomes lodged in an artery or in the brain, it can cause a stroke. About 2.2 million Americans are diagnosed with AF; however, many more people have the condition but don't know it. Diabetes affects more than 23 million Americans-and, according to the study, nearly 4 percent, or 1 million, have atrial fibrillation.
The study involved 17,372 patients in Kaiser Permanente's diabetes registry in Oregon and Washington and an equal number of non-diabetic patients, matched for age and sex. Researchers used Kaiser Permanente HealthConnect®, the world's largest civilian electronic health records system, to identify the non-diabetic patients. The two groups were followed for an average of 7.2 years until Dec., 31, 2008, or until they died or left the health plan. At the start of the study 3.6 percent of the patients with diabetes had AF, vs. only 2.5 percent of the non-diabetic patients-a difference of 44 percent. During the study period, diabetics were more likely than non-diabetics to develop AF. But after controlling for other factors like obesity, high blood pressure and age, the increased risk was only significant among women. Women with diabetes were 26 percent more likely than their non-diabetic counterparts to develop AF.
Kaiser Permanente
Diabetes Current Events and Diabetes News RSSFirst reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells.
An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity.
Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.
Scientists find molecular trigger that helps prevent aging and disease
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine set out to address a question that has been challenging scientists for years: How do dietary restriction-and the reverse, overconsumption-produce protective effects against aging and disease?
Pivotal study for PSD502 -- the first potential treatment for premature ejaculation
At the annual meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), Inc. in San Diego, Sciele Pharma, Inc., a Shionogi Company and Plethora Solutions Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Plethora Solutions Holdings PLC ("Plethora" - AIM:PLE)., today presented data from its second positive pivotal study of PSD502 for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).
Night Beat, Overtime and a Disrupted Sleep Pattern Can Harm Officers' Health
A police officer who works the night shift, typically from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., already is at a disadvantage when it comes to getting a good "night's" sleep.
Fat collections linked to decreased heart function
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have shown that fat collection in different body locations, such as around the heart and the aorta and within the liver, are associated with certain decreased heart functions.
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system.
Researchers discover mechanism of insulin production that can lead to better treatment for diabetes
How a specific gene within the pancreas affects secretion of insulin has been discovered by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, in collaboration with Japanese and American universities.
Playing sport up to the end of pregnancy is healthy for the baby and the mother
Contrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the foetus.
More Diabetes Current Events and Diabetes News Articles
 |
The First Year: Type 2 Diabetes: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Gretchen Becker (Author), Allison B. Goldfine (Foreword) After Gretchen Becker was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1996, she educated herself on every aspect of this chronic condition — by reading medical and scientific books and journals, talking with doctors and listening to her own body. In 2001, she marshaled everything she had learned as a "patient-expert" into the first edition of this book, which she has now completely updated and revised. The First Year®—Type 2 Diabetes uniquely guides you step-by-step through your first year with diabetes, walking you through everything you need to learn and do each day of your first week after diagnosis, each subsequent week of the first month, and each subsequent month of the crucial first year. In clear, concise, accessible language, Becker covers a wide range of practical, medical, and... |
 |
Diabetes For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) by Alan L. Rubin MD (Author) Covers the latest glucose meters and insulin treatments The straight facts on treating diabetes successfully and living a full life Want to know how to manage diabetes? Leading diabetes expert Dr. Alan Rubin gives you reassuring, authoritative guidance in putting together a state-of-the-art treatment program. You'll learn about all the advances in monitoring glucose, the latest medications, and how to develop a diet and exercise plan to stay healthy. You'll also see how to overcome insurance and on-the-job obstacles. Discover how to: Reduce your diabetes risk Understand the different types of diabetes Manage diabetes in children and the elderly Prevent long-term complications Get the support you need |
 |
Diabetes Health Pack-Nature Made Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement, 60 Packets by Nature Made Nature Made® Diabetes Health Pack provides essential nutrients that may be lacking due to the strain diabetes can often put on the bodys health. Each pack provides a complete, full potency formulation of vitamins, minerals and alpha lipoic acid. |
 |
The Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges by American Diabetes Association (Author) Every day, every meal, millions and millions of people count on the world-famous Exchange Lists for Meal Planning to make sure they're choosing the right kinds of foods and portion sizes from the various food groups. Now people with diabetes can take the Exchange Lists with them to the grocery store or to restaurants with the Official Pocket Guide to Diabetic Exchanges. Measuring just 3.5" x 6", this little powerhouse is jam-packed with the exact same information found in the standard exchange lists, yet it fits conveniently into a purse or coat pocket. |
 |
Blood Sugar 101: What They Don't Tell You About Diabetes by Jenny Ruhl (Author) Based on the award winning Bloodsugar101.com web site, this book explains what peer-reviewed research published in top medical journals has to say about: What is a normal blood sugar? How does diabetes develop? What really causes diabetes? What blood sugar levels cause complications? Must you deteriorate? What diet is right for you? How can you make that diet work? What medications are safe? What supplements lower blood sugar? Written in clear and understandable language, this book provides all the tools needed to understand how blood sugar works and achieve blood sugar health. |
 |
The 30-Day Diabetes Miracle: Lifestyle Center of America's Complete Program to Stop Diabetes, Restore Health,and Build Natural Vitality by Franklin House (Author), Stuart A. Seale (Author), Ian Blake Newman (Author) A revolutionary program for combating and reversing diabetes. Over the past ten years, Lifestyle Center of America has emerged as the center in the country that offers a proven-successful program to combat diabetes-and even reverse its adverse effects on the body. Now available in book form for the first time, LCA's program enables individuals to actually get to the root of their problems by teaching them the ways of lifestyle-change, the power of diet, activity, and stress management. It also shows how to: - Eliminate counterproductive habits - Adopt therapeutic and preventative nutritional changes - Overcome insulin resistance with a new lifestyle medicine paradigm - Achieve motivation and inspiration through pro-active healthcare coaching - Understand the extraordinary benefits of a... |
 |
Betty Crocker's Diabetes Cookbook: Everyday Meals, Easy as 1-2-3 by Betty Crocker Editors (Author) At last! This special cookbook puts flavor and choice back on the menu for people with diabetes and their families Betty Crocker, America's most trusted friend in the kitchen, has teamed up with the International Diabetes Center (IDC)--one of the leading medical centers--to create an indispensable source of easy-to-make recipes and up-to-the-minute food and nutrition information for the growing numbers of people who have diabetes, more than 15 million of them. Here is the first cookbook to include recipes featuring Carbohydrate Choices--the new, simplified approach to meal planning recommended by the American Diabetes Association. For people who find diet exchanges too hard, too limiting or too much work, this new method is a real breakthrough. Each of the book's 140 recipes... |
 |
OneTouch UltraMini Glucose Monitoring System, Silver Moon by OneTouch - LifeScan Black color only. |
 |
Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars by Richard K. Bernstein (Author) The standard text on living with diabetes, newly revised and updated with all the latest scientific findings. Since its first publication in 1997, DR. BERNSTEIN'S DIABETES SOLUTION has become the treatment of choice in the medical field. In this revised and updated edition of his work, Dr. Bernstein provides an accessible, detailed guide to his revolutionary approach to normalizing blood sugars and thereby preventing or reversing long-term complications of diabetes. He offers the most up-to-date information on new products, medications, and supplements, and outlines a plan to reverse the obesity that underlies most cases of Type II diabetes. Dr. Bernstein discusses breakthrough science and potential cures, and has added information on the new insulins and insulin ... |
 |
The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook: Simple, Quick, and Delicious Recipes Using Just 4 Ingredients or Less by Nancy Hughes (Author) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |