A global study predicts a 20% increase in insulin use by 2030 due to rising type 2 diabetes cases. Without improved access, nearly half of the 79 million adults with type 2 diabetes will not receive insulin.
Despite improvements in air quality, the study found little impact on child lung health, with reduced lung function and asthma symptoms observed. Children still live in highly polluted areas, posing lifelong health risks, emphasizing the need for further action to tackle high levels of air pollution.
The Global Burden of Disease study estimates that global mortality rates stagnated in 2017, and half of countries face a healthcare workforce shortage. Only 41 out of 195 countries have more than 30 physicians per 10,000 population, highlighting the need for increased healthcare workers to achieve universal healthcare.
The Global Burden of Disease study reveals that global mortality rates for adults stagnated or worsened in some countries in 2017, with fertility rates declining globally. The report also highlights a shortage of healthcare workers, with half of countries facing a shortfall and only 41 having sufficient physicians to serve their popula...
A new modeling study suggests that older women who test negative for human papillomavirus (HPV) with a DNA test may be at low risk of cervical cancer and could safely stop screening. However, regular cytology screening up to age 75 can still prevent cancers and is recommended for countries using HPV testing.
A new investigational antibiotic, cefiderocol, has been found effective against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a phase 2 randomised trial. The study suggested that patients treated with cefiderocol had a higher and more sustained level of pathogen eradication compared to those treated with imipenem-cilastatin.
The study reveals a significant shift from mortality to morbidity, with conditions like low back and neck pain and anxiety disorders causing disability. The authors highlight the need for health services to adapt to managing long-term conditions and address social determinants of ill health.
A special issue by The Lancet warns that primary health care is underdeveloped and underfunded, with half the world's population lacking access to essential services. The Lancet calls for renewed leadership to revive primary health care, citing its importance in delivering better health for all.
A study from Australia found a rapid decline in new HIV infections after the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men. The study, which followed 3,700 participants, showed a significant reduction in HIV diagnoses by 25% within one year.
Older adults who self-harm are at higher risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide. A large observational study found that nearly 90% were not referred for specialist mental health assessment after visiting their GP.
The global cesarean section rate has increased from 12% in 2000 to 21% in 2015, with significant disparities in use between regions and socioeconomic groups. The authors call for improved quality childbirth care globally and emphasize the need for C-sections only to be performed when medically required.
A large meta-analysis of 81 randomised trials found no effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density, fractures, or falls in adults. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed to reflect the best available evidence and that there is little justification for using vitamin D supplements for musculoskeleta...
A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.
An observational study of over 4,500 US children aged 8-11 found that limiting recreational screen time to less than two hours a day is associated with improved cognition. Half of the children met only one guideline, while those who met all three (sleep, screen time, and physical activity) had better cognitive development.
A new analysis published in The Lancet found that more than half of all countries are not on track to meet the UN target to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030. For women aged 30-70, only 9% of countries are on track, and for men, it's just 3%. The study highlights the need for policy changes to ad...
The study found that prescription rates for ADHD medications are still lower than diagnosis rates worldwide, highlighting disparities in clinical approaches to treating the condition. In contrast, regions like North America have higher medication use rates, but also face concerns of overdiagnosis and overmedication.
A study of over 1,000 patients with epilepsy found that seizures are linked to natural rhythms in around 80% of cases, with most occurring in a circadian rhythm. Weekly and longer cycles were also detected, with two-thirds of people having multiple types of cycles associated with their seizures.
A global observational study found that consuming three servings of dairy per day is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study's findings support the potential benefits of dairy consumption for mortality and cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in low-income countries.
A new analysis reveals that poor-quality care is responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths per year, surpassing deaths due to insufficient access to care. Global efforts to improve health systems will be futile if quality does not improve.
The study found that global levels of physical activity have remained stagnant since 2001, with over a quarter of the world's adult population not meeting recommended levels of activity to stay healthy. In 2016, around 32% of women and 23% of men worldwide were insufficiently active.
A new study predicts that the number of adults aged 85 and older requiring full-time care will nearly double to 446,000 in England over the next 20 years. Meanwhile, the overall numbers of people needing 24-hour care are expected to rise by more than a third to over 1 million by 2035.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that armed conflicts across Africa may have resulted in the deaths of as many as 5 million children aged under 5 years between 1995 and 2015. Conflict increased mortality risk for infants and children, particularly those born near conflict zones or exposed to higher-intensity conflicts.
Studies present new approaches to treating small coronary artery disease with drug-coated balloons, reducing the need for stents. Radial access is associated with lower rates of adverse events compared to femoral access in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
The Lancet study estimates that one in three people drink alcohol, with 2.2% of women and 6.8% of men dying from alcohol-related health problems each year. The risk of death increases rapidly with higher levels of consumption, offsetting any potential protective effects against cancer, injuries, and infectious diseases.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health journal found that moderate carbohydrate intake is associated with the lowest risk of mortality. Diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fats from animal sources were linked to a higher risk of death, while those with moderate carbohydrate intake had the longest lifespan.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that remifentanil during labour could halve the number of women needing an epidural, providing effective pain relief with reduced risks. The trial involved 400 women and found that remifentanil was associated with lower rates of instrumental deliveries and consequent morbidity.
People with younger-onset type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of cardiovascular complications and premature death. The study found that those diagnosed before the age of 10 had a 30-times greater risk of serious cardiovascular outcomes than those in the general population.
A new study of over 90,000 people in 18 countries found that sodium consumption is not associated with increased health risks for most communities, except those with very high salt intake above 5g/day. Communities with high average levels of sodium intake were mostly seen in China.
A study of 1.2 million people in the USA found that regular exercise reduces poor mental health days by 43.2%. Exercise types and duration played a significant role in this association, with team sports, cycling, and aerobics having the biggest reductions.
A recent US study found that catch-up HPV vaccination in women aged 14-20 years who receive all three doses is effective against cervical precancers. The study suggests that protection is strongest when the vaccine is initiated earlier, and further research is needed for women aged 21-26 years.
A network meta-analysis and systematic review found methylphenidate to be the most effective and safe ADHD drug for short-term treatment in children, with amphetamines being the preferred choice for adults. However, more research is needed to confirm long-term effects of ADHD medications.
A randomised controlled trial found that care from peer support workers with lived experience of mental health conditions reduced the likelihood of readmission for people who had recently left acute mental health care. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a lower rate of readmission to acute care among participants who received p...
A blood test has been shown to accurately identify patients without traumatic intracranial injuries, reducing the need for CT scans. The test uses biomarker proteins released into the bloodstream after a brain injury and showed a high sensitivity rate of 99.6%.
A flare-up of an Ebola infection in a woman who had survived the disease a year earlier has highlighted the need for continued surveillance and strengthened health systems. The virus was detected in her family members, including her husband and sons, through genetic analysis.
The HIV pandemic is not on track to end by 2030 and current approaches are insufficient. A new Lancet Commission calls for collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to win the global fight against HIV.
A UK-US post-Brexit trade deal could lead to increased drug prices in the UK, compromising the NHS's affordability and accessibility. The authors argue that the US's targeting of 'foreign free-riding' could result in a poor deal on pharmaceuticals for the UK.
A randomised controlled trial found that automated virtual reality therapy can be as effective as exposure to real-life heights in reducing fear, with participants reporting a significant reduction in fear levels after treatment. The study provides proof of concept for future psychological interventions and could increase access to men...
A new HIV vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and induce an immune response in both healthy adults and rhesus monkeys. The vaccine protected against infection with an HIV-like virus in monkeys and showed comparable results to those seen in humans, paving the way for a phase 2b clinical efficacy trial.
A new study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal reveals substantial delays in diagnosing viral meningitis, leading to unnecessary treatments and longer hospital stays. Patients with viral meningitis often experience prolonged recovery periods, including memory and mental health problems.
A new study reveals that police killings of unarmed black Americans have a significant impact on the mental health of black American adults in the general population. The quasi-experimental study found an estimated 55 million excess poor mental health days per year among black American adults due to police killings.
A Swedish cohort study of over 130,000 men found that abdominal aortic aneurysm screening did not substantially reduce deaths from the condition. The study suggests that the lower mortality rate may be due to declining smoking rates, and that the harms of screening may outweigh its benefits.
A new report calls for better evaluation of side effects from modern blood cancer treatments, which have dramatically improved survival rates. The Commission proposes new approaches to reporting adverse events, including capturing chronic and cumulative effects.
An observational study tracking over 100000 men and women found that job strain is associated with a higher risk of premature death in men with coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Despite achieving treatment targets, men experiencing job strain had a 68% greater risk of death compared to those with no job strain.
The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.
Women with metabolically 'healthy' obesity still face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even if they are not experiencing other metabolic issues. A large cohort study found that this group has a 39% increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to normal weight women without metabolic abnormalities.
The study found significant improvements in healthcare access and quality globally between 2000-2016, with many low and middle-income countries experiencing large gains. However, progress slowed or stalled in some countries, highlighting the need for urgent investment in healthcare systems to address widening gaps between health servic...
A meta-analysis of 20 randomised trials found that patients' sex may impact the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Women showed a lower survival benefit compared to men, regardless of cancer type and drug administered.
A large study of over 91,000 people found a strong association between disrupted body clock rhythms and an increased risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and poor wellbeing. Disruptions to normal daily circadian rhythms were linked to mood instability, loneliness, lower happiness, and worse cognitive function.
A new Lancet Commission proposes a comprehensive package of interventions addressing neglected areas like infertility services, prevention, and counselling for gender-based violence. Meeting all needs for sexual and reproductive health services would require a minimum global investment of $54 billion annually.
A study mapping 2016-2018 cholera epidemics in Yemen suggests a causal link between rainfall and cholera incidence, with over 13.8 million people at risk of infection. The study's findings have been used to inform mitigation efforts and prioritize vaccination campaigns and WASH interventions during the rainy season.