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Harvard researchers report positive trial results with artificial pancreas smartphone app

The interoperable Artificial Pancreas System smartphone app has shown improved time in the target glucose range and a statistically significant reduction in time below 70mg/dL. The study suggests that this system could provide personalized care for patients with diabetes, offering flexibility and convenience.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 25, 2019

Gastric bypass surgery may benefit muscle strength more than previously thought

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that gastric bypass surgery improves relative muscle strength and physical performance in people with obesity. Despite dramatic weight loss causing a decline in absolute strength, patients experience meaningful improvements in walking speed and other measures of physical function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 16, 2019

Mindfulness training may help support weight loss

Researchers found that participants who completed mindfulness training lost an average of 3 kilograms more than those who did not attend the course. The study suggests that mindfulness techniques can help improve eating behavior and facilitate successful weight loss in individuals with obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2018

Higher risk of heart attack on Christmas Eve

A Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack peaks at around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, especially for older and sicker individuals due to heightened emotional stress. This risk is also higher during New Year's and Midsummer holidays, as well as Monday mornings.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 12, 2018

Diabetes patients with high deductible health plans experience delays in seeking care

Research found that individuals with diabetes who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced delays in seeking care for symptoms of blood vessel diseases, including cardiac chest pain and transient ischemic attacks. The study suggests that increased out-of-pocket costs lead to changes in healthcare behavior.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

On guns, docs tell the NRA #ThisisOurLane

Physicians say firearms are within their lane, disagreeing with NRA's stance on gun violence prevention. The American College of Physicians is collaborating with the American Foundation for Firearm Injury Reduction in Medicine to provide funding for research and develop practice recommendations on firearm injury prevention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 19, 2018

Lack of exercise impacts mental health in Japanese expats

A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine found that regular exercise among Japanese expatriates can reduce time spent sitting down and improve mental health. Compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised regularly spent 135 minutes less time sitting and had a higher quality of life score.

SourceKobe University·JournalGerontology and Geriatric Medicine·DateNov 12, 2018

Data does the heavy lifting: Encouraging new public health approaches to promote the health benefits of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE)

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reports that most US adults do not engage in muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), with nearly 60% doing no MSE at all. The investigation found that low-to-moderate frequency of MSE is linked to fewer reported health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 24, 2018

Why does diabetes cause heart failure?

A Loyola University Chicago study reveals that diabetes causes heart failure through the accumulation of methylglyoxal, which weakens heart muscle cells. The findings suggest new drug treatments to counter the effects of methylglyoxal and prevent heart failure in diabetics.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 18, 2018

Pregnancy disorders may lead to more hot flashes

A new study based on SWAN data suggests that women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes may experience a greater burden of hot flashes during the menopause transition. The study identified social factors such as education as influential in shaping pregnancy outcomes and hot flashes.

Following Twitter conversations around hacked diabetes tools to manage blood sugar

Researchers analyzed Twitter conversations around OpenAPS, a DIY system combining off-the-shelf CGMs and insulin pumps, to understand its benefits and limitations. The study found that OpenAPS improved self-reported A1C and glucose variability while reducing daily distress and burden, but also raised concerns about safety and regulation.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateSep 10, 2018

Care coordination improves health of older patients with multiple chronic diseases

A large study found that care coordination strategies significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve health in seniors with multiple chronic diseases. The review included 25 studies and 12,579 older adults, highlighting the potential benefits of managing co-existing chronic illnesses in a coordinated manner.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 27, 2018