Articles tagged with Endocrinology
Research suggests that childhood sedentariness contributes to elevated cholesterol levels and premature heart attack or stroke in mid-life. Engaging in light physical activity for 3-4 hours/day may be effective in reducing high cholesterol.
A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.
A new Cochrane review has found that human insulin can be stored at room temperature for up to six months without losing potency. This breakthrough research offers hope to millions of people living with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those with limited access to refrigeration or healthcare.
A recent meta-analysis found that women in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected by obesity, with risks ranging from 2-3 times higher than men. This disparity is most pronounced in the Sub-Saharan region, where women are up to 10 times more likely to have obesity.
A recent study presents exciting future possibilities for managing type 1 diabetes with the repurposed drug α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), which may reduce insulin dependency. The researchers have established preliminary safety of DFMO for individuals with type 1 diabetes, paving the way for innovative therapies.
A new study identifies children at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and strategies for prevention, including anti-obesity medication and lifestyle changes. Higher levels on certain diabetes screening tests and worsening obesity may better predict diabetes risk in children.
A new quality improvement study shows a primary care intervention reduced the number of older adult patients at risk for hypoglycemia by almost 50%. The tool facilitated shared decision-making and improved patients' daily lives, leading to de-escalation of diabetes medications causing hypoglycemia in 20% of participants.
Researchers found that women experience a significant increase in anxiety and negative feelings during the 7-day pill-free period, similar to those experienced during menstruation. Long-term pill users may benefit from mood-stabilizing effects while taking their pill.
A new study found pediatric endocrinologists are concerned about threats to their personal safety and the impact of transgender health bans on medical practice. The researchers surveyed 223 pediatric endocrinologists, with 56% providing gender-affirming care, and identified safety concerns, pressures on hospitals, and threats against p...
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who follow a keto diet for at least 45 days may experience significant weight loss and improvements in reproductive hormone levels. Lower testosterone levels can also help reduce excess hair growth and other symptoms associated with PCOS.
Residency programs lack standardized menopause curriculum, with only 31% reporting any training. A national curriculum is proposed to improve patient care and address the growing need for menopause education.
Researchers at University of Galway and MIT have developed an intelligent implantable device that can sense its environment, adapt to release drugs as required, and bypass scar tissue buildup. The device uses AI to tailor drug delivery to individual patients, reducing fibrotic encapsulation and ensuring consistent dosing.
A new clinical study found that adjuvant treatment with Mitotane is not necessary for patients with low risk of recurrence if they have a complete R0 resection, low tumour stage and Ki-67 levels below 10%. This approach has shown no significant improvement in relapse rate but is associated with side effects.
A new study found an increase in precocious puberty diagnoses among girls during the COVID-19 pandemic due to poor lifestyle changes. Girls with higher body mass index scores were more likely to be diagnosed with early puberty, suggesting a link between rapid weight gain and advanced pubertal development.
Researchers found that Alzheimer's patients exhibit heightened sensitivity to light changes, which can contribute to 'sundowning' and disease progression. Light therapy could help manage these symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered a new family of locally secreted molecules called 'mammokines' that play a crucial role in controlling mammary gland fat abundance. These findings have significant implications for breast health, lactation-related disorders, and metabolic syndromes.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
A comprehensive review of biochemical markers for bone fragility in diabetes identifies low bone turnover and alterations in bone quality as key factors. The study suggests that glycemic control, AGEs, and serum IGF-1 may have predictive value for fracture risk in patients with diabetes.
A new special issue of Calcified Tissue International & Musculoskeletal Research explores how the skeleton functions as both a secretory organ and an endocrine target tissue. Researchers discuss key avenues in this area of research, including deciphering hormone messages encoded in bone cell secretory products.
A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.
A UK-wide study found that non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (NFPA) are more likely to shrink or disappear than grow within three years of monitoring. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed, and a single scan three years after initial detection would be a safe and cost-effective way to manage NFPAs.
A randomized clinical trial found that rapid access to testosterone therapy significantly reduced feelings of gender dysphoria and depression among transgender adults. The study also showed a 50% reduction in suicidal ideation compared to those on a standard waiting list.
A recent single-hospital study found that among 82 transgender and gender-diverse adolescents treated between 2016-2018, only three chose to discontinue gender-affirming hormone therapy. The reasons for discontinuation were often due to external factors, not re-transitioning to the assigned sex at birth.
Researchers found that radioactive iodine and thyroidectomy significantly increased survival rates for patients with hyperthyroidism. The treatments were associated with a decreased risk of death compared to antithyroid drugs, and had varying effects on weight gain.
A new study reveals that transgender people seen in the emergency room are sicker than cisgender individuals and more likely to be admitted to hospital. The research found a significant increase in ER visits by transgender patients between 2006 and 2018, with over half of these visits linked to chronic conditions or mental health issues.
A novel 'robotic pill' has been found to safely deliver the osteoporosis medication teriparatide orally, with comparable bioavailability to traditional injections. This breakthrough technology could offer a painless and more accessible treatment option for patients suffering from chronic conditions.
The Endocrine Society's new scientific statement distinguishes between normal aging and endocrine disease in older adults. Menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis are often undertreated despite being treatable.
The use of alternative thyroid hormone treatments is on the rise for hypothyroidism patients. A study found that desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) prescriptions have doubled over a decade, while T3 therapy has seen a significant increase in rural areas. Access to endocrine care may contribute to these disparities.
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
Research presented at ENDO 2023 found women with PCOS died 47% earlier than those without the condition. They were also at higher risk for deaths due to cardiovascular disease, tumors, diabetes, and lung infections.
Children and teenagers with diabetes frequently employ inaccurate CGM alarm settings, which may lead to reduced usefulness of these devices. Research highlights the importance of following recommended alarm best practices to ensure patients receive real-time glycemic data while minimizing alarm fatigue.
Research suggests that aromatase inhibitors can limit the effectiveness of weight loss medications in breast cancer survivors. Studies have shown that these medications are less effective in women taking aromatase inhibitors, leading to reduced weight loss and increased risk of health complications.
A new analysis of the CLEAR Outcomes Trial found that bempedoic acid lowered LDL cholesterol levels by 21% and reduced cardiovascular events by 13%. This suggests that different classes of cholesterol drugs have similar benefits for cardiovascular health.
An animal study suggests that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PCBs during pregnancy may lead to impaired cognitive function in future generations, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like behaviors. The study found that grandchildren of rats exposed to these chemicals performed worse on behavioral tasks a...
A study found that prenatal phthalate exposure may lead to hormonal changes in females, affecting future fertility, but not males. The study suggests sex-dependent effects of phthalates on hormone levels during critical development periods.
Research reveals that women with PCOS experience significant body image concerns, including greater self-classification as overweight and lower body satisfaction scores. This correlation may increase the risk of developing eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
A retrospective cohort study found a significant increase in gestational diabetes cases during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic periods. The study attributed this rise to changes in population demographics and lifestyle factors related to the pandemic.
The Endocrine Society will discuss emerging technology and diabetes research, including a scientific statement on hormones and aging. Researchers will share studies on various aspects of endocrinology, such as PCOS, obesity, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Recent research at Mississippi State University has discovered melatonin's various health benefits for cattle, including antioxidant properties that alleviate oxidative stress and potentially controlling body temperature. The hormone also alters the microbiome and promotes skeletal muscle growth in cattle.
Researchers found that rural patients with diabetes met fewer of the D5 metric criteria, including no tobacco use and blood pressure control, compared to urban patients. Rural patients also had fewer outpatient visits and endocrinology visits, which may contribute to poorer health outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.
A long-term study found that women experiencing moderate to severe hot flashes after menopause are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome and hypertension. Hormone replacement therapy may help prevent these conditions.
The European Society of Endocrinology, ESE Foundation, and other partners mark the second European Hormone Day to promote better understanding of hormone roles and encourage change in health policy. The 'Milano Declaration' calls for stronger inclusion of endocrine health perspective in European policies.
Research finds that low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of developing long COVID syndrome in patients who have previously contracted COVID-19. The study suggests that individuals with low vitamin D levels should have their levels checked after recovering from COVID-19.
Anzela Niraula won the 2023 Endocrine Images Art Competition with her image of microglia mandala, highlighting its significance in endocrine research and obesity pathogenesis. The prize includes complimentary registration to ENDO 2023 or 2024.
The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his outstanding scientific contributions to osteoporosis. The award recognizes his work on fracture risk assessment tools and musculoskeletal research.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has awarded five young investigators grants for their research on nutritional factors and musculoskeletal health. The winners' projects focus on various aspects of diet, exercise, and bone health, with potential to lead to clinical advances or preventative strategies.
Professor Bess Dawson-Hughes has been recognized with the 2023 IOF President’s Award for her significant contributions to advancing osteoporosis research and treatment. Her extensive body of work has led to a greater understanding of nutrition's role in age-related bone loss.
The IOF-ESCEO World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases is the largest international scientific event devoted to musculoskeletal disorders. The congress presents new clinical advances and research on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, frailty, and rare skeletal disorders.
The Build Better Bones platform provides practical guidance on strengthening bones through targeted exercises and bone-healthy nutrition. The platform also offers helpful information for caregivers, including support with daily tasks and medical specialty knowledge.
Children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience altered growth patterns and increased weight gain in early life, which can lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and prevention strategies for pregnant individuals.
A new study found that girls born to obese mothers are at higher risk of developing obesity or overweight, with similar BMI and fat mass to their mothers. The association was not seen in boys or daughters from non-obese fathers.
A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.
A growing connection between diabetes, oral health, and dementia highlights the importance of dental care and diabetes management as we age. Older adults with both poor oral health and diabetes experience accelerated cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for regular dental visits and adherence to diabetes treatment.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that phthalate exposure may contribute to a higher incidence of diabetes in women. The research, which studied 1,308 women over six years, showed that White women exposed to high levels of certain phthalates had a 30-63% higher chance of developing diabetes.
A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Biomarkers of bone turnover are essential for diagnosing and treating metabolic musculoskeletal diseases. The International Osteoporosis Foundation, IFCC, and ESCEO have collaborated to publish authoritative reviews on the use and interpretation of these biomarkers.