Articles tagged with Endocrinology
A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that exercising at high altitude can lead to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Research highlights growing health disparities in diabetes technology adoption between Black and white Medicare patients. Insulin pump and CGM use increased among all groups, but widened gap found between racial groups.
Researchers discovered a new hormone, fabkin, that regulates metabolism and controls insulin production in pancreatic beta cells. Blocking fabkin's activity prevented the development of both forms of diabetes in mice, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Scientists at Kobe University have successfully generated testosterone-producing Leydig cells from human iPS cells, a significant step towards developing a regenerative medicine treatment for late-onset hypogonadism. The induced cells expressed genes specific to Leydig cells and produced functional testosterone.
The use of dexamethasone has been confirmed as an effective treatment for COVID-19, reducing ICU admissions and deaths by 56%. However, the treatment can increase blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes, highlighting the need for monitoring and potential co-treatments.
Research suggests COVID-19 pandemic has adverse effects on women's menstrual cycles due to stress and sleep disturbance. Women are experiencing increased rates of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.
A new mobile phone app called GrowthMonitor can accurately measure children's height and detect potential growth disorders, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The app uses a traffic light system to inform parents of normal, amber, or red growth status, empowering them to take action.
A study published in Nature Communications identified C-terminal binding protein 2 (CtBP2) as a global regulator of metabolism that balances sugar and fat levels in the liver. CtBP2 is crucial for controlling glucose and lipid balance, making it a promising drug target for treating symptoms associated with obesity.
A new study suggests that novel obesity treatments such as modulation of the gut microbiome and gene therapy could help end the obesity epidemic. However, lack of insurance coverage and cost issues create barriers to treatment. Researchers are working on developing safer and more effective medications with fewer side effects.
A clinical trial found that a green Mediterranean diet rich in leafy greens like Mankai and green tea can elevate fasting ghrelin levels, reducing belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity. This approach may also have additional cardiometabolic benefits.
The Society for Endocrinology's annual conference will feature world-leading scientific and clinical research on endocrine clinical practice. The event will showcase the latest innovations in endocrine medicine, including Medal and Award lectures by renowned experts.
A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.
A systematic review presents evidence that environmental obesogens, such as hormone-disrupting chemicals, play a significant role in childhood and adult obesity. Dr. Leonardo Trasande recommends simple policies to reduce exposure and suggests economic benefits of limiting public exposure.
Researchers explore science behind time-restricted eating, finding it improves sleep quality and reduces obesity, diabetes, and heart disease risk. By aligning daily habits with internal rhythms, intermittent fasting can optimize health and reduce chronic disease burden.
A new study estimates that treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) costs the US $8 billion a year, primarily due to long-term metabolic health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The analysis also found pregnancy-related costs contribute significantly to the total burden.
The energy balance model fails to explain the biological causes of weight gain, whereas the carbohydrate-insulin model identifies excessive consumption of rapidly digestible carbohydrates as a key contributor to obesity. This perspective argues for a shift in focus from calorie restriction to dietary pattern change.
Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.
Experts propose a diagnostic criterion of sustained normal blood sugar levels for three months or more to diagnose type 2 diabetes remission. The long-term effects and relapse rates remain uncertain, highlighting the need for ongoing support and further research.
Researchers discovered that Neuropeptide F (NPF) in fruit flies controls sugar and fat metabolism through glucagon-like and insulin-like hormones. The study reveals similarities between insect and mammalian metabolic processes.
A preclinical study found that high-fructose diets alter villi in the small intestine, leading to increased nutrient absorption and weight gain. Fructose's primary metabolite promotes elongation of villi and supports intestinal tumor growth.
A new University of Warwick-led study found that obese patients over 60 years old can lose an equivalent amount of weight as younger people through lifestyle changes alone. The research aims to correct misconceptions about the effectiveness of weight loss in older people and promote healthy ageing.
Three experts, Professor Maria-Luisa Brandi, Dr. Lee Joon-Kiong, and Professor Ego Seeman, have been awarded the IOF President's Award for their contributions to osteoporosis research, education, and public awareness. The award recognizes their efforts to expand the Foundation's programs and outreach in the scientific and policy spheres.
A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that female reproductive endocrinology and infertility subspecialists make $67,000 less than their male counterparts annually. Researchers attribute the pay gap to factors such as salary compression and women's reluctance to negotiate over salary.
Researchers found that lixisenatide slowed the progression of kidney damage in patients with macro-albuminuria and type 2 diabetes. The study showed a statistically significant reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and a borderline significant reduction in risk of incidence of macroalbuminuria.
Diabetologists are filling a crucial gap in patient care, but their growth is hindered by resistance from payers and colleagues. The new medical specialty aims to provide comprehensive diabetes management, but challenges persist due to reimbursement issues and varying opinions on scope of practice.
Women with insufficient vitamin D levels before pregnancy were more likely to experience miscarriage compared to those with sufficient levels. Vitamin D was found to play a protective role in maintaining pregnancy.
The Champlain BASE eConsult service significantly increased specialty input, with 769 cases in April 2016 compared to four cases in April 2011. Specialists responded within three days in 75% of cases, and the system reduced wait times for specialty care once integrated into practices.
The American Diabetes Association and Michigan Medicine have released updated guidelines for the prevention, treatment, and management of diabetic neuropathy. The guidelines provide recommendations for primary care physicians on preventing this complication and suggest guidelines to manage and treat each form of diabetic neuropathy. Th...
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology have released new osteoporosis guidelines recommending that all postmenopausal women aged 50 and older be evaluated for osteoporosis risk. Successful treatment is defined as stable or increasing bone mineral density with no evidence of new fract...
A randomized trial found that using an activity tracker did not increase physical activity enough to benefit health, even with financial incentives. Despite initial increases in exercise levels, participants stopped using the devices once incentives were removed.
Researchers have discovered that adults born in the 1940s with diabetes are living longer and with less disability, performing day-to-day tasks, compared to those born a decade earlier. This trend is attributed to improvements in diabetes management and healthy lifestyle choices.
Testosterone therapy appears to be safe in the short term, with benefits including improved well-being, decreased gender dysphoria, and reduced breast cancer risk. However, potential undesired effects include acne, alopecia, and increased blood pressure.
A survey of endocrinologists found that while more education and training have been received on transgender care, self-rated comfort levels remain relatively low. Only 20% were 'very' comfortable discussing gender identity and 41% described themselves as competent to provide transgender care.
A revised Society for Endocrinology guideline offers new recommendations for assessing children with disorders of sexual development (DSD), emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary teams, psychological support, and thorough evaluation. The guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for affected children.
Modeling research suggests that universal iodine supplementation during pregnancy in mildly iodine deficient countries like the UK could save the National Health Service £200 per expectant mother, while providing monetary benefits of around £4500 per child from increased lifetime earnings.
CHOP's Dr. Michael Levine has received the Master of the American College of Endocrinology (MACE) Award for his distinguished career in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research. He is a world authority on the genetics of parathyroid disease and has published over 250 manuscripts, chapters, and reviews.
A growing number of people will be overweight or obese by 2030, with significant health and economic consequences. The UK's obesity problem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, combining scientific research, environmental factors, personal behavior, and policy interventions.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that gradual weight loss is not more effective than rapid weight loss for achieving long-term weight control. In the trial, participants who lost weight quickly were more likely to achieve target weight loss and had lower drop-out rates.
A study of 2342 patients with eating disorders found an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, with 8.9% diagnosed compared to 5.4% in the general population. The findings suggest a link between immune-mediated mechanisms and development of eating disorders.
A genetic study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests a causal link between low levels of vitamin D and high blood pressure. The study found that increasing vitamin D levels was associated with a drop in blood pressure and a decreased risk of developing hypertension.
A Canadian study found that women with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol have poorer LDL cholesterol levels than men, despite equal access to cholesterol-lowering medication. The researchers suggest a need for gender-based evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients to prevent heart disease and stroke.
A new meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D supplements do not prevent falls by 15% or more, leaving uncertainty about their benefits for vulnerable older people. The analysis of 20 randomised controlled trials involving over 29,500 participants found no evidence to support the use of vitamin D supplements to reduce fall risk.
A new analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials suggests that vitamin D supplementation does not prevent heart attacks, strokes, or bone fractures. The study concludes that vitamin D supplements probably provide little to no health benefit, contradicting previous observational studies that linked deficiency to poor health.
Researchers found that mild cold exposure can significantly affect energy expenditure over sustained time periods, suggesting a potential benefit for weight loss. Brown fat, a heat-generating organ thought to be active only in infants, is also present in adults and can be activated by cold temperatures.
Researchers created the first risk score predicting 10-year dementia risk for type 2 diabetes patients based on medical history and electronic health records. The Diabetes-Specific Dementia Risk Score assigns a value to eight predictive factors, including microvascular disease and diabetic foot.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis found that people with diabetes are at least 50% more likely to develop physical disability. The study also showed a significant association between diabetes and functional disability, including impaired mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
Consuming artificial sweeteners has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Regular consumption can also lead to altered brain activation patterns and overindulgence in high-calorie foods.
A recent study reveals that nearly 70% of UK schoolgirls aged 14-15 are iodine deficient, posing significant health risks. The highest levels of deficiency were recorded in Belfast, with tap water iodine concentrations being low or undetectable.
High doses of glucosamine can cause the death of pancreatic cells, potentially increasing the risk of developing diabetes. Research by Université Laval's Faculty of Pharmacy found that prolonged exposure to glucosamine triggers a mechanism that negatively affects cell survival in the pancreas.
A recent study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that sperm from men with non-obstructive azoospermia are equally capable of producing embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study also showed that there were no significant differences in implantation rates or clinical pregnancy rates betwee...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that bariatric surgery may be associated with an increased risk of fractures, particularly in the hands and feet. The study, which analyzed nearly 100 surgical cases over a 21-year period, showed that 21 individuals experienced 31 fractures within seven years after surgery.
A study of ICU patients found that 45% were deficient in vitamin D, with lower levels associated with greater disease severity. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to disease complications and suggest that raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial for critically ill patients.
A new study from Australia found that obese individuals feel a culture of blame and are often disrespected by medical practitioners. The study suggests that health care providers should do a more thorough assessment of the needs of individual obese patients, addressing social and psychological issues.
Research shows that ewes fed a diet enriched with polyunsaturated fats have a significantly higher chance of giving birth to male offspring. This finding suggests that dietary composition around conception can influence sex ratio in farm species.
A pilot study will be conducted in Vinh City, Vietnam, to screen people at high-risk for pre-diabetes and diabetes. The screenings will be coupled with community awareness and healthy living programs to promote a lifestyle modification program over three months.
A high-fat fast-food breakfast causes a surge in inflammatory factors in the blood stream, overwhelming the body's natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Repeated exposure may lead to chronic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease.