Endocrinology News and Research

Latest Endocrinology News and Research

Erbitux recognized as one of the major clinical cancer advances of 2009

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has once again recognized Erbitux® (cetuximab) as one of the major clinical cancer advances of 2009. This year Erbitux was selected by ASCO for providing the first significant increase in survival for 30 years in the treatment of patients with 1st-line recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

16 Nov 2009

Color of skin impacts health, say researchers

Researchers from the universities of Bristol and St. Andrews in the UK have found that the color of a person's skin affects how healthy and therefore attractive they appear, and have found that diet may be crucial to achieving the most desirable complexion. The work will be published in the December issue of Springer's International Journal of Primatology.

16 Nov 2009

Mayo Clinic Health Letter provides treatment options for people with heart disorders

Fewer than one-third of patients with heart failure are taking the three types of medications that are most effective in prolonging life and improving quality of life. The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter provides an overview of treatments recommended by national guidelines.

16 Nov 2009

Self-care tips for hemorrhoids from Mayo Clinic

By about age 50, more than half of adults have dealt with hemorrhoids. The November issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers home treatments that can relieve symptoms of this common and embarrassing problem.

16 Nov 2009

Tips to ensure adequate vitamin D levels

Thousands of independent studies in the past three years have revealed a strong connection between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk for a variety of serious illnesses including as many as 22 forms of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis, as well as common colds and flus.

16 Nov 2009

HealthPartners' health plans ranked top in Minnesota

HealthPartners is among the top 25 best private health plans in the nation and the top ranked plan in Minnesota according to U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America's Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10.” The report measures how well health plans perform on 50 measures of health care and member satisfaction. Two hundred thirty nine health plans from across the nation are included in the report. The top 50 health plans, including HealthPartners, are listed in the Nov. 16, 2009 print edition of U.S. News & World Report.

16 Nov 2009

Personal CGM improves glucose control for diabetes patients

In acknowledgement of this year’s World Diabetes Day, which calls on all those responsible for diabetes care to understand diabetes and take control, Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) highlights the growing body of clinical evidence for Personal Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in improving glucose control for diabetes patients.

16 Nov 2009

Department of Health to conduct statewide clinics to administer free H1N1 vaccine

The Department of Health today announced it will conduct statewide clinics from Nov. 20-22 to administer free H1N1 vaccine to individuals in the recommended target groups that have not had previous access to the vaccine.

16 Nov 2009

Columbia University Medical Center presents the 2009 Naomi Berrie Awards

Columbia University Medical Center will present the 2009 Naomi Berrie Awards to a nationally recognized diabetes researcher, and a promising young investigator, for their outstanding achievements in diabetes research.

16 Nov 2009

Merck to market and develop cardiovascular medicines for a range of cardiovascular disorders

Following the completion of its merger with Schering-Plough, Merck today confirms and underscores its commitment to marketing and developing cardiovascular medicines for a range of cardiovascular disorders.

16 Nov 2009

Joslin Diabetes Center completes a major overhaul of its website

Joslin Diabetes Center, the world's preeminent diabetes research and clinical care organization, has completed a major overhaul of its website, to provide more easily accessible information and interactions for patients, researchers, healthcare professionals and the public.

16 Nov 2009

Phase I clinical study for ETC-1002 commenced

Esperion Therapeutics, a privately held biotechnology company working to discover, develop and commercialize treatments for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, today announced that the company has initiated a Phase I clinical study for ETC-1002, the company's novel small molecule compound designed to beneficially regulate the levels of plasma lipids and lipoproteins.

16 Nov 2009

Study confirms that people with severe mental disorders more at risk of dying from heart disease

A large new study confirms that people with severe mental disorders — such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders — are 25 percent to 40 percent more prone to die from heart disease than people without mental illness are.

13 Nov 2009

Decreased heart functions associated with fat collection in different body locations: Study

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. The study, which appears on-line in Obesity, also found that measuring a person's body mass index (BMI) does not reliably predict the amount of undesired fat in and around these vital organs.

13 Nov 2009

Canadians to celebrate World Diabetes Day in recognition of people who live with diabetes

In recognition of the ongoing commitment by millions of Canadians who build awareness of, and live with diabetes, World Diabetes Day will be celebrated on November 14. An official United Nation's World Health Day, World Diabetes Day marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Dr. Charles Best, co-discovered insulin in 1921.

13 Nov 2009

Diabetic retinopathy on the rise; dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss

The incidence of diabetes continues to increase, particularly among adolescents and young adults. The CDC projects the number of diabetic retinopathy cases will double by 2050. On World Diabetes Day, November 14, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy), through its EyeSmart™ campaign, is reminding the public that an annual dilated eye exam can help prevent vision loss in people with diabetes.

13 Nov 2009

Easy and affordable genetic test from Pathway Genomics

Pathway Genomics™ (www.PATHWAY.com), a privately held, venture-backed company, today announced an exclusive agreement to partner with OptumHealthSM Allies and offer the organization’s 15 million members a 20% discount on Pathway’s Health and Ancestry genetic test.

13 Nov 2009

Regence BlueCross recognized as Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company

Regence BlueCross BlueShield has been recognized as a Platinum-Level Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association's Start! movement for helping employees eat better and move more.

13 Nov 2009

"Make Our Food Safe" coalition urges Senate to enact stronger food safety laws

Over the next several weeks, the U. S. Senate has an historic opportunity to take a major step toward improving food safety for all Americans. That is why a coalition of public health professionals, consumer organizations and groups representing victims of foodborne illness is sending the message that it is time to "Make Our Food Safe for the Holidays!"

13 Nov 2009

Low-level physical activity has beneficial effects on materno-foetal health: Study

Contrary to more conservative customs, exercising up to the end of pregnancy has no harmful effect on the weight or size of the foetus. This is what has been indicated in a study carried out by researchers of the Universidad Polit-cnica de Madrid (Polytechnic University of Madrid), which also shows the positive relationship between the weight of sedentary mothers before pregnancy and the body size of their babies. The conclusions appear in the International Journal of Obesity.

13 Nov 2009