Endocrinology News and Research

Latest Endocrinology News and Research

NAC may be an effective therapy for some features of autism

A specific antioxidant supplement may be an effective therapy for some features of autism, according to a pilot trial from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital that involved 31 children with the disorder.

30 May 2012

Link between high levels of PCB and distribution of abdominal fat

There is a correlation between high levels of the environmental toxin PCB and the distribution of body fat to the abdomen. This is shown in a new study published today in the scientific journal Obesity. Abdominal fat is already known to increase the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, among other conditions.

30 May 2012

Exendin-4 significantly minimizes damage in TBI animal models

Although the death toll is relatively low for people who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can have severe, life-long consequences for brain function. TBI can impair a patient's mental abilities, impact memory and behavior, and lead to dramatic personality changes. And long-term medical treatment carries a high economic cost.

30 May 2012

Possible association between mortality and high levels of vitamin D

Scientists know that Vitamin D deficiency is not healthy. However, new research from the University of Copenhagen now indicates that too high a level of the essential vitamin is not good either. The study is based on blood samples from 247,574 Copenhageners. The results have just been published in the reputed scientific Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

30 May 2012

Intensive glycemic control not associated with reduced risk of kidney failure in type-2 diabetics

Yale School of Medicine researchers have found that intensively controlling glucose (glycemic) levels in type-2 diabetes patients may not reduce the risk of kidney failure. The study, which is a review of data from seven clinical trials, is published in the May 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

29 May 2012

Aggressive efforts to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes are paying off

Aggressive efforts to lower blood pressure in people with diabetes are paying off - perhaps too well, according to a new study.

29 May 2012

Intensive glucose control associated with reduced risk of albuminuria

A review of data from seven clinical trials suggests that intensive glucose control is associated with reduced risk of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria (conditions characterized by excessive levels of protein in the urine usually resulting from damage to the filtering units of the kidneys), according to a report published in the May 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.

29 May 2012

Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly covers some of the biggest challenges facing public health

The Sixty-fifth World Health Assembly concluded Saturday after adopting 21 resolutions and three decisions on a broad range of health issues. The six days of discussions involved nearly 3000 delegates, including health ministers and senior health officials from amongst the 194 WHO Member States, as well as representatives from civil society and other stakeholders.

28 May 2012

Aerobic exercise improves vascular reactivity to nearly normal levels

Pre-diabetic patients who engage in regular aerobic exercise improve their vascular reactivity to nearly normal levels, even if no weight loss is achieved, according to research presented today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 21st Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress in Philadelphia. Pre-diabetes is a condition that affects nearly one in every four Americans.

28 May 2012

Intensive wellness program addresses multiple aspects of diabetes care

An integrated wellness team approach to diabetes care is helping patients lower their prescription costs and improve their condition, according to research presented today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' (AACE) 21st Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in Philadelphia.

28 May 2012

Preoperative opportunity to control blood glucoses

Patients with diabetes mellitus experience significantly higher rates of surgical and systemic complications, higher mortality and increased length of stay during hospitalization following 11 major elective procedures, according to research presented today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 21st Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress in Philadelphia.

28 May 2012

New medicine can start and hasten healing of diabetic and other chronic sores

A unique new medicine that can start and hasten healing of diabetic and other chronic sores is being developed at Umeå University in Sweden. After several years of successful experimental research, it is now ready for clinical testing.

28 May 2012

Women and men not receiving effective diagnostic testing and treatments for osteoporosis

Women and men are not receiving effective diagnostic testing and treatments of osteoporosis, a life threatening condition affecting millions of Americans, according to an expert today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 21st Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress in Philadelphia.

28 May 2012

CDKN1C gene mutation contributes to IMAGe syndrome

A gene previously linked to too much growth in patients has now also been linked to growth restriction. Different forms of the gene can lead to very different conditions, according to research published today in the journal Nature Genetics.

28 May 2012

UCLA geneticists identify mutation responsible for IMAGe syndrome

UCLA geneticists have identified the mutation responsible for IMAGe syndrome, a rare disorder that stunts infants' growth. The twist? The mutation occurs on the same gene that causes Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, which makes cells grow too fast, leading to very large children.

28 May 2012

Results from Medtronic’s Resolute DES clinical study on CAD

According to study results to be featured in Sunday's late-breaking clinical trials session at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 21st Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress in Philadelphia, the Resolute drug-eluting stent (DES) from Medtronic, Inc. yields strong performance in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients both with and without diabetes through two years of follow-up.

From Medtronic 28 May 2012

Referral to telephone-based nurse consultation may improve outcomes in women with GDM

Among women with gestational diabetes mellitus, referral to a telephone-based nurse management program was associated with lower risk of high baby birth weight and increased postpartum glucose testing, according to Kaiser Permanente researchers.

28 May 2012

ESRD patients with diabetes may benefit from Baxter’s low-glucose PD regimen

Baxter International Inc. today announced results from two large, international multicenter trials demonstrating that a low glucose peritoneal dialysis (PD) regimen favorably impacted metabolic measures important for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with diabetes, including blood glucose (sugar) control and selected lipids.

From Baxter International Inc. 28 May 2012

Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim receive positive opinion from EMA for Jentadueto

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly and Company today announced that they have received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's medicinal committee recommending approval of Jentadueto,which combines the DPP-4 inhibitor, linagliptin and metformin in a single tablet. If approved by the European Commission, linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride (HCl) will provide a new, single-tablet treatment option, taken twice-daily, for adults with Type 2 Diabetes who need to improve control of their blood glucose.

28 May 2012

Research roundup: Do mandatory screening laws affect disparities?; Mass. health law, 6 years later

Since Massachusetts passed its own expansive health law, the state's uninsured rate has dropped and access to care has dramatically improved. But as this brief notes, two major issues remain. Massachusetts will have to find ways to contain health care costs -- now under discussion in the state legislature -- as well as align itself with the federal health law. In the process, other states "can draw on some of the state's early successes and challenges"

25 May 2012