Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Diabetes & Endocrinology for December 2014. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Novel Mutation in Leptin Gene Tied to Early-Onset Obesity
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A mutation in the gene encoding leptin (LEP) resulting in biologically inactive leptin can cause early-onset extreme obesity, according to a brief report published in the Jan. 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
AMA Identifies Top 10 Issues That Affected Docs in 2014
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The top 10 issues that affected physicians in 2014 include many regulatory issues relating to Medicare and data release, as well as health issues such as overprescribing of antibiotics and the Ebola crisis, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
More Information
Ebola, ACA, VA Scandal Top U.S. Health News for 2014
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- It started as a deadly but little-known outbreak in West Africa, but the lethal and unchecked spread of the Ebola virus dominated U.S. headlines for much of 2014, making it one of the year's top health news features.
More Information
Surgeon General Still Has Important Role to Play
TUESDAY, Dec. 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The Surgeon General has an important role in educating and mobilizing the public and shaping policy on public health issues, according to an ideas and opinions piece published online Dec. 30 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Both Sexes Fight the Same Battle to Lose Weight
TUESDAY, Dec. 30, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Current evidence does not show any difference between men and women with regard to which strategies are most effective in achieving weight loss, according to research published online Dec. 11 in Obesity Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text
Adverse Outcomes With Unmet Material Needs in Diabetes
MONDAY, Dec. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For adults with diabetes mellitus, unmet material needs are associated with poor diabetes control and increased health care resource use, according to a study published online Dec. 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Physical Activity Assessment Indicates Cardiometabolic Risk
MONDAY, Dec. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physical activity, as assessed by the Exercise Vital Sign (EVS), is associated with improved cardiometabolic profile, according to research published Dec. 18 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Preventing Chronic Disease.
Full Text
FDA Approves Saxenda for Weight Management
MONDAY, Dec. 29, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Saxenda (liraglutide [rDNA origin] injection) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment option for chronic weight management, along with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity.
More Information
2015 Medicare Fee Schedule Offers Payment for Chronic Care
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The 2015 Medicare Fee Schedule includes a Current Procedural Terminology Code that pays for clinical staff time for developing and implementing a care plan for patients with two or more chronic conditions, according to an article published Dec. 18 in Medical Economics.
More Information
ADA Issues New Standards of Medical Care for Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 24, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- New standards of care have been issued by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and published as a supplement to the January issue of Diabetes Care.
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2015
Metformin Seems Safe for Some With Impaired Kidney Function
TUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For individuals with impaired kidney function, evidence suggests that metformin use is safe in those with mild or moderate disease, according to a review published in the Dec. 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Review: Managing Celiac Disease in T1DM Patients
TUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- More research is needed to fully understand the correlation between celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, as well as the effects of a gluten-free diet, according to a review published in the January issue of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Asian-Americans to Be Screened for T2DM at Lower BMI
TUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has lowered the body mass index (BMI) at which Asian-Americans should be screened for type 2 diabetes.
Abstract
Full Text
Resistance Training Key for Men Fighting Age-Related Weight Gain
TUESDAY, Dec. 23, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For men, combining aerobic activities with weight training is key to preserving muscle and avoiding weight gain, particularly age-related increases in waist circumference, according to research published online Dec. 22 in Obesity.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
HbA1c <7.6% Cuts Long-Term Vascular Complications in T1DM
MONDAY, Dec. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with type 1 diabetes, long-term weighted mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is associated with development of severe microvascular complications, according to a study published online Dec. 15 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Thiazide Prophylaxis for Kidney Stones Doesn't Increase DM Risk
MONDAY, Dec. 22, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of diabetes mellitus is not increased with thiazide diuretic prophylaxis for kidney stones, according to research published in the December issue of The Journal of Urology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Tips Offered to Docs, Spouses for Maintaining Happy Marriage
FRIDAY, Dec. 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Simple tips can help physicians and their spouses maintain marital happiness, according to an article published in the American Medical Association (AMA) Alliance magazine Physician Family.
More Information
Study Explores Effects of Metformin in Obese Children
THURSDAY, Dec. 18, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For obese hyperinsulinemic children, metformin seems to decrease perceived hunger and increase perceived fullness, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Low-Glycemic Index Diet Does Not Improve CV Risk Factors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Low-glycemic index (GI) diets may not improve cardiovascular risk factors such as insulin sensitivity, lipid levels, and systolic blood pressure, according to research reported in the Dec. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract
Full Text
Digital Self-Scheduling Set to Increase Considerably by 2019
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Digital self-scheduling is set to increase considerably in the next five years, according to a report published by Accenture.
More Information
Hypoglycemia Ups Cardio Events, Mortality for Insulin-Treated
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 17, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For insulin-treated patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Challenges ID'd in Development of the Physician Compare Website
TUESDAY, Dec. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), information must be made available to allow the public to compare physicians, although there are considerable challenges surrounding the development of the physician performance website, Physician Compare. These challenges are addressed in a health policy brief published online Dec. 11 in Health Affairs.
Full Text
Support for Electronic Health Information Varies With Use
TUESDAY, Dec. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Consent and purpose are important for public support of secondary uses of electronic health information, according to a study published in the Dec. 16 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Ideas and Opinions (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Physicians Reminded of Ethical Obligations Regarding Torture
TUESDAY, Dec. 16, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- With the issuing of the new U.S. Senate report on interrogations, the American Medical Association (AMA) is reminding physicians of their ethical obligations relating to torture and interrogation.
News Release
AMA Statement
Physicians Should Scrutinize Job Offers Before Accepting
MONDAY, Dec. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians should scrutinize job offers and pay attention to specific issues before accepting a job, according to an article published Dec. 3 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Webcast Scheduled to Discuss Maintenance of Certification
MONDAY, Dec. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- New data relating to Maintenance of Certification (MOC) will be discussed in a free webcast to be held Dec. 17 by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
More Information
Fiber Fermentation By-Product May Help Prevent Weight Gain
MONDAY, Dec. 15, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Propionate, a fatty acid created when fiber ferments in the colon, appears to prevent weight gain and trim fat around the waist, according to research published online Dec. 10 in Gut. However, the chemical compound doesn't seem to help people lose pounds, and the preliminary study is so small that the findings could be misleading.
Abstract
Full Text
Tips Offered for Docs to Manage Their Online Reputation
FRIDAY, Dec. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Physicians can manage their online reputation, according to a report from the American Medical Association (AMA).
More Information
Thyroidectomy, Statins May Cut Risk of Graves Ophthalmopathy
FRIDAY, Dec. 12, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Both thyroidectomy and statin use are associated with lower risk of developing thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) in individuals with Graves disease (GD), according to research published online Dec. 11 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Increased Insulin Resistance in Rheumatoid Arthritis
THURSDAY, Dec. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have elevated insulin resistance (IR), but this is not associated with increased atherosclerosis risk, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Dietary Intake Tool Validated for Renal Patients With Low Literacy
THURSDAY, Dec. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A renal food frequency questionnaire (RFF) is a valid and reliable tool for patients with limited literacy, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in the Journal of Renal Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Autologous Islet Transplant With Remote Islet Isolation Safe
THURSDAY, Dec. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Autologous islet transplantation with remote islet isolation after pancreas resection seems safe and effective for chronic pancreatitis, according to a study published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Surgery.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Adverse Outcomes Up With Elevated HbA1c in Late Pregnancy
THURSDAY, Dec. 11, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) during the second and third trimesters correlates with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, according to a study published online Nov. 3 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
More Students Enrolling in U.S. Medical Schools
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- More students are enrolling in medical schools, and enrollees are more diverse than before, according to a report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
More Information
More Docs, Patients Not Speaking Same Language
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- People applying to become medical residents in the United States speak a wide range of non-English languages, but many aren't the languages spoken by patients with limited English skills, according to a research letter published in the Dec. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on medical education.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Six-Week Antibiotic Tx Effective for Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO), six weeks of antibiotic therapy seems as effective as 12 weeks of treatment, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Higher Paid Docs Earn More Money From More Procedures
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- High-income doctors make more money by ordering more procedures for each patient rather than by seeing more patients, according to an analysis of 2012 Medicare data published in a research letter Dec. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Work-Hour Restrictions Have Not Improved Outcomes
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Reducing medical residents' work hours hasn't improved mortality rates, hospital readmission rates, or outcomes of surgery, according to two new studies published in the Dec. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on medical education.
Abstract - Patel
Full Text
Abstract - Bilimoria
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Docs Trained in High-Cost Areas Practice More Costly Medicine
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors who were trained in high-cost areas of the United States may be more likely to practice expensive medicine, a new study suggests; however, that effect gradually decreases over time. The study was published in the Dec. 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a theme issue on medical education.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Continued Metformin Beneficial for Diabetes With Cirrhosis
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Continuation of metformin therapy may improve survival in diabetes patients who are diagnosed with cirrhosis, according to research published in the December issue of Hepatology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Tramadol Use May Up Risk of Hospitalization for Hypoglycemia
TUESDAY, Dec. 9, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Tramadol use is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia requiring hospitalization, especially in the first 30 days of use, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
AMA: Starting Small Can Lead to Big Changes in Patient Lives
MONDAY, Dec. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A patient and her physician shared her story of health transformation during a special session at the 2014 American Medical Association (AMA) Interim Meeting in Dallas.
More Information
Long-Term Effect of Gestational Diabetes Treatment Uncertain
MONDAY, Dec. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- The effects of treatment of mild gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on long-term child health are unclear, according to research published online Nov. 20 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Premature Ejaculation Linked to Hypoglycemic Variability in T1DM
MONDAY, Dec. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Higher glycemic variability in the hypoglycemic domain is associated with premature ejaculation (PE) in young males with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), although prevalence of PE is similar for young males with and without T1DM, according to a study published online Nov. 26 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Metabolic Abnormalities Tied to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
MONDAY, Dec. 8, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Metabolic abnormalities such as metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance are associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), according to two studies published online Dec. 8 in BJU International.
Abstract - Pashootan
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract - Luke
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Peer Education Helpful for Diabetes Patients in Distress
FRIDAY, Dec. 5, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Peer education improves mental status in type 2 diabetes patients who have emotional disorders, according to research published online Nov. 16 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Abstract
Full Text
AMA: Social Determinants of Health to Be Taught in Med School
THURSDAY, Dec. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- A new policy implemented by the American Medical Association (AMA) supports integrating more training on the social determinants of health into undergraduate medical education, according to a report published by the AMA.
More Information
Low Testosterone Linked to Adverse Outcomes in T2DM
THURSDAY, Dec. 4, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For men with type 2 diabetes, low serum testosterone seems to be implicated in adverse clinical outcomes, according to a review published online Nov. 3 in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation.
Abstract
Full Text
Preconception Care Could Cut Pregestational Diabetes Burden
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Universal preconception care (PCC) could reduce the health and cost burden associated with diagnosed and undiagnosed pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM), according to a study published online Oct. 28 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Childhood Obesity Prevention Programs Impact LDL-C, HDL-C
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Childhood obesity prevention programs are beneficial for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the December issue of Obesity Reviews.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Hyperglycemia Linked to Reduced Muscle Strength
TUESDAY, Dec. 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Hyperglycemia is associated with reduced muscle strength over time, according to a study published online Nov. 12 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Too Much Patient Care Tied to Faculty Members' Intent to Leave
TUESDAY, Dec. 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Spending "far too much/too much" time/effort on patient care is associated with increased intent to leave the institution, according to research published in Academic Medicine.
Full Text
Midlife Diabetes Linked to Greater Cogntive Decline Later
TUESDAY, Dec. 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Diabetes in midlife is associated with a greater decline in cognitive skills over 20 years, according to a new study published in the Dec. 2 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Doctor Discusses Ways to Keep Morale in Medicine High
MONDAY, Dec. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Despite the many frustrations for doctors in medical practice, there are ways to keep morale high, according to an article published Nov. 20 in Medical Economics.
More Information
Testosterone Tx Doesn't Up Prostate CA in Hypogonadal Men
MONDAY, Dec. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- For hypogonadal men, long-term testosterone therapy seems not to be associated with increased incidence of prostate cancer, according to research published in The Journal of Urology.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Many Physicians Report Their Incomes Have Plateaued
MONDAY, Dec. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Many physicians report that their personal income has not changed since last year, according to the results of the Physicians Practice 2014 Physicians Compensation Survey.
More Information
Mortality Risk Up With Both Low and High HbA1c Levels
MONDAY, Dec. 1, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Excess mortality risk is associated with both known diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes but not prediabetes, with lowest risk at HbA1c levels 5.4 to 5.6 percent and a significantly increased risk at ≤5.0 percent and ≥6.4 percent, according to a study published online Nov. 20 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
