Articles related to Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism

Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega-3 fatty acids, reduced autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis by 22%, according to the findings of a new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15%, which was not statistically significant. Both treatment arms showed larger effects than the reference arm (vitamin D placebo and omega-3 fatty acid placebo).

Thinking of starting the new year off with a diet? According to U.S. News and World Report, the Mediterranean diet is the best overall diet for adults. The diet was ranked first in the categories of best diets for healthy eating, easiest diets to follow, and best diets for diabetes, among other measurable categories.

A new study has found that people with osteoporosis may experience less protection and be subject to more bone fractures when treated with the drug risedronate. Patients who were treated with risedronate during a drug holiday experienced more hip and other fractures than patients given other medications. Drug holidays are recommended after three to five years on therapy for most people taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. Risedronate, with its shorter half-life compared with alendronate, is associated with a somewhat higher risk of hip fracture during a drug holiday.

A systematic review identified 204 eligible publications from 2000 through 2017, with much of the evidence consisting of systematic reviews of observational data, consensus guidelines, case series, and case reports. Due to the paucity of high-quality evidence on management of immune-related adverse events, recommendations are based on expert consensus.

From the American Red Cross to volunteering overseas, there are plenty of feel-good “enlistments” out there for the practicing or retired physician, which can help ward off boredom and burnout while adding the benefit of perhaps learning a new skill or meeting new people. Whether your goals are short-term or you’re in for the long haul, here are nine opportunities to help humanity and feel good about the part you’re playing in the world.

Amy Watson became famous for coining the term “COVID long hauler” to describe people, such as herself, who suffer from the effects of the respiratory disease over an extended period. These long-haul symptoms can include fever, body aches, and fatigue. Watson herself says she rarely goes more than a few hours without suffering a fever, nearly two years after first contracting COVID-19. GoodRx Health chronicles Amy Watson’s story and what it’s like for people suffering from long COVID.