A study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that adhering to a healthy diet can lead to better blood glucose levels and lower the risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, even in individuals with a high genetic predisposition for the disease. The study, conducted on middle-aged and elderly men, found that a healthy…
Afrezza, an inhaled insulin approved by the US FDA in 2014, when combined with long-acting basal analog insulin, has shown to be a non-inferior treatment option for those with type 1 diabetes. A recent study presented at the American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions compared Afrezza with usual care in 123 adults with type 1…
The healthcare industry is experiencing a digital transformation driven by the need for improved patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and evolving technological trends. However, many hospitals face budget constraints that hinder their ability to modernize healthcare technology, leading to challenges with system integrations and security vulnerabilities. Prioritizing security, data governance, and embracing AI-based solutions are essential…
A study presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions found that oral fenofibrate, a lipid-lowering drug, was associated with a 27% reduction in progression of diabetic eye disease over 4 years. This drug, repurposed for the LENS trial, showed significant benefits in reducing diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy. The study involved over 1,100 adults with…
The House panel is considering voting on scaled-back versions of health care bills to expand Medicare coverage for cancer screening tests and weight loss drugs. The full coverage of these items has bipartisan support, but the high costs to the federal government have been a hindrance. By reducing the measures to a more affordable price…
Chiropractors in Australia are once again banned from performing spinal manipulation on children under the age of two due to health concerns. The controversy arose from a video showing a chiropractor manipulating a two-week-old baby’s spine. The evidence on the effectiveness and safety of spinal manipulation in babies is limited, with few studies showing a…
Sobi® has received Marketing Authorization from the European Commission for ALTUVOCT™ (efanesoctocog alfa) for the treatment of hemophilia A. ALTUVOCT is a sustained factor VIII replacement therapy for all ages that can significantly reduce bleeds with once-weekly prophylaxis. The EMA also endorsed ALTUVOCT’s orphan drug designation, granting a 10-year market exclusivity period. Studies have shown…
Delaying treatment with recommended statin therapy for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes leads to significantly higher rates of cardiovascular events over a 10-year follow-up period. Those who accepted the recommended statin therapy from the start had a 6.4% risk of adverse CV events, compared to 8.5% for those who delayed. The risk for…
Before Covid-19, only a small number of Medicare beneficiaries had access to virtual care, limited to those in rural areas. Covid-19 waivers expanded telehealth access, but these are set to expire on December 31 unless Congress acts. Advocates are calling for an extension to ensure continued access. CMS must establish Medicare payment policies by January…
Arizona and Florida, states with high rates of uninsured children, set goals to expand health insurance for those 18 and younger. However, their plans highlight differences in charging low-income families for premiums and consequences for missed payments. Arizona aligned with the Biden administration, suspending monthly premiums for KidsCare. In contrast, Florida has yet to start…
The study investigated the use of dapsone gel 7.5% for treating acne vulgaris in patients with skin of color. By week 24, the number of lesions decreased by 53% from baseline, and adverse events were mild and unrelated to treatment. Efficacy results showed a decrease in the Global Acne Assessment Score, indicating the gel’s effectiveness….
Mark H. Smith’s daughter, Mallory, died at 25 from a bacterial infection after a double-lung transplant. They tried phage therapy, which showed promise but was too late. Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat, with bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Phage therapy, using viruses to target bacteria, has advantages over antibiotics. However, FDA regulations limit its…
Choosing the right bedding, such as cotton, wool, or polyester, can have a significant impact on thermal comfort and sleep quality. Different textiles offer varying levels of insulation, moisture management, and breathability. Wool is effective in both summer and winter due to its absorbent properties, while linen is better for staying cool in the summer….
The international study on arthritis risk in psoriasis patients found a high burden of joint symptoms in 25% of the 712 patients studied. Led by researchers from Oxford, University College Dublin, and The University of Manchester, the study aims to recruit 2,000 more patients with psoriasis to predict and prevent arthritis development. The HIPPOCRATES study…
The drug tirzepatide has shown promising results in reducing sleep disturbances in patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea, with 40% to 50% of patients no longer needing a CPAP device. The drug also helped lower C-reactive protein levels, systolic blood pressure, and led to significant weight loss. The two double-blind randomized controlled trials demonstrated…
The pharmaceutical industry has evolved to better meet the needs of patients, with Medical Affairs playing a crucial role in drug development and commercialization. However, there are significant barriers to diversity in clinical trial participation, particularly among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. Structural and personal barriers limit access to clinical trials, which can result in…
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Ireland, with 9,000 deaths and 25,000 hospital admissions annually. OxygenCare partners with Defibtech to improve access to life-saving defibrillators in Ireland. Defibtech, a trusted American manufacturer, aims to provide reliable and affordable resuscitation devices globally. The partnership aims to ensure that defibrillators are available and functional…
A cyberattack on Ascension’s health care system led to disruptions in patient care across hospitals nationwide. Nurses and doctors reported medication errors, delayed lab results, and compromised safety checks. The attack locked providers out of systems, affecting electronic health records, communication, and care coordination. Ascension stated that care teams were trained for disruptions, but workers…
A study presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions showed that adults with obesity who reduce their body weight can lower their odds of developing obesity-related cancers. Researchers analyzed data from over 100,000 adults with obesity and found that a decrease in BMI over 3, 5, and 10 years intervals was associated with a…
A jury found Stanford University and Stanford Health Care liable for racial harassment and discrimination against a longtime employee, awarding her $20 million in damages which was later reduced to $10 million by the court. The employee, Qiqiuia Young, filed a lawsuit in 2017 alleging that co-workers at Stanford Cancer Center dressed as Ku Klux…
Sarah Martin, a patient author from Scotland, UK, criticizes politicians for blaming ill and disabled people for systemic failures in the NHS and society. Despite low fraud rates for disability benefits, the government has targeted this group as scapegoats. Martin shares her personal struggles with misdiagnosis and lack of proper treatment within the NHS, highlighting…
Body mass index (BMI) has been a common tool to assess body fat levels, but it has limitations for certain populations. A new metric called the body roundness index (BRI) may be a more accurate alternative as it focuses on body shape and fat distribution rather than just size. BRI is calculated based on height…
As summer approaches, it’s important to take care of our feet, especially since warm weather can worsen fungal infections like Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection that can lead to itching, redness, and cracking of the skin on the feet. It is highly contagious and can spread easily in moist and warm…
CGM monitoring for hospitalized diabetes patients can provide insight into insulin needs and reduce blood draws. Research at the American Diabetes Association sessions suggests most CGM readings fall within acceptable ranges, with potential integration into electronic health records. Studies show patients and nurses prefer CGM over traditional monitoring. Another study at Massachusetts General Hospital suggests…
MedCity’s annual INVEST Digital Health conference, happening in September in Dallas, will focus on AI and drug development, investment trends, consumer diagnostics, and digital health tools. The conference, at Pegasus Park, aims to support North Texas’ life sciences ecosystem. Discussions will cover issues like validating digital health tools, selling to employers, pharma’s use of AI,…
Dr Catherine Conlon highlights the mental health harms caused by social media, urging action to address the issue. Surveys show that many students feel unwelcome in school, with a rise in cyberbullying. The US Surgeon General calls for warning labels on social media platforms to address mental health risks. Parents, schools, and policymakers are urged…
The U.S. government identified an outbreak of bird flu on dairy farms, which the World Health Organization considers a public health concern. Despite this, only about 45 people have been tested for the virus in the country. Experts are concerned that without widespread testing, the country might not detect if the virus begins to spread…
Dr. Osagie Ebekozien, chief medical officer at T1D Exchange, discusses the organization’s efforts to translate research into practice in a video exclusive. T1D Exchange is focused on preparing practices for screening and preventing type 1 diabetes, improving outcomes in various populations, training clinicians and patients on diabetes technologies and therapies, and reaching out to primary…
Hank Green, a well-known internet educator and science communicator, recently disclosed his battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his new comedy special “Pissing Out Cancer.” Despite his initial fears of being defined by his illness, Green has embraced using his cancer journey to educate and bring awareness. Through jokes and storytelling, Green shares his experiences with…
Scientists have discovered novel immune responses that explain how some people avoid getting COVID-19. High levels of a gene called HLA-DQA2 before exposure were associated with preventing sustained infection of SARS-CoV-2. The study involved 36 healthy adult volunteers who were administered the virus and monitored for immune responses. Those who cleared the virus effectively had…
A lawsuit in Philadelphia involves claims against the makers of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Patients experienced gastrointestinal issues after taking these medications and allege that the companies did not adequately warn them about the risks. These drugs belong to the GLP-1 agonist class and were originally approved for Type 2 diabetes…
Novo Nordisk will present 34 abstracts at the upcoming 84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, focusing on their portfolio. The trials with semaglutide will assess benefits in diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The data reflects the need for medicines that address multiple aspects of these interconnected conditions. Novo Nordisk aims to develop treatments…
Bariatric surgery for weight loss reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) according to a recent study. The study, known as MOSAIC, targeted obesity, the main driver of OSA, which affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide with a lack of treatment data. The study looked…
Japan is currently experiencing a rise in cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a severe and potentially fatal complication of a flesh-eating bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. Symptoms start as fever, chills, and muscle aches, progressing rapidly to low blood pressure and severe complications like necrotizing fasciitis. The country has reported 977…
The healthcare industry is transitioning towards a value-based care model, focusing on affordability, quality, access, and health equity. Providence Health Plan, with 660,000 members, is part of this shift, utilizing technology to support the change. While Medicare Advantage plans are moving quickly towards value-based care, employer-sponsored plans are progressing slower. Providence Health Plan has updated…
A new Lancet series recommends earlier testing and treatment for gestational diabetes to reduce pregnancy complications and improve long-term health outcomes. The current approach to managing gestational diabetes focuses on late diagnosis, typically after 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, experts argue that starting treatment before 14 weeks can prevent complications for both mother and baby….
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Connie Steed, an infection prevention consultant and APIC’s immediate past president, was honored with the 2024 Carole DeMille Achievement Award for her more than 4 decades in infection prevention. The award celebrates a lifetime of achievements and honors an APIC infection preventionist member who has advanced the practice and profession of infection prevention and control….
First Opinion is a platform on STAT that features articles about life sciences written by various experts. Readers can submit Letters to the Editor in response to these articles. One article discusses the impacts of long Covid, another addresses health anxiety in the healthcare system, and a third calls for reform at the NIH to…
A randomized phase 3 clinical trial compared the effectiveness of nab-paclitaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine versus cisplatin and gemcitabine as first-line chemotherapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results were published in BMJ 2024, with the study showing promising outcomes for the nab-paclitaxel combination in improving survival rates and reducing tumor progression. This…
Biliary atresia (BA) is a severe neonatal liver disease with unclear etiology, leading to cirrhosis and the need for liver transplants. Early diagnosis through Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) is crucial, but non-invasive diagnostic methods are lacking. Key biomarkers like MMP-7, FGF-19, and M2BPGi show promise in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions. Established markers like…
Merck Foundation announced the winners of the Africa Media Recognition Awards 2023 from Kenya, focusing on issues such as infertility stigma, girl education, and health awareness. The event was held via videoconference in partnership with African First Ladies to recognize outstanding media contributions. Winners from other African countries were also acknowledged. The recipients were commended…
Altuvoct is a medication utilized for the treatment and prevention of bleeds in individuals of all ages with hemophilia A. It is also used for perioperative prophylaxis. This medication is beneficial for managing and preventing bleeding episodes in patients with this blood disorder. Altuvoct is commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals to help improve the quality…
A new study found that women who experience depression during pregnancy or after giving birth are at an increased risk of developing heart disease for up to two decades. The study, which analyzed data from 600,000 women, identified associations with elevated risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure. Women with perinatal…
Knownwell, an obesity care company, acquired its competitor Alfie Health this week after receiving $20 million in funding. Knownwell provides hybrid primary care and metabolic health treatment, while Alfie Health is an online obesity management clinic with an AI platform for personalized weight management recommendations. The acquisition will help knownwell expand access to comprehensive metabolic…
Recent research shows that more 13-year-olds have tried vaping than smoking, with those having a parent who vapes or smokes being more likely to try e-cigarettes. The study also found that one-in-ten 13-year-olds have tried alcohol, with some drinking regularly. Girls were more likely to drink than boys, especially if their parents binge-drink. Additionally, the…
Adult acne is a common issue that can be caused by hormonal changes, stress, or lifestyle factors. Understanding your skin type and using the right skincare products is crucial to managing acne effectively. Natural solutions like a balanced diet, hydration, and stress management can also help improve skin health. Establishing regular sleep patterns and seeking…
Knownwell, a weight-inclusive primary and metabolic care provider, acquired AI-enabled precision metabolic health management company Alfie Health to enhance its clinical decision support offerings. Alfie’s ObesityRx platform will be integrated into Knownwell’s care model, deepening its value-based care infrastructure. Knownwell offers primary care and metabolic health services both in-person and virtually, with locations in Texas…
Abigail Arellano guarda todas las facturas médicas de su hijo Samuel, quien fue herido de bala en un desfile, en una carpeta azul en su cocina. Las facturas siguen llegando y los costos médicos son altos, con visitas a la sala de emergencias y cirugías. La familia no tiene seguro y está contando con fondos…
A panel of experts was recruited to determine quality indicators for the care of opioid-exposed infants. The experts agreed that screening pregnant individuals for substance use disorder was crucial. Opioid-exposed infants have poorer outcomes compared to uncomplicated newborns, leading to longer hospital stays and higher rates of readmission. The panel reached a consensus on the…