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A review of large randomized clinical trials for type 2 diabetes controlling HbA1c as low as 6.5-7.0% showed many consequences, but uncertain benefits. A new approach to type 2 diabetes should include individualized HbA1c targets along with cardiovascular risk reduction reflecting patients' values and preferences, and caution is urged in using these HbA1c values as performance measures to indicate inadequate care.
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A polypill consisting of low doses of thiazide, atenolol, ramipril, simvastatin, and aspirin administered to 2053 subjects in 50 centers in India was effective in reducing multiple risk factors and cardiovascular risk.
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The FDA has approved the first oral, selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist for the treatment of hypervolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia.
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The ACTIVE Investigators. Effect of clopidogrel added to aspirin in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Resistance to antibiotics continues to pose a serious problem in treating infections. While new pharmaceutical agents are being developed, interest in alternative treatments is also growing. Grapefruit seed extract is one commercially available antimicrobial that has attracted considerable attention.
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Several large observational studies have suggested that vitamin E supplementation lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. However, the results of large randomized controlled trials failed to show a clear benefit of a-tocopherol supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes.
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Subgroups of U.S. adults who are minorities, poor, or undereducated with chronic cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia have large disparities in treatment for these conditions compared with white, high school-educated adults when they are uninsured or underinsured.
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According to results of a gallup organization survey released during the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 57th Annual Clinical meeting in Chicago, women are delaying important preventive care—in the form of pregnancy and annual check-ups—as a result of the economy.
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In-depth laboratory analysis suggests that human semen (SE) contains a peptide that enhances HIV infectivity, but the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits the increased infectivity associated with the peptide. This raises the possibility that topical intravaginal EGCG could be a useful adjunct in controlling the spread of HIV infection.
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A randomized, double-blind study found that alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) supplementation provided few additional benefits for older adults participating in a 12-week resistance-training program.
