Diabetes duration and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications

Duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes complications, risk of death – The duration of diabetes and advancing age independently predict diabetes severity and risk of death in older adults with type 2 diabetes. In a new study led by Kaiser Permanente and the University of Chicago, researchers investigated contemporary rates of diabetes complications and risk of death then contrasted them across categories of age and duration of diabetes.

Fitness at 50 – free from chronic illness

Midlife fitness staves off chronic disease at end of life, UT Southwestern researchers report — Fitness at 50 – free from chronic illness – Being physically fit during your 30s, 40s, and 50s not only helps extend lifespan, but it also increases the chances of aging healthily, free from chronic illness. For decades, research has shown that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels lessen the risk of death, but it previously had been unknown just how much fitness might affect the burden of chronic disease in the most senior years ? a concept known as morbidity compression.

Stroke risk greater for older women with atrial fibrillation

Risk of stroke greater for women than men among older patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – In a study that examined use of the anticoagulant medication warfarin and risk of stroke following a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in older patients, women, especially those 75 years or older, had a higher risk of stroke than men, regardless of their risk profile and use of warfarin, suggesting that current anticoagulant therapy to prevent stroke might not be sufficient for older women.

Yearly visit to dentist can reduce heart attack risk

Professional dental cleanings may reduce risk of heart attack and stroke – Tooth scaling at least once a year reduced heart attack and stroke risks. Professional tooth scaling was associated with fewer heart attacks and strokes in a study from Taiwan presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2011.

Diabetes drug rosiglitazone linked to heart problems

New study adds weight to diabetes drug link to heart problems — Research: Comparative cardiovascular effects of thiazolidinediones: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies – A new study published on bmj adds to mounting evidence that rosiglitazone – a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes – is associated with an increased risk of major heart problems.

Young You recalls weight loss pills

Young You Corporation Issues a Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Weight Loss Pills Found to Contain an Undeclared Drug Ingredient – Young You Corporation has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that four weight loss dietary supplements sold and marketed by the firm contain an undeclared drug ingredient.

Certain drug coated stents may be safe, effective

Certain drug-coated stents may be safe, effective option for elderly patients – Stents coated with the drug paclitaxel may be a safe, effective treatment option for coronary artery disease (CAD) patients age 70 and older and shouldn’t be withheld due to advanced patient age, according to a study reported in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Avandia has no increased overall heart risk

Large, long-term study shows Avandia has no increased overall cardiovascular risk compared to other commonly used diabetes medicines – Clinical trial results presented at the American Diabetes Association annual meeting show that overall rates of cardiovascular hospitalization and cardiovascular death are similar in patients taking Avandia (rosiglitazone) compared to those receiving metformin and sulfonylurea.

DASH diet reduces women’s risk of heart failure

Diet prescribed to lower blood pressure also reduces women’s risk of heart failure. – The DASH diet was initially developed to help patients lower their blood pressure, but a large study led by investigators at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) demonstrates that women who followed the diet also significantly reduced their risk of developing heart failure.

Women live longer with disabilities due to obesity and arthritis

Women Live Longer, Not Better, Largely Because of Obesity and Arthritis – Obesity and arthritis that take root during early and middle age significantly contribute to women’s decreased quality of life during their senior years, according to researchers at Duke University Medical Center.

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