Todays Newsbites

Even Losing 10 Percent of Body Weight Could Help Type 2 Diabetes

A study recently published in Diabetic Medicine found that losing as little as 10 percent of body weight can put type 2 diabetes into remission for some people. The prospective cohort study looked at 867 people ages 40 to 69 years with newly diagnosed diabetes.

Short Sleep Duration Associated with Higher Risk of Death in Some

A recent study in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that middle-aged adults with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or history of stroke could be at high risk for early death if they sleep less than six hours per night.

Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Help Depressed Older Adults

A randomized controlled intervention trial published recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that supplementation with vitamin D had no significant effect on depressive symptoms or physical functioning in older persons with low vitamin D status.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Linked to Dramatically Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk and Complications

A large meta-analysis published in the journal Diabetologia found that an overall healthy lifestyle was associated with a substantially lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and also with a lower risk of long-term adverse outcomes among individuals who already had diabetes.

Healthy Choices More Important Than Macronutrient Ratio

Analysis of a randomized controlled trial found that an overall healthy dietary pattern benefits cardiovascular health regardless of which macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, or unsaturated fats) are emphasized.

Sleep Six to Nine Hours for Heart Health

A new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that sleeping between six and nine hours a night, compared to less, is associated with 20 percent lower risk of heart attack.
Paleo Diet

Paleo Diet may Change the Gut Microbiome

A study recently published in the European Journal of Nutrition found following a strict Paleo diet may be associated with gut changes that are bad for heart health.

Routine Low-Dose Aspirin Use No Longer Recommended for Primary Prevention

In March of 2019, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released updated guidelines recommending against routine low-dose aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people older than 70 and in those with increased bleeding risk (such as those with peptic ulcer disease).

Healthy Plant-Based Diets Tied to Lower Diabetes Risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis published recently in JAMA Internal Medicine found that diets rich in healthful plant-based foods may be beneficial for lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers defined a plant-based diet as one which emphasizes foods derived from plant sources with low or no intake of animal products.

Staying Mentally Active May Protect the Brain

An observational study published in the journal Neurology found that engaging in mentally stimulating activities in later life was associated with lower risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is characterized by symptoms such as forgetfulness, feeling overwhelmed by decision making, and difficulty following conversations or maintaining a train of thought. It does not significantly affect daily life and activities and will not always progress to dementia.