Top endocrinology news from 2020: COVID-19, risks with EDC exposure and more

The COVID-19 pandemic was on the minds of Healio readers for most of 2020, and some of the most-read articles involved research to lessen COVID-19 complications and recommendations for reducing risk for exposure in those with diabetes.

Readers were also interested in new research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, drugs that could promote weight gain for postmenopausal women, factors that influence testosterone levels in middle-aged men, and more.

Here are 10 of the most-read endocrinology stories from 2020.

Study investigates estrogen patch use to lessen COVID-19 complications

In May, researchers announced the start of a trial investigating whether a transdermal estrogen patch placed on the skin of COVID-19-positive patients could reduce the severity of symptoms compared with regular care.

Certain drugs may promote unintentional weight gain in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal women who use antidepressants, beta-blockers and insulin may be more likely to gain weight than those who do not use the medications.

Recommendations for people with diabetes during COVID-19

In April, JDRF and Beyond Type 1 released guidance on how people with diabetes can reduce their risk for contracting COVID-19. The recommendations were endorsed by 50 diabetes organizations worldwide.

High-dose cinnamon may help control prediabetes blood glucose levels

A high-dose cinnamon supplement could help manage blood glucose and slow the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes, researchers wrote in a study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

Researchers caution against ‘misinformation’ on vitamin D during COVID-19 pandemic

A consensus paper published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health advised there was no evidence high-dose vitamin D can prevent or treat COVID-19. Those who had limited access to sunlight during lockdowns were advised to consider a supplement.

Eating breakfast may protect against cardiovascular disease

Adults who skip breakfast are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and have greater rates of all-cause mortality than those who eat a meal in the morning.

Phthalates from plastics, personal care products influence testosterone levels among men

Urinary biomarkers that detect the presence of phthalates were associated with testosterone concentrations in a representative sample of U.S. men. The direction of the associations differed by age.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle factors influence testosterone levels in middle-aged men

Several modifiable sociodemographic and lifestyle factors should be considered when providers assess testosterone levels in men aged 40 to 69 years.

Growing evidence shows endocrine-disrupting chemicals drive obesity, infertility, diabetes

In a series paper published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, researchers said endocrine-disrupting chemicals are drivers for obesity, infertility and diabetes, and providers should tell patients to reduce their exposure.

Consuming high-fat dairy tied to less metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension

Higher intake of whole-fat dairy is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome and lower incidences of hypertension and diabetes. However, no association was found with low-fat dairy and metabolic syndrome prevalence.

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