Top endocrinology stories: Vitamin D deficiency linked to breast cancer risk, potential new way to test blood glucose levels

Among the top stories this week in endocrinology were two studies on vitamin D: one that concluded a deficiency may increase the risk for breast cancer in postmenopausal women and another that found that supplementation was associated with a dose-response increase in hypercalciuria.

Other significant stories included a potential alternative to the finger stick for blood glucose testing, how depression may be linked to nonclassical hypogonadism in men, and the critical components of diabetes care for couples. – by Janel Miller

Vitamin D deficiency may increase breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women

Postmenopausal women with recently diagnosed breast cancer had a higher risk for developing vitamin D deficiency vs. similar women without the disease, with obesity influencing vitamin D status, according to findings published in Menopause. Read more.

Vitamin D supplementation associated with dose-response increase in hypercalciuria

Older adults assigned to a high dose of daily vitamin D supplementation were more likely to develop hypercalciuria over 3 years vs. those assigned to a lower daily dose, with the condition resolving after reducing calcium intake, according to findings from the Calgary Vitamin D study presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Annual Meeting. Read more.

Laser technique may become alternative to finger stick for blood glucose testing

A potential alternative to the finger prick test for measuring blood glucose levels has been developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Missouri School of Medicine, according to a press release from University of Missouri Health. Read more.

Depression may cause nonclassical hypogonadism

Among young men, depression may be an underlying cause of nonclassical hypogonadism, according to findings from a database analysis published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. Read more.

Diabetes care for couples requires both support, respect for autonomy

Incorporating couples in diabetes care has traditionally consisted only of including a patient’s partner in medical visits. However, diabetes education that focuses on good, nonjudgmental communication between partners can reinforce relationships and improve diabetes self-management, according to researchers. Read more.