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Type 2 diabetes combination therapy shows promise, maternal bariatric surgery lowers birth defect risks — top stories in endocrinology

A discussion from the Cardiometabolic Health Congress on how simultaneous combination therapy was successful in treating type 2 diabetes was the top story in endocrinology last week.

A study showing that maternal weight-loss surgery reduced the risk for birth defects in children was another top story.

Simultaneous combination therapy shows major potential in type 2 diabetes

When treating patients with type 2 diabetes, physicians may have more success if they use simultaneous combination therapy immediately rather than following the traditional stepped-up method of waiting to intensify treatment, according to a speaker at the Cardiometabolic Health Congress. Read more.

Maternal bariatric surgery reduces birth defect risks among children

Children born to mothers who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are less likely to have birth defects when compared with mothers with obesity who did not undergo weight-loss surgery, according to findings from a research letter published in JAMA. Read more.

Mediterranean diet with behavioral support improves meal plan adherence, CV risk factors

Adults with metabolic syndrome assigned to a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet plan with physical activity and behavioral support were more likely to stick with the program, report better diet quality and reduce their cardiovascular risk factors at 12 months compared with adults assigned to an unrestricted Mediterranean eating plan, according to an interim analysis published in JAMA. Read more.

Plant-based food policy needed to stem diabetes, food insecurity

In this commentary, experts argue that “health care providers must urgently increase our advocacy for improved food systems, which will reduce the occurrence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes.” Read more.

Estrogen exposure influences cognitive status in late life

Longer endogenous estrogen exposure and use of hormone therapy are associated with higher cognitive status in late life, especially among older women when compared with younger women, according to findings published in Menopause. Read more.