Top in endocrinology: Vegan diet provides benefits, hyperglycemia increases mortality risk

A randomized clinical trial that showed multiple benefits to a plant-based vegan diet was the top story in endocrinology last week.

A retrospective cohort study that linked hyperglycemia to higher odds of mortality among certain populations was another top story.

Read these and other top stories below.

Weight loss with vegan diet driven by insulin sensitivity increase, liver fat reduction

An increase in insulin sensitivity from a plant-based vegan diet led to a decrease in liver fat and a mean weight loss of 6.4 kg in a cohort of adults with overweight and obesity, according to findings published in JAMA Network Open. Read more.

Hyperglycemia increases mortality risk, independent of type 2 diabetes

Hyperglycemia is associated with a higher likelihood for mortality, and the odds are greater for adults without diabetes and for those meeting type 2 diabetes targets, according to study data. Read more.

No decrease in Medicare spending after Look AHEAD lifestyle intervention

Among participants in the Look AHEAD trial of an intensive lifestyle intervention for weight loss, there was no difference in total Medicare spending between the intervention and control group over a 4-year period, according to study data. Read more.

Social vulnerability drives COVID-19 hospitalization risk in Mexican adults with diabetes

Mexican adults with diabetes living in areas of high social deprivation and low health care resources are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 complications compared with adults living in higher-resource settings. Read more.

Early initiation of menopausal hormone therapy reduces all-cause mortality, CHD events in women

Women have a lower risk for all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease and other poor health outcomes when hormone therapy begins close to menopause and continues long term, according to a speaker. Read more.