Top non-COVID-19 stories from 2021: Diabetes screening, physician suicide, diets and more

Although COVID-19 remained a popular topic among Healio Primary Care readers in 2021, other stories that discussed diabetes screening and physician suicide also generated significant attention.

Also, articles that offered insight into several popular diets and a possible treatment for autism symptoms were of great interest to readers.

Below is a recap of the 10 most-read stories from 2021 not directly related to COVID-19.

USPSTF makes ‘huge’ change to prediabetes, diabetes screening recommendations for adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has published its final guidance on prediabetes and type 2 diabetes screening, lowering the recommended age in asymptomatic, nonpregnant adults who are overweight or obese to 35 years. Read more.

Surgeon General resigns at Biden’s request

Jerome M. Adams, MD, stepped down from the position of U.S. Surgeon General position after being asked to do so by the staff of President Joseph R. Biden Jr., according to the surgeon general’s Twitter account. Read more.

BP level, heart rate may affect coffee consumption

Coffee consumption may be “naturally” regulated based on an individual’s BP level and heart rate, researchers wrote in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Read more.

Q&A: ACP president discusses ‘silent epidemic’ of physician suicide

Healio Primary Care interviewed ACP President George M. Abraham, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, to discuss the organization’s policy paper titled “Physician suicide prevention and the ethics and role of a healing community.” Read more.

Study challenges notion that Mediterranean is best overall diet

U.S. News & World Report recently named Mediterranean the best overall diet. However, a study has found that a vegan diet improved lipid concentrations, body weight and insulin sensitivity better than the Mediterranean diet. Read more.

Nonpharmacological sleep interventions reduce anxiety

Nonpharmacological sleep interventions were effective in reducing anxiety and sleep-related thought processes, and these benefits were more substantial in patients with anxiety, according to a recent meta-analysis. Read more.

10 differences between evidence-based vs. internet-based keto diet teachings

Eric Westman, MD, MPH, FOMA, founder of the Duke Keto Medicine Clinic, discussed the top 10 differences between internet-based keto diet teachings and the lessons taught during his evidence-based, low-carbohydrate, keto diet class. Read more.

Mayo Clinic Diet undergoes ‘evolutionary’ update

The stewards of the Mayo Clinic Diet recently updated the 72-year-old eating plan. Read more.

Propranolol is ‘quite promising’ in treating some autism symptoms

The beta-blocker propranolol showed potential in treating certain autism symptoms, according to an initial analysis of a small, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Read more.

Patients prefer seeing physicians in white coats over casual attire

In a recent survey, patients said they viewed physicians in casual attire such as a fleece jacket in place of a white coat as less professional and less experienced. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, also revealed that casual clothing led to misidentification of roles, particularly among female physicians, and that female physicians were often rated as less professional than their male counterparts, even when wearing a white coat. Read more.