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Metabolic
Research Institute |
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Tel: (561) 802-3060
Our Newsletter |
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TODAY'S HEALTH ALERT
A United Kingdom study involving over 10,000 people with diabetes showed that over time, the pancreas of diabetics produced less and less insulin. Patients initially treated with diet alone to control their diabetes eventually needed one medication, then two medications, and eventually, many patients involved in the trial required insulin. The reason why the pancreas deteriorated over time is unknown. Some researchers concur that, if the right drug can be found, we can preserve remaining pancreatic function. While this issue is still under investigation, there is significant evidence that some of the newer diabetic medications have properties that can preserve pancreatic function by halting the progressive loss of insulin-producing cells. "This is one of the most exciting areas of research in which we are currently working," states William Kaye, M.D., F.A.C.P., Co-Director with Barry Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.P., of the Metabolic Research Institute. MRI is currently studying several promising medications. "The implications are enormous," adds Dr. Horowitz. "Imagine blood sugars being controlled with just one medication and no worry about the pancreas failing in the future. Imagine excellent control without insulin. Someday this will be more than just a dream." In the meantime, the Metabolic Research Institute is conducting several research studies on diabetes. Whether you are currently on no medication for your diabetes, or on one or more agents, there may be a clinical trial that will fit your needs. We are presently conducting a study with a medication that has been also shown to help with weight loss. The benefits of participating include study medication, examinations, and laboratory tests . . . all at no expense to you. In addition, some trials reimburse participants for time and travel.
If you examine the blood of a pre-diabetic person, the individual's triglyceride levels are often found to be abnormally high. Reduced insulin levels in these patients allow fatty acids, that are normally stored in the body's tissues, to leak into the bloodstream causing high triglyceride levels. These elevated levels place the pre-diabetic patient at risk for various forms of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis. The Metabolic Research Institute is currently performing a clinical trial to see if pre-diabetic individuals can be prevented from becoming frankly diabetic. Individuals who have one or more of the following characteristics may be at risk for pre-diabetes: obesity; high blood pressure; high triglycerides and low HDL (protective) cholesterol; or a family history of diabetes. If you or any family member or friends are concerned about being pre-diabetic, you can make an appointment for a complimentary screening.
A blood pressure of 140/90 or LDL ("bad cholesterol") level of 130 may not be too high for a non-diabetic individual, but for a diabetic, these seemingly marginal increases can be associated with an increased incidence of heart disease. Diabetic arteries are very sensitive to the effects of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and they become narrowed very easily. Studies have shown that reducing a patient's blood pressure below 130/85 and the LDL cholesterol to less than 100 can substantially reduce the incidence of heart disease in diabetics. The Metabolic Research Institute is currently recruiting patients who are diabetic for trials with cholesterol-lowering medications. Non-diabetic individuals with heart disease, or who are at high risk of developing heart disease, are also eligible to participate. We are also beginning a new study using a medication that is a combination of a popular blood pressure medication and cholesterol-lowering medication in one pill! Please contact us for more information on these studies and to make an appointment for a complimentary cholesterol and blood pressure screening.
Many women have had a heightened awareness of osteoporosis in recent years. This is because this disease, which causes low bone strength and ultimately fractures, affects about 25 million Americans. The consequences can be devastating, resulting in disability and even death in about 20% of patients who experience a hip fracture. We have many medications that can combat osteoporosis by increasing bone strength and decreasing fractures. Unfortunately, many women are not being treated because they are simply unaware that they have a problem. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at over 200,000 post-menopausal women over the age of 50 in the United States. The authors found that almost half of the women had previously undetected low bone strength and 7% had osteoporosis! The Metabolic Research Institute is currently conducting studies in the treatment of osteoporosis. If you are a postmenopausal woman, you may be at risk, and may be eligible to participate. Qualified women will be eligible for a free bone density screening.
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