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[Health studies] Glycemic targets and cardiovascular disease

This commentary by William Cefalu, MD, looks at the results of two studies presented in this same issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (June 12, 2008), the ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial and the ADVANCE (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease Preterax [sic] and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation." Cefalu compares the findings of the two studies, which "provide somewhat different results regarding glycemic control and cardiac events for patients with type 2 diabetes." Following his comparison, he notes they both make important contributions to the field "but do not provide a definite answer to the problem of glycemic control and cardiovascular disease." He suggests completing all trials and then reviewing the entire body of work. -- According to a study that appeared in the Archives of Internal Medicine, vitamin D might be important in preventing a number of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, though "its observational nature does not prove that boosting vitamin D levels prevents disease or premature death." The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, followed for about nine years over 13,000 people over age 40 who had had their blood tested for vitamin D levels. The article provides more details on the study and notes that vitamin D levels are low in many populations because people are spending more time indoors. (Charleston Gazette 17 Aug 08) -- According to a study recently reported in Hormones and Metabolic Research, "a diet high in omega-3 fat improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammatory markers, but does not alter endocrine responsiveness." Conducted by Kronos Longevity Research Institute, a non-profit organization researching prevention of age-related disease and extension of a healthier human life, the study looked at the effect so a high omega-3 content diet on the loss of normal hormone balance experienced during normal aging. Subjects were over the age of 60. The high-omega 3 diet reduced triglycerides in women and free fatty acids in men and also reduced serum C-reactive protein. (PR Newswire [U.S.] 13 Aug 08)

New England Journal of Medicine
6/12/2008