EndoBreak: Blood Glucose and Schizophrenia; New Top Doc at ADA

Higher levels of fasting blood glucose, a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, were associated with schizophrenia among individuals, a recent study reported. "Given that some antipsychotic drugs may increase the risk of diabetes further, clinicians have a responsibility to select an appropriate antipsychotic at an appropriate dose," said the lead author, Toby Pillinger, MRCP, of King's College London, in a press release. (JAMA Psychiatry)

Authors of the TECOS trial, originally presented at the 2015 American Diabetes Association annual meeting, published a new analysis this week reporting no significant adverse cardiovascular outcomes, or improvements, from sitagliptin use among older patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (Diabetes Care)

This week the American Diabetes Association announced William T. Cefalu, MD, as their new Chief Scientific & Medical Officer. He replaces Robert E. Ratner, MD, who held the position for nearly 5 years.

A recent study reported an association between the weedkiller Roundup and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats, due to environmental exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical glyphosate. The herbicide is currently under review until the end of 2017 by the European Union to determine safety and regulation. (Scientific Reports, Sustainable Food Trust)

Since 1999, a recent study found that consumption of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, has risen 200% among Americans. "The findings are important, especially for children, because some studies suggest a link between low-calorie sweeteners and obesity, diabetes, and other health issues," said the study's lead author, Allison Sylvetsky, PhD, of The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health in a press release. (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics)

Progesterone was found to help increase the chance of having a successful pregnancy among women who experienced recurrent miscarriages, according to a study published this week. "We propose that luteal start vaginal micronized [progesterone] leads to improved endometrial gland development, which optimizes the local environment for early maintenance of pregnancy," the authors wrote. (Fertility and Sterility)

A U.K. study reported a prevailing link between socioeconomic status and obesity among adults and children. "Given our findings of progressively widening BMI inequalities across adulthood, and the fact that BMI tends to track across life, interventions may be most effective when initiated as early in life as possible," wrote the authors. (PLOS Med)

A 3-year, $2.5 million research grant was awarded to the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to develop "smart insulin" for treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes. (Newswise)

Two long-term studies examined outcomes from Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in adolescents, showing pluses and minuses for those undergoing the procedure. (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology)

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