A Systematic Review of Evidence on the Use of Very Low Calorie Diets in People with Diabetes.

Background: Recent interest has emerged regarding the effects of Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We therefore performed a systematic review to investigate the effects of VLCD on HbA1c, weight and cardiovascular risk profile outcomes as well as its safety and tolerability among people with T2D.

Methods: We conducted searches of Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Centre for reviews and Dissemination databases, Medline, Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, Web of Knowledge and Turning Research into Practice (TRIP) as well as ongoing trial resources.

Inhaled corticosteroids and bone health.

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstones in the management of bronchial asthma and some cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although ICS are claimed to have low side effect profiles, at high doses they can cause systemic adverse effects including bone diseases such as osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. Corticosteroids have detrimental effects on function and survival of osteoblasts and osteocytes, and with the prolongation of osteoclast survival, induce metabolic bone disease.

Grader agreement, and sensitivity and specificity of digital photography in a community optometry-based diabetic eye screening program.

Background: Digital retinal photography with mydriasis is the preferred modality for diabetes eye screening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate agreement in grading levels between primary and secondary graders and to calculate their sensitivity and specificity for identifying sight-threatening disease in an optometry-based retinopathy screening program.

Methods: This was a retrospective study using data from 8,977 patients registered in the North Nottinghamshire retinal screening program.

Stimulation of lactate production in human granulosa cells by metformin and potential involvement of adenosine 5' monophosphate-activated protein kinase.

Context: Production of 3-carbon units (as lactate) by granulosa cells (GCs) is important in follicular and oocyte development and may be modulated by metformin.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the action of metformin on GC lactate production and potential mediation via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).

Design: GCs were prepared from follicular aspirates.