In the News about Diabetes
Diabetes Ups Colorectal Cancer Risk for Women
According to new research, diabetic women have a 50% higher risk of developing colon or rectum cancer compared to women who do not have diabetes. Researchers speculate that the elevation in rates of insulin may promote the risk of these cancers by contributing to new blood vessel growth allowing cells (including tumor cells) to grow faster. The study was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s Sixth Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.
Hepatitis C: Progress Towards Vaccine?
Researchers say they have identified antibodies that target the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and appear to be capable of neutralizing various forms of HCV in mice. However, the beneficial effect of the antibodies against the virus faded over time, and high doses of the antibodies were needed to curtail HCV. Still, the results are “favorable” for the prospects of developing a hepatitis C vaccine, write Mansun Law, PhD, and colleagues in the online edition of Nature Medicine.
Commercial Food Industry Touts Bacteria
Many large food makers are producing foods that contain probiotics, friendly bacteria similar to those found in the human digestive system. Foods with probiotics claim vague health benefits of digestive-system regulation and immune-system strengthening. Probiotics can now be found in everything from yogurt to cereal, chocolate and baby formula. But scientists say more research is required to understand the role naturally occurring intestinal bacteria play in health. The National Institutes of Health say it plans to study the issue.
Osteoporosis Linked to Depression
A study suggests that depression may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis in pre-menopausal women. Researchers reported that 17% of depressed women, compared to just 2% of those who were not depressed, had thinner bone in a region of the hip, and had overactive immune systems which overproduced chemicals to promote inflammation and bone loss. The study was conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
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