Obesity estimated to cost U.S. billions
A new study suggests that obesity among older Americans costs taxpayers billions of extra dollars in Medicare expenses—a financial burden that will only grow in years to come.
Using data from Medicare surveys conducted between 1992 and 2001, researchers found that men who were obese at age 65 had lifetime healthcare expenses that were up to13 percent higher than normal-weight men their age. Among women, that figure was as high as 17 percent.
FDA wants big warning on Glaxo diabetes drug
Food and Drug Administration officials are pushing for a “black box” warning on GlaxoSmithKline Plc’s hard-hit diabetes drug Avandia, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources.
The warning would be a further blow to the top-selling diabetes drug, which came under pressure last May when a U.S. analysis linked Avandia to a 43-percent higher risk of heart attack in patients.
Psychotherapy may relieve postpartum depression
Symptoms of postpartum depression appear to be reduced by any psychosocial therapy, with women opting for this treatment doing better than those who try to struggle through with no treatment at all, findings of a study review suggest.
Many women experience mild, short-term depressive symptoms, or “baby blues,” shortly after delivery, while others - about 13 percent - develop more serious postpartum depression, according to lead author Dr. Cindy-Lee Dennis of the University of Toronto. Although antidepressant drugs can be effective in treating depression, about 50 percent of new mothers want to avoid taking drugs.
Hemoglobin levels useful for diabetes screening
Measuring patients’ glycosylated hemoglobin levels (A1C) could be used to screen for diabetes, according to California-based researchers.
A1C is a test that measures the percentage of glucose (sugar) that is attached to hemoglobin, a molecule in red blood cells. It reflects the average glucose levels over the previous 3 to 4 months. Untreated (or uncontrolled) diabetics have A1C levels that are 7.0 percent or higher. Diabetes is also detected by fasting plasma glucose levels of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or greater.
Insomnia drug improves work performance: Sanofi
Data show improvements in work performance in patients with chronic insomnia who are treated with the sleep aid Ambien (zolpidem tartrate), French pharmaceutical group Sanofi-Aventis said Wednesday
“Patients with chronic insomnia can have a higher frequency of work-related problems including absenteeism, an increased rate of accidents, difficulty performing duties and less job satisfaction,” Sanofi said in a statement.
