Higher levels of arm and trunk fat were linked to greater cardiovascular disease and mortality risks for people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Researchers said higher levels of leg fat were associated with reduced CV and mortality risks.
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Compared with a placebo, semaglutide 2.4 milligrams was associated with improved symptoms and physical function in adults with obesity, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and type 2 diabetes, researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. However, this patient cohort lost less weight than expected, researchers said, suggesting the benefits of semaglutide cannot all be linked to weight loss.
A study in the journal Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found statin medications may increase the likelihood of type 2 diabetes but the cardiovascular benefits outweigh the risk. An accompanying editorial said the reduction in cardiovascular outcomes associated with statins "clearly exceeds the 0.1%-1.3% per year increased absolute incidence of type 2 diabetes."
Experts say artificial intelligence has potential uses across what they described as the five pillars of sustainability in nuclear medicine: social, human, economic and ecological. "AI, digital twins, and generative AI offer potential benefits to sustainability in nuclear medicine," the group wrote in the journal Radiography. "There are benefits across each of the five pillars of sustainability, yet caution is advised."
Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans employ a number of strategies to improve affordable access to treatments and reduce prescription drug costs for members. Initiatives include promoting generic drug use through step therapy and formulary management, establishing preferred pharmacy networks, and working with pharmacy benefit managers to negotiate lower drug costs.
Medicare physician reimbursement reform is a topic of discussion for Senate Finance Committee and Medicare Payment Advisory Commission meetings this week. Dr. Steven Furr of the American Academy of Family Physicians and Dr. Patricia Turner of the American College of Surgeons are among those scheduled to speak at the Finance Committee hearing.
There's still time to submit an abstract or case for ASNC2024, to be held Sept. 5-7 at the JW Marriott Austin in Austin, Texas. The deadline extension gives you through Monday, April 15, at 11:59 PM EDT. This deadline also applies to submissions for the Barry L. Zaret Young Investigator Awards Competition, which provides cash prizes, a certificate of merit, and complimentary registration to six finalists. Plus, you could score a spot on the podium! The ASNC2024 Program Committee is holding spots in several educational sessions for the authors of high-scoring abstracts. SUBMIT YOUR SCIENCE NOW.