Study Dispels “Obesity Paradox” in Diabetes

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds no evidence of a so-called “obesity paradox” in type 2 diabetes — that is, the suggestion that mortality is lower among diabetics who are overweight or obese than among those who are normal weight.

Researchers studied over 11,000 healthcare professionals who were free of cardiovascular disease or cancer at the time of diabetes diagnosis. During 16 years’ follow-up, roughly 3000 participants died.

Overall, the association between baseline BMI and all-cause mortality was J-shaped: Compared with normal-weight participants, underweight participants and those with BMIs of 30 or above had significantly increased mortality risks, with the highest risk at BMIs of 35 or higher (hazard ratio, 1.33).

Previous studies that suggested an obesity paradox were limited by short follow-ups and few deaths, the authors write. They conclude that maintaining a healthy weight “should remain the cornerstone of diabetes management.”

– See more at: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1304501

7 of the Best Free Medical Education Apps for the iOS Platform

Whether you are studying to become a health care professional, are a patient, or just want a way to use your iPhone or iPad as a powerful learning tool, there are tons of medical apps out there that can help you.  But with so many out there, how do you choose the right one?  To help, we have gathered seven of the best medical apps out there at no cost.

  1. Medical Encyclopedia – Get just what the title promises in this free app.  Provided by the University of Maryland Medical System, you can get top notch information on this handy little app.  It has a whopping 50,000 pages of relevant medical information and is even available in Spanish.
  2. Skyscape Medical Resources – If the above didn’t do the job, try looking up your medical topic here.  Over one million users have downloaded it get medical resources from doctors to students to patients.
  3. WebMD – This leading medical site has both an app for the iPhone and iPad offered for free. It includes many site favorites such as a symptom checker, first aid tips, conditions, and even a pill identification tool if you have pills but don’t know what they are.
  4. NEJM – What’s new in medicine?  Get this app from “The New England Journal of Medicine” to find out.  It contains the latest medical research, findings, and even expert opinions on the latest in health care.  You can also access many features without a subscription.
  5. Blausen Human Atlas – The real version may cost $19.99, but the lite version of the app is available for free.  It contains amazing 3D, narrated animations of medical conditions, as well as a medical glossary and tons of images.
  6. Epocrates – If looking for medical information on drugs, check out this free app.  They are one of the most widely used apps on the topic and offer information on prescription drugs, over the counter, and even diagnostic resources.
  7. Medical Spanish – If you need to say or read it in Spanish, check out this app.  Many doctors and nurses use it to help them communicate with patients who speak Spanish.  It even offers over 250 questions to help you learn.

About the Author: Casey Roberts is a undergraduate student in Houston, TX and also writes for Radiology Assistant, a site dedicated to helping students find the right radiology degree. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily represent those of this site.

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