Health News

08/03/09

A recent study found that lowering triglyceride levels in diabetes can decrease the risk of peripheral neuropathy and amputation.

A study at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor found that nerve density decreased over time in diabetic patients with neuropathy.  Two factors associated with nerve loss were:

• decline in nerve conduction velocity (a diagnostic test for nerve conduction)
• triglyceride levels.

Since peripheral neuropathy can lead to hospitalization and amputation, finding a solution to improving nerve conduction is important.

Further investigating found that decreasing triglyceride levels with medicine (fenofibrate) decreased the risk of amputation.

For diabetics with high tryglycerides, this is good news and can be a point of discussion with your family physician.

02/27/09

The Early Show broadcasted the news about the new electric cigarette.  The electric cigarette is a battery operated device containing a capsule of nicotine that vaporizes when inhaled.  The person then exhales the “smoke”.  The company claims the benefit of nicotine without the harm of tobacco carcinogens.

The electric cigarette is intended as a cigarette replacement and could be used in place of nicotine gum or patch although the product is not FDA approved.

In general, nicotine acts on the central nervous system nicotene receptors and in small doses causes an excitatory effect.  Potential side effects most common to nicotene inhalers include

• headache
• mouth and throat irritation
• cough
• runny nose

For more information on nicotine or smoking cessation consult your physician or send me an email at nmgtomkat@gmail.com