Posted onAugust 23, 2024|Comments Off on COVID-19: Diabetes Drug Metformin Shows Promise as Treatment
If memory serves, when I started my medical career we only had three classes of drugs for treating diabetes: insulin, sulfonylureas, and metformin. We have so many options now, that I have lost track. From Everyday Health earlier this year:
Metformin, a decades-old generic drug for type 2 diabetes, may also help treat COVID-19, a new study suggests.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota randomly assigned more than 1,300 adults with COVID-19 to take metformin or a placebo pill. All of the participants took nasal swab tests for viral levels after 1, 5, and 10 days.
Lab tests showed that metformin significantly reduced the amount of COVID-19 virus circulating in the body and also decreased the odds that virus levels would rebound after an initial reduction during treatment, according to study results published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Among the key research results:
On average, metformin reduced the amount of virus in the body almost 4 times more than the placebo pill.
People taking metformin were 28 percent more likely to have undetectable levels of the virus in their body at either day 5 or day 10 of the study.
Participants on metformin were 32 percent less likely to experience what’s known as rebound — when levels of the virus initially decrease but then become higher again.
Posted onJune 17, 2024|Comments Off on Does the Ketogenic Diet Cause or Prevent Cardiovascular Disease?
Caveman Grock confusing rectal pressure with blood pressure
In July, 2023, the journal Nutrients published a review of literature on the effect of ketogenic diets on cardiovascular disease. The abstract mentions potentially beneficial changes blood lipids, inflammation, blood pressure, etc., without going where the rubber meets the road: the effect on mortality and incidence of cardiovascular events in live humans. Click the link to see the entire article.
The Abstract:
“The most common and increasing causes of death worldwide are cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Taking into account the fact that diet is a key factor, it is worth exploring this aspect of CVD prevention and therapy. The aim of this article is to assess the potential of the ketogenic diet in the prevention and treatment of CVD. The article is a comprehensive, meticulous analysis of the literature in this area, taking into account the most recent studies currently available. The ketogenic diet has been shown to have a multifaceted effect on the prevention and treatment of CVD. Among other aspects, it has a beneficial effect on the blood lipid profile, even compared to other diets. It shows strong anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective potential, which is due, among other factors, to the anti-inflammatory properties of the state of ketosis, the elimination of simple sugars, the restriction of total carbohydrates and the supply of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, ketone bodies provide “rescue fuel” for the diseased heart by affecting its metabolism. They also have a beneficial effect on the function of the vascular endothelium, including improving its function and inhibiting premature ageing. The ketogenic diet has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and other CVD risk factors through, among other aspects, weight loss. The evidence cited is often superior to that for standard diets, making it likely that the ketogenic diet shows advantages over other dietary models in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. There is a legitimate need for further research in this area.”
Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Dr. Paul E. Marik and Dr. Robert L. Apter sued the FDA in June of 2022, asking the court to: “Hold unlawful and set aside any FDA actions directing or opining on whether ivermectin should be used for certain off-label purposes, including treatment of COVID-19.”
“After nearly two years and a resounding rebuke by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the FDA has agreed to remove its misleading social media posts and consumer directives regarding ivermectin and Covid-19,” said Bowden.
The Appeals Court had written in its decision: “The FDA is not a physician. It has authority to inform, announce, and apprise—but not to endorse, denounce, or advise.”
I’ve long been aware of NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). THIS is the liver disease target according to the FDA announcement, which states “Rezdiffra is a partial activator of a thyroid hormone receptor; activation of this receptor by Rezdiffra in the liver reduces liver fat accumulation.” Furthermore:
The most common side effects of Rezdiffra included diarrhea and nausea. Rezdiffra comes with certain warnings and precautions, such as drug-induced liver toxicity and gallbladder-related side effects.
There may be potential significant interaction of this new drug with others, particularly statin cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Color me skeptical. If only because the drug was on the “accelerated approval pathway.” But I’ll keep an open mind.
I’m not sure, but it appears that candidates for the drug will need a liver biopsy showing fibrosis (scarring).
Posted onApril 12, 2024|Comments Off on Collagen Supplementation for Knee Arthritis
A few months ago I heard fitness guru Mark Sisson mention during an interview that he was taking a collagen supplement for a painful hip condition that might need surgery, which he is trying to avoid. At the time, I had never heard of collagen supplementation. I used the google machine to find out it was indeed “a thing.” The popular trend may have been started after endorsement by a female celebrity (Jennifer Anniston?).
I have osteoarthritis (aka degenerative joint disease or DJD) in my knees, mainly manifested by very transient aching and stiffness if I sit for too long, and impaired range of motion. I cannot do a deep squat. I got my first inkling of arthritis awareness thirty years ago when I thought I’d start skipping rope because it’s such a great aerobic workout. After just a few jumps, my knees convinced me that was a bad idea.
Six months ago I developed a strange awareness of my left knee; it just didn’t feel like it was quite mine, like how I imagine it feels like to have a prosthetic knee joint. Plus some minimal aching while in bed, relieved by simply changing position. I walk around without any discomfort.
Does genetics play a role? My mother had knee replacement surgery for DJD at age 83. By that time her gait had become quite impaired.
I did a little Internet research and determined I had little to lose if I tried collagen, except for $. A family member was going to Costco so I asked them to get me some. I didn’t research various brands. Pictured is what they brought home. ~$40 for a month’s worth. I planned a two-month trial although WebMD suggested that 3-5 months may be needed for arthritis. (This is not a formal endorsement of the brand, nor am I being paid to feature it here.)
My two month trial of 20 grams daily ended yesterday. Did it work? I think maybe it did. The knee feels like it’s mine again, and sleep-time aching is less frequent. Could these be placebo effect? Yes. Was this a fair trial? Not entirely. In a totally legit experiment, you should only change one variable. Meaning: take this supplement but keep everything else exactly the same. In my experiment, I inadvertently added probiotics in addition to collagen (my shopper picked the product). I also significantly upped my exercise with more walking and weight training. Maybe my subjective improvement was due to those non-collagen factors. Heck, even the season of the year may have been an issue. A legitimate trial would involve hundreds of study subjects, a placebo group, before and after range of motion testing, a validated knee function questionaire, etc.
I was going to stop supplementation at this point but my wife already got me another cannister that lasts a month.
Posted onApril 2, 2024|Comments Off on Too Good to Be True? Vitamin D May Prevent Dementia
I’m tempted to get my blood level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D checked.
Dr. John Campbell is “totally convinced” that high-dose vitamin D supplementation would prevent many cases of dementia, particularly Alzheimer dementia, which is 75% of all dementia cases. He takes 4,000 IU of vitamin D/day plus 100 mcg of vitamin K2. Unclear to me if that’s year-round or only in fall and winter. I assume it’s oral vitamin D3 (there are several types of vitamin D). Dr. Campbell didn’t say why he takes the K2. Click for a brief review of K2. In contrast to his vitamin D dose of 4,000 IU/day, U.K. health authorities recommend a tenth of that — 400 IU — in autumn and winter.
Several observational studies link higher risk of dementia with blood levels of vitamin D that are deficient or insufficient. Blood levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D under 25 mg/ml are particularly linked to dementia. Dr. Campbell admits that it’s difficult to prove that adequate vitamin D supplementation would prevent Alzheimer dementia.
Posted onMarch 27, 2024|Comments Off on Do You Trust the Mainstream Media?
I’m increasingly distrustful of the mainstream (aka legacy) media. Ownership of it is in the hands of surprisingly few people. This makes reported news susceptible to manipulation by folks that have an agenda that may be at odds with your desire for “just the facts.”
In 1976, when the U.S had only three or four national over-the-air TV stations and no Internet, 72% of Americans trusted mass media. A Gallup poll found that in 2023, only 32% of Americans had a “great deal” or a “fair amount” of trust in the mass media. A larger percentage—39%—had “none at all.” In view of AI or CGI-generated imaging, it’s getting hard to believe anything you don’t see with your own eyes.
Most of the mainstream media (aka legacy media) consumed in the U.S. originates from a handful of companies. From a 2021 essay by Helen Johnson:
In 1983 there were 50 dominant media corporations. Today there are five. These five conglomerates own about 90 percent of the media in the United States, including newspapers, magazines, book publishers, motion picture studios and radio and television stations. As of 2020, the five media giants are AT&T (Time Warner, CNN, HBO), Comcast (NBC Universal, Telemundo, Universal Pictures), Disney (ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel Studios), News Corp (Fox News, Wall Street Journal, New York Post) and ViacomCBS (CBS, Paramount Pictures).
Alternative Media for Your Consideration (not for local news, sports, weather)
By no means do I endorse or agree with everything you see or hear at these sites.
Tucker Carlson on X (news, opinion, politics, interviews)
RamzPaul on Rumble (news, cultural commentary, nationalism)
The Dan Bongino Show on Rumble (politics, news, opinion)
Michael Farris’ podcast “Coffee and a Mike” (interviews)
“Redacted” with Natali and Clayton Morris on Rumble (news, cultural commentary)
Jeffrey Prather’s “The Prather Point” on Rumble (preparedness, Deep State exposure, communitarianism)
The Epoch Times (U.S. and international news, lifestyle, health, Falun Gong)
The Unz Review (cultural commentary, economics, literature, politics, conspiracy)
Catherine Austin Fitts at Solari.com (for personal finance and investing, banking, government)
RT at RT.com (news and commentary from a Russian viewpoint)
O’Keefe Media Group (citizen journalism, expose wrongdoing)
In October 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report examining low-carbohydrate diets like keto in children and adolescents. You probably won’t be surprised that the authors are concerned. Despite the increasing popularity of carbohydrate restriction, evidence to support the benefits of low-carb diets in young people under 18 with obesity or diabetes is very limited. And though diabetes authorities have acknowledged that carb restriction has “the most evidence” for improving blood sugar levels, the American Diabetes Association has only endorsed low-carb eating as one of multiple possible eating patterns.
And yet, there are many people in the diabetes community who believe in the effectiveness of low, even very-low, carbohydrate diets for their children. There’s at least one study that supports their advocacy
I’m not a pediatrician and never treat children in my hospital practice, not even 17-year-olds. Nor have I reviewed the pertinent pediatric scientific literature. So I’ve never been comfortable writing about keto diets for children. The linked DD article was reviewed by Anna Goldman, M.D.
Red meat consumption — whether processed or not — was linked to onset of type 2 diabetes in the U.S. according to a 2023 article in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The research was a long-term observational study by mostly Harvard-based scientists. Among the authors that might be familiar to you are Walter Willett, Frank Hu, and Frank Sacks. Click the link for the deets.
This doesn’t prove that red meat consumption causes diabetes. But if you enjoy a fair or high amount of red meat, you might benefit by cutting back, especially if diabetes runs in your family. I’d also suggest regular exercise and avoiding overweight and obesity to reduce your risks of type 2 diabetes. The author suggest red meat alternatives: nuts, legumes, dairy foods.
The current observational study is unlikely to end the discussion on whether red meat intake increases risk of type 2 diabetes and even less likely to end the epistemological debates on how to grade quality of observational evidence when many efforts are made to reduce bias and confounding.
+ + +
All in all, the study by Gu et al. may arguably be the best evidence to date on the relation between red meat intake and type 2 diabetes. Yet somehow, I feel that the books have not been closed.
Posted onMarch 2, 2024|Comments Off on Paleolithic Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Death, Tumor, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurological, and Digestive Disease
The study at hand was done on a Swedish population, published in 2024 in European Journal of Nutrition. It’s not perfect but suggestive of benefit. You can read the entire report yourself (I haven’t). Reports like this usually give their strongest findings in the first paragraph of the Discussion section:
PDF [paleo diet fraction] was inversely associated with the risk of death from all causes, tumor, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and digestive disease. PDF was also inversely but non-significantly associated with death from other diseases combined. For incident event outcomes, PDF was inversely associated with the risk of coronary events and also inversely, but non-significantly associated, with ischemic stroke and type 2 diabetes. Besides longer follow-up, the present study extends previous research by examining associations for a measure of how Paleolithic a diet is based on absolute food intakes with mortality and incidence of cardiometabolic disease. This enables comparison between studies not possible for Paleolithic diet pattern scores based on relative food intakes.
Abstract
Purpose
Paleolithic Diet Fraction (PDF) estimates how large a portion of the absolute dietary intake stems from food groups included in the Paleolithic diet. In randomized controlled trials higher PDFs have been associated with healthier levels of cardiometabolic risk markers. Our aim was to build upon these findings by examining associations between PDF and mortality and incidence of cardiometabolic disease in the prospective Malmö Diet and Cancer Study.
Methods
PDF was calculated from an interview-based, modified diet history method, and associations were estimated by using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. The examined cohort consisted of 24,104 individuals (44–74 years, 63% women) without previous coronary events, diabetes, or stroke at baseline (1992–1996). A total of 10,092 individuals died during a median follow-up of 18 years.
Results
Median PDF was 40% (0–90%). The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for PDF as a continuous variable (from 0 to 100%) were for risk of death from all causes 0.55 [95% CI 0.45, 0.66], tumor 0.68 [95% CI 0.49, 0.93], cardiovascular 0.55 [95% CI 0.39, 0.78], respiratory 0.44 [95% CI 0.21, 0.90], neurological 0.26 [95% CI 0.11, 0.60], digestive, 0.10 [95% CI 0.03, 0.30], and other diseases 0.64 [95% CI 0.41, 1.00]. The corresponding HR for risk of coronary event was 0.61 [95% 0.43, 0.86], for ischemic stroke it was 0.73 [95% 0.48, 1.09] and for type 2 diabetes it was 0.82 [95% 0.61, 1.10].
Conclusion
Observational data suggest an inverse association between PDF and all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality and incidence of cardiometabolic disease.
Paleo Diabetic 