Latest news with #NIDDK
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is gestational diabetes?
(NewsNation) — Diabetes affects the lives of tens of millions of Americans. Gestational diabetes is part of this total but specifically affects 5% to 9% of pregnant women in America, per the CDC. As the name suggests, it is a variant of diabetes that forms in a woman during pregnancy. Oftentimes, it develops around the 24th week of pregnancy in cases where the body is unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin to combat increased blood sugar levels. The increased blood sugar levels are a result of hormonal changes throughout the gestation period. Per the Centers for Disease Controla nd Prevention, symptoms often do not appear. If they do exist, they are generally mild and can involve urinating more frequently than usual and being thirstier than usual. The CDC recommends that women be tested to determine if they have gestational diabetes. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends losing extra weight before getting pregnant if you are overweight. Regularly being physically active before and during pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. If one develops gestational diabetes, the likelihood of type 2 diabetes can be heightened, but can be somewhat curtailed by making healthy choices, per the NIDDK. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study
The active ingredient in the popular weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat a type of fatty liver disease, according to new research. The disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), occurs where fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. MASH can lead to scarring and even permanent liver damage. It can also lead to liver failure or cancer -- increasing the risk of transplant or chemotherapy -- and significantly raise the risk of liver-related death. MORE: Active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease: Study The condition is believed to affect an estimated 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. In the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted by researchers in the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France. Italy and Germany, patients received doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient used to treat diabetes in Ozempic and obesity in Wegovy. The patients started on low doses and increased gradually, reaching the full Wegovy dose over 72 weeks. Researchers found that about two-thirds of patients had less liver inflammation, and about one-third had improvement in liver scarring, a more advanced stage of damage. Additionally, one-third of patients improved in both inflammation and scarring. These benefits appeared in people with and without diabetes. Patients also lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight during the 72-week study. "We knew from studies of lifestyle interventions that as little as five to 10% weight loss was associated with substantial improvements in liver fat and MASH," Dr. Robert Brown Jr., chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and who was not involved in the study, told ABC News. In addition to direct health issues, MASH is linked to metabolic syndrome -- a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. MASH falls within a larger category of liver disease called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a fatty liver disease which affects about 24% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. MORE: Excessive drinking during the pandemic increased rates of liver disease, transplants "It's a problem because obesity and Type 2 diabetes have been increasing in this country year over year for decades," Brown said. "And so right now, it's estimated that one-third of the population ... has obesity or Type 2 diabetes. So that's over 100 million people." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the medication resmetirom for treatment of MASH in 2024, but the response observed in both inflammation and scarring was more modest in comparison to what was seen with Wegovy, according to FDA data. Brown said people can lower their risk for fatty liver disease by eating healthy meals, staying active and losing weight. Drinking filtered coffee, without too much sugar or cream, may also help protect the liver, he said. Wegovy addresses the root cause of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity, the study authors suggested. These changes can ease the strain on the liver and reduce the buildup of fat that leads to inflammation and scarring. "MASH and MASLD are going to be an increasing health burden, and we are going to need drugs that target the liver fibrosis as well as the underlying metabolic parameters," said Brown. "I'll be excited when we have multiple different drugs that work in different ways, so that we can treat all of the patients who had this problem in the future." Dr. Allen Chang is the chief resident of the geriatric medicine subspecialty residency program at Dalhousie University and a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study originally appeared on
30-04-2025
- Health
Active ingredient in weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat type of fatty liver disease: Study
The active ingredient in the popular weight loss drug Wegovy may help treat a type of fatty liver disease, according to new research. The disease, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), occurs where fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. MASH can lead to scarring and even permanent liver damage. It can also lead to liver failure or cancer -- increasing the risk of transplant or chemotherapy -- and significantly raise the risk of liver-related death. The condition is believed to affect an estimated 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. In the study, published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine and conducted by researchers in the U.S., U.K., Denmark, France. Italy and Germany, patients received doses of semaglutide, the active ingredient used to treat diabetes in Ozempic and obesity in Wegovy. The patients started on low doses and increased gradually, reaching the full Wegovy dose over 72 weeks. Researchers found that about two-thirds of patients had less liver inflammation, and about one-third had improvement in liver scarring, a more advanced stage of damage. Additionally, one-third of patients improved in both inflammation and scarring. These benefits appeared in people with and without diabetes. Patients also lost an average of 8.5% of their body weight during the 72-week study. "We knew from studies of lifestyle interventions that as little as five to 10% weight loss was associated with substantial improvements in liver fat and MASH," Dr. Robert Brown Jr., chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and who was not involved in the study, told ABC News. In addition to direct health issues, MASH is linked to metabolic syndrome -- a group of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome raises the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. MASH falls within a larger category of liver disease called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), a fatty liver disease which affects about 24% of U.S. adults, according to the NIDDK. "It's a problem because obesity and Type 2 diabetes have been increasing in this country year over year for decades," Brown said. "And so right now, it's estimated that one-third of the population ... has obesity or Type 2 diabetes. So that's over 100 million people." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the medication resmetirom for treatment of MASH in 2024, but the response observed in both inflammation and scarring was more modest in comparison to what was seen with Wegovy, according to FDA data. Brown said people can lower their risk for fatty liver disease by eating healthy meals, staying active and losing weight. Drinking filtered coffee, without too much sugar or cream, may also help protect the liver, he said. Wegovy addresses the root cause of metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease by helping regulate blood sugar, reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity, the study authors suggested. These changes can ease the strain on the liver and reduce the buildup of fat that leads to inflammation and scarring. "MASH and MASLD are going to be an increasing health burden, and we are going to need drugs that target the liver fibrosis as well as the underlying metabolic parameters," said Brown. "I'll be excited when we have multiple different drugs that work in different ways, so that we can treat all of the patients who had this problem in the future."
NDTV
23-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
These Foods Are The Culprits Behind Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that causes a burning sensation in the chest, often referred to as heartburn. It occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, irritating the lining. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diet plays a significant role in triggering or alleviating acid reflux symptoms. Certain foods weaken the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) or increase stomach acid, making reflux more likely. Identifying and limiting these dietary culprits is key to managing acid reflux and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Identifying triggers is the first step toward lasting relief While over-the-counter medications can offer temporary relief from acid reflux, long-term management often begins in the kitchen. Some foods and drinks act as direct irritants or relax the valve that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. By knowing what to avoid, individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease can significantly reduce flare-ups and discomfort. Below are some of the most common dietary culprits that may be making your acid reflux worse. 1. Spicy foods Chillies, hot peppers, and spicy sauces can irritate the oesophageal lining and worsen acid reflux. Capsaicin, found in chilli peppers, is known to slow the digestion process, which can increase the chances of reflux. The Cleveland Clinic suggests people with GERD limit or avoid spicy dishes altogether. 2. Citrus fruits and juices While fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, their high acidity can trigger reflux symptoms. Citrus juices can increase the stomach's acidity and lead to a burning sensation. Opt for non-citrus fruits like bananas and melons, which are gentler on the digestive system. 3. Tomatoes and tomato-based products Tomatoes are naturally acidic and often worsen acid reflux. Foods like pasta sauce, ketchup, and pizza can aggravate symptoms. According to the American Gastroenterological Association, people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should limit their intake of tomato-based foods to reduce flare-ups. 4. Chocolate Chocolate contains caffeine, theobromine, and fat, all of which can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter and encourage acid to escape into the oesophagus. Even small amounts can cause issues for sensitive individuals. White chocolate, though caffeine-free, still contains fat and should also be consumed cautiously. 5. Fried and fatty foods High-fat foods delay stomach emptying and put pressure on the LES. This includes fried snacks, creamy sauces, full-fat dairy products, and red meat. A diet rich in unhealthy fats is linked to increased acid reflux. The Harvard Medical School recommends choosing grilled, steamed, or baked options instead. 6. Caffeinated drinks Coffee, tea, and energy drinks stimulate acid production and can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter. Even decaffeinated coffee has been reported to cause reflux in some individuals. Limiting caffeine intake can go a long way in reducing discomfort. 7. Carbonated beverages Sodas and fizzy drinks can cause bloating, which increases abdominal pressure and encourages acid to flow upward. Additionally, most carbonated beverages are acidic in nature. Replace these with still water or herbal teas like chamomile or ginger, which may help soothe the digestive tract. 8. Alcohol Alcohol can relax the LES and stimulate acid production in the stomach. Wine, beer, and spirits, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, are known to aggravate acid reflux symptoms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises moderation or avoidance of alcohol in people with digestive issues. Diet plays a pivotal role in managing acid reflux, and identifying personal triggers is key to long-term relief. While medications can help, lifestyle and dietary changes offer sustainable solutions. If you suffer from frequent heartburn or digestive discomfort, consider limiting or eliminating these foods. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice and to rule out more serious underlying conditions. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amy Schumer Just Hilariously Referenced Her 'Puffier Than Normal Face' In 'Kinda Pregnant'
Amy Schumer is poking fun at a recent diagnosis. In the comedian's newest film Kinda Pregnant, the 43-year-old stars as a woman who pretends to be pregnant for special perks—like a seat on the subway. But in the movie, Amy references her recent Cushing syndrome diagnosis, which has caused her face to be "puffier than normal." In one scene, Amy's character Lainey is in a maternity store when a worker asks how far along she is in her pregnancy. The worker then says, 'Judging by your facial bloating, five months?' "I'll break your f*cking neck," Amy replies under her breath. She quickly corrects herself, adding: "I've been a freaking wreck." Amy revealed that she had been diagnosed with Cushing syndrome in February 2024, sharing that she found out while doing press for her Hulu show Life & Beth. "I feel reborn," Amy wrote in the News Not Noise newsletter. "While I was doing press on camera, I was also in MRI machines four hours at a time, having my veins shut down from the amount of blood drawn and thinking I may not be around to see my son grow up. So finding out I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I'm healthy was the greatest news imaginable." During a January 22 episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the actress shared that online trolls actually helped her figure out a diagnosis. When she first started receiving comments about her puffy face, she ignored them ignored them. However, once doctors started chiming in with concerns she had Cushing syndrome, she took the feedback more seriously. 'At first, I was like, 'F*ck off,' Amy said. But then, she realized, 'Wait, I have been getting steroid injections for my scars' from her breast reduction and Cesarean section. (Cushing syndrome can be caused by taking steroids for an extended period of time.) 'So I got these was getting these steroid injections and so it gave me this thing called Cushing syndrome—which I wouldn't have known if the internet hadn't come for me so hard,' she continued. Amy right went back to work after receiving her diagnosis, but she was feeling "really down on myself" about how she looked. 'I was, like, really having trouble figuring out how I was going to star in a movie while I had this going on,' she told host Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast. But ultimately, director Lorraine Caffery gave her a confidence boost. 'I just needed one person to just amp me up,' Amy said. Amy's health updates raise a lot of questions about Cushing syndrome. Here's what you need to know about the disorder. Cushing syndrome, which is also called Cushing's syndrome, is a disorder that happens when your body makes too much of the stress hormone cortisol over a long period of time, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). According to the NIDDK, symptoms include: Weight gain Thin arms and legs A round face Increased fat around the base of the neck A fatty hump between the shoulders Easily bruising Wide purple stretch marks, mainly on the stomach, breasts, hips, and under the arms Weak muscles There are two main types of Cushing syndrome, including exogenous (caused by factors outside the body) and endogenous (caused by factors inside the body), Medline Plus says. Amy has exogenous Cushing syndrome, she revealed in the newsletter. There is a range of potential causes of Cushing syndrome. Amy said that hers was caused by steroid injections "in high doses," but certain lung cancers, tumors on the pituitary or adrenal glands, or an inherited endocrine disorder can also cause Cushing, per John's Hopkins Medicine. Treatment for Cushing syndrome depends on the cause. In the case of getting Cushing syndrome from medication, gradually reducing the dose to the lowest dose needed or switching medications can help, the NIDDK says. However, if a tumor is behind the syndrome, removing it will help, according to the organization. Most people with Cushing syndrome can be treated and fully cured, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) says. If the condition is left untreated, it can cause fatal complications; but, if the patient is properly cared for, their life expectancy is expected to be the same as that of everyone else. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
