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OBJECTIVE--Older adults with type 2 diabetes are at high risk of fractures and falls, but the effect of glycemic control on these outcomes is unknown. To determine the effect of intensive versus standard glycemic control, we assessed fractures and falls as outcomes in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) randomized trial. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--ACCORD participants were randomized to intensive or standard glycemia strategies, with an achieved median A1C of 6.4 and 7.5%, respectively. In the ACCORD BONE ancillary study, fractures were assessed at 54 of the 77 ACCORD clinical sites that included 7,287 of the 10,251 ACCORD participants. At annual visits, 6,782 participants were asked about falls in the previous year. RESULTS--During an average follow-up of 3.8 (SD 1.3) years, 198 of 3,655 participants in the intensive glycemia and 189 of 3,632 participants in the standard glycemia group experienced at least one nonspine fracture. The average rate of first nonspine fracture was 13.9 and 13.3 per 1,000 person-years in the intensive and standard groups, respectively (hazard ratio 1.04 [95%CI 0.86--1.27]). During an average follow-up of 2.0 years, 1,122 of 3,364 intensive- and 1,133 of 3,418 standard-therapy participants reported at least one fall. The average rate of falls was 60.8 and 55.3 per 100 person-years in the intensive and standard glycemia groups, respectively (1.10 [0.84--1.43]). CONCLUSIONS--Compared with standard glycemia, intensive glycemia did not increase or decrease fracture or fall risk in ACCORD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent analyses have challenged the effectiveness of soy foods as part of a cardiovascular risk reduction diet. Objective: The objective of the study was to show whether equol status determines the effectiveness of soy foods to lower LDL cholesterol and to raise HDL cholesterol. Design: Eighty-five hypercholesterolemic men and postmenopausal women (42 men, 43 women) participated in 1 of 3 studies that represented a range of soy interventions and that followed the same general protocol at a Canadian university hospital research center. Soy foods were provided for 1 mo at doses of 30-52 g/d for the 3 studies as follows: /) soy foods with either high-normal (73 mg/d) or low (10 mg/d) isoflavones, 2) soy foods with or without a pre- biotic to enhance colonic fermentation (10 g polyfructans/d), or 3) soy foods with a low-carbohydrate diet (26% carbohydrate). Studies 1 and 2 were randomized controlled crossover trials, and study 3 was a parallel study. Results: The separation of the group into equol producers (n = 30) and nonproducers (n = 55) showed similar reductions from baseline in LDL cholesterol (-9.3 ± 2.5% and-11.1 ± 1.6%, respectively; P = 0.834), with preservation of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I only in equol producers compared with reductions in non- producers (HDL cholesterol: +0.9 ± 2.7%.compared with -4.3 ± 1.1%, P = 0.006; apolipoprotein A-I: -1.0 ± 1.1% compared with -4.7 ± 1.0%; P = 0.011). The amount of urinary equol excreted did not relate to the changes in blood lipids. Conclusions: Soy foods reduced serum LDL cholesterol equally in both equol producers and nonproducers. However, in equol producers, ~35% of our study population, soy consumption had the added cardiovascular benefit of maintaining higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations than those seen in equol nonproducers. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00877825 (study 1), NCT00516594 (study 2), and NCT00256516 (study 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article assesses the impact of a diet comprised of foods with cholesterol-lowering properties, administered at two different intensity levels, on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level changes among subjects following self-selected diets. According to the authors, foods that have the ability to lower cholesterol have been proven to be effective in lowering serum cholesterol in conditions where metabolism is controlled. They reported that in their study, the overall attrition rate was not much different between treatments. They added that the use of the dietary portfolio resulted in greater decline in LDL-C compared with the results produced by a low-saturated fat dietary program.

OBJECTIVE--Fat intake, especially monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been liberalized in diabetic diets to preserve HDL cholesterol and improve glycemic control, yet the exact sources have not been clearly defined. Therefore, we assessed the effect of mixed nut consumption as a source of vegetable fat on serum lipids and HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--A total of 117 type 2 diabetic subjects were randomized to one of three treatments for 3 months. Supplements were provided at 475 kcal per 2,000-kcal diet as mixed nuts (75 g/day), muffins, or half portions of both. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. RESULTS--The relative increase in MUFAs was 8.7% energy on the full-nut dose compared with muffins. Using an intention-to-treat analysis (n = 117), full-nut dose (mean intake 73 g/day) reduced HbA1C. (-0.21% absolute HbA1c units, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.11, P < 0.001) with no change after half-nut dose or muffin. Full-nut dose was significantly different from half-nut dose (P = 0.004) and muffin (P = 0001), but no difference was seen between half-nut dose and muffins. LDL cholesterol also decreased significantly after full-nut dose compared with muffin. The LDL cholesterol reduction after half-nut dose was intermediate and not significantly different from the other treatments. Apolipoprotein (apo) B and the apoB:apoA1 ratio behaved similarly. Nut intake related negatively to changes in HbA1c (r = -0.20, P = 0.033) and LDL cholesterol (r = -0.24, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS--Two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrate foods improved both glycemic control and serum lipids in type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The WHO fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®) estimates an individual’s 10-yr major osteoporotic and hip fracture probabilities. When bone mineral density (BMD) is included in the FRAX calculation, only the femoral neck measurement can be used. Recently, a procedure was reported for adjusting major osteoporotic fracture probability from FRAX with femoral neck BMD based on the difference (offset) between the lumbar spine and the femoral neck T-score values. The objective of the current analysis was to independently evaluate this algorithm in a population-based cohort of 4575 women and 1813 men aged 50yr and older from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. For women and men combined, there was a 15% (95% confidence interval 7–24%) increase in major osteoporotic fracture risk for each offset T-score after adjusting for FRAX probability calculated with femoral neck BMD. The effect was stronger in women than men, but a significant sex interaction was not detected. Among the full cohort, 5.5% had their risk category reclassified after using the offset adjustment. Sex- and age-dependent offsets (equivalent to an offset based on Z-scores) showed improved risk classification among individuals designated to be at moderate risk with the conventional FRAX probability measurement. In summary, the T-score difference between the lumbar spine and femoral neck is an independent risk factor for major osteoporotic fractures that is independent of the FRAX probability calculated with femoral neck BMD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tools to predict fracture risk are useful for selecting patients for pharmacological therapy in order to reduce fracture risk and redirect limited healthcare resources to those who are most likely to benefit. FRAX® is a World Health Organization fracture risk assessment algorithm for estimating the 10-year probability of hip fracture and major osteoporotic fracture. Effective application of FRAX® in clinical practice requires a thorough understanding of its limitations as well as its utility. For some patients, FRAX® may underestimate or overestimate fracture risk. In order to address some of the common issues encountered with the use of FRAX® for individual patients, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) assigned task forces to review the medical evidence and make recommendations for optimal use of FRAX® in clinical practice. Among the issues addressed were the use of bone mineral density (BMD) measurements at skeletal sites other than the femoral neck, the use of technologies other than dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, the use of FRAX® without BMD input, the use of FRAX® to monitor treatment, and the addition of the rate of bone loss as a clinical risk factor for FRAX®. The evidence and recommendations were presented to a panel of experts at the Joint ISCD-IOF FRAX® Position Development Conference, resulting in the development of Joint ISCD-IOF Official Positions addressing FRAX®-related issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: A set of nomograms based on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study predicts the five- and ten-year absolute risk of fracture using age, bone mineral density and history of falls and low-trauma fracture. We assessed the discrimination and calibration of these nomograms among participants in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. Methods: We included participants aged 55- 95 years for whom bone mineral density measurement data and at least one year of follow- up data were available. Self-reported incident fractures were identified by yearly postal questionnaire or interview (years 3, 5 and 10). We included low-trauma fractures before year 10, except those of the skull, face, hands, ankles and feet. We used a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among 4152 women, there were 583 fractures, with a mean follow-up time of 8.6 years. Among 1606 men, there were 116 fractures, with a mean follow-up time of 8.3 years. Increasing age, lower bone mineral density, prior fracture and prior falls were associated with increased risk of fracture. For low-trauma fractures, the concordance between predicted risk and fracture events (Harrell C) was 0.69 among women and 0.70 among men. For hip fractures, the concordance was 0.80 among women and 0.85 among men. The observed fracture risk was similar to the predicted risk in all quintiles of risk except the highest quintile of women, where it was lower. The net reclassification index (19.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3% to 32.2%), favours the Dubbo nomogram over the current Canadian guidelines for men. Interpretation: The published nomograms provide good fracture-risk discrimination in a representative sample of the Canadian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher intake of monounsaturated fat may raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol without raising low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. We tested whether increasing the monounsaturated fat content of a diet proven effective for lowering LDL cholesterol (dietary portfolio) also modified other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, specifically by increasing HDL cholesterol, lowering serum triglyceride and further reducing the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol. Methods: Twenty-four patients with hyperlipidemia consumed a therapeutic diet very low in saturated fat for one month and were then randomly assigned to a dietary portfolio low or high in monounsaturated fatty acid for another month. We supplied participants' food for the two-month period. Calorie intake was based on Harris-Benedict estimates for energy requirements. Results: For patients who consumed the dietary portfolio high in monounsaturated fat, HDL cholesterol rose, whereas for those consuming the dietary portfolio low in monounsaturated fat, HDL cholesterol did not change. The 12.5% treatment difference was significant (0.12 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05 to 0.21, p = 0.003). The ratio of total to HDL cholesterol was reduced by 6.5% with the diet high in monounsaturated fat relative to the diet low in monounsaturated fat (-0.28, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.04, p = 0.025). Patients consuming the diet high in monounsaturated fat also had significantly higher concentrations of apolipoprotein AI, and their C-reactive protein was significantly lower. No treatment differences were seen for triglycerides, other lipids or body weight, and mean weight loss was similar for the diets high in monounsaturated fat (-0.8 kg) and low in monounsaturated fat (-1.2 kg). Interpretation: Monounsaturated fat increased the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio, despite statin-like reductions in LDL cholesterol. The potential benefits for cardiovascular risk were achieved through increases in HDL cholesterol, further reductions in the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol and reductions in C-reactive protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a reprint of the article "Vitamin D in adult health and disease: a review and guideline statement from Osteoporosis Canada," by David A. Hanley and colleagues, which appeared at www.cmaj.ca. It discusses a study which explores the role played by vitamin D in fractures and on various diseases including diabetes mellitus, malignancies and cardiovascular ones. It concludes that calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation increases bone density in men over 50 years old.

High-protein diets have been advocated for weight loss and the treatment of diabetes. Yet animal protein sources are often high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegetable protein sources, by contrast, are low in saturated fat and without associated cholesterol. We have therefore assessed the effect on serum lipids of raising the protein intake by 5% using a cereal protein, barley protein, as part of a standard therapeutic diet. Twenty-three hypercholesterolemic men and postmenopausal women completed a randomized crossover study comparing a bread enriched with either barley protein or calcium caseinate [30 g protein, 8374 kJ 12000 kcal)] taken separately as two 1-mo treatment phases with a minimum 2-wk washout. Body weight and diet history were collected weekly during each treatment. Fasting blood samples were obtained at wk 0, 2, and 4. Palatability, satiety, and compliance were similar for both the barley protein- and casein- enriched breads, with no differences between the treatments in effects on serum LDL cholesterol or C-reactive protein, measures of oxidative stress, or blood pressure. Nevertheless, because no adverse effects were observed on cardiovascular risk factors, barley protein remains an additional option for raising the protein content of the diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPreclinical studies indicate a role of Korean red ginseng (KRG) in the modulation of vascular function; however, clinical evidence is scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of KRG root on peripheral blood pressure (BP) and augmentation index (AI), an emerging method to assess cardiovascular risk beyond conventional BP measurements. Furthermore, in an attempt to elucidate which of the major components of KRG is responsible for these effects, the ginsenoside and polysaccharide fractions isolated from the same KRG root were also investigated.MethodsThe study was designed as an acute randomized, controlled, double blind, crossover trial. A total of 17 healthy fasted individuals (gender: 9 males:8 females, age: 30 ± 9 years, body mass index: 25 ± 3 kg/m2, systolic BP (SBP): 110 ± 10.1, diastolic BP (DBP): 65 ± 7 mm Hg) received, on separate occasions, four treatments consisting of: 3 g of either placebo, KRG root, or a KRG root bioequivalent dose of ginsenoside or polysaccharide fractions. BP and AI were measured by applanation tonometry at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 h post-treatment.ResultsCompared to placebo, 3 g of KRG significantly lowered radial AI by 4.6% (P = 0.045), whereas the ginsenoside fraction comparably decreased AI by 4.8% (P = 0.057), and no effect was observed with the polysaccharides. There were no differences in BP between treatments.ConclusionAlthough preliminary, this study is the first to demonstrate that KRG may improve arterial stiffness as measured by AI. In addition, it appears that ginsenosides may be the principal pharmacologically active component of the root, rather than the polysaccharide fraction. This study supports the results seen with KRG in the preclinical studies and warrants further investigation on acute and long-term endothelial parameters.American Journal of Hypertension 2010; doi:10.1038/ajh.2010.5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between kidney function and bone loss is unclear.Study Design: A prospective observational study.Setting& Participants: 191 men and 444 women aged > or = 50 years participating in a population-based observational study designed to determine risk factors for bone loss and fractures.Predictors: The primary predictor of change in bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated creatinine clearance (using the Cockcroft-Gault formula) measured at baseline and stratified by quartiles. Our secondary predictor was estimated glomerular filtration rate using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation, also stratified by quartiles.Outcomes& Measurements: Changes in BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck during 5 years.Results: Compared with participants in the first quartile of estimated creatinine clearance (>101.2 mL/min), those in remaining quartiles were older (quartile 1, 50.0 years; quartile 2 [101.2-83.4 mL/min], 54.7 years; quartile 3 [83.4-68.3 mL/min], 60.5 years; and quartile 4 [<68.3 mL/min], 68.3 years); weighed less; reported more sedentary hours; were less likely to report excellent, very good, or good self-reported health; consumed less caffeine; and had lower serum calcium and phosphate and higher serum parathyroid hormone levels. After adjusting for age, weight, sex, baseline BMD, and these differences, compared with those in the first quartile, those in the fourth quartile had decreases in BMD of 0.08 g/cm(2) (95% CI, 0.04-0.1) at the lumbar spine, 0.08 g/cm(2) (95% CI, 0.06-0.1) at the femoral neck, and 0.09 g/cm(2) (95% CI, 0.07-0.1) at the total hip. Bone loss did not increase with worsening kidney function (P for trend > 0.05). Results were not substantially different using estimated glomerular filtration rate.Limitations: Observational study design and indirect measures of kidney function.Conclusions: Men and women with impaired kidney function are at increased risk of bone loss, even with minimal reduction in kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fractures have largely been assessed by their impact on quality of life or health care costs. We conducted this study to evaluate the relation between fractures and mortality. Methods: A total of 7753 randomly selected people (2187 men and 5566 women) aged 50 years and older from across Canada participated in a 5-year observational cohort study. Incident fractures were identified on the basis of validated self-report and were classified by type (vertebral, pelvic, forearm or wrist, rib, hip and "other"). We subdivided fracture groups by the year in which the fracture occurred during follow-up; those occurring in the fourth and fifth years were grouped together. We examined the relation between the time of the incident fracture and death. Results: Compared with participants who had no fracture during follow-up, those who had a vertebral fracture in the second year were at increased risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-6.6); also at risk were those who had a hip fracture during the first year (adjusted HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.4-7.4). Among women, the risk of death was increased for those with a vertebral fracture during the first year (adjusted HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.1-12.8) or the second year of follow-up (adjusted HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.2-8.1). The risk of death was also increased among women with hip fracture during the first year of follow-up (adjusted HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0-8.7). Interpretation: Vertebral and hip fractures are associated with an increased risk of death. Interventions that reduce the incidence of these fractures need to be implemented to improve survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Following publication of the first reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients receiving bisphosphonates in 2003, a call for national multidisciplinary guidelines based upon a systematic review of the current evidence was made by the Canadian Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (CAOMS) in association with national and international societies concerned with ONJ. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide recommendations regarding diagnosis, identification of at-risk patients, and prevention and management strategies, based on current evidence and consensus. These guidelines were developed for medical and dental practitioners as well as for oral pathologists and related specialists. Methods. The multidisciplinary task force established by the CAOMS reviewed all relevant areas of research relating to ON I associated with bisphosphonate use and completed a systematic review of current literature. These evidence-based guidelines were developed utilizing a structured development methodology. A modified Delphi consensus process enabled consensus among the multidisciplinary task force members. These guidelines have since been reviewed by external experts and endorsed by national and international medical, dental, oral surgery, and oral pathology societies. Results. Recommendations regarding diagnosis, prevention, and management of ONJ were made following analysis of all current data pertaining to this condition. ONJ has many etiologic factors including head and neck irradiation, trauma, periodontal disease, local malignancy, chemotherapy, and glucocorticoid therapy. High-dose intravenous bisphosphonates have been identified as a risk factor for ONJ in the oncology patient population. Low-dose bisphosphonate use in patients with osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disease has not been causally linked to the development of ONJ. Prevention, staging, and treatment recommendations are based upon collective expert opinion and current data, which has been limited to case reports, case series, surveys, retrospective studies, and two prospective observational studies. Recommendations: In all oncology patients, a thorough dental examination including radiographs should be completed prior to the initiation of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy. In this population, any invasive dental procedure is ideally completed prior to the initiation of high-dose bisphosphonate therapy. Non-urgent procedures are preferably delayed for three to six months following interruption of bisphosphonate therapy. Osteoporosts patients receiving oral or intravenous bisphosphonates do not require a dental examination prior to initiating therapy in the presence of appropriate dental care and good oral hygiene. Stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining good oral hygiene should be emphasized for all patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy. Individuals with established ONJ are most appropriately managed with supportive care including pain control, treatment of secondary infection, removal of necrotic debris, and mobile sequestrate. Aggressive debridement is contraindicated. Conclusion. Our multidisciplinary guidelines, which provide a rational evidence-based approach to the diagnosis, prevention, and management of bisphosphonate-associated ONJ in Canada, are based on the best available published data and the opinion of national and international experts involved in the prevention and management of ONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) for predicting osteoporosis-related fracture risk and compares potential risk factors with those in the WHO guidelines. The conclusion is that spine fracture status, which provides prognostic information that includes age and bone density, is a more accurate model than the WHO risk factors alone.

The article reports on the results of research which was conducted in an effort to estimate the relationship between longitudinal change in bone mineral density and fragility fractures. Researchers studied 3,635 women and 1,417 men between the ages of 50 and 85. Researchers found that bone mineral density change in both men and women is an independent risk factor for fragility fractures and also predicts fracture risk in people with osteopenia.

The article presents a randomized parallel study which tested the effects of low-glycemic index diets on cardiovascular risk factors and glycemic control in patients with type two diabetes. 210 participants with type two diabetes who were treated with antihyperglycemic medications were randomly assigned to receive one of two diet treatments for six months. The interventions consisted of high-cereal fiber or low-glycemic index dietary advice. The main outcome was the absolute change in glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary measures were fasting blood glucose and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Researchers found that a six month treatment with a low-glycemic index diet resulted in moderately lower HbA1c compared with a high-cereal fiber diet.

Abstract: Effective diets reduce blood lipids and oxidative damage, both of which have been linked to the complications of diabetes and coronary heart disease. Our objective was to assess the effect of adding strawberries, as a source of antioxidants, to improve the antioxidant effect of a cholesterol-lowering diet (dietary portfolio). To this end, 28 hyperlipidemic subjects who had followed the dietary portfolio consisting of soy, viscous fiber, plant sterol, and nuts for a mean of 2.5 years were randomized to receive supplements of strawberries (454 g/d, 112 kcal) or additional oat bran bread (65 g/d, 112 kcal, ≈2 g β-glucan) (control) in a randomized 1-month crossover study with a 2-week washout. Strawberry supplementation resulted in a greater reduction in oxidative damage to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) measured as thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances in the LDL fraction (P = .014). At the end of the strawberry period, reductions in LDL cholesterol and in the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were maintained close to 1-year values at −13.4% ± 2.1% and −15.2% ± 1.7%, respectively (P < .001), and were similar to the post–oat bran bread values. Strawberries also improved the palatability of the diet. We conclude that strawberry supplementation reduced oxidative damage to LDL while maintaining reductions in blood lipids and enhancing diet palatability. Added fruit may improve the overall utility of diets designed to lower coronary heart disease risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines advocate effective combinations of cholesterol-lowering dietary components. This approach (dietary portfolio) produces large reductions in serum cholesterol, but the contribution of individual components remains to be established. We therefore assessed the effect of eliminating one out of the 4 dietary portfolio components. Plant sterols were selected because at 2 g/d, they have been reported to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 9% to 14%. Forty-two hyperlipidemic subjects were prescribed diets high in soy protein (22.5 g/1000 kcal), viscous fibers (10 g/1000 kcal), and almonds (23 g/1000 kcal) for 80 weeks. Subjects were instructed to take these together with plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal) except between weeks 52 and 62. While taking the full dietary portfolio, including plant sterols, mean LDL-C reduction from baseline was 15.4% ± 1.6% (P < .001). After sterol elimination, mean LDL-C reduction was 9.0% ± 1.5% (P < .001). Comparable LDL-C reductions were also seen for the 18 subjects with a complete data set: on plant sterols, 16.7% ± 3.1% (P < .001) and off plant sterols, 10.3% ± 2.6% (P < .001), resulting in a 6.3% ± 2.0% (P = .005) difference attributable to plant sterols. Compliance in this group of 18 was 67.0% ± 5.9% for plant sterols and 61.9% ± 4.8% for the other components. In combination with other cholesterol-lowering foods and against the background of a low–saturated fat diet, plant sterols contributed over one third of the LDL-C reduction seen with the dietary portfolio after 1 year of following dietary advice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article presents a study regarding the randomized clinical trial of homocysteine level-lowering therapy and fractures. Hyperhomocysteinemia is linked with an increased risk of skeletal fractures. A total of 2758 subjects or treatment group received homocysteine level-lowering therapy and 2764 placebo group received daily placebo. The result shows that homocysteine level-lowering therapy did not lower the primary composite outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, stroke, or myocardial infarction.

Background: The study objectives were to determine fracture rates in relation to bone mineral density at various central skeletal sites, using the World Health Organization definition for osteoporosis (T-score -2.5 or less), and to contrast fracture patterns among women 50 to 64 years of age with those among women 65 years of age and older. Methods: Historical cohort study with a mean observation period of 3.2 (standard deviation [SD] 1.5) years. The study group (16 505 women 50 years of age or older) was drawn from the Manitoba Bone Density Program database, which includes all bone mineral density results for Manitoba. Baseline density measurements for the lumbar spine and hip were performed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Outcomes included the percentage of osteoporotic fractures and the rates of fracture and excess fracture (per 1000 person-years) among postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis relative to those with normal bone mineral density (according to the classification of the World Health Organization). Results: The mean age was 65 (SD 9) years, and the mean Tscores for all sites fell within the osteopenic category. There were 765 incident fractures (fracture rate 14.5 [95% confidence interval, CI, 13.5-15.6 [per 1000 person-years). Fracture rates were significantly higher among women 65 years of age or older than among women 50-64 years of age (21.6 [95% CI 19.7- 23.4] v. 8.6 [95% CI 7.5-9.7] per 1000 person-years, p< 0.001). Although fracture rates were significantly higher among women with osteoporotic T-scores, most fractures occurred in women with nonosteoporotic values (min-max: 59.7%-67.8%). Interpretation: In this study, most of the postmenopausal women with osteoporotic fractures had nonosteoporotic bone mineral density values. This finding highlights the importance of considering key clinical risk factors that operate independently of bone mineral density (such as age) when assessing fracture risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that impairs insulin action and alters lipid metabolism. We investigated the effects of genetic polymorphisms of TNF-α on circulating biomarkers of insulin resistance and lipid metabolism during an 8-hour metabolic profile test and a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects (N = 123) recruited were type 2 diabetic men (n = 56) and women (n = 67) aged 36 to 75 years with a body mass index of at least 25 kg/m2. Blood samples were collected to determine postprandial changes in circulating lipid levels and biomarkers of insulin resistance. Subjects were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the TNF-α −238G>A, −308G>A, and −863C>A polymorphisms. Compared with subjects who were homozygous for the −238G allele, carriers of the −238A allele had an altered ability to suppress postprandial free fatty acids as shown by an increased net incremental area under the curve (0.26 ± 2.44 vs −1.33 ± 2.71 mEq h−1 L−1, P = .002) during the 8-hour metabolic profile test. This effect was observed in obese (1.04 ± 2.42 vs −1.68 ± 2.70 mEq h−1 L−1, P = .0004) but not in non-obese (−0.63 ± 2.20 vs −0.95 ± 2.71 mEq h−1 L−1, P = .6) individuals. Among obese subjects, carriers of the −308A allele had greater insulin resistance as estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (4.36 ± 2.83 vs 2.85 ± 1.75, P = .01), but no differences were observed among non-obese subjects (2.19 ± 1.24 vs 1.97 ± 0.90, P = .6). Our findings suggest that the −238G>A and −308G>A polymorphisms of TNF-α alter circulating free fatty acids and insulin resistance in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In June 2005, new Canadian recommendations for bone mineral density (BMD) reporting in postmenopausal women and older men were published by Osteoporosis Canada (formerly the Osteoporosis Society of Canada) and the Canadian Association of Radiologists. The recommendations were developed by a multidisciplinary working group that included the Canadian Panel of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry and were reviewed and endorsed by multiple stakeholders. Previous Canadian osteoporosis guidelines advised intervention based on an individual''s World Health Organization category (normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis) as a marker of relative fracture risk. In the new approach, an individual''s 10-yr absolute fracture risk, rather than BMD alone, is used for fracture risk categorization. Absolute fracture risk is determined using not only BMD results, but also age, sex, fragility fracture history, and glucocorticoid use. A procedure is presented for estimating absolute 10-yr fracture risk in untreated individuals, leading to assigning an individual to 1 of 3 absolute fracture risk categories: low risk (<10% 10-yr fracture risk), moderate risk (10–20%), and high risk (>20%). We propose that an individual''s absolute fracture risk category should be the basis for deciding on treatment and frequency of BMD monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Routine bone mineral densitometry (BMD) screening has been recommended for women aged ≥65 yr (Osteoporosis Canada [OC], International Society for Clinical Densitometry [ISCD], Canadian and United States Task Forces on Preventative Healthcare, and National Osteoporosis Foundation) and for men ≥65 yr (OC) or ≥70 yr (ISCD). We estimated the number of older Canadians needed to screen (NNS) by BMD to detect an undiagnosed case of osteoporosis, using prospective, multicenter, population-based data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos). We included participants aged ≥65 yr with baseline dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) BMDs at the femoral neck and lumbar spine (L1–L4). Osteoporosis was defined by a T-score ≤2.5 at either site. Patients were questioned about a prior diagnosis of osteoporosis. We studied 2699 women and 1032 men aged ≥65 yr. The percentage prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were determined. In individuals aged ≥65 yr, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 25.6% in women (95% confidence interval, 24.0%, 27.3%) and 8.9% in men (7.3%, 10.8%). In 652 men aged ≥70 yr, the prevalence of osteoporosis was 11.3% (9.1%, 14.0%). Of the participants with BMD-defined osteoporosis, 76.6% of woman aged ≥65 yr (73.2%, 79.6%; 516 of 674 women), 93.4% of men aged ≥65 yr (86.4%, 96.9%; 85 of 91), and 93.2% of men ≥70 yr (84.9%, 97.0%; 68 of 73) were not aware of it. Thus, the minimum NNS by BMD testing to detect one previously undiagnosed case of osteoporosis in Canada is: 6 women aged ≥65 yr, 13 men aged ≥65 yr, and 10 men aged ≥70 yr. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important consideration in the management of patients with vertebral fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine patient-related factors that contribute to HRQL after vertebral fractures, including co-morbidities, medications, fracture history, family disease history, demographics, exercise, education and living environment. A total of 1,129 post-menopausal women (mean age 67.2, SD 11.9 years) was studied from the Canadian Database of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia (CANDOO). HRQL was measured using the mini-osteoporosis quality of life questionnaire (mini-OQLQ). Separate multivariable linear regression analyses [parameter estimates and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI)] were performed for each of the five mini-OQLQ domains: symptoms, physical functioning, emotional functioning, activities of daily living and leisure domains. A strong positive association was found between HRQL and post-secondary education, a family history of osteoporosis, working and thiazide therapy. Exercise improved HRQL; however, several hours a week were required to be meaningful. Living in long-term care had the most marked negative effect on HRQL. Smoking, past surgery of the hip or spine, sedatives, anticonvulsants, atherosclerotic disease and hypertension were also associated with a substantially decreased HRQL across several domains. Calcium channel-blockers, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, diabetes, migraines, the number of non-vertebral fractures and falls had a negative impact on selected domains. We demonstrated that several modifiable factors influence HRQL in patients with vertebral fractures, and physicians should be aware of these and other markers of reduced HRQL to enhance patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cholesterol-lowering foods may be more effective when consumed as combinations rather than as single foods. Objectives: Our aims were to determine the effectiveness of consuming a combination of cholesterol-lowering foods (dietary portfolio) under real-world conditions and to compare these results with published data from the same participants who had undergone 4-wk metabolic studies to compare the same dietary portfolio with the effects of a statin. Design: For 12 mo, 66 hyperlipidemic participants were prescribed diets high in plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal), soy protein (22.5 g/1000 kcal), viscous fibers (10 g/1000 kcal), and almonds (23 g/1000 kcal). Fifty-five participants completed the 1-y study. The 1-y data were also compared with published results on 29 of the participants who had also undergone separate 1-mo metabolic trials of a diet and a statin. Results: At 3 mo and 1 y, mean (± SE) LDL-cholesterol reductions appeared stable at 14.0 ± 1.6% (P < 0.001) and 12.8 ± 2.0% (P < 0.001), respectively (n=66). These reductions were less than those observed after the 1-mo metabolic diet and statin trials. Nevertheless, 31.8% of the participants (n = 21 of 66) had LDL-cholesterol reductions of >20% at 1 y (x± SE:-29.7±1.6%). The LDLcholesterol reductions in this group were not significantly different from those seen after their respective metabolically controlled portfolio or statin treatments. A correlation was found between total dietary adherence and LDL-cholesterol change (r =-0.42, P < 0.001). Only 2 of the 26 participants with >55% compliance achieved LDL-cholesterol reductions >20% at 1 y. Conclusions: More than 30% of motivated participants who ate the dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods under real-world conditions were able to lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations >20%, which was not significantly different from their response to a first-generation statin taken under metabolically controlled conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fragility fractures resulting from osteoporosis are common injuries. However, the identification and treatment of osteoporosis in these high-risk patients are widely reported to be inadequate. The goals of this study were to determine how many patients receiving inpatient or outpatient treatment for a fragility fracture could be identified and enrolled in a program for osteoporosis education, investigation, and treatment and receive appropriate osteoporosis care within the program.Methods: An Osteoporosis Exemplary Care Program was implemented to identify, educate, evaluate, refer, and treat patients considered to be at risk for osteoporosis because of a typical fragility fracture. System modifications included coordination among the orthopaedic unit, Metabolic Bone Disease Clinic, and nuclear medicine unit to provide a continuum of care for these patients. Barriers were addressed through ongoing education of physicians, staff, and patients to increase knowledge and awareness of osteoporosis. The percentages of patients previously diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis, referred for investigation of osteoporosis, treated by the orthopaedic team, and receiving appropriate attention for osteoporosis were calculated. Risk factors for osteoporosis were also assessed.Results: Three hundred and forty-nine patients with a fragility fracture (221 outpatients and 128 inpatients) who met the inclusion criteria and an additional eighty-one patients with a fracture (fifty-five outpatients and twenty-six inpatients) who did not meet the inclusion criteria but were suspected by their orthopaedic surgeons of having underlying osteoporosis were enrolled in the Osteoporosis Exemplary Care Program. More than 96% (414) of these 430 patients received appropriate attention for osteoporosis. Approximately one-third (146) of the 430 patients had been diagnosed and treated for osteoporosis before the time of recruitment. Two hundred and twenty-two of the remaining patients were referred to the Metabolic Bone Disease Clinic or to their family physician for further investigation and treatment for osteoporosis. Treatment was initiated by the orthopaedic team for another twenty-three patients. Many patients had risk factors for osteoporosis in addition to the fragility fracture; these included a previous fracture (forty-nine of 187; 26%), a mother who had had a fragility fracture (forty-two of 188; 22%), or a history of smoking (105 of 188; 56%).Conclusions: In a coordinated post-fracture osteoporosis education and treatment program directed at patients with a fragility fracture and their caregivers, >95% of patients were appropriately diagnosed, treated, or referred for osteoporosis care. To accomplish this, a dedicated coordinator and the full cooperation of orthopaedic surgeons and residents, orthopaedic technologists, allied health-care professionals (nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers), and administrative staff were required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing data from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos), we examined the association between potential risk factors and incident vertebral and nonvertebral fractures. A total of 5,143 postmenopausal women were enrolled. Information collected during the study included data from the Ca-Mos baseline and annually mailed fracture questionnaires, the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Health Utilities Index, and physical measurements. Participants were followed for 3 years. Postmenopausal women were classified into four groups according to their incident fracture status since baseline: those without a new fracture; those with a new clinically recognized vertebral fracture; those with an incident nonvertebral fracture at the wrist, hip, humerus, pelvis, or ribs (main nonvertebral fracture group); and those with any new nonvertebral fracture (any-nonvertebral-fracture group). We performed multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis using all possible risk factors to determine the association between risk factors and the time to the first minimal trauma fracture. Best predictive models were also determined using variables that were included in the full models. The Bayesian information criterion was used for model selection. For all analyses, relative risks and associated 95% confidence intervals were calculated. During the follow-up period, 34, 163, and 280 women developed a vertebral, a main nonvertebral, or any nonvertebral fracture, respectively. The best predictive models indicated that a five point lower quality of life as measured by the SF-36 physical component summary score was associated with relative risks of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.44), 1.17 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.28), and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.27) for incident vertebral, main nonvertebral, and all nonvertebral fractures, respectively. In addition, for a one standard deviation (SD=0.12) lower femoral neck BMD, the relative risks for incident vertebral, main nonvertebral, and any nonvertebral fractures increased by 2.73 (95% CI, 1.74 to 4.28), 1.39 (95% CI, 1.06 to 1.82), and 1.34 (95% CI, 1.09 to 1.65), respectively. Furthermore, various anthropometric measures, disease conditions, and medications are associated with a new fracture. Identifying postmenopausal women at risk is important given that fracture prevention therapies are now available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase inhibitors reduce serum cholesterol and are increasingly advocated in primary prevention to achieve reductions in LDL cholesterol. Newer dietary approaches combining cholesterollowering foods may offer another option, but these approaches have not been compared directly with statins in the same persons. Objective: The objective was to compare, in the same subjects, the cholesterol-lowering potential of a dietary portfolio with that of a statin. Design: Thirty-four hyperlipidemic participants underwent all three 1-mo treatments in random order as outpatients: a very-lowsaturated- fat diet (control diet), the same diet plus 20 mg lovastatin (statin diet), and a diet high in plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal), soyprotein foods (including soy milks and soy burgers, 21.4 g/1000 kcal), almonds (14 g/1000 kcal), and viscous fibers from oats, barley, psyllium, and the vegetables okra and eggplant (10 g/1000 kcal) (portfolio diets). Fasting blood samples were obtained at 0, 2, and 4 wk. Results: LDL-cholesterol concentrations decreased by 8.5 ± 1.9%, 33.3 ± 1.9%, and 29.6 ± 1.3% after 4 wk of the control, statin, and portfolio diets, respectively. Although the absolute difference between the statin and the portfolio treatments was significant at 4 wk (P = 0.013), 9 participants (26%) achieved their lowest LDLcholesterol concentrations with the portfolio diet. Moreover, the statin (n = 27) and the portfolio (n = 24) diets did not differ significantly (P = 0.288) in their ability to reduce LDL cholesterol below the 3.4-mmol/L primary prevention cutoff. Conclusions: Dietary combinations may not differ in potency from first-generation statins in achieving current lipid goals for primary prevention. They may, therefore, bridge the treatment gap between current therapeutic diets and newer statins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic disease with a prevalence that is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide. Although treatment of diabetes to avoid complications is essential, prevention of this disease would provide even greater benefit for the individual and for society. Intestinal absorption inhibitors, such as α-glucosidase inhibitors and lipase inhibitors, play a relatively minor role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, recent studies have demonstrated that absorption inhibitors have a role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in high-risk populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Studies conducted in the last 20 years have led to the identification of small dense LDL as an important risk factor for CVD. Consumption of plant sterols, soyabean proteins, viscous fibre and nuts are known to modulate the risk of CVD favourably through their cholesterol (Chol)-lowering properties, both independently and more recently in combination. Nevertheless, their combined impact on the LDL particle size phenotype has never been tested. In the present study, we assessed the effect of incorporating concurrently plant sterols (1 g/4??2 MJ), soyabean protein (23 g/4??2 MJ), viscous fibre (9 g/4??2 MJ) and almonds (15 g/4??2 MJ) into a diet very low in saturated fat in twelve patients with mildly elevated plasma LDL-Chol levels. Fasting blood lipids were obtained at the start of the study and at 2-week intervals during the 4-week study. The diet-induced reduction in plasma LDL-Chol of 30??0 (SE 3??0) % (P<0??0001) was attributed to concurrent reductions in the serum Chol concentrations of large (>26.0 nm???30 (SE 8) %, P<0??001), medium (25??5???26??0 nm???29 (SE 3) %, P<0??001) and small (<25??5 nm ??? 21 (SD 6) %, P<0??01) LDL particles, with near maximal reductions seen by week 2. These results indicate that foods and dietary components advocated for their potential to reduce the risk of CVD are effective in reducing serum concentrations of all LDL fractions including small dense LDL, thus potentially further contributing to an overall lower risk of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context: The worldwide explosive increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its cardiovascular morbidity are becoming major health concerns. Objective: To evaluate the effect of decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia with acarbose, an α-glucosidase inhibitor, on the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension in patients with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Design, Setting, and Participants: International, multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, undertaken in hospitals in Canada, Germany, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Israel, and Spain from July 1998 through August 2001. A total of 1429 patients with IGT were randomized with 61 patients (4%) excluded because they did not have IGT or had no postrandomization data, leaving 1368 patients for a modified intent-to-treat analysis. Both men (49%) and women (51%) participated with a mean (SD) age of 54.5 (7.9) years and body mass index of 30.9 (4.2). These patients were followed up for a mean (SD) of 3.3 (1.2) years. Intervention: Patients with IGT were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 715) or 100 mg of acarbose 3 times a day (n = 714). Main Outcome Measures: The development of major cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease, cardiovascular death, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular event, and peripheral vascular disease) and hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg). Results: Three hundred forty-one patients (24%) discontinued their participation prematurely, 211 in the acarbose-treated group and 130 in the placebo group; these patients were also followed up for outcome parameters. Decreasing postprandial hyperglycemia with acarbose was associated with a 49% relative risk reduction in the development of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.28-0.95; P = .03) and a 2.5% absolute risk reduction. Among cardiovascular events, the major reduction was in the risk of myocardial infarction (HR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.72; P = ... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: To enhance the effectiveness of diet in lowering cholesterol, recommendations of the Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program emphasize diets low in saturated fat together with plant sterols and viscous fibers, and the American Heart Association supports the use of soy protein and nuts. Objective: To determine whether a diet containing all of these recommended food components leads to cholesterol reduction comparable with that of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). Design: Randomized controlled trial conducted between October and December 2002. Setting and Participants: Forty-six healthy, hyperlipidemic adults (25 men and 21 postmenopausal women) with a mean (SE) age of 59 (1) years and body mass index of 27.6 (0.5), recruited from a Canadian hospital-affiliated nutrition research center and the community. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to undergo 1 of 3 interventions on an outpatient basis for 1 month: a diet very low in saturated fat, based on milled whole-wheat cereals and low-fat dairy foods (n = 16; control); the same diet plus lovastatin, 20 mg/d (n = 14); or a diet high in plant sterols (1.0 g/1000 kcal), soy protein (21.4 g/1000 kcal), viscous fibers (9.8 g/1000 kcal), and almonds (14 g/1000 kcal) (n = 16; dietary portfolio). Main Outcome Measures: Lipid and C-reactive protein levels, obtained from fasting blood samples; blood pressure; and body weight; measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4 and compared among the 3 treatment groups. Results: The control, statin, and dietary portfolio groups had mean (SE) decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 8.0% (2.1%) (P = .002), 30.9% (3.6%) (P<.001), and 28.6% (3.2%) (P<.001), respectively. Respective reductions in C-reactive protein were 10.0% (8.6%) (P = .27), 33.3% (8.3%) (P = .002), and 28.2% (10.8%) (P = .02). The significant reductions in the statin and dietary portfolio groups were all significantly different... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectif : Réviser et développer l'édition 1996 des lignes directrices de pratique clinique de la Société de l'ostéoporose du Canada pour la prise en charge de l'ostéoporose en y intégrant les progrès récents du diagnostic, de la prévention et de la prise en charge de l'ostéoporose, et trouver et évaluer les données probantes à l'appui des recommandations. Options : On a passé en revue tous les aspects des soins de l'ostéoporose et des complications qui en découlent en cas de fracture -- y compris la classification, le diagnostic, la prise en charge et les méthodes de dépistage, ainsi que la prévention et la réduction du risque de fracture -- pour les réviser au besoin et les exprimer sous forme d'une série de recommandations. Résultats : Stratégies de repérage et d'évaluation des sujets à risque, utilisation de la densité minérale osseuse et des marqueurs biochimiques pour le diagnostic et l'évaluation de la réponse à la prise en charge, recommandations sur la nutrition et l'activité physique, et sélection d'une pharmacothérapie pour la prévention et la prise en charge de l'ostéoporose chez les hommes et les femmes, ainsi que de l'ostéoporose découlant d'un traitement aux glucocorticoïdes. Données probantes : On a fondé toutes les recommandations sur un processus justifiable et reproductible mettant en cause une méthode explicite d'évaluation et de citation des données probantes à l'appui. Valeurs : Les membres du Conseil consultatif scientifique de la Société de l'ostéoporose du Canada, un comité directeur d'experts et d'autres intervenants, y compris des médecins de famille, des... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To revise and expand the 1996 Osteoporosis Society of Canada clinical practice guidelines for the management of osteoporosis, incorporating recent advances in diagnosis, prevention and management of osteoporosis, and to identify and assess the evidence supporting the recommendations. Options: All aspects of osteoporosis care and its fracture complications -- including classification, diagnosis, management and methods for screening, as well as prevention and reducing fracture risk -- were reviewed, revised as required and expressed as a set of recommendations. Outcomes: Strategies for identifying and evaluating those at high risk; the use of bone mineral density and biochemical markers in diagnosis and assessing response to management; recommendations regarding nutrition and physical activity; and the selection of pharmacologic therapy for the prevention and management of osteoporosis in men and women and for osteoporosis resulting from glucocorticoid treatment. Evidence: All recommendations were developed using a justifiable and reproducible process involving an explicit method for the evaluation and citation of supporting evidence. Values: All recommendations were reviewed by members of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Osteoporosis Society of Canada, an expert steering committee and others, including family physicians, dietitians, therapists and representatives of various medical specialties involved in osteoporosis care (geriatric medicine, rheumatology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynecology, nephrology, radiology) as well as methodologists from across Canada. Benefits, harm and costs: Earlier diagnosis and prevention of fractures should decrease the medical, social and economic burdens of this disease. Recommendations: This document outlines detailed recommendations pertaining to all aspects of osteoporosis. Strategies for identifying those at increased risk (i.e., those with at least one major or 2 minor risk factors) and screening with central dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at age 65 years are recommended. Bisphosphonates and raloxifene are first-line therapies in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Estrogen and progestin/progesterone is a first-line therapy in the prevention and a second-line therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Nasal calcitonin is a second-line therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although not yet approved for use in Canada, hPTH(1-34) is expected to be a first-line treatment for postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis. Ipriflavone, vitamin K and fluoride are not recommended. Bisphosphonates are the first-line therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in patients requiring prolonged glucocorticoid therapy and for men with osteoporosis. Nasal or parenteral calcitonin is a first-line treatment for pain associated with acute vertebral fractures. Impact-type exercise and age-appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake are recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis. Validation: All recommendations were graded according to the strength of the evidence; where the evidence was insufficient and recommendations were based on consensus opinion alone, this is indicated. These guidelines are viewed as a work in progress and will be updated periodically in response to advances in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE -- Cohort studies indicate that cereal fiber reduces the risk of diabetes and coronary heart disease (CHD). Therefore, we assessed the effect of wheat bran on glycemic control and CHD risk factors in type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS -- A total of 23 subjects with type 2 diabetes (16 men and 7 postmenopausal women) completed two 3-month phases of a randomized crossover study. In the test phase, bread and breakfast cereals were provided as products high in cereal fiber (19 g/day additional cereal fiber). In the control phase, supplements were low in fiber (4 g/day additional cereal fiber). RESULTS -- Between the test and control treatments, no differences were seen in body weight, fasting blood glucose, HbA[sub1c], serum lipids, apolipoproteins, blood pressure, serum uric acid, clotting factors, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, magnesium, calcium, iron, or ferritin. LDL oxidation in the test phase was higher than that seen in the control phase (12.1 ± 5.4%, P < 0.034). Of the subjects originally recruited, more dropped out of the study for health and food preference reasons from the control phase (16 subjects) than the test phase (11 subjects). CONCLUSIONS -- High-fiber cereal foods did not improve conventional markers of glycemic control or risk factors for CHD in type 2 diabetes over 3 months. Possibly longer studies are required to demonstrate the benefits of cereal fiber. Alternatively, cereal fiber in the diet may be a marker for another component of whole grains that imparts health advantages or a healthy lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background: The worldwide increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus is becoming a major health concern. We aimed to assess the effect of acarbose in preventing or delaying conversion of impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a multicentre, placebo-controlled randomised trial, we randomly allocated patients with impaired glucose tolerance to 100 mg acarbose or placebo three times daily. The primary endpoint was development of diabetes on the basis of a yearly oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Analyses were by intention to treat. Findings: We randomly allocated 714 patients with impaired glucose tolerance to acarbose and 715 to placebo. We excluded 61 (4%) patients because they did not have impaired glucose tolerance or had no postrandomisation data. 211 (31%) of 682 patients in the acarbose group and 130 (19%) of 686 on placebo discontinued treatment early. 221 (32%) patients randomised to acarbose and 285 (42%) randomised to placebo developed diabetes (relative hazard 0.75 [95% CI 0.63-0.90]; p=0.0015). Furthermore, acarbose significantly increased reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance (p<0.0001). At the end of the study, treatment with placebo for 3 months was associated with an increase in conversion of impaired glucose tolerance to diabetes. The most frequent side-effects to acarbose treatment were flatulence and diarrhoea. Interpretation: Acarbose could be used, either as an alternative or in addition to changes in lifestyle, to delay development of type 2 diabetes in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes underwent two 2-wk study periods in random order during which they were provided with carbohydrate foods with either a high or low glycemic index (GI). Over both high-GI and low-GI periods there were significant reductions in body weight, serum fructosamine, and cholesterol. Reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, and urinary c-peptide-to-creatinine ratio were significant only over the low-GI period despite a smaller mean weight loss. Reductions in triglyceride were significant only over the high-GI diet. Inclusion of low-GI foods into diets of patients with diabetes may be an additional measure that favorably influences carbohydrate metabolism without increasing insulin demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]