The Handoff: Your Week in Endocrinology – 1/6/17

The Handoff is a weekly roundup of endocrinology and general medicine news covering various developments in subspecialties, as well as pharmaceutical industry, association, and society news.

• Chromosomes remain malleable after fertilization, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the British Fertility Society, suggesting that an embryo’s environment during IVF hugely impacts how well they form.
• Investigators with the International Hypoglycaemia Study Group have published a new recommendation for documenting low glucose levels during clinical trials.
• A record low number of Americans are uninsured thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—especially those with preexisting conditions like asthma or cancer.
• More on the Affordable Care Act: Democrats in the House and Senate are presenting a united front against GOP efforts to repeal the ACA and “make America sick again.”
• Research published in Neurology has found that older adults who follow the Mediterranean diet—which includes lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and olive oil—are less likely to experience the brain shrinkage typical of their age group.
• Not reaping the benefits of an exercise routine? Canadian investigators say some people may be “exercise nonresponders,” and may benefit from switching to a different form of exercise.
• Intersex people in Kenya are finding new support from their Prime Minister Isaac Mwaura, who has filed a petition to expand the rights of intersex people, including surgery.
• A recent JAMA study found that diabetes is the most costly medical condition, with more than an estimated $101.4 billion spent in 2013.