Volume 16 Issue 6, June 2020

Available evidence demonstrates a crosstalk between the renin–angiotensin and the parathyroid hormone–vitamin D systems. A new study suggests that vitamin D supplementation can lower systolic blood pressure and plasma aldosterone levels in patients with primary aldosteronism.

This Review summarizes the process involved in the metabolism of macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) with a focus on the physiological and neuroendocrine aspects. The associations between macronutrients and obesity are also discussed in the context of factors such as genetics and the microbiome composition.

Young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed in people aged <40 years has a more rapid disease course that later-onset T2DM. This Review discusses the current and future burden of young-onset T2DM in different populations and highlights the associations of young-onset T2DM with premature mortality and morbidity.

Osteoporosis interventions are currently recommended in a small proportion of postmenopausal women, of whom ~50% will experience bone fracture. This Perspectives proposes that broader use of generic bisphosphonates would result in reductions in total fracture numbers and suggests that the current bone density definition of osteoporosis requires reappraisal.