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Limitation of caloric intake is often used to promote weight loss in overweight or obese individuals; however, this strategy can fail because of the associated increase in appetite and decrease in total daily energy expenditure. In this Viewpoint, an alternative approach to caloric restriction is discussed—the modified macronutrient diet.
Although diabetic ketoacidosis is considered a key clinical feature of type 1 diabetes mellitus, this phenomenon has become increasingly common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The authors of this Viewpoint examine the diagnostic criteria, precipitating causes, and pathogenesis of diabetic ketoacidosis associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasias (BAHs) are one cause of adrenocorticotropin-independent Cushing's syndrome. Until recently BAHs were relatively unknown and thought to be infrequent. This article reviews the molecular genetics of adrenocortical tumor development with an emphasis on BAHs. It also suggests a classification for BAHs that is based on their genetics and histology.
Replication of β cells is important in childhood expansion of β-cell mass, and offers a potential therapeutic strategy for diabetes. As discussed here, however, mechanisms of increased β-cell mass in adulthood in humans are not well understood, and the influence of mechanisms such as apoptosis might interfere with therapeutic approaches.
Although its performance-enhancing effects remain unclear, athletes are thought to be doping themselves with recombinant human growth hormone, which is banned by regulatory authorities for this context. This article describes the challenges faced in designing test methods to detect this abuse, and details the assays that are currently in use or development.
Women with Cushing's syndrome are often misdiagnosed as having polycystic ovarian syndrome. The authors highlight the importance of correctly diagnosing the two disorders and describe the clinical features and investigations that can help to distinguish them.
