Insidermedicine in 60 - July 29, 2008

From Washington - According to a report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, surgical errors may cost employers $1.5 billion each year. In a study of over 161,000 patients insured by employer-based health plans, researchers found that 1 in 10 patients who died within 3 months of surgery died from a preventable error, and one-third of these deaths occurred after the patient was discharged.

From Toronto - According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, women with pregnancy-related diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. In a study of over 21,000 women with gestational diabetes, researchers found that nearly 20% went on to develop Type 2 diabetes within nine years of giving birth. The researchers suggest that women with gestational diabetes may benefit from preventative interventions and regular screening.

And finally, from Pittsburgh - According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, overweight and obese women must do more than limit calorie intake to maintain weight loss. In a study of over 200 overweight and obese women, researchers concluded that, in order to sustain a 10% weight loss over 2 years, the women needed to exercise 55 minutes per day, five days a week. At present, 1 in 4 Americans report getting little to no regular exercise.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• surgery
• transplant
• infection
• error
• legal
• insurance
• healthcare
• medicare
• pregnancy
• diabetes
• fetus
• gestation
• obesity
• diet