Drugs for psoriasis, arthritis may lower diabetes risk

( Parenting.com ) -- Drugs that treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, by suppressing the immune system may also reduce the risk of developing diabetes, at least in people who already have one of these conditions, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Compared with those taking other drugs (such as cyclosporine), patients with psoriasis or RA who were prescribed one of several drugs in a class known as the TNF inhibitors had a 38 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the course of the six-month study.

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Those who were prescribed hydroxychloroquine, a drug that has been used for decades to fight malaria and is also used for RA, had a 46 percent lower risk.

"If you're going to give an immunosuppressant (drug) anyway, it may be that these specific drugs have an added benefit of reducing the risk of future diabetes," says the lead author of the study, Daniel H. Solomon, M.D., an associate professor of rheumatology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts.

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The findings make sense biologically. RA and psoriasis are both inflammatory conditions, and inflammation plays a role in insulin resistance and diabetes. (Inflammation, which also contributes to hardening of the arteries, is believed to be at the root of the increased risk of heart disease seen in people who have RA, psoriasis, or diabetes.)

TNF inhibitors and hydroxychloroquine may help fight diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity so that blood sugar (glucose) is pulled out of the bloodstream more quickly. Hydroxychloroquine may have the added effect of reducing insulin metabolism so the hormone stays in the blood stream longer, giving it more time to move the glucose, Solomon says.

The study was funded by Amgen, the maker of the TNF inhibitor Enbrel (etanercept), although the company had no editorial control.

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Solomon and his coauthors stopped far short of saying that these immunosuppressive drugs might help prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk people who don't have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, or control the disease in diabetics.

TNF inhibitors such as Enbrel and Remicade are very expensive and have potentially serious side effects, including an increased risk of infection. As a result, they may not even be appropriate for all RA and psoriasis patients who are at high risk for diabetes.

Super-Abridged Bible: 1 Kings -- a Nadder!

Chapters 1-3: Transition from David to Solomon

David is old and even refuses a virgin his courtiers “bring” to his bed for warmth. His son Adonijah gets Joav’s support and proclaims himself king. Nathan the prophet advises Bathsheba to get David to reconfirm that he promised their son Solomon would be king. Nathan proclaims Solomon as king. Adonijah is afraid and makes Solomon promise not to hurt him, which he does, on condition that he behaves worthily.

King David advises Solomon to keep YHWH’s commandments, to take revenge on Joav (for killing Abner and Amasa), to reward Barzilai and to take revenge on Shimei (thereby circumventing David’s promise to spare him, see 2 Samuel for all these). David dies. Adonijah gets Bathsheba to ask Solomon on his behalf if he can marry David’s concubine. Angry at the insolence, Solomon has Adonijah killed, as well as Joav. Solomon tells Shimei that he’ll be safe as long as he doesn’t leave Jerusalem. He obeys until he goes to fetch his runaway slaves. On his return, Solomon executes him.

YHWH appears to Solomon asking what he wants as king. Solomon wants wisdom and knowledge. YHWH is pleased he asked for this and not long life, riches etc. YHWH says he’ll grant him those as well as a reward. Two prostitutes come to Solomon with a baby, each claiming it is hers. Solomon asks for a sword so he can cut the baby in two, giving half to each woman. One of them is fine that nobody will get it in the end. The other says she’d rather give up the child than have it die. Solomon gives her the child, deducing the child was hers. His fame for being wise.

The officials and wealth of Solomon’s reign are. He establishes a major kingdom, writes 3000 proverbs and has people come from all over the world to hear him lecture on various topics. He asks King Hiram of Tyre (a friend of David’s) to supply cedars for YHWH’s Temple. To finance the empire, Solomon taxes the public heavily, both in wealth and labour.

The measurements of the Temple and the details of all the ornaments are given. He the Temple and his palace, all with the help of king Hiram. Solomon makes an inauguration ceremony for all of Israel. The Ark is brought into the Temple. YHWH’s cloud that has followed the Ark (see Exodus) spreads over the Temple. Solomon makes a speech, praising YHWH for making this possible, asking YHWH to be swayed to mercy by the sacrifices Israel will make at the Temple, asking YHWH to grant everything a non-Israelite asks for at the Temple (Solomon is sure YHWH’s fame will spread outside of Israel too) and to be gracious when Israel sins. A week of sacrifices and celebrations follows.

The temple of Solomon, a study of Semitic culture

The Temple of Solomon, embracing the history of its location, building, use, and typical significations, as understood by Masons and Christians

The Temple of Solomon

The temple of Solomon, a review of the various theories respecting its form and style of architecture.-The ethics of art; two lectures

Temple of Solomon: