Research from the Keck School of Medicine indicates that social deprivation, including low income and housing instability, is linked to a higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, even when treatment adherence is maintained. Published in Eye, the study analyzed data from 3.7 million patients and found that socially deprived individuals experience more severe DR progression and complications, such as retinal detachment and macular edema, over a decade. These findings highlight the influence of systemic factors on health outcomes and the importance of addressing social determinants in diabetes care.

A study in The Lancet Psychiatry found metformin helps manage weight gain in children taking second-generation antipsychotics for bipolar disorder. The study involved more than 1,500 children ages 8 to 19 who were overweight or obese. "The results ... are consistent with recent practice guidelines and support the new standard of care -- youth with overweight or obesity should be started on metformin at the same time a second-generation antipsychotic is initiated," says study leader Dr. Melissa DelBello.

The US received a D+ for its 10.4% preterm birth rate for the fourth consecutive year, according to a March of Dimes report. About 1 in 4 women receive no prenatal care in the first trimester.

Chronic conditions: "There are a variety of reasons why folks may present late to care," Dr. L. Joy Baker says. "But when they have chronic conditions or even conditions that started in the pregnancy -- like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes -- the earlier that we know, the better we're able to treat."

Engaging in physical activity in natural, outdoor settings can significantly enhance psychological well-being, according to research. Outdoor exercise in green spaces may help reduce anxiety and anger, boost energy and positive affect, and alleviate depression symptoms more effectively than working out in urban environments.

Soda consumption is driven by a combination of biological and psychological factors, experts say. The brain's reward system is affected by the sweetness and caffeine in soda, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms, says Ashley Gearhardt, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. "It's not that these foods are so amazingly tasty, it's that they alter our metabolism. ... (The) fundamental problem is that the processed carbs are sending us on a blood sugar and insulin roller coaster ride," says David Ludwig, an endocrinologist and researcher at Boston Children's Hospital.

Novo Nordisk has lowered direct-to-consumer prices for Wegovy and Ozempic to $349 per month from $499 per month, with the highest dose of Ozempic remaining at $499. A temporary offer allows new patients to access lower doses for $199 monthly for the first two months. This move follows President Donald Trump's agreements with Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to make GLP-1 drugs more accessible and affordable, including Medicare coverage for certain patients.

The World Health Organization has announced that starting in 2027, the International Classification of Diseases version 11 will include a new code for undernutrition in adults. This development, supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society of Nutrition, aims to enhance the ability of registered dietitians and other health care professionals to diagnose and treat undernutrition. The code will help standardize the diagnosis process, allowing for better recognition and treatment of undernutrition, which can occur even in individuals with overweight or obesity when associated with disease or inflammation.

The CMS is expanding Medicare coverage of remote patient monitoring, allowing billing for shorter programs and certain therapeutic services. The 2026 Physician Fee Schedule also adds management codes for 10-minute engagement periods. However, UnitedHealthcare is limiting coverage of RPM to patients with chronic heart failure and pregnant patients with hypertension, citing a lack of evidence for other uses.