DAVID HENRY KING, M.D.

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This study looked at midline catheters (ML) as a potential alternative to central venous catheters (CVC) for measuring venous pressure in critically ill patients. It found that the average pressure readings from the ML (10.6 mmHg) were close to those from the CVC (9.1 mmHg), with a strong correlation between the two methods, but they are not the same. These findings are important because they suggest that midline catheters could be a safe and effective option for ongoing patient care in the ICU, even if they are not a direct replacement for central lines. Who this helps: This helps patients in critical care settings by providing them with an alternative means of monitoring venous pressure.

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This study looked at how 300 people with gambling problems label themselves and how they feel about the stigma associated with those labels. It found that most people preferred clinical terms like "addicted" over public health terms related to gambling harm, and those with more severe gambling issues felt stronger stigma. Understanding these preferences is important because it can help reduce stigma and improve the way we talk about gambling issues, making it easier for people to get help. Who this helps: This benefits patients with gambling problems and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how important our relationship with nature is for our health. Researchers gathered a group of experts to create a clear definition and framework for a new approach called Ecological Medicine, which highlights the need for healthcare to focus on connections between people, nature, and each other. They found that embracing nature-based health practices can improve overall well-being, which is crucial for patient care and health policies. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers aiming for better health outcomes through nature-based interventions.

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This study focused on using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze images of the eardrum captured with affordable digital otoscopes, helping doctors determine if children have fluid in their middle ear. They found that the AI classified images accurately 92.1% of the time, which is comparable to traditional methods used by doctors. This is important because it could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses for young patients, ultimately improving their treatment and health. Who this helps: This helps doctors and young patients experiencing ear issues.

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This study examined the increasing number of traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims in New Zealand from 2017 to 2023 using national insurance data. Over those seven years, the rate of TBI claims jumped from 745 to 1028 claims per 100,000 people, with a total increase of nearly 49% in claims, rising from 36,179 to 53,731, while the population only grew by 9.2%. The leading causes of these injuries were falls, sports, motor vehicle accidents, and assaults, indicating that more people are seeking help and reporting these injuries. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and policy makers by highlighting the growing impact of TBIs on the population.

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This study looked at how autistic and non-autistic adults react to traumatic events and found that autistic individuals reported worse symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specifically, autistic participants had more negative thoughts about their trauma, such as feeling like they were to blame or disconnected from others, which was linked to higher PTSD symptoms. As a result, helping autistic individuals manage these negative thoughts could improve their PTSD treatment. Who this helps: This helps autistic adults who experience PTSD.

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This study looked at the costs involved in using different strategies to encourage more people to use digital tools designed to help treat substance use disorders in a large healthcare system. They found that over 50 months, the total cost for implementing these strategies was about $748,088, with the most expensive method costing up to $48,029 per clinic. Understanding these costs is important because it helps healthcare systems know how much to invest in promoting effective digital treatments for addiction. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and systems aiming to improve treatment options for patients with substance use disorders.

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This study looked at how symptoms of neurological issues from long COVID (called Neuro-PASC) change over time and how patients feel about their recovery. Out of 63 patients, 27 (about 43%) reported improvements in their symptoms, while 36 (about 57%) did not. The findings highlighted that women and those who had lost their sense of smell and taste were less likely to improve, and both groups experienced broad difficulties with quality of life, suggesting that better support for sleep and cognitive function could help. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from long COVID and medical professionals treating them.

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This study looked at a new approach where emergency medical services teamed up with a community organization to help people who survived opioid overdoses but didn't want to go to the hospital. They found that this partnership helped clients feel more comfortable and trust the outreach workers, which in turn made it easier for them to access addiction treatment services. Many clients reported that these support services increased their confidence in dealing with their health and substance use issues. Who this helps: This helps overdose survivors by providing them immediate support and a path to addiction treatment.

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This study looked at the short-term results of using three types of support mesh in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It involved 919 tissue expanders inserted in 524 women from July 2021 to 2024. The researchers found that infection rates were similar across the three groups: 10.6% for PDO mesh, 6.6% for biologic mesh, and 6.2% for no mesh, indicating that the type of mesh used doesn't significantly affect complications. This is important because it suggests that patient and surgical factors might be more crucial than the mesh type chosen. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

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This study looked at patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who have a specific gene called TP53. They found that one-third of these patients did not respond to a treatment designed to activate TP53, with a survival rate of only 19% when another gene (NPM1) was involved, and a bleak 6% when it was not. These findings highlight the significant challenges in treating AML and emphasize the need for better therapies for patients with defective TP53 responses. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on treatments for leukemia patients.

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This study looks at the rise of behavioral addictions in Africa, such as excessive internet use, gaming, and gambling, as more people gain access to digital technology. It found that these issues are especially harmful to young people, with many challenges in addressing them, like a lack of research and support systems in place. This matters because, without proper understanding and regulation, the risks of addiction are growing, which can seriously harm individuals and communities. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially young people struggling with behavioral addictions, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers.

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This study looked at a new tool called the Adjustment Disorder-New Module 20 for Military (ADNM-20-MIL) designed to better assess adjustment disorder in U.S. military service members. Researchers found that active duty members with adjustment disorder had significantly worse scores on the ADNM-20-MIL, showing strong reliability and valid connections to other mental health measures. Importantly, the tool worked well regardless of the individual's sex, rank, or deployment history, indicating it is a reliable assessment for this condition. Who this helps: This benefits military service members experiencing adjustment disorder.

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This study focused on the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which are often found late and are hard to treat. Researchers found that ctDNA can provide valuable information about tumor status and treatment effectiveness for various GI cancers, especially colorectal cancer. Despite its potential to improve patient outcomes, challenges like detection consistency and cost still need to be addressed. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with gastrointestinal cancers and their doctors by promoting more effective and personalized treatment approaches.

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This study looked at how a standardized plan for removing tracheostomy tubes after surgery for head and neck reconstruction affected patient outcomes. Researchers found that nearly 40% of patients who followed the new plan were able to have their tubes removed before leaving the hospital, compared to 32% of those who had no plan in place. Importantly, only 0.9% of patients in the new plan group returned to the emergency room for airway issues within 30 days, compared to 6.2% in the previous group, showing that the protocol may help prevent complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from head and neck surgery.

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This study examined specific types of waves, called Alfvén eigenmodes, in a type of plasma used for nuclear fusion that combines deuterium and tritium (D-T). Researchers found these waves only in D-T plasmas and not in pure deuterium, showing they were triggered by particles produced during fusion. This discovery helps us understand how energy from fusion reaction products affects the behavior of plasma, which is important for improving fusion energy systems. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working on nuclear fusion technology.

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This study looked at patients who had body contouring surgery after losing weight and compared the rates of complications based on how they lost the weight, such as through surgery, medication, or lifestyle changes. Out of 1,002 patients, complications occurred similarly regardless of the weight loss method, and the only factors affecting complications were higher body mass index (BMI) and diabetes, with patients who had these conditions at greater risk. This information is important because it helps doctors understand that the way patients lose weight doesn’t change the likelihood of complications during surgery, focusing instead on managing BMI and diabetes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients preparing for body contouring surgery after weight loss.

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This study developed a new method for analyzing immune cells that can be used even in areas with limited resources, such as rural communities. By allowing whole blood samples to be collected, processed, and sent to a central lab without expensive equipment, researchers found that this method effectively identified differences in immune responses between patients with advanced lung cancer and healthy individuals. This approach makes it easier for researchers to include underrepresented populations in important health studies, helping to ensure that health insights are applicable to a wider range of people. Who this helps: This helps patients in rural and underserved areas gain better access to health research and treatment insights.

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This study looked at how well two different technologies—mass cytometry (CyTOF) and traditional fluorescent cytometry—can detect immune cell signals in the body, particularly those related to cytokines and other important proteins. The researchers found that CyTOF was much better at distinguishing these signals, identifying specific cytokines like IL-10 and IL-13 that the fluorescent method missed. This matters because it allows scientists to better understand and measure rare immune cell types, which could lead to new treatments and diagnoses for diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers, doctors, and patients dealing with immune-related conditions.

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This study looked at a treatment called BIT, which combines three drugs (bevacizumab, irinotecan, and temozolomide), for young patients with advanced neuroblastoma, a serious cancer in children. Out of 66 patients treated, 40% showed improvement, with better results in those whose cancer was not responding to previous therapies (56% response rate compared to 31% in those who had relapsed). Patients who did not respond to earlier treatments lived longer without their cancer getting worse (median 13.2 months) compared to those who had relapsed (median 5.1 months). Who this helps: This helps children with high-risk neuroblastoma and their doctors in choosing effective treatment options.

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This study examined the safety of giving hypertonic saline (HTS) through midline catheters in critically ill patients. Researchers looked at 138 patients, mostly middle-aged men, and found that only one person had a mild issue (thrombophlebitis), while five others had thrombosis. The results indicate that midline catheters could be a safe option for delivering HTS, which is important for treating serious conditions like high intracranial pressure and low sodium levels in the blood. Who this helps: This benefits patients in intensive care units who need such treatments.

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This study looked at how the surface structure of a specific kind of coating, known as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), affects the performance of electrodes used in various applications. Researchers found that using a technique called cyclic voltammetry revealed a new feature in the redox responses at the surface when they changed the speed of the voltage scan. This finding helps us better understand how to design and improve electrodes for uses in energy storage and sensors. Who this helps: This information benefits engineers and scientists working on electrode technology.

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This study looked at how certain brain cells, called astrocytes, can protect connections between nerve cells (synapses) from damage caused by a toxic protein related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in mouse brain slices. The researchers found that in the presence of amyloid-beta, there was a significant loss of synapses over 24 hours, but synapses near astrocytes were more likely to survive. This matters because it shows that astrocytes can help preserve brain function, potentially delaying the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

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This study looked at 730,947 exome sequences—up from previous databases—to better understand genetic variations linked to diseases. Researchers found that larger sample sizes help identify important genetic factors that may cause diseases, with new methods achieving 90% accuracy in distinguishing genuine harmful mutations. This research is important because it enhances the ability to find and diagnose rare diseases by using a more thorough approach to evaluate gene-disease connections. Who this helps: Patients with rare genetic disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) in patients with pancreatic cancer, which is a serious condition that can occur when cancer affects the heart. Researchers found that 93% of the patients died, with most dying from pancreatic cancer rather than NBTE itself. The data shows alarming mortality rates, particularly for those treated with blood thinners; 100% of patients on one type of heparin died. Understanding this condition better is crucial so doctors can quickly identify it in pancreatic cancer patients and potentially improve their care. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a substance called glutamine affects the healing process of skin wounds by regulating inflammation. Researchers found that when glutamine metabolism is active in certain immune cells (macrophages), it helps reduce the presence of another type of immune cell (neutrophils) that can cause prolonged inflammation. Specifically, they discovered that glutamine helps suppress genes that attract neutrophils, which is particularly important for patients with diabetes, as these genes were found to be more active in their macrophages. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with skin wounds and diabetes by improving our understanding of inflammation during healing.

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This study compared two chemotherapy treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX) and gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP). The results showed that patients on GnP had a longer average survival time of 9.7 months compared to 8.5 months for those on mFFX. This is important because it provides new insights into which treatment may be more effective for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer benefit from this research.

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This study looked at how well a type of therapy called cognitive therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) works for children and teenagers aged 8-17 who have experienced multiple traumatic events. Researchers found that while CT-PTSD didn’t show significant improvement compared to regular treatment right after it ended, it did lead to better results for some patients at 11 months later, with a difference of about 5.4 points on a PTSD impact scale, which is quite meaningful. This matters because it provides evidence that targeted therapy can help young people with complicated trauma histories improve their mental health over time. Who this helps: This helps children and teenagers dealing with PTSD from multiple traumas and the mental health professionals treating them.

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This study focused on finding a way for artificial intelligence (AI) to identify ear problems in children using images taken with simple, inexpensive cameras called otoscopes. The AI model was able to correctly classify the condition of the middle ear with an impressive accuracy of 92.5%. This is important because it can help doctors determine whether children have specific ear infections, which can reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and improve patient care. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and pediatric patients, especially those with ear-related issues.

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This research looked at genetic data from the UK Biobank to better understand how genetics affect various health traits in different ancestry groups. The study found 14,676 genetic locations linked to health traits that had not been identified in earlier studies focusing only on individuals of European ancestry. This is important because it increases our understanding of health risks across diverse populations, which can lead to better personalized medical care. Who this helps: This benefits patients from diverse genetic backgrounds and healthcare providers by improving risk assessment and treatment options.

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Researchers studied the bacteria linked to a type of nematode that lives outside of plants, rather than within them. They found that the bacterial diversity surrounding the nematode was lower than in the soil from which it came, but that this community had more of a specific bacteria that helps fight off harmful pathogens. This is important because understanding these interactions can lead to better ways to control harmful nematodes in agriculture. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural scientists.

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This study looked at how to improve the accuracy of predicting outcomes using a method called the super learner, which combines multiple prediction algorithms. Researchers found that using a variety of screening methods (like the lasso) to narrow down the data before making predictions is important, especially when individual methods might not perform well on their own. They demonstrated this by analyzing data from HIV-1 antibody tests, suggesting that using a mix of strategies can lead to better predictions. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and healthcare professionals working with predictive models in medicine.

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This study looked at what research on gambling should focus on as it becomes a larger public health problem. Researchers gathered input from 307 experts across 35 countries and identified 102 key research questions, with the top priorities addressing issues like the impacts of gambling on vulnerable groups and the need for better treatment strategies. This matters because it helps direct future studies and funding to the areas that can most effectively improve understanding and interventions for problem gambling. Who this helps: This helps researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers working to address gambling issues.

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This study created a new type of delivery system that mimics natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer. The researchers developed gelatin-based microspheres coated with NK cell membranes, which could successfully target and interact with various cancer cells without causing harm or inflammation. They found that this system reduced the uptake of the treatment by immune cells by about 10% and effectively delivered a drug that decreases cancer cell markers in lab tests. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments.

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This study is examining how respiratory viral infections, like those caused by SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, affect the immune systems of children aged 1 month to 17 years. Researchers are following these children over two years, collecting samples when they are healthy and when they show symptoms of illness. The goal is to understand how different age groups respond to these infections and how getting infected with more than one virus at the same time impacts their immune response. Who this helps: This benefits children and their healthcare providers by providing insights into how to improve prevention and treatment strategies for respiratory illnesses.

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This study focused on creating a standardized framework to evaluate health care chatbots, which are becoming more common in medical settings. Researchers examined 266 records, narrowed it down to 11 relevant frameworks, and developed a comprehensive tool called the Health Care AI Chatbot Evaluation Framework (HAICEF). This framework includes 271 specific questions across three main areas: safety and privacy; trustworthiness and usefulness; and design effectiveness, ensuring that chatbots are safe, secure, and reliable in their medical applications. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by ensuring chatbots are evaluated properly for safety and effectiveness.

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This study looked at how different types of a particular HIV-1 virus behave in specific types of immune cells called CD4T cells in a patient who progressed rapidly to AIDS. Researchers found that one version of the virus preferred a cell type that normally helps maintain long-term immunity, while another version targeted a cell type involved in immediate immune responses. Notably, the first version of the virus was over 100 times more resistant to a common treatment than the second version. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and potentially patients by improving understanding of HIV treatment strategies.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of repeated concussions in cyclists, specifically comparing those who have ongoing symptoms to those who do not. They found that cyclists with persistent symptoms experienced more cognitive and motor issues, with significant differences in concentration and balance tests. For example, symptomatic cyclists had slower reaction times and made more mistakes on motor tasks than both healthy cyclists and a control group, highlighting the need for better concussion protocols in cycling. Who this helps: This helps cyclists, coaches, and sports organizations prioritize concussion awareness and management in cycling.

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This study focused on improving lung cancer screenings for Black patients living in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, where lung cancer death rates are very high. So far, 170 of the 675 targeted Black participants have been recruited, with most being smokers aged 55-74 and facing barriers like cost and lack of insurance coverage. By addressing these issues, the study aims to provide better access to screenings and potentially reduce disparities in lung cancer outcomes. Who this helps: This helps Black patients and underserved communities at risk for lung cancer.

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This study examined the use of inhaled milrinone to help patients recover from cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery. In a specific case, a 55-year-old man who had heart valve surgery was able to stabilize his heart function and pulmonary pressure after receiving inhaled milrinone, which allowed for a smoother recovery. This approach may reduce complications linked to low blood pressure that can occur with intravenous milrinone, making it a promising alternative in similar situations. Who this helps: Patients undergoing heart surgery, especially those with lung and heart issues.

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This study developed an online platform called MindBench.ai to evaluate large language models (AI tools) used for mental health support. The platform combines various assessment methods to ensure these tools meet both technical standards and perform well in providing mental health guidance. This matters because as more people turn to AI for help, it's crucial to ensure these tools are safe and effective. Who this helps: This helps patients, mental health professionals, and developers of mental health technologies.

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This study focused on identifying blood markers that indicate the immune response to infections in patients suspected of having sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Researchers found that 62.5% of the patients had increased levels of certain RNA markers linked to bacterial infections, and significant changes in these markers over a few hours were closely tied to worsening conditions. This is important because early detection and treatment can save lives by allowing for quicker medical responses when sepsis is suspected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of sepsis and the doctors treating them.

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This study explored how gene activity in brain cells related to multiple sclerosis (MS) differs between males and females. Researchers found that in females with MS, specific genes in brain cells called oligodendrocytes and their precursors were more active compared to healthy women, while similar changes were not seen in affected males. This matters because understanding these differences may lead to better treatment strategies tailored to each sex, highlighting a potential for females to have a better environment for repair after brain injury. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple sclerosis, especially women, by improving targeted treatment options.

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This study examined how well artificial intelligence (AI) detection tools can identify whether personal statements for medical residency programs are written by humans or generated by AI. Researchers analyzed 25 personal statements written by real residents, 25 created entirely by AI, and 25 that mixed both human and AI content. The tools didn't perform consistently, with some human statements labeled as AI-generated up to 84% of the time, indicating that these tools struggle to accurately tell the difference, especially with mixed-content statements. Who this helps: This research benefits residency program directors and admissions committees who need to fairly assess applicants' personal statements.

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This study looked at the use of a technique called focal irreversible electroporation (IRE) to treat localized prostate cancer. It found that about 0-33% of patients had cancer return in the treated area after the procedure, and while there were some declines in sexual function and urinary control, many patients reported improvements in urinary symptoms. These findings show that IRE might be a good option for treating localized prostate cancer, potentially leading to better quality of life for patients compared to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps prostate cancer patients seeking effective treatment options with fewer side effects.

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This study looked at how diabetes patients in Wales are being treated for heart disease risk between 2010 and 2023. It found that more people are diagnosed with diabetes, rising from about 133,000 in 2010 to nearly 184,000 in 2023. However, fewer patients with heart disease are receiving cholesterol-lowering medications, dropping from 87.5% to 81.8%, and only about half of high-risk patients without heart disease are getting recommended treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits diabetes patients and their healthcare providers by highlighting gaps in treatment that need attention.