Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Disease-Management In Family Medicine Clinics Through The Addition Of A Health Coach: A Pilot Study, Crystal Y. Cichon, Jessica J.F. Kram, Tiffany A. Mullen, Pamela Voelkers, Kristin J. Magliocco, Kiley A. Bernhard, Dennis J. Baumgardner

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Background: In the United States, more than 80% of health care spending is focused on the management of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Controlling these chronic diseases can lead to better health outcomes and decrease the number of preventable deaths. Patient self-management has shown to improve clinical outcomes. In a primary care setting, a multidisciplinary approach can more effectively educate patients on improving their health.

Purpose: To assess the impact of a health coach in a primary care setting as it relates to clinical outcomes.

Methods: Patients from two Aurora family medicine clinics were referred to a …

Regulation Of Ghrelin: A Possible Treatment Option For Obesity And Diabetes, Sarah Picciotto

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Obesity is a mounting problem in America today. One major concern about obesity is that it is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, a disease that impairs insulin sensitivity and secretion. This interferes with blood glucose levels and can cause hyperglycemia, which is when there is too much circulating glucose in the blood. Ghrelin, an amino acid peptide responsible for appetite stimulation and energy balance, plays a direct role in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. In many experiments, elevated ghrelin levels are associated with decreased insulin secretion from pancreatic islet cells. Although ghrelin concentration is decreased in obese individuals …