Quinn Phillips

Metformin is recommended as the first-line drug for Type 2 diabetes, but doctors disagree on how strong the evidence is in its favor. Should everyone with Type 2 take metformin?

A new study sheds doubt on some of the benefits of daily low-dose aspirin. Which people with diabetes are likely to benefit from this preventive therapy?

A new survey finds that many people with private health insurance still pay large sums in out-of-pocket medical costs. What should be done?

A recent study shows that milk may be problematic, joining other beverages with known health risks. What should you be drinking?

A new article suggests that fasting for routine blood tests may be unnecessary and even harmful for people with diabetes. Is fasting more trouble than it’s worth?

Some researchers suggest that staying on daylight saving time the whole year would make us healthier. Should we do away with time changes?

The country’s top health official is urging doctors to get their patients signed up for health insurance. Who should be responsible for educating the public about their insurance options?

A new study shows that sandwiches contribute significant sodium and calories to the typical diet. Should you go sandwich-free, or are there fixes (and fixings) that can make sandwiches healthier?

Three huge beverage companies have pledged to help cut the calories Americans get from their drinks. Are soda makers showing their willingness to cooperate with health advocates, or will the fight to limit sugary beverages continue?

A food industry group has created standards for its member companies’ marketing to kids. Is self-policing enough to stem the tide of obesity?

The health-care law’s second open enrollment period begins later this fall. Will this one be more successful than the first?

According to a survey, some shoppers find nutrition labels listing “added sugars” confusing. How important are added sugars, and are label designs clear enough?

A new study shows that extra body weight raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes, even if someone has no other metabolic problems. Is “healthy obesity” a myth?

A new report shows that Americans believe in the power of healthy nutrition, even if they’re not actually practicing it. What’s the barrier between belief and action?

A drive-in movie theater turns away a teen with Type 1 diabetes for trying to bring in a juice box and candy. Where is the line between food and medicine?

According to a new scientific statement, processed foods play a vital role in providing certain nutrients — while also contributing excess calories, sugar, and sodium. When are processed foods OK?

A new study finds that elementary school students have grown to like the healthier lunches they’ve been served since Congress enacted new standards in 2012. Will all students soon eat their vegetables?

A new article suggests that the definition of “prediabetes” includes too many people to be helpful. Should this word, and the diagnosis it represents, be scrapped?

A new study shows that young people get much more TV and computer time than is recommended. Is sitting in front of screens our destiny, or are there alternatives?

Congressional Republicans want to give schools more flexibility in their lunch programs, while Senate Democrats and Michelle Obama are standing by current nutritional standards. Which side should prevail?

A new research review finds that fruit and vegetable intake has no meaningful effect on body weight. Are these foods irrelevant when it comes to shedding pounds?

California may require that sugary soft drinks carry warnings describing their health risks. Should the state, and the rest of the country, go in this direction?

Although a study we featured last week found no health benefits from resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine, other research points to diabetes-related benefits. Which side is right?

A new study finds that a key component of red wine may not be as beneficial to health and longevity as some prior studies suggested. Is red wine overrated?

A new company is preparing to manufacture continuous glucose monitors aimed at the general population. Could this also help people with diabetes?

Several studies have shown that eating rice may bring health benefits, while a recent article highlights potential dangers. Should you eat this common crop?

New research shows that training doctors in how to interact with patients can lead to measurable health benefits. How much does “bedside manner” matter?

Coordination among health-care providers improves outcomes, reduces errors, and saves money — and usually doesn’t happen. Is your care coordinated?

After decades of legal delays, Medicare has released data on how much it pays individual doctors. Is sharing this information a good idea?

A new article looks at the high costs of innovative treatments and devices for Type 1 diabetes. What’s the right balance between cutting-edge technology and affordable health care?

Having access to diabetes-friendly food often means bringing it with you. Should businesses that sell food allow healthier carry-ins?

A study shows that up to 70% of fruits and vegetables in school lunches end up in the trash. How can schools persuade kids to eat their veggies, and can similar tactics work for adults?

A new survey shows wide variation in rates of physical activity, and eating produce, among US states. What explains these differences?

A new study finds that canning fruits and vegetables preserves — and sometimes even enhances — their nutritional content. What are the advantages of using fresh, frozen, or canned produce?

A new study suggests that exercising in the evening doesn’t cause sleep problems. For optimal sleep and energy, when is the best time to exercise?

Cooking with seasonal produce is touted by some as a key to better health. Do the benefits outweigh the downsides?

A new study suggests that the relationship between being overweight and developing Type 2 diabetes may be even more complicated than previously thought. Just how important is weight loss?

A recent study shows that viewing obesity as a disease, rather than simply a status, can change the way people feel and act. Could this also be true for diabetes?

A new study shows that doctors spend a lot of time during office visits gazing at computer screens. Are patients getting enough attention?

A new study concludes that while statins may raise the risk of developing diabetes, their cardiovascular benefits outweigh this risk. Are these drugs worth taking?

A new study shows that living in a walkable neighborhood may reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes. Are denser areas more conducive to exercise?

A new survey shows that most people don’t ask about the cost of a doctor or hospital visit ahead of time. What’s standing in the way?

A new survey shows that more Americans are giving in to unhealthy holiday-season eating. Can — and should — this trend be reversed?

Why does the United States spend so much more than any other country on health care, yet have at best mediocre outcomes?

Among rich countries, the United States is nearly unique in its widespread reliance on employer-provided health insurance. What other models do countries use?

A new study finds that children’s movies often display unhealthy eating behaviors, while also stigmatizing overweight and obesity. Is Hollywood to blame for adding to these problems?

A study shows that for people with Type 2 diabetes, a massive Mediterranean-style lunch may be healthier than three meals a day. Should you stuff yourself at lunch?

Several studies have shown that vinegar has glucose-lowering benefits. A new one suggests that acidic diets increase the risk of diabetes. What does this mean?

New guidelines recommend a vast increase in the number of people taking these popular cholesterol-lowering drugs. But are they based on solid evidence?

Paying for blood-glucose test strips remains a challenge for many people with diabetes. Would a “universal” test strip help remedy this problem?

Research shows that when health-care providers apologize for medical errors, patients are less likely to sue them. But can an apology sometimes not be enough?

A new research review calls into question whether counting carbs is the best way to calculate mealtime insulin doses. What works best for you?

A new study finds that a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle for someone with diabetes is the same as for the general population. Should people with diabetes receive the same advice as anyone else?

A study shows that professional athletes tend to endorse high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages. Do athletes — or people with diabetes — have a special responsibility to promote healthful products?

Most Americans will need long-term care someday, yet few have any idea how they will pay for it. What should be done?

The health-care law’s online insurance exchanges opened yesterday, but technical glitches and a shutdown of the federal government prevented a smooth rollout. Will the system work?

A new study finds that taking longer naps is associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Does this mean you should give up napping?

Medicare is considering making its doctor payment information public, in an effort to root out waste and fraud. Good idea, or privacy violation?

Even as many states are expanding this public health insurance program, a handful are tightening eligibility and kicking people out. What’s the right approach?

The California Supreme Court has ruled that school staff members other than nurses may be trained to administer insulin to children with diabetes. Is this a good idea?

Coca Cola has commissioned a print ad to defend the safety of this widely used artificial sweetener. Will the ad be reassuring, or just raise more questions?

A new study finds little value in putting nutrition information on the front of food packages. But could warnings on certain foods be more effective?

A new study suggests that skipping breakfast may be a helpful weight-loss strategy. Is this the best choice for some people?

Medicare is moving ahead with a plan to base a portion of doctors’ pay on quality measures. Is this a good idea?

New York City’s mayor wants more people to take the stairs instead of elevators. Is promoting this a good idea, or going too far?

A new study indicates that very short, frequent walks may be better for blood glucose control than extended walks. But is it practical to walk like this?

A new study finds that eating two larger meals each day may be better for weight loss than six smaller meals. What’s best for you?

A new study finds that increasing red meat consumption also increases Type 2 diabetes risk. But is all red meat equally bad?

A survey shows that most doctors in management positions see little value in online patient-created ratings of doctors. Can these ratings be useful, or are they junk?

A new study suggests that a compound found in coffee may increase the risk of glucose intolerance. What’s the skinny on that latte?

A diabetes expert suggests that Type 2 diabetes should get a new name, since it isn’t an easily defined condition. Is this a good idea, or would it just cause confusion?

Having diabetes appears to increase a person’s risk of developing cancer. Should you take special precautions for cancer prevention and detection?

A professional football player is dismissed because of his Type 2 diabetes. When is it acceptable for employment decisions to be based on diabetes?

A governor’s gastric banding surgery has refocused attention on the options available for weight loss — and possible diabetes resolution. Is any surgery right for you?

A study shows that as little as $20 can get someone to stick with a weight-loss program. Should this concept be expanded?

Some diabetes prevention efforts use images and language that are meant to frighten. Are these tactics productive?

A recent study finds that hospitals routinely profit from medical errors, since correcting them lets them bill for more services. What’s the solution?

Two recent studies show that while runners seem to have better health outcomes than walkers, running may not be inherently better than walking. Which is best for you?

An online petition asserts that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are often confused and should be given more descriptive names, for the sake of everyone involved. Do you agree?

Studies show that diabetes can add strain to intimate relationships, but that relationships can also help ease the stress of diabetes. What’s the best role for a partner to play?

A study finds that eating fruit regularly has no negative effects on blood glucose control. Should you have a fruit-filled diet?

A new study finds that average daily calorie consumption has fallen over the last few years, while the rate of obesity has risen. How can this be explained?

A study finds that e-prescribing of drugs reduces errors, yet most doctors still prefer to use pen and paper. What’s to be done?

A new study finds that rates of diabetes are strongly linked to how available sugar is. Should sugar be treated as dangerous?

Starting July 1, Medicare will be starting a national mail-order program for diabetes testing supplies. What effects will the program have, and should you participate?

Both artificial sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup in soft drinks have recently been implicated in the development of Type 2 diabetes. Should you avoid these ingredients?

A new study finds that the benefits of screening for diabetes may be small. How important is it to have screening programs?

A recent study suggests that many of the benefits of good nutrition may not apply to older people. Is this true for you?

A recent study finds that foods labeled with the “Whole Grain Stamp” are not always healthier. Are whole grains all they’re cracked up to be?

According to a recent report, Americans consume more snacks than they used to. Is this a bad thing?

A new study shows that people may order lower-calorie items when menus list the number of miles needed to walk off those calories. Should all menus have this information?

As the population of doctors grows older, some hospitals and medical groups have begun to screen for age-related decline. Is this a good idea, or unfair age discrimination?

A new study finds that warnings against fattening treats can have the opposite of their intended effect. What’s the best way to deal with dietary temptation?

A new review finds that grapefruit interacts negatively with more drugs than was initially believed. Should you cross it off your grocery list?

A new study shows that diabetes symptoms often return years after they disappear following bariatric surgery. Does this change your view of the surgery?

A new analysis finds that diabetes increases the risk of hearing loss, although the exact reasons are unknown. Should screening for it be standard for people with diabetes?

A new survey shows that doctors don’t all agree on some vital ethical questions. Should you care what your doctor’s views are?

A new study shows protective effects from drinking tea for diabetes, while others have hinted that coffee might be more powerful. Which beverage is right for you?

A new study finds that exercising before breakfast may result in greater health benefits. Should you work out on an empty stomach?

Next week’s presidential and congressional elections could greatly shape the course of health-care policy in the United States. Will you be a “health-care voter”?

A study shows that when given the option, office workers will choose to stand for part of the day. Should flexible workspaces be universal?

A new study finds that physical activity is down worldwide, mostly due to jobs that are less physically demanding. Should people try to be more active at work?

New school-lunch guidelines requiring more fruits and vegetables may be resulting in more students simply throwing them away. What should change?

As the problem of childhood obesity grows, states and districts are rethinking the importance of gym class. Should gym teachers or students be held to tougher standards?

A new study adds to evidence that alcohol, especially red wine, can have benefits for people with diabetes. Is it right for you?

A new report shows that lack of access to adequate food has been a persistent problem since the economic downturn. What does this mean for people with diabetes?

A new study shows that people eat less food more slowly when they are in a relaxing environment. Can you reap these benefits?

A study of hunter-gatherers suggests that lack of exercise may not be what makes us overweight. Does your personal experience support this idea?

Dr. Denise Faustman’s lab has found that a 90-year-old drug reverses markers of Type 1 diabetes. Should her research get more support, or are critics right to be skeptical?

A new report examines the different ways doctors and other health-care providers could be paid in the future. How might this affect your care?

In a recent survey, most people saw video games as a potentially good source of physical activity. Do you?

A study finds that eating more quickly is associated with having diabetes. Is eating slowly the answer?

A small study finds benefits associated with naturopathic medicine.

A survey shows that many people on special diets feel pressure from colleagues not to stick to them. Are coworkers harming your diabetes management?

A study finds that cooling the palms of the hands during exercise leads to increased performance. What does this mean for your workout?

Experts debate the reasons for the continuing popularity of fast food. What factors lead you to eat either in or out?

Personal genetic sequencing is becoming more and more common. What information should be reported to patients, doctors, and relatives?

A study finds that the strength of a food’s aroma can affect the size of bites people take. Could this affect your food intake?

A case study finds that building a recreational trail in a low-income area leads to increased exercise. Would a trail enhance your neighborhood?

The link between these drugs and muscle fatigue is in the news. Are they affecting your energy level?

The FDA says it is considering allowing over-the-counter sales of drugs for several conditions, including diabetes.

The link between these drugs and diabetes is in the news again. Should you be concerned?

A survey finds that patient satisfaction with doctors drops as waiting times for appointments increase. What can be done?

A former American Diabetes Association leader says that community weight-loss programs are a waste of resources. Is he right?

A new study suggests that including sweets in a large breakfast may help with weight loss.

People disagree about which forms of carbohydrate are best for health. What should you look for in carbs?

Insurance plans cover some expensive treatments found to have little value in studies. How should insurance plans decide what treatments not to cover?

The celebrity chef has been under attack since she announced her diabetes diagnosis and a sponsorship deal. Is the outrage justified?

Two recent articles promote rival sources of motivation: enjoying the outdoors, and a fine when you skip a workout. Would either work for you?

A study finds that people with diabetes earn less starting at an early age. What factors are to blame?

A new policy statement from the American Diabetes Association recommends evaluating fitness to drive on an individual basis. How should this be accomplished?

A proposed federal rule requires drug companies to publicly disclose all payments and gifts to doctors and medical schools. How important is this information to you?

A recent study finds that nibbling food between meals is not associated with being overweight or obese, but its methods have been called into question. Should you nibble?

A British study finds that extremely short exercise bike routines lead to improved insulin sensitivity. What does this mean for your exercise planning?

Medicare announces that it will cover weight-loss counseling for the obese, but critics argue it will make little difference. Who’s right?

Some members of Congress want to limit Medicare spending by privatizing the program. What would this mean, and is it a good idea?

Congress blocks new school lunch rules that would have limited French fries and stopped counting pizza as a vegetable. Is there any hope for healthier lunches?

A report describes how medical advocacy groups killed a bill in Congress that would have required health insurance plans to offer discounts for healthy behaviors. An outrage, or the right move?

A recent study shows that a higher urine level of the chemical BPA, found in certain plastics, corresponds to a higher likelihood of diabetes. Should you avoid certain plastics?

A study finds that for a typical medical practice, the cost of diabetes patients is much more than reimbursement for them. Does this hurt diabetes care?

The Obama administration drops a planned long-term care insurance program, raising the question: How should long-term care be paid for?

Has the economic downturn affected your health-related behavior or outcomes?

What do you look for in diabetes-related online discussion boards and networking sites?

A prominent member of Congress wants to end the current tax exemption for job-based health insurance and encourage people to shop around for coverage.

A pilot project is giving people with diabetes smartphones to communicate with their health-care providers. Will this improve health or save money?

The governor of Michigan wants to make doctors submit children’s weight to a state database. A useful step, or invasion of privacy?

Companies are touting special plates and bowls aimed at helping people stick to healthy food portion sizes. Can cues from objects lead to lasting dietary changes?

A proposed federal rule would limit servings of starchy vegetables in school lunches. A step in the right direction, or the wrong approach?

The debt-reduction committee formed by Congress will most likely slash health-care spending, including Medicare and Medicaid. What should — and shouldn’t — the panel cut?

A new study shows that getting prescription drugs in the mail raises the chances of taking them as directed. Are mail-order pharmacies the way to go?

Two recent studies produce a mixed verdict on the benefits of intensive blood glucose control. What does this mean for you?

A recent survey shows that serving sizes on food nutrition labels often don’t match the amount a typical person eats. Should this be changed?

A report concludes that intensive blood glucose control does not produce better medical outcomes than standard control. Is its logic sound?

The food industry introduces new guidelines on the heels of a stricter government proposal. Should such self-policing be encouraged?

A survey finds that an overwhelming majority of people with diabetes suffer from fatigue. What is the solution?

A new study shows that lifestyle programs prevent diabetes better than drugs, but cost more than they save. What should insurance companies pay for?

A survey shows that most people with diabetes know they should make lifestyle changes but don’t. How can this be changed?

How — for the best health — should you space out your day’s caloric intake?

Vermont approves a plan that may lead to state-run health insurance for everyone. Would this help limit health spending, or possibly jeopardize care?

Studies show that eating certain foods may help people consume fewer calories in a sitting. Could this approach be helpful to you?

A report finds troubling disparities in diabetes care based on race, income, and education level — and by some measures care is getting worse. What should be done?

Diabetes-related spending has increased rapidly in the last decade, with little evidence of a corresponding benefit. For physical and fiscal health, are older drugs the answer?

The fast food giant rejects a proposal to examine its own role in childhood obesity. Should the chain be shamed, or is it acting ethically?

With a challenge in court, the individual insurance mandate from last year’s health care act is in the spotlight. Should health insurance be mandatory?

A review finds that structured exercise programs can significantly lower HbA1c in people with Type 2 diabetes. Should health insurance cover them?

Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments on a Vermont law that denies drug companies records of doctors’ prescribing habits. Which side is right?

A recent study concludes that an attack by the immune system plays a significant role in Type 2 diabetes. What does this mean for you?

A new article examines the case that sugar is a toxin that may lead to numerous diseases, including Type 2 diabetes. How strong is this argument?

A pilot’s plans bring to light the restrictions — and exclusions — that people with diabetes face in many occupations. What rules are appropriate, and which ones are too strict?

A new study finds that counting carbs can be beneficial. But is it the best method for tracking carbohydrate in the diet?

New forms of insulin and insulin delivery systems are in development. Which ones could make your life easier, and which don’t sound attractive to you?

Several studies show that a vegetarian or vegan diet can be beneficial to people with diabetes. Is it right for you?

A study finds that that the race of obese people — and of their doctors — affects how likely they are to receive different forms of counseling. Why?

Recent studies send mixed messages about the role of vitamin D in diabetes prevention and control.

A new study suggests that taxing high-calorie food items would discourage their consumption. Would it work — and would it be right?

President Obama proposes shortening the period of patent protection for new biologic drugs. Is this a good idea?

A survey explores how often — and why — people intentionally skip insulin doses. Where do you fit into the picture?

ACO’s — Accountable Care Organizations — will be part of the structure of Medicare starting next year. How will they affect you?

A scientific conference finds that several toxins can lead to both obesity and diabetes. Could this lead to changes in diagnosis and treatment?

A new study finds that Asian-Americans have a significantly higher diabetes risk than similar whites. Why, and what should be done?

When and how should you talk to your doctor about saving money on health care?

A study finds that a third of pregnant women aren’t tested for gestational diabetes. What should be done?

Many state-based programs for free or discounted health care enroll far fewer people than are eligible.

A recent study finds that many prescription drug orders are abandoned because of high co-payments. What’s the solution?

Poor sleep may predict diabetes and heart disease — but what causes what?

Is more protein in your diet the answer for weight control?

New high-risk health insurance pools have low enrollment. Is this a good or bad thing?

Diabetes awareness campaigns are widespread — but what effect do they have?

When does it make sense to seek help from a dedicated diabetes center?

How did the issue of health care affect your vote?

A new study finds higher education levels associated with a higher rate of autoimmune diabetes in adults. What might explain the connection?

A new study holds that for Type 2 diabetes, mixing both exercise forms is best — but is the evidence mixed, too?

The long Avandia controversy raises the question: How should the FDA respond to a massive increase in available data on drugs?

The FDA issues regulations ensuring almost no Avandia sales without actually banning the drug. Too quick, a bold compromise, or corporate pandering?

An official UK panel recommends the drug’s withdrawal. Should the FDA pay attention?

Federal health agencies issue advisories against sharing lancing devices and even blood glucose meters.

Should the FDA hold off on setting new menu-labeling rules mandated in the health-care reform bill?

Low-carbohydrate diets have long been a matter of contention within the diabetes community. Nowhere is this truer than here at DiabetesSelfManagement.com. Our very first week … Read More “Atkins vs. Low-Fat”

Health centers in Massachusetts are giving vouchers for farmers’ markets to poor families. Could this be an effective tool for preventive health?

An internal report finds that the reform law passed this spring will improve Medicare’s long-term finances. How will this affect you?

Diabetes management software for cell phones can provide structure and facilitate feedback — is it worth the time and expense?

A study from China finds that a famine during fetal development leads to elevated blood glucose during middle age. Can this explain anything about your diabetes?

Insurance companies are developing lower-cost plans with highly restrictive doctor networks. Is this good or bad for you?

Fructose has been the object of controversy for some time, both within the diabetes community and in the broader conversation on nutrition. Found naturally in … Read More “Fructose Fracas”

A new study finds that teens who snack more weigh less. Can you apply these results?

The US Senate rejects a bill providing emergency spending for Medicaid. Will this affect you or your health care?

A study finds that obese people have poorer sexual health outcomes even though they have less sex — why?

A new study finds cardiovascular benefit from a dietary pattern common in parts of Portugal and Spain — but is this news you can use?

A new study finds benefits from lower doses of Avandia and metformin for prediabetes — an innovative strategy, or a marketing ploy?

A study finds that even impersonal checkups lead to improved exercise habits — what does this mean for you?

Should a large-scale study of the controversial drug be allowed to proceed?

A medical journal review says the procedure should be a “last resort.”

A new study finds a preventive effect from moderate drinking — but how strong is the evidence?

A study links favorable written views of the drug Avandia to pay from its manufacturer.