This podcast covers CycloDextrin. It's a new medication that dissolves cholesterol crystals. And it stimulates LXR -related genes. It's actually been shown clearly in lab mouse models to dissolve plaque. It hasn't been used in humans yet. But it has been shown to stop human immune cells from attacking plaque, again by the LXR pathway.

There is a broad range of carbs in adult beverages. Beer is no exception. Until recently, there were not many low-carb options for beer. That has changed. There are now a lot of options. John L suggested a website (Daily Burn) that provided their list of the top 15 low carbs, low-calorie beers. This video lists their top 5. In reverse order, the top 5 are:

5. Busch Light - 3.2 gm carb

4. Michelob ultra - 2.6 gm carb

3. Beck's Premier light - 3.2 gm carb

2. Miller 64 - 64 calories 2.4 gm carb

1. Bud Select 55 - 55 calories. 1.9 gm carbs

There is a wide range of opinions re: the best goals for A1c. Jenny Ruhl's book and website Blood Sugar 101 is an example of diabetics searching for prevention through tighter control. They have the "5% Club". This is a group of diabetics that maintain A1c levels less than 6%, " a level most doctors consider normal". They go on to talk about how this can be done safely- and how it increases safety long-term due to decreased arterial damage.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards are very different. 6.5% is considered an "aggressive goal", which should be done only for young people, not on meds other than metformin, focused on lifestyle. 7.5% is considered the standard and usual goal for "nonpregnant adults".

And finally, 8% is considered a better goal for older diabetics, requiring more meds, and having lower life expectancy.

There is actually scientific evidence for both sides of this debate. We'll cover that in other videos.

A protein called MGP (matrix Gla protein) has a role in calcification. To do its action, the protein has to be activated by vitamin K2, and in turn, enables calcium removal from artery walls. This is a quick podcast to summarize specific MGP points.

Policosanols are plant waxes and given for cholesterol or LDL problems. They are the plant version of fatty acids. They are for the most part safe.

Recently, when I mention vitamin D to patients, they've begun asking, "which D vitamin?" There is another D vitamin: D2. It's plant-based and not nearly as potent. In fact, it's less than 30% as potent as vitamin D3.

As a result of the AIM-HIGH study, doctors stopped recommending the use of niacin. But even the study author said it would be a mistake to stop using niacin as a result.

Intermittent fasting — alternating between periods of eating and fasting during the week — is a "new" weight-loss fad.

CIMT measures the artery wall thickness. That's important. Why? Plaque actually enters the artery wall, not the inside (or lumen) of the artery.

How can you tell whether you are resistant to insulin or just don't make enough? There is a technique called the euglycemic clamp or the Whole Body Insulin Resistance Index (WBISI). It involves intravenous insulin.