Vanderbilt Medical Center Seeks Middle Tennesseans With Type 2 Diabetes

Vanderbilt Medical Center is seeking local residents with type 2 diabetes who are overweight to participate in a national clinical study evaluating an investigational device, the TANTALUSSystem.  Diabetes affects more than 400,000 individuals in Tennessee.

The TANTALUS System is an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to the stomach when a person eats. The primary objective of the randomized, double-blind controlled study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TANTALUS System in treating patients who have type 2 diabetes and are overweight. Impact on weight loss, blood pressure and other clinical and metabolic parameters will also be studied.

TANTALUS includes a pulse generator and leads that are implanted through a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. The leads are implanted in the gastric muscle and the device is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket. The system is based on new technology called Gastric Contractility Modulation (GCM) that is designed to sense naturally occurring electrical activity of the stomach in real time and automatically apply electrical stimulation treatment during meal times.

To be considered for the trial, patients must meet certain inclusion criteria, including a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (treated with oral medications, only), a body mass index (BMI) between 28 and 45, and be between 18 and 70.

“Even with current medications and lifestyle changes, controlling blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients who are overweight can be difficult, ” explained study investigator William Richards, M.D. “We are excited to be participating in this clinical trial of an alternative treatment for patients where we have been unsuccessful in managing their type 2 diabetes and weight.”

The national epidemic of type 2 diabetes, most often associated with being overweight, continues to accelerate and affects more than 20 million Americans. About 1 million new people are diagnosed with the disease annually. Each year, it costs the nation more than $130 billion in hospitalizations, co-morbidities and loss of productivity.

For more information on and to be considered for the study, please call Joan Kaiser at (615) 343-5821.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

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Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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