Possibilities today...Treatments Tomorrow

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Greetings friends of NorCal,

Here comes summer!! We at NorCal continue to contribute to the growing clinical trial evidence confirming the striking efficacy of the GLP-1 medications in achieving significant weight loss, reduction of elevated blood glucose levels and improved cardiovascular outcomes.

We’re now very excited to announce a new clinical trial to study the effects of an ORAL GLP-1 WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATION for persons with type 2 diabetes that is not optimally controlled. Patients in this study will be carefully monitored for changes in HA1C and body weight. If you, a friend or family member has type 2 diabetes and an HA1C over 7% and is overweight, this study might benefit you. See details below and call us before the study fills; we’re just starting to enroll participants.

We have previously reviewed recent studies of GLP-1s that have shown weight losses of 20% or more as well as significant reductions in progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. Safety monitoring and reports document that the benefits of these medications far outweigh the risks for many individuals.

Despite these impressive drug results, nutritional and lifestyle counseling remain essential components of successful, long-term weight loss treatment. Individuals who participate in weight loss studies at NorCal receive extensive nutritional and lifestyle counseling in addition to the possible benefits of the study drug. Read our Knowledge Nuggets below for more info on this. It’s one of my favorite topics!

We also continue to enroll in our thyroid study which is for patients who might be looking for new treatment options for hypothyroidism. This trial compares replacement of thyroid hormone as animal derived thyroid supplement using Armour (combination of T3/T4), to replacement therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone as levothyroxine (T4 only). If you are on stable T4 (levothyroxine) for hypothyroidism, call us to find out more about participating.

NorCal’s mission is to contribute to a healthier future for our patients in the San Francisco North Bay by advancing treatment innovations and improving patient opportunities through meticulous clinical research. We’ve been doing this work since 1988!

Get to know us better at NorCalMedicalResearch.com , or contact us directly at 415-461-1585 (Jesse) or at Info@NorCalMedicalResearch.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and NextDoor!

Best in health,

Dr. G

Linda Gaudiani MD FACE FACP

NORCAL Medical Director

STUDIES NOW ENROLLING

A NEW ORAL GLP-1 MEDICATION FOR OVERWEIGHT PERSONS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES AND BASELINE HA1C OVER 7%

This study will compare effects of different doses of Lilly’s new oral GLP-1 medication compared to placebo (an inactive pill) for weight loss and HA1C lowering in overweight persons with type 2 diabetes. The investigational drug is a GLP-1 receptor activator in pill form that will be administered once daily to reduce appetite, body weight and glucose levels (HA1C).

You may be eligible for this study if you:

• Have an HA1C of 7.0 to 10.5%.
• Have had type 2 diabetes for at least 6 months.
• Are 18 to 75 years old.
• Are currently treated with diet and exercise alone or are now on a stable dose of metformin and have not taken insulin in the past year.

Please call us at 415-461-1585. This could be a good way to reach your HA1C goal, lose weight and reduce risks of cardiovascular complications!

HYPOTHYROID? OPTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT 

This study compares naturally derived thyroid replacement therapy as Armour thyroid LT3/T4 to synthetic levothyroxine LT4 for individuals with hypothyroidism. Armour is made from purified porcine thyroid and contains both T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.

All participants start on Armour thyroid for two months and are then randomized to receive either LT4 synthetic or Armour T3/T4. Thyroid levels are very closely monitored and thyroid hormone replacement doses are adjusted in both groups to keep thyroid levels (TSH) optimal throughout the entire study in all participants.

This study will help determine equivalent doses of LT4 (levothyroxine) and Armour extract(T4/T3) for patients who may wish to change therapies in the future.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are 18 to 75 years old.
• Are diagnosed with hypothyroidism for at least one year.
• Have not had thyroid surgery within past 12 months.
• Have been on continuous thyroid replacement therapy with LT4 (levothyroxine) for the last 6 months.
• Have had a normal TSH documented in the past year. (If not we can get one!)

Click here to get acquainted with our physicians

and here to meet the rest of our staff.

From left to right: Dr. Linda Gaudiani, Dr. Irene Teper, Dr. Elizabeth Lowe,

NUTRITIONAL AND LIFESTYLE COUNSELING REMAIN KEY IN OBESITY TREATMENT

Even in this era of highly effective weight loss drugs, nutritional counseling, exercise and behavioral therapy are the cornerstone of every weight management program, including weight loss clinical trials.

We at NorCal believe all pharmacological treatments should include advice about lifestyle and nutritional adequacy during weight loss, making sure patients eat enough protein, stay hydrated and engage in aerobic and resistance training two to three times a week.  

We provide personalized nutritional and exercise counseling to all patients who enroll in our studies in order to maximize their success in their weight loss journey. Our counseling includes advice on portion control, hydration, speed/timing of eating, and types of food to minimize and/or add to the diet. This greatly contributes to improved tolerability of the drugs by helping to prevent possible common side effects including nausea and constipation. 

Coaching can also help prevent more severe complications like electrolyte disturbances, gout attacks, and gall/kidney stones.  We also make individualized recommendations on how to incorporate exercise into one’s daily routine.

Nutritional counseling is particularly important for patients with

• Hypertension: To adjust medication and avoid hypotension.
• Diabetes Mellitus: For close monitoring of glucose levels and to prevent hypoglycemia.
• Heart Failure: To ensure safe and beneficial weight loss in these high-risk individuals.
• Depression: To ensure a high-quality diet and supportive activities.

We also advise patients on which types of exercise to focus on and help them find a balance between aerobic and resistance training to best fit their profile. We find it is key to gradually increase exercise over the weight loss journey.

As patients start to lose weight, their backs and their knees feel better and often they can build more exercises into their routines and avoid injury. Our experience has shown us that initially setting personalized, realistic and attainable goals is essential. This helps patients build up to the ADA and AHA recommended goals of moderate to vigorous physical activity for 30 minutes a day or at least 150 minutes per week. We incorporate strength training and even higher goals or 250-300 minutes per week as fitness improves.

The evidence supports our experience that regular exercise is important also for overall health and well-being, including mental health and cardio-metabolic health. We want all our patients to receive this key benefit in addition to the possible benefits of any study drug.

Call us if you are interested in our new oral GLP-1 medication study and stay tuned!  

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900 S Eliseo Dr #103

Greenbrae, CA 94904

(415) 461-1585

Info@NorCalMedicalResearch.com

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