Interesting studies-03/07/11

A recent Italian study indicates a strange combination of melatonin,  magnesium and zinc resulted in significant sleep outcomes in the elderly.  This study was conducted in an institutional setting. Its small  population size, foreign country study site, and weird combination makes this report a bit suspect.  I can’t tell but this  likely is a particular product likely being sold over the counter in the  health food market.
In other news…
A recent NIH study confirms that  intense sugar control in the hospital is not helpful and may in fact  increase low sugar episodes.  Combine this information with the  increased cost, time and personel distraction that such protocols cause  and patients at Lee Memorial Hospital System should question having sliding scale insulin  protocols followed when they are admitted for acute illness and happen  to have type 2 diabetes.