#MedTwitter: An Open Source Medical Community

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. As social media platforms such as Twitter become increasingly utilized by physicians, students, and researchers for professional use, it is important to further the discussion about the role of these sites in medicine. Here, we focus on the hashtag #MedTwitter, which consists of an online community of researchers, practitioners, students, and professionals who have created an open source, decentralized forum for information share, medical education, and professional networking. #MedTwitter also provides a space for publications to be shared, promoted, and discussed, which has proven particularly useful in the setting of the Covid-19 pandemic. #MedTwitter comes with its challenges, potential for abuse, and the spread of misinformation. Thus, further research and discussion will be critical in exploring the future of #MedTwitter and social media in healthcare.

Clinical Use of a Real-World Low Carbohydrate Diet Resulting in Reduction of Insulin Dose, Hemoglobin A1c, and Weight

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in epidemic proportions. In addition to the morbidity and mortality, for those treated with insulin, the physical, psychological, and financial tolls are often greater. Our real-world study evaluated a Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) in patients with T2DM on insulin with respect to glycemic control, insulin reduction, and weight loss. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted via an Electronic Medical Record search for patients attending the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Weight Loss Program from 2014 to 2020 with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who initially presented on insulin. Data was extracted for 1 year after enrollment. The weight loss program focuses on a LCD. Results: Of 185 participants, the mean (± SD) age was 56.1 (9.9) years. Seventy percent were female and 63% were black. Eighty-five completed 12 months (45.9%), reduced their median (25-75% interquartile range, IQR) insulin dose from 69 to 0 units (0-18, p < 0.0001), HbA1c from 8 to 6.9% (6.2-7.8, p < 0.0001), and weight from 116 to 99 kg (85-120, p < 001). Eighty six percent who completed 12 months were able to reduce or discontinue insulin, with 70.6% completely discontinuing. Among all participants who completed 3, 6, or 12 months, 97.6% were able to reduce or eliminate insulin use. Conclusion: In patients with T2DM on a LCD, it is possible to reduce and even discontinue insulin use while facilitating weight loss and achieving glycemic control. A Low Carbohydrate Diet should be offered to all patients with diabetes, especially those using insulin.