MUHC in the Media - January 20, 2025

A first randomized clinical trial shows that semaglutide use in type 1 diabetes is associated with improved glucose management, weight loss and lower insulin requirements. The trial was conducted at the Centre for Innovative Medicine of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) and its findings, recently published in the journal Nature Medicine. Dr. Melissa-Rosina Pasqua, the study’s first author, endocrinologist at the MUHC and doctoral student at The Institute, spoke about it to The Canadian Press. La Presse, City News, Radio-Canada, Noovo Info, News Medical

Dr. Oliver Blanchard and his team at Neuro and Université de Montréal want to find out whether a drug already approved for overactive bladder could block the hyperactive cells that inevitably end up damaging the connection between nerves and muscles in ALS patients. La Presse

Dr. Ron Postuma, a neurologist at The Neuro, describes how REM sleep behaviour disorder is linked to dementia. New York Times

Although there is no formal scientific proof to confirm that this day is indeed the most depressing of the year, it remains a great opportunity to address the issue of seasonal depression, a condition that affects many people during the long winter months. To combat this drop in energy, several strategies can be effective: exposing yourself to natural light as much as possible, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring good quality sleep. To learn more, listen to the segment by Jennifer Russell, a psychologist at the MUHC, on CJAD radio.

A frenotomy is an operation that involves cutting the frenulum of the tongue. It's often performed to solve breastfeeding problems, but is not necessarily indicated in many cases, says Dr. Sam Daniel, Chief of Surgery at the Montreal Children's Hospital. La Presse, Radio-Canada

The U.S. is recommending that all influenza A patients be tested for avian flu. Canada should consider doing the same, says Dr. Jesse Papenburg, pediatric infectious disease specialist and medical microbiologist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. La Presse

A new study shows that young people are increasingly uncomfortable with issues of sexual diversity. It's important to distinguish between hatred and discomfort, and perhaps it would be better not to censor discomfort, but rather to discuss it, says Dr. Cécile Rousseau, a psychiatrist at the Montreal Children's Hospital. 98.5 FM

After much debate, a committee of over 56 experts has come to the conclusion that obesity is a disease. In a recent study, they also propose a definition of obesity as a disease. Quebec experts, including Dr. Julie St-Pierre, pediatrician at the Montreal Children's Hospital, and Dr. Vanessa Tardio, co-director of the MUHC's Endocrinology and Metabolism Program, hope this will help reduce the stigma attached to obesity. La Presse, 98.5 FM, Le Journal de Montréal

Alcohol can increase allergic reactions to nuts, according to a new study led by Dr. Moshe Ben-Shoshan, scientist at The Institute and a specialist in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Fourth year medical student at McGill and one of the authors of the study, Roy Khalaf, explaining the main