Health disparities in diabetes and its complications and co-morbidities exist globally. A recent Endocrine Society Scientific Statement described the Health Disparities in several endocrine disorders, including type 2 diabetes. In this review we summarize that statement and provide novel updates on race/ethnic differences in children and adults with type 1 diabetes, children with type 2 diabetes and in Latino subpopulations. We also review race/ethnic differences in the epidemiology of diabetes, prediabetes, and diabetes complications and mortality in the United States and globally. Finally we discuss biological, behavioral, social, environmental, and health system contributors to diabetes disparities in order to identify areas for future preventive interventions.

A high, albeit comparable to the control population, prevalence of MetS was found in middle-to-older aged patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The correlation of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity with MetS suggests that the increased prevalence of coronary heart disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may, at least in part, be attributed to the inflammatory burden of the disease.

The incidence of fungal infections has increased globally, and the introduction of the newer triazoles and echinocandin antifungals is a more-than-welcome and long overdue development. In this report, we review the clinical trials evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of these new antifungal agents and examine possible gaps in coverage. Voriconazole has become the primary treatment for most forms of invasive aspergillosis in a number of centers, posaconazole offers a broad antifungal spectrum, and echinocandins are fungicidal against most Candida species. Moreover, the new agents are active against some fungi that are resistant to amphotericin B, may have a role in the management of fever and neutropenia, and provide exciting options for combination antifungal therapy. However, significant questions remain, including the management of breakthrough infections and treatment failures and the efficacy of the new antifungal agents against less common fungi.