A Low-Glucose Eating Pattern Improves Biomarkers of Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk: An Exploratory Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Feasibility Trial.

Postmenopausal breast cancer is the most common obesity-related cancer death among women in the U.S. Insulin resistance, which worsens in the setting of obesity, is associated with higher breast cancer incidence and mortality. Maladaptive eating patterns driving insulin resistance represent a key modifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that time-restricted feeding paradigms (TRF) improve cancer-related metabolic risk factors; however, more flexible approaches could be more feasible and effective. In this exploratory, secondary analysis, we identified participants following a low-glucose eating pattern (LGEP), defined as consuming energy when glucose levels are at or below average fasting levels, as an alternative to TRF. Results show that following an LGEP regimen for at least 40% of reported eating events improves insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and other cancer-related serum biomarkers. The magnitude of serum biomarkers changes observed here has previously been shown to favorably modulate benign breast tissue in women with overweight and obesity who are at risk for postmenopausal breast cancer. By comparison, the observed effects of LGEP were similar to results from previously published TRF studies in similar populations. These preliminary findings support further testing of LGEP as an alternative to TRF and a postmenopausal breast cancer prevention strategy. However, results should be interpreted with caution, given the exploratory nature of analyses.

A case of swallow syncope.

Swallow syncope, also called deglutition syncope, is a rare disorder triggered by oral intake. Patients often have underlying esophageal or structural heart disease. In some cases, the condition can be treated conservatively by eliminating predisposing factors. We describe the case of a 65-year-old woman without cardiovascular or esophageal disease who presented after a motor vehicle accident that was attributed to syncope while driving and eating. In the hospital, the patient suddenly lost consciousness while eating solid food; complete heart block without ventricular escape was documented on continuous electrocardiographic monitoring. A dual-chamber permanent pacemaker was placed and completely resolved the symptoms. This case illustrates a high-risk manifestation of swallow syncope: asystole resulting from an exaggerated vago-glossopharyngeal reflex.