Frank B. Hu

Bio: Frank B. Hu is an academic researcher from Harvard University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Type 2 diabetes & Diabetes mellitus. The author has an hindex of 250, co-authored 1675 publications receiving 253464 citations. Previous affiliations of Frank B. Hu include Southwest University & Brigham and Women's Hospital.

White Rice, Brown Rice, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in US Men and Women

Abstract: Background Because of differences in processing and nutrients, brown rice and white rice may have different effects on risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We examined white and brown rice consumption in relation to type 2 diabetes risk prospectively in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and the Nurses' Health Study I and II. Methods We prospectively ascertained and updated diet, lifestyle practices, and disease status among 39 765 men and 157 463 women in these cohorts. Results After multivariate adjustment for age and other lifestyle and dietary risk factors, higher intake of white rice (≥5 servings per week vs Conclusions Substitution of whole grains, including brown rice, for white rice may lower risk of type 2 diabetes. These data support the recommendation that most carbohydrate intake should come from whole grains rather than refined grains to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Prospective Study of Adult Onset Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2) and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Women

Abstract: Background: The remarkable similarity of lifestyle and environmental risk factors f or t ype 2 ( non-insulindependent) diabetes mellitus and colon cancer has led to the hypothesis that diabetes may increase the risk of this cancer. We prospectively examined the relationship between diabetes and risk of colorectal cancer in a cohort of 118 403 women aged 30 through 55 years who were without previously diagnosed cancer at baseline in 1976. Methods: The women, who were enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study, were assessed for history of diabetes at baseline and during follow-up by use of biennial questionnaires. Self-reported diabetes was validated by information obtained from a supplemental questionnaire on symptoms and treatment and was confirmed by medical record review in a sample of the participants. Incident cases of colorectal cancer were ascertained through medical record review. All reported P values are twosided. Results: During 18 years of follow-up (2 001 061 person-years), we documented 892 new cases of colorectal cancer. After adjustment for age, body mass index (weight in kg/height in m 2 ), physical activity, and other covariates, relative risks (RRs) were 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10‐1.87; P = .009) for colorectal cancer, 1.49 (95% CI = 1.09‐2.06; P = .01) for colon cancer, 1.11 (95% CI = 0.56‐2.21; P = .76) for rectal cancer, 1.56 (95% CI = 1.07‐ 2.28; P = .02) for advanced colorectal cancer, and 2.39 (95% CI = 1.46‐3.92; P = .0005) for fatal colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Our data provide support for the hypothesis that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in women. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:542‐7]

Trends in Dietary Quality Among Adults in the United States, 1999 Through 2010

Abstract: Importance Many changes in the economy, policies related to nutrition, and food processing have occurred within the United States since 2000, and the net effect on dietary quality is not clear. These changes may have affected various socioeconomic groups differentially. Objective To investigate trends in dietary quality from 1999 to 2010 in the US adult population and within socioeconomic subgroups. Design, Setting, and Participants Nationally representative sample of 29 124 adults aged 20 to 85 years from the US 1999 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Main Outcomes and Measures The Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), an 11-dimension score (range, 0-10 for each component score and 0-110 for the total score), was used to measure dietary quality. A higher AHEI-2010 score indicated a more healthful diet. Results The energy-adjusted mean of the AHEI-2010 increased from 39.9 in 1999 to 2000 to 46.8 in 2009 to 2010 (linear trendP Conclusions and Relevance Although a steady improvement in AHEI-2010 was observed across the 12-year period, the overall dietary quality remains poor. Better dietary quality was associated with higher socioeconomic status, and the gap widened with time. Future efforts to improve nutrition should address these disparities.

Determinants and Consequences of Obesity

Abstract: Objectives. To review the contribution of the Nurses’ Health Studies (NHS and NHS II) in addressing hypotheses regarding risk factors for and consequences of obesity.Methods. Narrative review of the publications of the NHS and NHS II between 1976 and 2016.Results. Long-term NHS research has shown that weight gain and being overweight or obese are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancers, and premature death. The cohorts have elucidated the role of dietary and lifestyle factors in obesity, especially sugar-sweetened beverages, poor diet quality, physical inactivity, prolonged screen time, short sleep duration or shift work, and built environment characteristics. Genome-wide association and gene–lifestyle interaction studies have shown that genetic factors predispose individuals to obesity but that such susceptibility can be attenuated by healthy lifestyle choices. This research has contributed to evolving clinical and public health guidelines on the impo...

Vitamin D Deficiency

Abstract: Once foods in the United States were fortified with vitamin D, rickets appeared to have been conquered, and many considered major health problems from vitamin D deficiency resolved. But vitamin D deficiency is common. This review considers the role of vitamin D in skeletal and nonskeletal health and suggests strategies for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.

Diagnosis and Management of the Metabolic Syndrome An American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement

Abstract: The metabolic syndrome has received increased attention in the past few years. This statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is intended to provide up-to-date guidance for professionals on the diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome in adults. The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of interrelated risk factors of metabolic origin— metabolic risk factors —that appear to directly promote the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).1 Patients with the metabolic syndrome also are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Another set of conditions, the underlying risk factors , give rise to the metabolic risk factors. In the past few years, several expert groups have attempted to set forth simple diagnostic criteria to be used in clinical practice to identify patients who manifest the multiple components of the metabolic syndrome. These criteria have varied somewhat in specific elements, but in general they include a combination of both underlying and metabolic risk factors. The most widely recognized of the metabolic risk factors are atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and elevated plasma glucose. Individuals with these characteristics commonly manifest a prothrombotic state and a pro-inflammatory state as well. Atherogenic dyslipidemia consists of an aggregation of lipoprotein abnormalities including elevated serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein B (apoB), increased small LDL particles, and a reduced level of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). The metabolic syndrome is often referred to as if it were a discrete entity with a single cause. Available data suggest that it truly is a syndrome, ie, a grouping of ASCVD risk factors, but one that probably has more than one cause. Regardless of cause, the syndrome identifies individuals at an elevated risk for ASCVD. The magnitude of the increased risk can vary according to which components of the syndrome are …