Issue # 143


Full Table Of Contents

NMRC Receives Funding
pg.2


A Bright & Clear Universe
pg.12

Retirement Lunch
pg.20-21

New Staff
pg.22-27

Books
pg.28-29

A Walk On The Northside
pg.32-33

SALT REDUCTION STUDY
IN DIABETICS

Professor Ivan Perry, Epidemiology & Public Health and Dr Domhnall O'Halloran, Medicine, have received support from the Health Research Board to carry out a study to examine the effect of dietary salt restriction on blood pressure and metabolic control in people with type II diabetes. A modest reduction in salt intake leads to a fall in blood pressure in non-diabetics, but preliminary data suggests that this may not happen in diabetics. This research aims to clarify whether moderate dietary salt restriction is effective in lowering blood pressure in people with type II diabetes, without adversely affecting their blood sugar. The study will be conducted by Dr Fiona MacLeod and Nurse Rita Hinchion, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, and will involve recruitment of patients under the care of Dr O'Halloran and Professor Barry Ferriss at Cork University Hospital. Approximately 140 patients will be recruited to take part in this randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial.

Dr Fiona MacLeod taking blood pressure

The Salt Study addresses a timely and key hypothesis. It is important that we achieve optimal blood pressure control in patients with type II diabetes using a combination of non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods. The modest salt restriction proposed is attainable in the Irish diet without excessive restriction of food choices. This type of study has not been performed previously in Ireland and its findings will have important implications, both for clinical practice and public health policy development in the area of diet and health.

Portuguese Ambassador visits UCC

L-R: Professor Gerry Wrixon, President; His Excellency Joao de Vallera, Portuguese Ambassador; Ms Sofia da Silva Mendes, Portuguese leitora at UCC and Professor David Mackenzie, Hispanic Studies.

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