VA Million Veteran Program Tops 575 Studies: Highest Sodium Intake Linked to 11% Higher Diabetes Rate
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Nov. 13 in Washington highlighted the latest results from the Million Veteran Program (MVP), its largest research effort: since its start in 2011, more than 1.1 million Veterans have taken part, and researchers using its data have produced more than 575 publications.
On diabetes, one study used dietary information and health records from 198,049 MVP participants who did not have diabetes at the start, with records covering an average of about four years. Veterans with the highest sodium intake had an 11% higher rate of developing diabetes than those with the lowest intake, while those with the highest potassium intake had a 13% lower rate. The VA said the findings may inform future personalized lifestyle and dietary supports to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.
On cholesterol, another study using MVP data identified Veterans with a genetic risk for familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that can cause dangerously high cholesterol and often goes undiagnosed. A small group of eligible Veterans were contacted and consented to clinical testing and a discussion with a VA genetic counselor, with results shared with them and their providers.
On traumatic brain injury, a study found that Veterans with a combined history of TBI and high combat exposure were more likely to report several chronic health conditions, with the strongest associations seen for PTSD and memory loss or impairment. The VA said the findings can help care teams consider appropriate screening, treatment and intervention for Veterans with such histories.
Researchers using MVP data also recently published findings on toxic exposures in post-9/11 Veterans, schizophrenia, irritable bowel syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea. The VA thanked the more than 1.1 million Veterans in the program and said the full list of recent findings is published on the program's website.
(Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于华盛顿的美国退伍军人事务部总部大楼（GSM 联邦核心图库固定图）。 / Photo: Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington (GSM federal core asset library).
