(April 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Vancouver - According to research in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, smoking both tobacco and marijuana increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In a study of nearly 900 people aged 40 and over, researchers found that those who smoked tobacco and marijuana had a 3 times higher risk for COPD. However, an increased risk was not linked to smoking marijuana alone.

From Brazil - According to research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, stem cells may be effective for type 1 diabetes. In a study of 23 patients, researchers found that 20 were able to stop taking insulin after they underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After 2 years, only 8 of the patients relapsed, and even then required only low doses of insulin.

And finally, from San Francisco - According to research in the Archives of Internal Medicine, prison time may increase cardiovascular risk. In a study of over 4,300 adults, researchers found that those who were incarcerated were more likely to have hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy than those who were not. Drug and alcohol use, obesity, lower socioeconomic status or increased stress could be the cause.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.