(June 8, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From New Orleans - According to research presented to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes-related complications may be associated with hearing loss. In a study of 472 patients, researchers found that poor glycemic control was associated with a nearly three times increased risk of high-frequency hearing impairment, while peripheral neuropathy and coronary heart disease were associated with a six times increased risk.

From Stockholm - According to research in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, smoking may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. In a study of over 2,200 people, researchers found that smokers with a genotype linked to rheumatoid arthritis risk doubled their already-higher chances of developing the condition.

And finally, from Boston - According to a recent survey in The American Journal of Medicine, medical problems are involved in most bankruptcies. In a survey of over 2,300 Americans, researchers found that over 60% of those who filed for bankruptcy cited unpaid medical bills or loss of income due to illness as factors. Most of those who cited medical issues were middle-class, college-educated homeowners.

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