According to a research study, increase in fructose intake will increase blood pressure. These added sugars will increase your risk of acquiring blood pressure by 50%. This research study conducted by University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center and was published in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology. Increase in consumption of sugar is the major causative factor for diabetes. If you take more than 74 grams of fructose, you are more prone to hypertension which is responsible for heart and kidney diseases. In South India, normal diet alone will have enough sugar content. When you take high sugar content foods like, cool drinks and junk food, your daily sugar intake even can reach 150 grams per day. So, you are almost 100% at risk of getting high blood pressure. India has the highest population of diabetics. In USA, more than 2 crore people are suffering from silent deadly diseases. Change in eating habits, sedentary lifestyle and lack of awareness are major reasons for increase in diabetic cases. Obesity is the most underestimated dangerous epidemic which responsible for many diseases like diabetes. After 30 years, it is better for adult to undergo annual medical checkups. Such tests help you to spot pre-diabetes and you can escape from diabetes by changing dietary habits with regular exercise. Precautions: 1. Always monitor your weight and keep a chart of height-weight. 2. Stay away from junk food. 3. 30 minutes of daily walk. … [Read more...]
Antidepressants raise Diabetes risk
People who are on antidepressants are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. People who have past history of depression have 30% of higher risk of developing diabetes. Researchers studied the medical records of 2,400 people to know the effects of antidepressants (Tricyclic antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) on diabetes. Chances of developing diabetes are more when they take both types of drugs for depression instead of one type. American Diabetic Association research studies also stated that antidepressants use predisposes diabetes. Diabetes and Depression: Depression by reducing one’s physical activity causes obesity which raises diabetes risk. Preventive use of Metformin may reduce diabetes risk in these depressive patients. People who are on treatment for depression should regularly screen for chronic diseases like Diabetes and Heart diseases. Depressive patients generally do not follow doctor’s advice. Some may even attempt for suicide by taking higher doses of insulin. Diabetes may cause depression due to its chronic nature and associated complications. Rate of depression is very high in Diabetics than in normal people. Diagnosing with diabetes itself causes stress which may lead to psychiatric complications like depression. This research study was published in “Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice”. … [Read more...]
Diabetes drug alert: Eli Lilly dropped Air Insulin
Eli Lilly Pharma Company dropped Air Insulin (inhaled form) phase 3 clinical trials. Pfizer dropped its inhaled insulin “Exubera” in 2007 due to its potential side effects on lung function. Novo Nordisk halted its inhaled insulin droplets drug, AERx, in January. Eli Lilly conducted "Air Insulin" clinical trials in partnership with biotechnology company "Alkermes". Even though Air Insulin had not shown any potential side effects in the clinical trials, Eli Lilly dropped this inhaler form due to lack of commercial viability, reluctance of doctors and potential regulation problems. Diabetics’ hopes for inhaler form were finally ended with Eli Lilly’s decision. They need to depend on injection form for some more time. But, Mankind is committed to continue its trials on Technosphere Insulin inhaler. Mankind is conducting phase 3 clinical trials on 2,050 patients. No significant side effects are reported till date. Click here to know more about "Air Insulin". … [Read more...]
Health benefits of black tea in Diabetes
This is good news for Diabetic tea lovers. Black tea has the potential to control type 2 Diabetes, according to researchers at Dundee University in Scotland. Some substances (Theaflavins and Thearubigns) in Black tea act as Insulin substitutes. This research study was published in the “Journal of Aging Cell”. Black tea also helps in reducing blood pressure and improving body metabolism. Black tea accounts for 90% of total tea consumed in the world. But, researchers are advising caution for tea lovers as this research is in the experimental stage. If this research will become successful, black tea will compete with green tea in popularity which is beneficial for cancer patients. Type 2 Diabetics suffer from lack of sufficient insulin (decrease in secretion or lack of action) in the body but these proteins in black tea mimic insulin and help the body in converting glucose to energy and are known as FOXOs. Drinking tea also helps in fighting against cancer due to antioxidants in it. Scientists are recommending 4 cups of tea a day (maximum) for good health benefits. Please share your opinion. … [Read more...]
Smoking increases diabetes risk
Smoking raises risk for diabetes, according to "The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)". Smoking increases type-2 diabetes risk by 44% in smokers when compared to non-smokers, according to Lausanne University scientists in Switzerland. 15% of diabetic cases are smoking, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School. Along with diabetes, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption and obesity plays vital role in causing diabetes. Smoking raises blood sugar levels by interfering with insulin production and increasing insulin resistance. Smoking is also the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases which are responsible for mortality in diabetics. Heavy smokers have great risk of getting diabetes than light smokers. Current smokers are at high risk than previous smokers. Heavy smokers are 61% increase in risk of getting diabetes. Diabetes and smoking statistics: 200 million diabetics are there in the world, according to World Health Organisation. Smoking causes 4 million deaths annually. Persons who have family history have high risk of developing diabetes. Smoking is the major modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Researchers analysed the data of 1.2 million smokers before deciding the impact of smoking on diabetes incidence. … [Read more...]
World Diabetes Day: November 14
Theme for 2007 World Diabetes day is “No Child should die of diabetes”. Main focus of this year’s diabetes day is on children due to increase in diabetes incidence in children and adolescents. United Nations is observing November 14 as World Diabetes Day from 2007 onwards. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is conducting global awareness campaign in association with World Health Organisation. Significance of November 14: November 14 is the birthday of Banting who discovered Insulin along with Best in 1921. Blue is the official color of World Diabetes Day. Diabetes statistics: 1. According to International Diabetes Federation, more than 0.4 million children (under 14 years) are suffering from diabetes. 2. Around 70 thousand new diabetes cases are diagnosing in children. 3. More than 240 million people are suffering from diabetes which is a chronic debilitating disease. 4. 80% of diabetic people belong to lower and middle classes contrary to popular opinion. 5. Around 0.4 million type 1 diabetes cases are in the world. 6. More than 50% of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable with simple measures like exercise, weight reduction and regular checkups. There should be more awareness campaigns on Diabetes throughout the year. … [Read more...]
World Diabetes Day: November 14
Theme for 2007 World Diabetes day is “No Child should die of diabetes”. Main focus of this year’s diabetes day is on children due to increase in diabetes incidence in children and adolescents. United Nations is observing November 14 as World Diabetes Day from 2007 onwards. International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is conducting global awareness campaign in association with World Health Organisation. Significance of November 14: November 14 is the birthday of Banting who discovered Insulin along with Best in 1921. Blue is the official color of World Diabetes Day. Diabetes statistics: 1. According to International Diabetes Federation, more than 0.4 million children (under 14 years) are suffering from diabetes. 2. Around 70 thousand new diabetes cases are diagnosing in children. 3. More than 240 million people are suffering from diabetes which is a chronic debilitating disease. 4. 80% of diabetic people belong to lower and middle classes contrary to popular opinion. 5. Around 0.4 million type 1 diabetes cases are in the world. 6. More than 50% of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable with simple measures like exercise, weight reduction and regular checkups. There should be more awareness campaigns on Diabetes throughout the year. … [Read more...]
A-Z about Insulin
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common lifestyle disease affecting millions of people all over the world. Luckily, mankind has got the wonder drug “Insulin” in their hands to protect themselves from that ailment. Now the diabetic patients can lead normal life safely and happily. But many patients have many misconceptions about insulin. So, detailed information about insulin is given below, to remove those wrong notions. The pancreatic gland in our body is constantly producing the hormone “insulin’, depending upon the demands of the body at various timings during the day. If the production of insulin is less or its efficacy of action is imperfect, the person develops diabetes. The Mechanism of Insulin production in the body: The food taken by us is digested and converts into glucose and enters the blood stream. Every cell in the body utilizes the glucose as energy for its normal function. But for the utilization of glucose by the cells, sufficient insulin should be present in the body. One way insulin acts as a “key’’. So first of all, Insulin should open the door of the cell and then glucose enters the cell. Otherwise glucose goes on accumulating in the blood and diabetes occurs in the body. So insulin plays a key role. Discovery of Insulin: Insulin was first discovered in the year 1920 by two scientists, Banting and Best, from the pancreatic gland of the dog. Later on insulin is prepared pig’s pancreatic gland and was used in the humans. But some persons raised objection to use insulin prepared from the pigs. Afterwards, insulin was prepared from the beef (buffaloes) and was in use up to 1980. But it was giving lot of troubles to the patients. Thereafter human insulin came into existence. It was prepared by keeping the human ‘DNA’ in the Ecolab bacteria. The insulin thus produced is almost like human insulin in all aspects. Later on human insulin has been produced by keeping the human DNA in the fungi, grown on the bread pieces. Presently this type of insulin is in use and is considered as the boon to the diabetic patients. Indications for Insuln use: Insulin is best being given to the following type of diabetic patients, through out their life. 1. Patients above the age of 70 years. 2. Patients suffering from diabetes for more tan 10 years. 3. If blood sugar level is more than250mg/100ml of blood on the empty stomach (without taking any thing), before breakfast. 4. If more than 500 mg level at any time during the day. 5. HbA1c (Glycosylated hemoglobin) is done once in 3months and if it is more than 10. (For these type of patients insulin has to given for 3months, afterwards oral medication is sufficient). 6. Triglyceride levels are more than 600 mg/1ooml of blood. (It is enough if insulin is given for 3months). 7. If micro albumin in urine is more than 20 mg. 8. Diabetic patients having heart problems, found in ECG testing. 9. Chest infections diagnosed on x-ray. 10. Finding retinal changes (retinopathy) in the eyes. 11. Any other serious diseases present in the body. Note: Type-1 Diabetic patients (juvenile variety) have to take insulin through out their life. If pregnant women develop diabetes, they have to take insulin until the completion of delivery. Insulin saved millions of lives in the past 80 years. Insulin is really a wonder drug. … [Read more...]
When to take Insulin?
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common lifestyle disease affecting millions of people all over the world. Luckily, mankind has got the wonder drug “Insulin” in their hands to protect themselves from that ailment. Now the diabetic patients can lead normal life safely and happily. But many patients have many misconceptions about insulin. So, detailed information about insulin is given below, to remove those wrong notions. The pancreatic gland in our body is constantly producing the hormone “insulin’, depending upon the demands of the body at various timings during the day. If the production of insulin is less or its efficacy of action is imperfect, the person develops diabetes. The Mechanism of Insulin production in the body: The food taken by us is digested and converts into glucose and enters the blood stream. Every cell in the body utilizes the glucose as energy for its normal function. But for the utilization of glucose by the cells, sufficient insulin should be present in the body. One way insulin acts as a “key’’. So first of all, Insulin should open the door of the cell and then glucose enters the cell. Otherwise glucose goes on accumulating in the blood and diabetes occurs in the body. So insulin plays a key role. Discovery of Insulin: Insulin was first discovered in the year 1920 by two scientists, Banting and Best, from the pancreatic gland of the dog. Later on insulin is prepared pig’s pancreatic gland and was used in the humans. But some persons raised objection to use insulin prepared from the pigs. Afterwards, insulin was prepared from the beef (buffaloes) and was in use up to 1980. But it was giving lot of troubles to the patients. Thereafter human insulin came into existence. It was prepared by keeping the human ‘DNA’ in the Ecolab bacteria. The insulin thus produced is almost like human insulin in all aspects. Later on human insulin has been produced by keeping the human DNA in the fungi, grown on the bread pieces. Presently this type of insulin is in use and is considered as the boon to the diabetic patients. Indications for Insuln use: Insulin is best being given to the following type of diabetic patients, through out their life. 1. Patients above the age of 70 years. 2. Patients suffering from diabetes for more tan 10 years. 3. If blood sugar level is more than250mg/100ml of blood on the empty stomach (without taking any thing), before breakfast. 4. If more than 500 mg level at any time during the day. 5. HbA1c (Glycosylated hemoglobin) is done once in 3months and if it is more than 10. (For these type of patients insulin has to given for 3months, afterwards oral medication is sufficient). 6. Triglyceride levels are more than 600 mg/1ooml of blood. (It is enough if insulin is given for 3months). 7. If micro albumin in urine is more than 20 mg. 8. Diabetic patients having heart problems, found in ECG testing. 9. Chest infections diagnosed on x-ray. 10. Finding retinal changes (retinopathy) in the eyes. 11. Any other serious diseases present in the body. Note: Type-1 Diabetic patients (juvenile variety) have to take insulin through out their life. If pregnant women develop diabetes, they have to take insulin until the completion of delivery. Insulin saved millions of lives in the past 80 years. Insulin is really a wonder drug. … [Read more...]
Exercise controls blood sugar level
Aerobic exercise and resistance (weight) training combination will immensely benefits diabetic patients by controlling blood sugar levels. This was revealed in recently conducted randomized controlled trial on 250 type 2 diabetic adults over a 6-month period. Researchers used Hemoglobin A1c level as the determining factor. Combination of exercise will benefit more than a single activity alone. This research study was published in the September 18 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Image courtesy: Ericabla. Haemoglobin A1C is the best factor to determine blood sugar control in the last 6 months. 1% decrease in Haemoglobin A1c level will decrease heart attack risk by 15-20%. Resistance and aerobic exercise will decrease Haemoglobin A1c level by almost 1% according to research. The participants were divided to one of four groups: 1. Those who did 45 minutes of aerobic training three times a week 2. Those who did 45 minutes of resistance (weight) training three times a week 3. Those who did 45 minutes each of both forms of exercise three times a week 4. Those who did no exercise at all. Benefits of exercise in type 2 Diabetes: 1. 1% decrease in Hemoglobin A1c. 2. 15%-20% decrease in heart attack or stroke risk. 3. 25-40% decline in diabetic complications. 4. It decreases Insulin resistance and helps to efficiently transport glucose. 5. Combined exercise has double benefit than single form of exercise. 6. Exercise helps to delay late onset Diabetes. Diabetes is gradually becoming global epidemic and more than 300 million people will live with this chronic disease by 2025 according to World Health Organisation. Obesity, changing life style habits and rise in old age population are the major reasons for the Diabetes epidemic. Please share your opinion on this article. … [Read more...]
