Fructose and blood pressure

    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...]

Blood pressure drugs protect diabetic hearts

  According to new research reports, Diuretic and Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE) combination protect diabetic patients from heart diseases. This combination drug therapy reduces heart disease risk by 18%. Researchers used ACE Inhibitor (Perindopril, 2mg) and Diuretic (Indapamide, 0.625 mg) in the research studies. This therapy reduces risk from both macro vascular and micro vascular complications. This study was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2007 in Vienna. Diabetes and heart failure:   Over the course of the four years, the researchers found that people with the combined therapy had an average reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-6 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure of 2 mm Hg compared with the placebo group.     People who got the combined therapy were 9 percent less likely to have a heart disease event, such as stroke or heart attack, over the treatment period. They were also 18 percent less likely to die from heart disease and 14 percent less likely to die from any cause.   By 2030, an estimated 350 million people will be living with diabetes worldwide. Heart disease kills two out of three people with diabetes, who are at increased risk of stroke, heart attacks and related conditions such as degenerative eye disease. Heart diseases are the most common cause of death in diabetics followed by Kidney diseases.   Diabetes is frequently associated with Blood pressure, Obesity and high serum cholesterol levels. According to recent surveys in Europe, 30-40% of heart failure patients have diabetes. Diabetes worsens the prognosis and complicates the management of heart failure. Mortality is more in heart failure patients with diabetes especially in women.    Best Treatment:   1. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor antagonists are most preferred treatment in these patients.   2. Coronary artery bypass in patients with multi-vessel coronary disease is considered to be preferable to catheter interventions with regard to long term outcome.   3. Control of Diabetes with Insulin saves patient from cardio-vascular diseases.   4. Rosiglitazone has negative impact on heart even though it is a good diabetic drug. It increases the rate of occurrence of Myocardial Infarction and Heart failure by fluid retention.   5. Weight reduction, physical exercise and reduction of cholesterol level are best treatment to reduce future cardio vascular complications in diabetic patients.   … [Read more...]