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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
