Diabetes News

Antidepressants raise Diabetes risk

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:39:00 +0000

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. Image courtesy: Glamour.com

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”.

Diabetes drug alert: Eli Lilly dropped Air Insulin

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:54:00 +0000

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".

Health benefits of black tea in Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:04:00 +0000

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.

Smoking increases diabetes risk

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 14:15:00 +0000

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.

Diabetic women at colorectal cancer risk

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:19:00 +0000

Women with diabetes are at high risk for colorectal cancer, according to a latest research report by Minnesota School scientists. Diabetic women are 1.5 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer. This was reported at the sixth annual conference of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Scientists conducted study on the medical records of 45,000 women who are suffering from diabetes. They find that 50% increase in risk in diabetic women than normal women.

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in Americans. According to American Cancer Society statistics, Colorectal cancer causes more than 50,000 deaths annually in Americans.

Insulin role in the cancer development:

Increase in glucose levels in the body which support cell growth by supporting new blood cell growth. This sometimes may leads to cancer development.

Researchers surprised to find that increase in insulin levels triggered “cancerous polyps”. But they failed to explain the mechanism behind this risk in “prediabetic women”.

How to protect from colorectal cancer?

Controlling diabetes by managing blood glucose levels at optimum levels is the best method in preventing cancer development. Diabetic women should follow healthy lifestyles and good diet habits.

Colonoscopy for polyps (screening) is the best method to prevent colorectal cancer in high risk diabetic women.

World Diabetes Day: November 14

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:36:00 +0000

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.

Type 1 Diabetes- breath analysis may replace blood test

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:19:00 +0000

This is a new hope for millions of type 1 Diabetic children. Diabetic patients can soon test their health with a breath analyser rather than a blood test. This breath test will use chemical analysis technique which is widely used in air-pollution testing. Children with type-1 diabetes exhale more methyl nitrate when their blood sugar levels are high. This is very happy news for children if this breath test replaces painful, invasive blood testing. This study was conducted at the University of California and was supported by the National Institutes of Health and Juvenile Diabetes foundation. It was published in the online version of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Methyl Nitrate level is at 10 times the normal when blood sugar levels are high. Researchers find correlation between methyl nitrate and blood sugar levels when they did research on 10 diabetic children. Breath Analysis was also used in the diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis and ulcers.
According to world health organization, 200 million people are diabetics all over the world and this number will rise to 300 million by 2025. Type2 diabetes is more common.

Why Methyl Nitrate levels correlate with blood sugar levels?

When blood sugar levels rise in the body of type 1 diabetes patients, there will be more fatty acids in the blood that cause oxidative stress. Methyl nitrate is a by-product of this increased oxidative stress, he added.

Exercise controls blood sugar level in type 2 diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:41:00 +0000

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.

Avandia, Actos - Effects on Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:13:00 +0000

GlaxoSmithKline’s diabetes drug Avandia will increase cardiac risks while Takeda’s Actos may reduce cardiac risks. These research results were published in the latest edition of Journal of the American Medical Association. The research was done on 14,000 patients in 4 clinical trials over 1 year period. Actos protect patients from heart attacks, strokes and death. It lowers cardiac risks by 18% while Avandia increases heart attack risk by 42%. But both drugs raise risk for heart failure.
Both Actos and Avandia are Glitazones, diabetic drugs which lowers resistance to insulin. But Pioglitazone (Actos) reduces heart attack risk while Rosiglitazone (Avandia) increases heart attack risk.

FDA may come under tremendous pressure to remove Glaxo’s Avandia from the market. Until May 2007, Avandia is the best selling diabetic drug in the world. Its prescription levels are dropped after Cleveland clinic researchers reported 43% rise in heart attacks in diabetics who are using Avandia, Rosiglitazone. This was published in the New England Journal of Medicine on May 21.

Based on the analysis, the researchers estimate that for every 220 diabetic patients treated with Avandia for one year, one will have a heart attack linked to the drug. And, there would be one case of heart failure for every 30 people taking the drug for one year. Avandia received regulatory approval in 1999 and at that time no serious adverse events were recognized. However, since approval, Avandia has been linked to heart failure, vision loss, heart attacks and fractures in women.

In United States, 3.5 million diabetics are taking Avandia. This could translate into more than 4,000 excess heart attacks and 9,000 excess heart failure events.

Like Avandia, Actos also raised risk for heart failure by 40%. However, unlike Avandia, patients receiving Actos had an 18 percent lower risk of heart attack, stroke or death than patients in the control group. Both Avandia and Actos are carrying Blackbox warning on their labels.

Whether Glaxo will withdraw Avandia from markets or not, its prescription levels may decline by almost 100%. No physician in his right sense will prescribe a drug whose side effects are severe enough to cause a death. Avandia will face Vioxx fate.

Please share your opinion on this controversy.

Diabetes patients need better advice about home blood sugar testing

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 03:06:00 +0000

According to research study published in British medical journal, type 2 (Non-insulin dependent) diabetic patients need better advice about home blood glucose monitoring.
Patients generally monitor their blood glucose levels frequently in the initial days but they do less frequently over time due to complacency and frustration. Some patients have no idea about the meaning of the test results and how to act on them. No one is there to guide them on these results. Doctors generally do not believe in these results and show little interest in knowing about them. Patients then lose interest in monitoring their glucose levels at home.
Type-2 (Non insulin dependent diabetes) patients are generally obese with more than 40 years age. If they fail to control their blood sugar levels, it may lead to insulin dependent diabetes.

Diabetics can control their sugar levels with proper diet, adequate exercise and weight reduction. If they fail to control diabetes, it may lead to heart, kidney (nephropathy), eye (retinopathy) and neurological problems. Diabetics generally dye to heart diseases especially heart attack (Myocardial infarction).

Most common symptoms of diabetes:

1. Hunger.
2. Increased thirst.
3. Excessive urination.
4. Weight loss.

Diabetes Statistics:

7% of American population are suffering with Diabetes. 70% Americans have diagnosed with diabetes while 30% people unaware of this chronic disease.

Role of Western diet:
Western diet is another major reason for the rise in diabetic cases. Increase in fast food intake, sedentary lifestyle and decrease in vegetable content in diet are the major triggers for diabetes.
Patients should monitor their blood glucose levels regularly at home and physicians should guide them according to these results. If physicians neglect these results, patients frustrate and may not monitor their blood sugar levels. Diabetic health education is a must for every patient. We can control blood sugar levels without depending much on insulin and other drugs by taking proper diet and adequate exercise.

Diabetes Research - Blood pressure drugs protect diabetic hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:25:00 +0000

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.

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 and heart failure:

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.

Types of Insulin and some facts

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 18:02:00 +0000

The pancreatic gland secretes approximately 24- 40 units of insulin per day, which are sufficient to our body needs (Otherwise, we have to give 2-3 times more amount of insulin from outside to the body needs). But the demands of insulin required by the body vary time to time in the body in the 24 hours. Insulin is generally taken in injection form through syringes or pumps. Inhaled form is also available in developed countries. The pancreatic gland estimates from time to time, and secretes the actual amount of insulin required by the body, for that time and situation, i.e. sometimes more and sometimes less amount of insulin.

For example:

1. From 1 AM to 7 AM, our body is very active attending to the needs of the several of the body (metabolic activity is high), so the demand for insulin is also more, automatically.

2. Likewise, the demands for insulin is more at the time of mid-afternoon (1-2 PM) and the night time (8-9 PM).

At the rest of the tomes, the body needs less amount of insulin, to some extent. Hence, we have to give insulin 1-2 times from outside (in the form of injection), as per the needs of the body.

Types of insulin depending upon the duration of action: 5 types are available.

1. Short acting Insulin: Its action (controlling the glucose level in the blood) lasts for only 6 hours in the body. It acts very speedily and it looks almost like water.

2. Intermediate or medium acting Insulin: Its action lasts for 12 hours in the body, after taking injection. It is sticky in appearance (like gruel).

3. 24 hour’s Insulin: Its action, controlling the glucose in the blood, lasts for 24 hours only. It is also sticky in nature, appears like gruel.

4. Pre mixed type (30/70 type): In this variety, both short acting and long acting insulin 30% of short acting and 70% of long acting insulin are mixed in a vial at the time of manufacture itself.
That means 30% starts its action as soon as the insulin injection is taken by the patient and the blood sugar level is kept within normal range and its efficacy becomes less after a certain time. Then the 70% type starts its action and keeps the blood sugar level under control for 12 hours.( other types like 50-50 mixed and 70-30 mixed types are also available).

5. Analogue types: Changes are made in insulin by different methods, to suit the body needs of the patient. In these types the chances of occurring ‘’ hypoglycemia’’ (low glucose levels in the blood) and its effects on the bodily organs, is less.

Insulin Dose: Depending upon the glucose levels in the blood, the patient is given either short acting (when blood sugar levels are high) or long acting insulin injections (when the blood sugar level is less). For those estimations blood sugar tests are to be done whenever necessary.

When to take Insulin?

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 09:30:00 +0000

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.

Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients: causes and management

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:02:00 +0000

The normal blood sugar level is 80-120mg/100 ml of blood. When the blood sugar level goes below the normal range, the patient develops a condition, called ‘’Hypoglycemia”, which is a medical emergency, and if not attended promptly in time, there is every possibility of threat to patient’s life.

Hypoglycemia Causes:

If insulin is taken in excess amounts, more than the required dose, the patient develops hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level in the blood), which is a serious condition.

Other causes of hypoglycemia:

Taking less amount of food,
After heavy exercise.

Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia:

1. Sudden giddiness
2. Unbearable appetite
3. Numbness around the lips
4. Sudden sweating all over the body
5. Palpitations in the heart
6. Shivering of hands and legs
7. Diminishing eyesight
8. Paleness all over the body
9. Feeling of gradual loss of consciousness (just like a drunkard).

Management of Hypglycemic patient:

Immediately, patient should take milk containing sugar or should eat banana speedily. They remain in the stomach for 3 hours and make the liver to release more glucose in to the blood. Most of the patients take glucose or biscuits at this time, but their effect last only for ½ an hour, and there is chance of occurring of hypoglycemia again.

So, it is well and good to take milk or banana or any other fruit. Hence, it is always better to keep/carry some food item containing more carbohydrates along with them, at the time of taking insulin injection, either at home or during journey time.

Diabetes- Diet and Blood tests

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 14:54:00 +0000

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, including the arteries that supply blood to the brain. This damage makes it easier for fatty deposits (plaques) to form in the arteries. The build-up of arterial plaques (atherosclerosis) can choke off blood supply to raise the blood pressure, leading to coronary heart disease.

Timings of Blood sugar tests:

Time of testing - Normal readings/per 100 ml of blood:

1. before breakfast - 80-120 mg.
2. 2 hours after breakfast - 140—180mg
3. Before lunch--------------80—120mg;
4. Bed time------------------100—140mg;
5. At 3am--------------------70—140mg.

Diabetes and Diet:

1. High Glycemic foods raise the blood sugar levels. Then extra insulin is produced, quickly sending sugars into blood cells, this is extra burden to the pancreas.

2. Effective management of diabetes depends on a delicate balance between medication and diet control and also to keep the weight under control (neither over weight nor under weight).

3. To maintain blood sugar levels close to the normal levels.

4. Doing exercise regularly and avoiding stress and strain.

5. Avoid sweets and fried foods, which raise cholesterol levels in the blood (leading to heart disease).

6. Every adult requires 2000 calories per day to maintain optimum health.

7. The diet of the person with diabetes should consists of a good combination of nutrients i.e.;-carbohydrates, proteins, fat, vitamins and minerals, in order to stay fit and fine and to keep the blood sugar levels in check.

What is Glycemic Index?

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Tue, 29 May 2007 17:38:00 +0000

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a scale that ranks carbohydrate –rich foods by how much they raise blood glucose levels compared to glucose, in the last 2-3hours. There is a lot of misunderstanding about the GI.

Eating higher GI foods produces a rapid increase in blood glucose levels, triggering the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin causes the body to attempt to store excess glucose. If the digestive system pumps more glucose in to the blood stream, quicker than the insulin can move it into the muscles (or glucose stays more longer time in the blood), then the body will convert the excess glucose into fat.

So, it is a good idea to know more about GI and better to choose foods with a low GI rating (than choosing foods with high GI).

Uses of Glycemic Index:

1. To control your blood glucose levels.
2. To control your cholesterol levels.
3. Control your appetite.
4. Lower the risk of getting the heart disease.
5. Lower the risk of getting the type-2 diabetes.

Choose the foods wisely:

Try to choose low to medium GI foods more often (than high GI foods).

1. Foods of low rank are: GI of 55 or less.
2. Medium rank: GI of 56-69.
3. More rank: GI 70 or more.

Other important diet considerations:
The GI is not the only criteria when selecting the foods as the total amount of carbohydrates, but also,
1. The amount of fat: Fats from cold-water fish, olive and flax oil are beneficial.
2. Fiber and protein are also important.

WE should minimize eating saturated fat and better to take more fiber in the diet.

Cooking, food-processing and age, are all affects food’s GI.
Ex. Pizza keeps glucose up longer than any other food and glucose was still high even after 4-5 hours.

Foods with low Glycemic Index:

Soya Beans, Bengal gram and Grapes.

Source: Life Scan magazine.

Diabetes Research- Avandia may cause Heart disease

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:07:00 +0000

According to the study published in New England Journal of Medicine, Avandia, drug used in Type2 diabetes, increases the risk of cardiac-related fatalities by 64 per cent % and heart attacks by 43%. Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is in use since 1999 to treat Type2 diabetes generally in combination with Metformin or Glimipride.

The study was conducted over the extensive period of 2 years on 28,000 people. According to the study, 65% of deaths among diabetic patients using this drug is due to heart disease.

This drug is in wide use worldwide with more than 6 million people are taking this drug solely or in combination to control blood sugar level. Diabetes affects 18 million people in America and 200 million people worldwide.

Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is a Thiazolidinedione group of drug which was widely used in the treatment of type2 diabetes. Previously Troglitazone was removed from the market due to hepato-toxicity. The thiazolidinediones are agonists for peroxisome-proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR).

GlaxoSmithKline questioned the authority of this research and released a report supporting its argument. Food and Drug administration issued an alert and appointed a panel to look into this issue.

Previously, Merck drug pain killer “Vioxx” was removed from the market on the similar concerns (heart diseases).

Please share your opinion on this controversy.

Diabetic coma - Causes, Symptoms and prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 17:37:00 +0000

Diabetic Coma is an emergency situation in which diabetic patient is unconscious due to extreme blood glucose levels (too high or too low). This condition is more common in Type 1 Diabetes.
Causes of Diabetic Coma:

1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
2. Hypoglycemia – Glucose level is below 3.5 mmol/L
3. Hyper osmolar syndrome – Severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

Signs and symptoms of Diabetic Coma:

1. More urination
2. More thirst
3. More appetite
4. More sedation
5. More weakness.
6. Loss of weight
7. Late healing of wounds.
8. Sight impaired.
9. More itching around the vaginal area in women.
10. Nausea and vomiting.
11. Pain in the pelvic area.
12. Rapid shallow breathing.

If the blood glucose level is too low, patient is nervous, sweaty, tired and hungry.

Prevention:

1. Have regular checkups about the sugar levels in the blood.
2. Take measures to keep the sugar well under control [Within the normal levels].
3. Take diet and medication at regular intervals.
4. Take glucose packet or chocolate along with you.

N.B.: Avoid the following conditions as they lead to ketoacidosis.

1. Infections like flu or Pneumonia.
2. Getting wounds.
3. Mental strain.
4. Other diseases.

If the glucose levels and ketone levels are very high in the urine, consult the doctor immediately and get treated.

American Diabetes alert Day – March 27

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 14:46:00 +0000

19th annual Diabetes alert day is celebrated to increase awareness about diabetes among American people. More than 6 million Americans are not aware that they have diabetes are at diabetes risk.

Diabetes is a disease with either decreased insulin secretion or inefficient use by the body.

Diabetes Risk factors:

1. Uncontrolled blood pressure
2. Obesity
3. Family history of diabetes
4. Sedentary people
5. Old age persons
6. African and Asian Americans

Signs of Diabetes:

1. Frequent urination
2. Extreme thirst
3. Weight loss without any cause

How to control Diabetes:

1. Reduce weight
2. Reduce Cholesterol level
3. Exercise for 30-45 minutes
4. Monthly checkups.
5. Control blood pressure
6. Stay away from fat and fast foods. Eat green leafy vegetables and fat-free diet.

More than 65% of people with diabetes died due to Heart attack. Diabetes is a silent disease. It will decrease your lifespan without much noise. Take proper care.

Diabetics ignore doctor’s advice on exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 10:28:00 +0000

As per new rearch study, People with type 2 diabetes ignore their physician’s advice on exercise. These research results were published in the February edition of American Diabetes Associations journal Diabetic care. More than 20 million Americans have Diabetes. 90% of Diabetics have type2 diabetes or Adult diabetes which is linked to obesity.

American Diabetes association recommends people get at least 30 minutes of exercise like brisk walking.

Results of the Diabetic Research study:

1. More the risk, less they exercise by ignoring doctor’s advice.
2. Fewer than 40% get exercise.
3. 3/4th of the patients are advised by Doctor regarding exercise. Diabetics who got the strongest warnings to get exercise are the lease likely to listen.

Without exercise, type2 diabetics face complications like high blood pressure and nerve damage. This is the time Diabetics should listen to doctor's advise on exercise.

Please share your opinion.

Diabetes Symptoms

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 05:40:00 +0000

Diabetes is caused by increased sugar in the blood (Hyperglycemia). It is a chronic disease. Excess glucose in the body draws more water from tissues.

Major Symptoms:

Poly urea – frequent urination especially night
Poly phagea – Increased hunger
Poly dypsea – extreme thirst
Weight Loss
Drowsiness and Burred vision

Minor/major symptoms:

Burning sensation in the hands and soles
Over growth of nails
Easily tired - Fatigue
Wounds take long time to heel
Red swollen gums

Every one should take regular check ups for their sugar levels. High risk persons should monitor rheir sugar levels from 30 year onwards.

Diabetes - Risk facrors

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:55:00 +0000

Risk factors of Diabetes are divided into 7 types.

Hereditary
Obesity
Sedentary life style
Stress and strain
Drug side effects
Age
Infectious diseases.

I discuss here about hereditary risk factor.

Diabetes due to heredity:

Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes): Mainly caused by auto immunity. Severe lack of insulin is the characterestic feature.

If father is diabetic, there are chances of 9% of the children gets diabetes.
If mother is diabetic, 3% of the children get the disease.
If both father and mother are diabetic, 30% of the children get the disease.

Type 2 Diabetes: (Adult Diabetes)

If either father or mother is diabetic, 30% of the children get the disease.
If both parents are diabetic, 70% of the children get the disease.
So, high risk group children should monitor their diabetes levels regularly.

Petition Google for an ADA Google Doodle

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:56:00 +0000

American Diabetic Association collecting signatures to convince Google to create an ADA Google Doodle by American Diabetes Alert Day, March 27, 2007.

In United States, nearly 21 million children and adults have diabetes and another 54 million have pre-diabetes.

Due to fast food habits and sedentary life style, Diabetes reached epidemic proportions in the Unites States of America.

Sign the ADA petition here.

If Google agrees to create Doodle, it surely increases awareness among netizens.

Diabetes statistics

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 19:38:00 +0000

One person is dying for every 10 seconds in the world.
Two new diabetic cases are identifying for every 10 seconds in the world.
7 million new diabetic cases will be identified by 2025.
80% of diabetics in the world will be present in developing countries like India.
India is the Diabetic capital of the world.
It is not now a disease of rich people. It is a disease of sedentary people with Unhealthy diet habits.

These are some of the Diabetic facts telling the dangere lies ahead from this silent disease.

Diabetes advice - Exercise, Medication and Diet facts

noreply@blogger.com (Krishna) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 19:17:00 +0000

These are some of the essentail facts about Diabetes. Advice on Diabetic diet, Diabetic medication and exercise. If proper care is taken with disciplined life style, Diabetics can live normal life.

It is hereditary. Diabetes runs in families.. A gene is present in the family members.
More thirst, more urination – more common mainly in diabetic Children. These symptoms may be less common in adults. If both parents are diabetics, more is the risk for children.
Wounds take more time to heel in diabetics. So, proper care is better.
After 30 years, it should be good to monitor glucose levels yearly.
In Diabetes, sugar level in the blood is more important than in urine.
If sugar is present in urine but not in blood, it is renal Glycosuria. There is no diabetes in that perso.
Diabtes -Blood tests: Random blood sugar test is not perfect.
Test on empty stomach early in the morning and after 2 hours food taken is essential.
Borderline persons – Glucose tolerance should be done to decide diabetes in them.

Diabetes Diet: Diet should be taken in small amounts 5-6 times daily at regular intervals.
Diabetics should not indulge in fasting and feasts –as they imbalance the glucose regulatory mechanism.
Exercise – Be regular and uniform. Brisk walking is the best exercise in diabetics. 30-45 minutes of daily walk is a must for every diabetic patient. Keep a candy to compensate decrease in the blood level if necessary.
Diabetes Medication – Medicine should be taken at regular intervals. By mistake, if you forgot to to take the drug yesterday, you should not take it in excess dosage today.
You might have taken sweets, for that you need not increase the dosage.
Never stop taking insulin even in illness.
Check your glucose levels at least monthly once or as per directions of physician.
Taking medicine without consulting doctor is not good for your health.

The time honored slogan in Diabetes:
First preference: Regular exercise.
Second preference: Diet control
Third preference: Drugs

All the three are important. For the sake of one, you should not neglect others.

Please comment on this article.