Life with Diabetes

Blood Pressure Drugs Might Fight Diabetic Retinopathy

2010-01-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

New research in mice suggests that some drugs used to treat high blood pressure might help prevent and treat a disorder that causes people with diabetes to lose their vision.

The researchers tested candesartan (Atacand), a drug known as an angiotensin receptor blocker, on mice to see what would happen to 65 proteins in the retina that appear to be linked to diabetes. They found that the drug prevented more than 70 percent of the proteins from having abnormal changes.

The findings, which come in the largest study of its kind, could spell hope for people who suffer from diabetic retinopathy or are at risk for it. The disorder damages blood vessels in the retina. Previous research had suggested that high-blood pressure drugs -- also including ACE inhibitors -- might help.

The study findings were published in the Journal of Proteome Research.

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Article: Drugs.com
Image: MayoClinic

Quitting Smoking May Increase the Risk of Getting Diabetes, Study Says

2010-01-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

By Simeon Bennett

(Bloomberg) -- People who quit smoking were as much as 80 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those who never take up the habit, according to Johns Hopkins University researchers.

Smokers shouldn’t use the study as an excuse to keep puffing, the authors said in an article published today in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

The study adds to previous research showing a link between stopping smoking and developing diabetes. The increased risk could be related to the weight smokers sometimes add when they kick the habit, and doctors should help people who want to quit to manage their weight, said researchers led by Hsin-Chieh Yeh, an assistant professor of general internal medicine and epidemiology at the Baltimore-based university’s medical school.

“The message is, don’t even start to smoke,” Yeh said in a statement. “If you smoke, give it up. That’s the right thing to do. But people have to also watch their weight.”

Yeh and colleagues studied data from almost 11,000 people between the ages of 45 and 64 over a nine-year period. Those who quit smoking three to five years before the study began were 80 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who never smoked, and those who stopped within the first three years of the study starting were 73 percent more likely to get the disease, indicating the risk is highest in the first three years after quitting, the study showed.

Decreasing Risk

The danger decreased with time. People who stopped six to nine years prior to the study had a 54 percent higher chance of getting diabetes, and those who quit earlier than that were 16 percent more at risk. The risk was 26 percent higher for current smokers.

Among men, those who were 60 years or older, smoked 20 cigarettes or more each day before quitting, and gained more than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) were 3.4 times more likely to get diabetes than those who never smoked, making them the highest risk group.

For women, the highest risk for developing the disease was found among those who smoked fewer than 20 cigarettes a day before quitting and gained more than 4 kilograms. They were 2.7 times more likely to get diabetes than non-smoking women.

Diabetes prevents people from breaking down sugar in their blood and can lead to complications including heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss and amputation of limbs. While some people have an inherited form of the condition, the majority of cases are linked to obesity.

The study was funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Best Herbs and Supplements for Lowering Blood Sugar

2009-12-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

These 10 have shown promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Can herbs or supplements help you control your diabetes? These 10 have shown some promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity, reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol, and more. Talk to you doctor before adding any new pill to your regimen, especially if it has the potential to lower your blood sugar. You may need to check your blood sugar more often and possibly have your doctor adjust your medication dosage. If you don’t see results after a month or two, stop wasting your money.

1. Gymnema Sylvestre
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 200 to 250 milligrams twice daily.

This plant's Hindi name translates as "sugar destroyer," and the plant is said to reduce the ability to detect sweetness. It’s regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for blood-sugar control. It may work by boosting the activity of enzymes that help cells use glucose or by stimulating the production of insulin. Though it hasn’t been studied extensively, it's not known to cause serious side effects.

2. Bitter Melon
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 50 to 100 milliliters (approximately 3 to 6 tablespoons) of the juice daily.

The aptly named bitter melon is thought to help cells use glucose more effectively and block sugar absorption in the intestine. When Philippine researchers had men and women take bitter melon in capsule form for three months, they had slight, but consistently, lower blood sugar than those taking a placebo. Gastrointestinal problems are possible side effects.

3. Magnesium
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 250 to 350 milligrams once a day.

Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels, but other studies have shown no benefit. Have your doctor check you for deficiency before supplementing with magnesium.

4. Prickly Pear Cactus
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: If you eat it as a food, aim for 1⁄2 cup of cooked cactus fruit a day. Otherwise, follow label directions.

The ripe fruit of this cactus has been shown in some small studies to lower blood sugar levels. You may be able to find the fruit in your grocery store, but if not, look for it as a juice or powder at health food stores. Researchers speculate that the fruit may possibly lower blood sugar because it contains components that work similarly to insulin. The fruit is also high in fiber.

5. Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Main use: Easing nerve pain
Typical dosage: 270 to 540 milligrams once a day.

Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and studies have found that the supplement can reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.

6. Chromium
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 200 micrograms once daily.

This trace mineral is thought to enhance the action of insulin as well as being involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Some research shows that it helps normalize blood sugar -- but only in people who are deficient in chromium.

7. Bilberry
Main use: Protecting the eyes and nerves
Typical dosage: 80 to 120 milligrams two times per day of standardized bilberry extract.

This relative of the blueberry contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves. These antioxidants, called anthocyanidins, seem to help prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that can result in nerve pain and retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina). Animal studies have also suggested that bilberry may lower blood sugar.

8. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Main uses: Easing nerve pain, lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 600 to 800 milligrams a day.

Called ALA for short, this vitamin-like substance neutralizes many types of free radicals. A build-up of free radicals, caused in part by high blood sugar, can lead to nerve damage and other problems. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar. In a German study, a team of scientists had 40 adults take either an ALA supplement or a placebo. At the end of the four-week study, the ALA group had improved their insulin sensitivity 27 percent. The placebo group showed no improvement. Other studies have shown a decrease in nerve pain, numbness, and burning.

9. Fenugreek
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 5 to 30 grams with each meal or 15 to 90 grams with one meal per day.

These seeds, used in Indian cooking, have been found to lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce high cholesterol, according to several animal and human studies. The effect may be partly due to the seeds' high fiber content. The seeds also contain an amino acid that appears to boost the release of insulin. In one of the largest studies on fenugreek, 60 people who took 25 grams daily showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and post-meal spikes.

10. Ginseng
Main use: Lowering blood sugar
Typical dosage: 1 to 3 grams a day in capsule or tablet form, or 3 to 5 milliliters of tincture three times a day.

Known for its immune-boosting and disease-fighting benefits, this Chinese herb has several positive diabetes studies behind it. Researchers have found that ginseng slows carbohydrate absorption; increases cells' ability to use glucose; and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. A team from the University of Toronto has repeatedly demonstrated that ginseng capsules lower blood glucose 15 to 20 percent compared to placebo pills.

Source: Reader's Digest

Blood Sugar Intolerance May Predict Postpartum Ills

2009-12-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

Screening moms-to-be might offer early warning of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, researchers say

(HealthDay News) -- Pregnant women who develop gestational glucose (blood sugar) intolerance are at increased risk for metabolic syndrome three months after they give birth, says a new study.

Gestational glucose intolerance is less severe than gestational diabetes. Metabolic syndrome describes a group of factors (including high blood pressure, obesity and low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol) that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The study included 487 pregnant women who were tested and divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance; gestational glucose intolerance; or gestational diabetes. Three months after giving birth, the women were checked for signs of metabolic syndrome. The researchers determined that gestational glucose intolerance was associated with increased likelihood of metabolic syndrome.

The study was reported online in advance of publication in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

"The study findings raise the important possibility that women with gestational glucose intolerance and subsequent postpartum metabolic syndrome represent a patient population at particularly high risk for the future development of metabolic and vascular disease. Further research with long-term follow-up is needed to address this possibility," study lead author Dr. Ravi Retnakaran, of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and the University of Toronto, said in a news release.

"Our data also suggest that glucose intolerance screening in pregnancy, as is currently practiced, may provide previously unrecognized insight into a woman's postpartum cardiovascular risk profile. Furthermore, glucose tolerance screening may identify subgroups of young women for whom cardiovascular risk factor monitoring may be warranted."

More information
The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about metabolic syndrome.

-- Robert Preidt

Too-Strict Blood Sugar Control May Lead to Car Crashes

2009-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Driver's license approvals for diabetics should be re-evaluated, expert says

(HealthDay News) -- Diabetics who keep their blood sugar tightly controlled run the risk of having traffic accidents due to low blood sugar, Canadian researchers report.

Controlling blood sugar is the cornerstone of managing diabetes.
By keeping blood sugar under control, diabetics can ward off many of the complications associated with the condition, including heart and kidney disease. However, blood sugar that is too low -- known as hypoglycemia -- can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness, the researchers say.

"Diabetes is a common disease that may impair an adult's ability to drive," said lead researcher Dr. Donald A. Redelmeier, a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.

Worldwide, Redelmeier said, diabetics are required to produce proof of good blood-sugar control to keep their driver's license. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Holland, Australia and other countries all have such laws, but they're "based on theory rather than science," he said.

And contrary to the prevailing theory, people with good blood-sugar control were found to have a higher risk for crashing, Redelmeier said of his study's results. The risk was substantial, accounting for almost 50 percent of the accidents, he said.

The accidents were mostly related to severe hypoglycemia in association with strict blood sugar control, he noted. The findings were published online Dec. 8 in PLoS Medicine.

For the study, Redelmeier's team collected data on 795 diabetic drivers. They found that one in 14 of the drivers had been involved in car accidents. Those with low blood sugar were more likely to have had an accident than were diabetics whose blood sugar was not as well controlled.

Moreover, the risk for having a car accident increased fourfold if the person had a history of hypoglycemia, the researchers found.

"This finding calls into question laws that restrict driver's licenses on the basis of this measure of diabetes control," Redelmeier said.

The study could be the first step in getting driving laws changed, he added. His research group, Redelmeier said, was the first to identify driving and talking on cell phones as a hazard, which led to laws restricting the use of cell phones while driving.

Dr. Luigi F. Meneghini, an associate professor of clinical medicine and director of clinical operations for the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, agreed that the study "brings up the risk of driving while you have diabetes."

People taking medication to lower their blood sugar need to be aware of any symptoms of an oncoming hypoglycemic episode, Meneghini said. And older people, who he said often aren't aware that a hypoglycemic episode is starting, should check their blood sugar more often.

"They should certainly check their blood sugar before they get into a car," he said. "If they have low blood sugar, treat the low blood sugar and wait until their blood sugar is in a safe range before getting behind the wheel."

Redelmeier said he advises diabetics not to drive if they feel dizzy or have other symptoms of hypoglycemia. In addition, he urges people to always have food available to boost the blood sugar should a hypoglycemic episode start.

"If you had a hypoglycemic episode yesterday, you should be wary of driving a car tomorrow," Redelmeier said.

More information
The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more on diabetes.

Does Diabetes Slow Alzheimer's?

2009-12-08T08:37:00.000-08:00

French study suggesting delayed progression gets guarded response from U.S. experts

(HealthDay News) -- A French study finding that people with Alzheimer's disease and diabetes have less memory loss than those without diabetes should be regarded with caution, American experts say.
"It's not clear from this study and others what the relationship is," said William Thies, chief medical and scientific officer of the Alzheimer's Association.

What is clear, Thies said, is that having diabetes increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease -- a relationship acknowledged in the first sentence of a report on the French study in the Oct. 27 issue of Neurology.

But there haven't been too many studies looking at the effect of diabetes on the progression of Alzheimer's, said the report by researchers at INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research in Toulouse.

So, they followed 608 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease for four years, testing their memory and thinking skills twice a year.

The 63 participants with diabetes -- 10.4 percent of the total -- started with the same average score of 20 on the test of thinking ability. There was an average overall decline of 1.24 points on that test every six months. But the decline in thinking ability scores was 0.38 points greater every six months for those without diabetes.

Previous studies of the relationship between diabetes and loss of cognitive function have had mixed results, Thies said. "Some showed a faster decline, some showed a slower decline," he said. "It is still a confused area."

One factor that has a strong influence on the results is the stage of disease in the people being studied, Thies said. "You know that early on, the disease does not progress quickly," he said. "So, if you study people in the early stage or the late stage, that can overwhelm the results."

A close look showed that the diabetic participants in the French study had Alzheimer's disease for a shorter period of time than the non-diabetics, said Dr. Robert Friedland, chair of neurology at the University of Louisville.

And the differences seen in the study "are very minimally significant, less than a point on a 30-point scale," Friedland said. "The difference in many of the mental state examination scores was very small. It was statistically significant, but clinically meaningless."

He ticked off several reasons why a difference was found. The medications taken for diabetes to help control blood sugar level could have a beneficial effect on the brain, Friedland said. "Also, patients with diabetes have more vascular disease in the heart as well as the retina, and some of their impairment might be due to that, so it was progressing more slowly," he said.

There was also a possibility of misdiagnosis, since no autopsies were done in the study, Friedland said.
"The important message is that there are potentially modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, some of which are also risk factors for diabetes -- lack of physical activity, obesity," he said.

For Thies, the lesson of the study is that "to understand relationships like this, you need more long-term cohort studies like this one. We need more studies, and the real barrier is money."

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bighealthtree.com

100 Beers That Can Raise Your Blood Sugar and Produce Hyperglycemia

2009-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Drinking beer or alcohol for that matter, can result in high blood sugar which is a condition when an excessive amount of glucose circulates in the blood. Hyperglycemia is primarily a symptom of diabetes in which there are elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream. With Type I diabetes, hyperglycemia results from malfunctioning in the supply of insulin, the chemical that enables cells to receive energy from glucose.

Many times when I have a few beers I get the feeling of tiredness and almost want to sleep. Also my strength feels like it’s being sucked right out of my body. This is a result of increased sugars in my blood and what makes me a diabetic.

Some of the side effects of drinking excessive alcohol are:

Polyphagia – frequent hunger, especially pronounced hunger
Polydipsia – frequent thirst, especially excessive thirst
Polyuria – frequent urination, especially excessive urination
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Poor wound healing (cuts, scrapes, etc.)
Dry mouth
Dry or itchy skin
Impotence (male)

100 or so beers and their alcohol and carb content

Brand	Brewery	Alcohol %	Calories/12 oz	Carbohydrates (grams)
Anchor Porter	Anchor	5.6	209	*
Anchor Steam	Anchor	4.9	153	16.0
Anheuser Busch Natural Light	Anheuser Busch	4.2	95	3.2
Anheuser Busch Natural Ice	Anheuser Busch	5.9	157	8.9
Aspen Edge	Adolph Coors	4.1	94	2.6
Blatz Beer	Pabst	4.8	153	12.5
Blatz Light	Pabst	*	*	8.5
Blue Moon	Adolph Coors	5.4	171	13.7
Bud Dry	Anheuser Busch	5.0	130	7.8
Bud Ice	Anheuser Busch	5.5	148	8.9
Bud Ice Light	Anheuser Busch	4.1	110	6.5
Bud Light	Anheuser Busch	4.2	110	6.6
Budweiser	Anheuser Busch	5.0	145	10.6
Budweiser Select	Anheuser Busch	4.3	99	3.1

Busch Beer	Anheuser Busch	4.6	133	10.2
Busch Ice	Anheuser Busch	5.9	169	12.5
Busch Light	Anheuser Busch	4.2	110	6.7
Carling Black Label	G. Heileman	4.3	138	12.5
Colt 45 Malt Liquor	G. Heileman	6.1	174	11.1
Coors Banquet Beer	Adolph Coors	5.0	142	10.6
Coors Light	Adolph Coors	4.2	102	5.0
Genesee Beer	High Falls Brewing	4.5	148	13.5
Genesee Cream Ale	High Falls Brewing	5.1	162	15.0
Genesee Ice	High Falls Brewing	5.9	156	14.5
Genesee Red	High Falls Brewing	4.9	148	14.0
George Killian’s Irish Red	Adolph Coors	4.9	163	13.8
Icehouse	Miller	5	132	8.7
Icehouse	Miller	5.5	149	9.8
Hamm’s Beer	Miller	4.7	144	12.1
Hamm’s Golden Draft	Miller	4.7	144	12.1
Hamm’s Special Light	Miller	4.1	110	7.3
Keystone Premium	Adolph Coors	4.4	108	5.0
Keystone Light	Adolph Coors	4.2	104	5.1
Keystone Ice	Adolph Coors	5.9	143	6.6
Leinenkugel Honey Weiss	Leinenkugel	4.92	149	12.0
Leinenkugel Northwoods Lager	Leinenkugel	4.94	163	15.3
Leinenkugel Original	Leinenkugel	4.67	152	13.9
Leinenkugel Creamy Dark	Leinenkugel	4.94	170	16.8
Leinenkugel Red	Leinenkugel	4.94	166	16.2
Leinenkugel Light	Leinenkugel	4.19	105	5.7
Leinenkugel Amber Light	Leinenkugel	4.14	110	7.4
Lowenbrau Dark		5.0	160
Lowenbrau Special Beer		5.2	160
Magnum Malt Liquor	Miller	5.6	157	11.2
Michael Shea’s	High Falls Brewing	4.62	145	13.0
Michelob Amber Boch	Anheuser Busch	5.2	166	15.0
Michelob Beer	Anheuser Busch	5.0	155	13.3
Michelob Golden Draft	Anheuser Busch	4.7	152	14.1
Michelob Golden Draft Light	Anheuser Busch	4.1	110	7.0
Michelob Honey Lager	Anheuser Busch	4.9	175	17.9
Michelob Light	Anheuser Busch	4.3	113	6.7
Michelob Ultra	Anheuser Busch	4.1	95	2.6
Mickey’s Fine Malt Liquor	Miller	5.6	157	11.2
Miller Genuine Draft	Miller	4.7	143	13.1
Miller Genuine Draft Light	Miller	4.2	110	7
Miller High Life	Miller	4.7	143	13.1
Miller High Life Light	Miller	4.2	110	7
Miller Lite	Miller	4.2	96	3.2
Milwaukee’s Best	Miller	4.5	128	11.4
Milwaukee’s Best Light	Miller	4.5	98	3.5
Milwaukee’s Best Ice	Miller	5.9	144	7.3

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battlediabetes.com

Natural Foods and Supplements to Reduce Your Blood Sugar

2009-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there are many natural foods and supplements that you can take that will help lower your blood sugar level naturally? Diabetic patients are usually made aware of the countless pharmaceutical products that are available…but what if you want to naturally lower your blood sugar level?

Let me just start out by saying that I am not against the use of pharmaceutical products to control diabetes. I myself am taking Metformin, also known as Glucophage, and Glipizide, also known as Glucotrol, to help regulate my blood glucose levels. Although I’ve stopped taking the Metformin because it gave me serious stomach cramps, gas and diahrea.

Right now taking these drugs is a must for me. If you knew me personally you would know that I’m not keen on taking medication. I’m always looking for a more natural approach to treating my diabetes.

What I have been finding is that there are foods and supplements that will naturally lower blood sugar levels. By incorporating these foods and supplements into your already diabetes friendly diet you are upping your chances of a longer healthier life.

Food And Supplements That Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Cinnamon: Researchers are finding that cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels naturally when taken daily. If you absolutely love cinnamon you can sprinkle the recommended six grams of cinnamon on your food throughout the day to achieve the desired effect. If you are not that big a fan of cinnamon there is another alternative…cinnamon capsules. This gives you the recommended cinnamon dose all in one tidy capsule.

Chromium: To help your body’s cells respond properly to insulin you can use Chromium. There are studies that are finding that people with diabetes have lower Chromium levels that people without the disease. So how do you add Chromium to your diet? Well it is a trace mineral so the best bet it to take a Chromium Picolinate dietary supplement.

Zinc: The mineral Zinc plays a huge role in your body’s production and storage of insulin. It is now being brought to light that people with diabetes have a Zinc deficiency. You can go about increasing the Zinc in your diet by either taking a supplement or by eating foods that are high in Zinc. This would include lamb, oysters, pecans, almonds, chicken and sardines.

Salacia oblonga: Also something interesting I read about and also heard from someone on a podcast they were taking in Sri Lanka. Salacia oblonga is an herb that’s been used for centuries which is native to regions of India and Sri Lanka, binds to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the body. Ohio State University, researchers saw insulin levels drop 23 percent and blood sugar levels drop 29 percent in patients who took a 1,000-mg dose of the herb. Amazing!

These are just a few of the natural foods and supplements that will lower your blood sugar level naturally. One thing that is very important is that you keep your health care provider up to date on any supplements that you will be utilizing as a natural way to lower your blood sugar. They will be able to help you safely figure out what does and does not work for you.

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Source: battlediabetes.com

Diabetes Drugs Go Head-to-Head in Study

2009-12-04T11:15:00.000-08:00

By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter

(HealthDay News) -- A class of drugs still taken by millions of people with type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of dying and heart failure than the newer treatment metformin, researchers say.

Sulfonylureas, long a mainstay of diabetes treatment, performed less well than metformin in a study of oral anti-diabetes drugs, but doctors said the findings aren't necessarily a reason to discontinue taking them. Glyburide, glipizide and glimepiride are examples of sulfonylureas.

Metformin, which is sold as Glucophage and other brand names, is already the first-choice therapy for type 2 diabetes, and the findings are in line with new American Diabetes Association recommendations, meaning the results won't change the way patients are already treated.

"This raises some interesting points for other, more specific research, but it won't affect the way we practice medicine tomorrow," said Dr. Robert Scott III, assistant professor of internal medicine at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and senior staff cardiologist with Scott & White, Temple, Texas. "Certain diabetes medications may be a little bit more heart friendly than some of the older diabetes medications, but the bottom line is, we can't draw firm conclusions from this."

Other experts agree.

"Metformin is widely believed to exert a favorable cardiovascular effect, and these findings support this observation," added Dr. Steve Nissen, chairman of cardiovascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, while pointing out that the study has "important limitations" and should not be considered "proof of differences between various drug therapies."

The new study, appearing in the Dec. 4 issue of BMJ, also found that the diabetes medications Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) did not seem to raise the risk of heart attack. But Actos was associated with a lower risk of dying than Avandia, indicating Actos might be the preferred choice.
Both drugs belong to the class of medications known as thiazolidinediones.

The hundreds of millions of people around the world who have type 2 diabetes have at least double the risk of dying, largely from cardiovascular disease, than otherwise healthy people.

Because elevated blood sugar can destroy blood vessels and organs of the body, drugs to control blood glucose levels are an important component of diabetes treatment. For years, though, researchers worried that these drugs might up the risk for heart problems in a population already at higher risk for such complications.

In this study, researchers from Imperial College London and other institutions looked at records from 1990 through 2005 for over 91,500 diabetics in the United Kingdom.

Compared to those taking metformin, people taking first- or second-generation sulphonylureas had a 24 to 61 percent higher risk of dying from all causes. Those taking second-generation sulphonylureas had up to a 30 percent increased risk for congestive heart failure.

Individuals taking Actos had a 31 to 39 percent lower risk of dying compared with people taking metformin.
Meanwhile, people taking Avandia (rosiglitazone) had a 34 to 41 percent higher risk of dying than people taking its cousin, Actos (pioglitazone).

"A large difference in outcome between pioglitazone and rosiglitazone has been observed in several other studies. Once again, these authors confirm that rosiglitazone appears to be associated with substantially worse cardiovascular outcomes compared with pioglitazone," Nissen said.

The element of choice is still an important one to consider, one expert pointed out.

"Sometimes diabetes patients can't tolerate certain medicines because of side effects, therefore they're left with taking older medicines that might be associated with an increase of heart attack or heart problems, but when you look at the relative risk of that versus the risk of having uncontrolled diabetes, taking that medicine might be more beneficial for certain patients," Scott said.

Although the study was not funded by pharmaceutical companies, several of the study authors do have ties to different drug companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, which makes Avandia, and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which makes Actos.

More information
The American Diabetes Association has more on type 2 diabetes.

Source: Yahoo News

Victoza: New Diabetes Drug, Better Than Byetta?

2009-11-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

Novo Nordisk has a new diabetes drug under clinical trials - Victoza (liraglutide) - that is proving much better than Byetta (exenatide).

From WebMD:

Byetta is the first of the class of type 2 diabetes drugs called GLP-1 analogs. The drug takes advantage of the body's own signaling system to increase insulin output in response to meals.

Byetta is a popular drug, and it's helped many patients. But liraglutide - soon to be called Victoza if approved by the FDA - works better, says Lawrence Blonde, MD, director of the diabetes clinical research unit at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans.

"Our direct comparison study shows patients who took liraglutide once a day had a greater reduction in [average blood sugar levels] at the end of the 26-week study than did [Byetta] twice a day," Blonde tells WebMD. "Obviously, once-a-day injections would be preferred by many patients because of the convenience - and it is not tied to meals. Liraglutide can be taken any time as long as you take it the same time each day."

Remember that Byetta has been implicated in pancreatitis and death. And we thought it was the best thing that ever happened to diabetes treatment...

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http://www.daily-diabetic.com

Diabetes Cases Expected to Double in 25 Years

2009-11-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

The number of people with diabetes in the United States is expected to double over the next 25 years, a new study predicts.

That would bring the total by 2034 to about 44.1 million people with the disease, up from 23.7 million today. At the same time, the cost of treating people with diabetes will triple, the study also warns, rising from an estimated $113 billion in 2009 to $336 billion in 2034.

One factor driving the soaring costs: the number of people living with diabetes for lengthy periods, the researchers said. Over time, the cost of caring for someone with diabetes tends to rise along with their risk for developing complications, such as end-stage renal disease, which requires dialysis.

The story continues @ ABCnews>>

Holiday Eating Tips for Diabetics

2009-11-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

If you’ve been reading Blisstree this month, then you already know it’s American Diabetes Month. It’s probably even more fitting that November is the chosen month for diabetes awareness, since holiday eating can make some people stray from their health goals.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 24 million children and adults in the US have diabetes. Unfortunately, the morbidity rate of people with diabetes has continued to climb since 1987, even while death rates from cancer have fallen. Diabetes is also the leading cause of kidney failure.

Despite the bleak facts, managing diabetes properly can have a big impact. To help with holiday temptation, I’ve included an article detailing ways to stay on course during the holidays from Frederic J. Vagnini, M.D., FACS, and Lawrence D. Chilnick — authors of The Weight Loss Plan for Beating Diabetes.

Seven Ways To Manage Your Diabetic Waistline During the Holidays
By Frederic J. Vagnini, M.D., FACS, and Lawrence D. Chilnick,
Authors of The Weight Loss Plan for Beating Diabetes: The 5-Step Program That Removes Metabolic Roadblocks, Sheds Pounds Safely, and Reverses Prediabetes and Diabetes

During the holiday season many dedicated dieters or those who follow special diets for diabetes, heart disease or other conditions not only “fall off the wagon” but also leap into the deep end of the pool. Don’t feel guilty. This is a normal reaction to attending large family dinners where everyone makes food loaded with seductive carbohydrates. We also go to multiple parties — sometimes on the same day — where the hosts have hired caterers who specialize in delicious appetizers and desserts that are so good you just stand at the buffet and eat more and more.

Worse, in some cases you are at the home of a sensitive relative who has taken gourmet cooking courses and will be insulted if you don’t have at least seconds of every dish. Your diabetes is not an excuse where they are concerned.

Can you have “your cake and eat it” during this holiday season that now seems to stretch from before Thanksgiving well into the coming year? If you adopt a simple strategy, you can survive the holidays without too much damage.

The first thing you have to admit is that you are not powerless over the mounds of mashed potatoes, hams, turkeys, stuffing, butter coated green beans and apple and pumpkin pies. Next, adopt these few logical steps below and with any luck and preparation you will come out of the holidays as healthy as you went into them — your blood sugars and weight at the same levels three months before.

One: Put Yourself Into Pre-Holiday Training: Think of the holidays as sort of an Olympics (for Eating). The first thing any athlete does is begin training. As a diabetic you are already exercising, eating properly and taking medication and supplements. Adopt a strategy that helps you increase your exercise and lowers your blood sugars even more. Begin this a month ahead of Thanksgiving. When you are shopping, park farther away and walk everywhere you can. The more “workouts” you get with proper food and exercise the better shape you will be in.

Two: Holidays are not a license to eat. We all tend to have “slips” when following a weight loss plan — especially as a diabetic whose health depends on keeping nutrition balanced. Do not rationalize as you line up to shovel food on your plate that this is only “for today”. It won’t turn out that way. There will be more parties and unless you adopt the attitude that “today is just like any other day” you will be on the downhill slide.

Three: Use Visualization. Think of how you felt in the past when you did overeat. Remember over eating and the bloated, nauseous feeling that may have led to you getting sick and ending up vomiting and passed out on the couch. Just bring that sensation back and you will already start backing away from the table.

Four: Think Of The Damages: Keep in mind that over eating during the holidays can destroy an entire year of work and you end up possibly gaining 10-15 pound in a few weeks. It is OK to go off your diet a bit but keep the consequences in focus.

Five: Stay Home When You Can: This one is tough but if you can keep the “exposure” down your odds of staying on track increase.

Six: Don’t Go To Parties Hungry: In effect pre-medicate. Have a small salad or something healthy when you go to a party or dinner so you will not be as tempted.

Seven: Avoid the “liquids”. Parties seem to attract bottles of beer and glasses of wine. Remember how many calories these contain and stick to water if you can.
The holiday season is about seeing old friends, family and having a good time. While all the food and entertaining is hard to avoid, if you keep these ideas in mind you can still enjoy yourself and not suffer from it. The most important lesson is that if you keep exercising — staying in training — you will have a much easier time continuing your weight loss program
after the holidays are passed.

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Source: Blisstree

Rise in Diabetes' Obesity Rates Alarming and Rapid - US Study

2009-11-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

A recent American study has discovered that every 1 person in 5 suffering from type-2 diabetes is nearly 100 pounds overweight, sending doctors and scientists into added worry about a disease which is spreading across the county at an alarming rate, and the study has also asserted that the number is rapidly growing.

Carried out at the Loyola University Health System, the study revealed that early 62.4% of American adults with type-2 diabetes are definitely obese, while a shockingly high 20.7% are morbidly obese, i. e., over 100 pounds overweight than their required body weight, or have a BMI of 40 or above. Among the African-American group, however, every 1 in 3 diabetics is morbidly obese.

"The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes is increasing at a very alarming rate and this has substantial public health implications", lead author Dr. Holly Kramer said.

For the sake of research, data collected via the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys during 1976-1980 and 2005-2006 was analyzed. This included interview and physical examination of representative samples collected from all over the US. After detailed analysis, the researchers concluded that some 141% increase in the rate of morbid obesity in type 2diabetes patients was noted for the years studied.

Details of the study have been published online in the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.

8 common diabetes questions answered

2009-11-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Health.com -- Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes; another 57 million have prediabetes, a precursor to the disease. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that if the diabetes epidemic continues, one in three Americans will develop it in his or her lifetime.

That's especially bad news for women, because the disease can affect both mother and child during pregnancy, and women with diabetes are more likely to have a heart attack (and at a younger age) than women without diabetes. Along with the worries about diabetes, there's a lot of misinformation (like skinny girls can't get the disease, or eating too much candy causes it), which is why we've gathered expert answers to the most common questions.
What's the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It's most often diagnosed in patients under 18, but it can strike at any age. Type 1 diabetics need insulin to manage the disease.
In type 2 diabetes, the body loses its sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that helps muscles absorb and use blood sugar. Traditionally, type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in older people. But with the rise in obesity, it's now being diagnosed at younger ages, sometimes even in children. Some traditionally thin populations are also being diagnosed with the disease as well. Type 2 is generally treated with changes to diet and exercise habits, as well as oral medication or insulin.
How will I know if I have diabetes?
Diabetes may cause no symptoms at all, but some signs include frequent thirst and hunger, having to urinate more than usual, losing weight without trying to, fatigue, and crankiness. If you're concerned, get your blood-glucose level checked, says Deborah Fillman, a registered dietitian and the incoming president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators. A fasting blood-sugar test measures the amount of sugar in your blood after not eating for at least eight hours. Normal is 99 mg/dL or below. Prediabetes is 100 to 125, and diabetes is 126 and above.
My father has diabetes. Does that raise my risk?
Yes. Having a family member with diabetes raises your risk of developing type 1 by about 5 percent and type 2 diabetes by more than 30 percent.
Health.com: How your family may sabotage your efforts to manage diabetes
I've read that belly fat is a diabetes risk factor. Should I worry about my muffin top?
Yes. Excess fat around your midsection is linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. (Type 1 diabetes has nothing to do with obesity). In particular, the visceral fat wrapped around your internal organs can pose a problem, and it increases insulin resistance (the problem in type 2 diabetes) more so than fat in other parts of your body.
Health.com: Why it pays to lose weight if you have type 2 diabetes
Being obese or overweight in general can hike your risk of type 2 diabetes by more than 90 times. Why? Overweight bodies may just be too big for their pancreases to keep up, says researcher Dr. John Buse, director of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Diabetes Care Center.
Can diet or exercise really prevent diabetes?
Yes, exercising and eating a healthy diet helps you keep off excess weight, which can prevent or at least delay diabetes. If you already have diabetes, doing aerobic exercise and resistance training helps by encouraging the muscles to take up more blood sugar.
Health.com: Can I drink alcohol with diabetes?
Over the short term, it may even reduce the amount of blood-sugar-lowering medication you need to take. Long term, exercise helps lower the risk of complications like blindness and nerve and kidney damage by helping you better manage blood-sugar levels. On the diet front, a recent study found that type 2 diabetics who ate a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fish, fruits, nuts, and olive oil, lost more weight and went longer without blood-sugar-lowering medication than those on a low-fat diet.
Health.com: 5 healthy snacks for people With diabetes
Could my sweet tooth lead to diabetes?
One of the oldest myths about diabetes is that sugar -- or a sweet tooth -- causes the disease. Says Riva Greenberg, a patient advocate and the author of 50 Diabetes Myths That Can Ruin Your Life, "A lot of people still think you get diabetes from eating too much candy."
Not true. Nor is it necessary for diabetics to avoid all sugar. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, protein, veggies, and fruit -- and low in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars (which cause blood sugar to spike) -- is a healthy plan for everybody.
I'm skinny, so I can't get diabetes, right?
Being overweight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, but 20 percent of people who get it are slim. "The number of type 2 diabetics is growing, especially in thin Asian populations," Greenberg says. Asian populations have higher concentrations of visceral fat, which may be a contributing factor, Buse explains.
If I had gestational diabetes that went away, should I worry?

Unfortunately, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes increases substantially -- between 20 percent and 50 percent. (Gestational diabetes occurs when hormones that help a baby's placenta develop interfere with the mother's insulin, resulting in higher blood sugars. It occurs in about 4 percent of U.S. pregnancies each year.) Your personal odds depend upon other factors like ethnicity, genetics, and weight. Losing weight after you've had a baby can help limit your risk.

Diabetes Prevention Is the Best Remedy, TOPS Medical Expert Says

2009-11-10T07:47:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow may be too late when it comes to preventing or improving a diabetes condition, according to TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization.

Preventive care, like weight loss, a healthy diet, and physical activity, is the easiest way to avoid diabetes and its complications.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) November 10, 2009 -- Tomorrow may be too late when it comes to preventing or improving a diabetes condition, according to TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for developing the most prevalent form of diabetes, Type 2 (adult-onset). Typically affecting individuals age 40 and older, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion notes that Type 2 diabetes has been reported among children and adolescents with increasing frequency. According to the American Diabetes Association, one out of every three children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue. If not treated properly, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, foot ulcers, and the need for limb amputations.
In acknowledgment of November being National Diabetes Month, Nicholas “Dr. Nick” Yphantides, M.D., M.P.H., medical spokesperson for TOPS, says, “Preventive care, like weight loss, a healthy diet, and physical activity, is the easiest way to avoid diabetes and its complications.”
A formerly obese person who once weighed 467 pounds, Dr. Nick was a borderline diabetic and has treated diabetic individuals for years. He now focuses on preventive health, emphasizing, “There are currently 24 million people in the United States who are diabetics. There are 57 million more who are pre-diabetic, having blood glucose levels that are higher than normal and raising the potential for cardiovascular disease. Every single one of those people can either eliminate or reduce their risk for developing diabetes by improving their health through organizations such as TOPS.”
Employ the following tips from TOPS to prevent the development of diabetes:
- Eat smart. Choose low-fat, fiber-rich, and whole grain foods, which have all been associated with improved blood sugar control. Increase servings of fruits, vegetables, and nuts to help you feel full and even promote weight loss.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Exercise helps keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels within a normal range. If you can’t find a solid block of time to be active, even ten minutes of exercise spread out over the course of the day, like brisk walking, can help.
- Quit smoking. According to the American Diabetes Association, smoking increases blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels (also raising your risk of a heart attack). The Rhode Island Department of Health notes that smoking even one cigarette can reduce the body’s inability to use insulin by 15%.
- Reduce chronic stress, a prolonged state of stress that can continue for days or weeks. The American Diabetes Association has found that, when under stress, the body responds by raising blood sugar levels; a study by the BMJ (British Medical Journal) found that chronic stress has been linked to the development of heart disease and other conditions, as well. Try relaxation or stress management techniques, such as beginning the day with a few minutes of yoga or meditation. Breathing exercises, listening to soothing music, or watching a funny television show can help alleviate anxiety. If possible, aim for at least seven hours of sleep every night, which also can be helpful in controlling stress levels.
“Everybody has the opportunity to take control and prevent diabetes. TOPS is about giving people the sense of ‘yes, we can.’ Lifestyle transformation is a solution, and the information and support that TOPS provides can be those tools. We can all generate an epiphany and say, ‘Wait a second, I can ignite a change towards a healthier me’,” Dr. Nick points out.
For additional information on diabetes, please consult your physician.
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss education and support organization, was established more than 61 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success. Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., TOPS promotes successful weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, and several chapters in Europe.

Exercises to Control Diabetes

2009-11-10T07:29:00.001-08:00

Exercise is a very important part of the control of diabetes. All diabetic patients should aim to make exercise as a part of their each day schedule. Exercise can help to get better the quality of life for diabetic patients. But there are some safeguards to think previous to people begin an exercise regime. It is wise to consult their health professional previous to they start. This would be correct for anyone, but it is particularly so for someone who is suffering from acute diabetes.
There are 2 types of diabetes; Type-1 diabetes which typically manifests itself at an early age. This type is from time to time referred to as adolescent diabetes. In Type-1 diabetes, the body cannot produce sufficient of its own insulin. Type-2 diabetes manifests itself in afterward period of life. In Type-2 diabetes the body fails to produce enough amount of insulin or it becomes resistant to its own insulin. In both types of diabetes the body is unable to metabolize sugar correctly. Blood sugar levels rise because the body cannot transport sugar to the cells where it is required. It becomes essential to decrease blood sugar levels. This can be done by medication, through diet and by consistent exercise.
Exercise can, therefore, be a precious part in diabetes management and this is factual for both types of diabetes. Whether a person has Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes they can advantage from regular physical exercise. Type-1 diabetics can advantage from exercise because it can help in the protection of insulin sensitivity and increases the use of glucose by the muscle tissues. Exercise can as well help to stay away from too much weight gain. Type-1 diabetes cannot be cured, but some of the health problems connected with this type of diabetes can be reduced by means of exercise.
Type-2 diabetics can as well be benefited from exercise. Type-2 diabetes is avoidable and exercise can help in its helpful prevention. Even such a easy work out as a 30 minute walk every day can decrease the threat of developing Type-2 diabetes. To sum up, exercise can decrease blood sugar levels and help to organize insulin sensitivity. This is vital for diabetic patients because they are known to have circulatory problems. Diabetic patients frequently suffer from poor circulation in the legs and feet. Exercise helps to encourage correct blood circulation. Regular exercise will as well help to lower blood pressure and so decrease the threat of stroke or heart attack.
There are, however, certain risks connected with exercise for diabetic patients. Since exercise lowers blood sugar the patients must measure their blood sugar levels earlier than and later than exercise. The body will use greater amount of sugar throughout exercise and become more sensitive to insulin. Work out can potentially result in hypoglycemia. Checking blood sugar levels will help to keep away from this danger. With this precaution the benefits of exercise will outweigh the possible threats.
A diabetic patient should as well take care to carry candy or fruit juice with them throughout exercise in case their blood sugar falls too low. They should confirm to inform the guides at the gym or their exercise partners that they are diabetic. An exercise buddy is a good thought for anyone but doubly so for a diabetic patient. Exercising with a friend can help uphold the motivation and for a diabetic it can help keep away from the dangers of the blood sugar falling too low.

Top Warning Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

2009-11-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Many of the signs of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are similar. In both, there is too much glucose in the blood and not enough in the cells of your body. High glucose levels in Type I are due to a lack of insulin because the insulin producing cells have been destroyed. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin that is being produced. Either way, your cells aren’t getting the glucose that they need, and your body lets you know by giving you these signs and symptoms.

Frequent trips to the bathroom:

Are you visiting the bathroom much more lately? Does it seem like you urinate all day long? Urination becomes more frequent when there is too much glucose in the blood. If insulin is nonexistent or ineffective, the kidneys can’t filter glucose back to the blood. They become overwhelmed and try to draw extra water out of the blood to dilute the glucose. This keeps your bladder full and it keeps you running to the bathroom.

Unquenchable Thirst:

If it feels like you can’t get enough water and you’re drinking much more than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes, especially if it seems to go hand in hand with frequent urination. If your body is pulling extra water out of your blood and you’re running to the bathroom more, you will become dehydrated and feel the need to drink more to replace the water that you are losing.

Losing Weight Without Trying:

This symptom is more noticeable with Type 1 diabetes. In Type 1, the pancreas stops making insulin, possibly due to a viral attack on pancreas cells or because an autoimmune response makes the body attack the insulin producing cells. The body desperately looks for an energy source because the cells aren’t getting glucose. It starts to break down muscle tissue and fat for energy. Type 2 happens gradually with increasing insulin resistance so weight loss is not as noticeable.

Weakness and Fatigue:

It’s that bad boy glucose again. Glucose from the food we eat travels into the bloodstream where insulin is supposed to help it transition into the cells of our body. The cells use it to produce the energy we need to live. When the insulin isn’t there or if the cells don’t react to it anymore, then the glucose stays outside the cells in the bloodstream. The cells become energy starved and you feel tired and run down.

Tingling or Numbness in Your Hands, Legs or Feet:

This symptom is called neuropathy. It occurs gradually over time as consistently high glucose in the blood damages the nervous system, particularly in the extremities. Type 2 diabetes is a gradual onset, and people are often not aware that they have it. Therefore, blood sugar might have been high for more than a few years before a diagnosis is made. Nerve damage can creep up without our knowledge. Neuropathy can very often improve when tighter blood glucose control is achieved.

Other Signs and Symptoms That Can Occur:

Blurred vision, skin that is dry or itchy, frequent infections or cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal are also signs that something is amiss. Again, when these signs are associated with diabetes, they are the result of high glucose levels in the body. If you notice any of the above signs, schedule an appointment with your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you if you have reason to be concerned about a diagnosis of diabetes.

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diabetes.about.com

Recently Diagnosed

2009-11-09T18:20:00.001-08:00

It's not easy to hear you have diabetes. But for millions of Americans, learning about their diabetes is the first step toward feeling better and living a longer, healthier life. Here's what you need to get started on the path toward improved health and wellbeing.

Life with Diabetes

2009-11-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is a disease that affects the whole family, especially when a child is diagnosed. Whether you're a parent, sibling or other family member, your support and understanding can make all the difference. Are you worried about medical care and costs, or how to manage diabetes at school? We provide information and resources to help every child and every family adjust to life with diabetes.