Hope for Parents with Diabetes Children Soon parents will be able to sleep a little easier knowing that their child will not go into a coma if their glucose levels has dropped too low (hypoglycemia) during their sleep and they did not know about it. A team of researchers at the University of California has developed an [...] […]
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited Abbott Laboratories diabetic care unit for falling to establish and maintain adequate procedures for validating device designs. Other points that the FDA inspector raised in their letter dated 2 July to Abbott Laboratories are; The companies failure to address the manufacture of empty blister packs Finding scratch […]
Warner’s Safe Diabetes Cure, 1880-1920. I came across this retro “Snake Oil” type Diabetic Cure over in dlife forum from richard0157. Although an obvious spammer from the past. Warner gave a good diet for diabetics on the label The price seems fair even if it is just for the diet. Pine Pienaar Info Ps. See more Snake Oil cures at [...] […]
Metformin – Signs of Diabetes Every wondered what will happened if you do not take your Metformin dosage on time or over dose. Accidentally forgot that you already have taken you meds and you take another dosage. There is so many questions that comes up when you are new to Diabetes, questions like; Why do my body fell [...] […]
Kathy Smith is a mother of two in her Fifties and she looks great – she is a firm believer that exercise is one of the best ways to fight the Diabetes Signs Symptoms. Get her audio CD here… addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diabeticssignssymptoms.com%2Fdiabetics-exercise-plan%2F231'; addthis_title = 'Kathy+Smith+and+Diabetes+Symptoms […]
Diabetics Foods – Magnesium Benefits Most people have a magnesium deficiency Magnesium is used mainly in the brain, muscles and skeleton but is also responsible for more than 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all body tissues. It is need to make energy threw your cells Body chemical pumps use it to work It stabilize membranes Helps muscles to relax. It […]
New to Diabetes If you just been diagnose with Type two diabetes, Welcome! to one of the fastest growing communities in the world. You have most properly been asking yourself “Why Me”, “How”, “What now” and you have now turned to the Internet to find a “cure for diabetes“. Don’t worry these overwhelming emotions [...] […]
“If your doctor tries to discourage you from lowering your blood sugar, find a new doctor”. An Accord study has been used to indicate that by lower your blood sugar that it could increase the risk of heart attacks. Sulfonylureas, Actos and Avandia was some of the drugs used for the tests and they are [...] […]
Sorry! That sounds a bit harsh; she pricks herself four times plus daily to monitor her blood sugar levels. Nicole Johnson Miss America 1999 is living with Type 1 diabetes since she was nineteen years old. Wearing a insulin pump hasn’t slowed this super woman and mother. Now 36 years old. She [...] […]
Diabetes and Alcohol Fitness Our social structures make it difficult for a person to be sociable and not to consume alcohol. At every work or sports gathering alcohol is always present in some form, if not then it is in the food. Even some churches advocate that you must consumed wine. [...] […]
Soon parents will be able to sleep a little easier knowing that their child will not go into a coma if their glucose levels has dropped too low (hypoglycemia) during their sleep and they did not know about it.
A team of researchers at the University of California has developed an implant sensor (1.5 inches in diameter, and 5/8 inch thick) that measures blood sugar continuously, and then transmit this data up to 12 feet. Making it further possible to use a cell phone and get the data while you at work and the child are in school.
Professor (bio-engineer) David Gough who led the study said in a statement
“We hope to begin the first human trial in a few months,”
“You can run the device for a year or more with it constantly working, and recording glucose quite satisfactorily”
This development is one step closer to an “artificial pancreas”!
Lab rat - Pig
I can only pray that the trails are going to be successful, because it could change a lot of people’s diabetic lives.
PS. Just a thought; what would be the effect on the sport world if ultra athletes start wearing this monitor to keep their energy levels at a constant high?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited Abbott Laboratories diabetic care unit for falling to establish and maintain adequate procedures for validating device designs.
Other points that the FDA inspector raised in their letter dated 2 July to Abbott Laboratories are;
The companies failure to address the manufacture of empty blister packs
Finding scratches on Freestyle Lite test strips
Abbott’s Freestyle and Navigator blood glucose monitoring products were adulterated
The FDA also mentioned in their letter to Abbott Lab if they fail to promptly correct the manufacturing problems and violations it will lead to future regulatory action.
Abbott Lab spokes person Greg Miley responded with the following.
“Abbott Diabetes Care has taken and continues to take actions necessary to address the items outlined in the letter, and is communicating those actions directly to the agency,”
This deserves a “Big Thank You” to the inspectors of the U.S Food and Drug Administration.
Warner’s Safe Diabetes Cure, 1880-1920.
I came across this retro “Snake Oil” type Diabetic Cure over in dlife forum from richard0157. Although an obvious spammer from the past.
Warner gave a good diet for diabetics on the label
Diabetic diet from 1820
The price seems fair even if it is just for the diet.
Every wondered what will happened if you do not take your Metformin dosage on time or over dose. Accidentally forgot that you already have taken you meds and you take another dosage.
There is so many questions that comes up when you are new to Diabetes, questions like;
Why do my body fell funny after taking my meds
My stomach feels funny when I take my medication first thing in the morning – is that normal?
Is there perhaps a alternative that can be prescribe
What will happen if I take my meds at lunch time or dinner
For how many hours does a dosage last
What happens if I take half in the morning and half at night
Does Metformin built up in the body
Is the medicine having a effect on my urinating routine
Kathy Smith is a mother of two in her Fifties and she looks great – she is a firm believer that exercise is one of the best ways to fight the Diabetes Signs Symptoms. Get her audio CD here…
Magnesium is used mainly in the brain, muscles and skeleton but is also responsible for more than 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all body tissues.
It is need to make energy threw your cells
Body chemical pumps use it to work
It stabilize membranes
Helps muscles to relax.
It is an antidote to stress
It is a relaxing mineral (Promotes sleep)
Signs, Symptoms of Magnesium deficiency
Cramps
Constipation
Stiffness(tight)
Headaches/migraines
High blood pressure
Menstrual cramps
PMS
Anal spasms
Irritable and sensitive to noise
Anxiety
Autism
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
Kidney stones
Irritable bladder
Obesity
Osteoporosis
There are over 3,500 medical references on magnesium deficiency
Reasons for Magnesium deficient:
We tend to eat only refined foods that are processed to the limit like white flour, dairy and meat (which has no magnesium).
Alcohol
Soda’s has phosphoric acid in it.
Salt
Coffee
Medication like antibiotics and some high blood pressure pills
400mg to 1000mg might be better depending your circumstance
Most people get less than 200mg
Over dosing on magnesium leads lead to diarrhea
Preferred absorbable forms of magnesium
magnesium citrate
glycinate taurate,
aspartate
malate, succinate, fumarate
Avoid these poorly absorbed forms of magnesium
magnesium carbonate sulfate
gluconate
oxide
Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) – taking a hot bath is a good way to absorb it.
Hospitals use it in conventional medicine
Intravenous magnesium –
Used when a patient is dying of arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) and heart failures
Used for pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) or women with pre-term labor.
Also used for seizures
Liquid magnesium citrate (milk of magnesia) –
used for constipated
emptying bowels to prepare for colonoscopy
WARNING- Magnesium should not be used by people with heart disease and kidney problems (only take instructions from your doctor).
Magnesium is not a drug but this mineral is a team player and it is best when taken with others like vitamin D and B6. Taking a regular magnesium supplement will help to protect against a lot of illnesses.
As always your feed back would be greatly appreciated also constructive criticism is welcome.
If you just been diagnose with Type two diabetes, Welcome! to one of the fastest growing communities in the world.
You have most properly been asking yourself “Why Me”, “How”, “What now” and you have now turned to the Internet to find a “cure for diabetes“.
Don’t worry these overwhelming emotions and the feeling that you have lost control of your life, is normal. (Most diabetics have those feelings some time or another) As you increase your diabetic knowledge, these emotions will fade away.
Some diabetics even go into denial. “If I ignore it, it will go away”.
Once all those personal feeling has been dealt with, it is time to get down to the business of managing your diabetes and getting to know the Diabetes Signs Symptoms.
The only “cure for diabetes” is by efficiently manage your blood sugar levels, with diet, physical activities and medication.
Firstly you need to improve your own Diabetes Knowledge
o You need to know that your body is no longer controlling your blood sugar levels and you have to do it yourself manually – with a diabetic diet and implementing some life style changes.
o You also need to know if your body is still making insulin and if it is just not been absorb by your body(insulin reflectors) or if your body is just not making sufficient insulin.
o You also need to know that there is no universal diabetes diet plan; there are however universal foods you may eat and not eat.
Secondly just forget about you old unhealthy life style and embrace your new healthy diabetes life. Diabetes is not a death sentence, you just have to be aware of what you feed on and do each moment.
Been diagnosed with diabetes you are now “forced” to do what High Achiever has been doing all along. Controlling their diets, staying active and fit, getting plenty sleep – are the basic cornerstones of all professional Sportsmen and Supermodel.
Steps to follow
1. Start a food journal (I like to think of it as a Food Budget - like a financial budget) A diabetic only have certain amount of Protein, Carbohydrates and sugars (fruit) to enjoy daily. By keeping records you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods. Portfolio & Diabetes Organizer
a. Record date/time/blood sugar level. You might have a morning tea with a biscuit while doing physical work but having that same tea and biscuit in the afternoon while doing less physical work will give a negative effect.
b. Record Food and drink down to the finest detail. Click here for blood sugar levels
c. Also record how your physical mood – you need to know what different food/drinks are doing to your energy levels and how it affects your mental state (moods) (depression is common when blood sugar levels are not controlled). These entries will quickly help you to establish pattens and similarities for foods to avoid.
2. In the beginning it is important to do regular testing. (Try and get your own blood glucose meter asp.) Record your blood sugar levels before you eat and then 2 hours after. It will give you an indication which foods are spiking your blood sugar more than others.
Meter Kit
Eat regular small meals every 2 to 3 hours, even if you are not hungry. Feeding regularly will avoid blood glucose levels dipping(making you feel exhausted and moody) and by keeping stabilized blood sugar levels those terrible cravings will also be minimized.
3. Cut all carbohydrates like bread, pastries and pastas form your diet. You will get sufficient carbs from your vegetable intake. Once you have your BG (blood glucose levels) under control and stable. Your can eat the above again but in controlled portions. All carbohydrates will turn to sugar in your body – eventually.
4. Vegetables are a must for a healthy diet. Potatoes and other starchy veggies should be cut form diet, Carrots, tomatoes, salads and broccoli are health choices. The green vegetables are better for a diabetic.
5. Protein is the magic stuff. By increasing your protein intake i.e. Fish, white chicken meat your will decrease your blood sugar quicker and keep it more stable.
6. Exercise; Exercise and dieting is the only possibility you have to reversing diabetes. The secret here is consistency, the more regular you are the quicker you are going to see positive result in your blood sugar levels. Walking and swimming are always a good place to start the journey to fitness
Most Type 2 diabetics always have an excuse for why they aren’t in a fitness program. You know eider you are working all the time and you only have time to eat your food on the run. Or you have a serious medical condition and you could only send time on the coach in front of the television.
All I can say, “Get Moving” It does not matter if you can only walk to the fridge and back “just do it”. It is a start and do it as often as you can.” Wheel chair are allowed to move away from bread-bins and TV’s.
7. Water; Another dirty word for most diabetics. Most people mistake dehydration for hunger pains. Flavoring the water in the beginning will help you to get it down. (NO! Not with alcohol) – but a slice of lemon/orange or cucumber slice, makes for a nice refreshing drink. You need to flush your liver and kidneys especially in the early stages. Eight glasses or 2 liter of water is the minimum requirement, don’t drink it in one go, rather sipped it threw out the day.
8. Snacking. Healthy snack are nuts and “maybe popcorn” with flavoring. Potato chips and puff in fact all man made snack are now off the snacking menu.
In the beginning it is hard to just stop eating all your favorite junk foods. Take away outlets like KFC and MacDonald’s should be avoided at all cost. Once your food-budget is balancing, you can indulge in some of you favorites again.
Very important! Please don’t walk around and whine to everyone “I have diabetes feel sorry for me”. Rather join a forum like http://www.dlife.com/diabetes-forum/ or http://www.diabeticrockstar.com/where everybody knows what kind of emotions you have to deal with and they do understand your feelings.
Only you can manage your own diabetes, don’t even think about pushing the responsibility/blame over to your mother, wife or partner.
Enjoy reading food labels and packaging.
pinepienaarinfo
PS, Bartering is big with me, I like to take the dogs for long walks will enjoying a one or two small blocks of chocolate. Once you have control of you blood glucose levels you may even have a drink.
“If your doctor tries to discourage you from lowering your blood sugar, find a new doctor”.
An Accord study has been used to indicate that by lower your blood sugar that it could increase the risk of heart attacks. Sulfonylureas, Actos and Avandia was some of the drugs used for the tests and they are known to increase heart problems.
This has resulted that some practitioners believe that lowering your A1c is dangerous.
But in fact using oral drugs may lead to others complications;-
Sufonylureas stimulate cell receptors on the pancreas and also on the heart.
TZD convert bone stem cells into fat cells (leading to osteoporosis)
Januvia and Onglyza inhibit DPP-4 used to fight different cancers elsewhere
Reducing carbohydrates intake is a much saver method of reducing blood sugar levels and keeping it low will provide long term health benefits.
Metformin and Insulin is still the best medication to take.
Sorry! That sounds a bit harsh; she pricks herself four times plus daily to monitor her blood sugar levels.
Nicole Johnson Miss America 1999 is living with Type 1 diabetes since she was nineteen years old. Wearing a insulin pump hasn’t slowed this super woman and mother. Now 36 years old.
She lives by hear own creed;
“There are no limits if you are willing to work at it,”
· Apart from school she works at the University of South Florida
· Serves on the American Diabetes Association Board
· She also writes for various diabetic publications
o Doing resurge on diabetes education (health sector)
· Holds a master degree in journalism and health
o In doctoral program (public health) at SSF
· The list just goes on and on…
When ask where this single mother gets the time to do all these activities she responded the following;
“Just get up 2 a.m. and do whatever you need to do”
It was just be accident that I stumbled on to Johnson in Google and it seems to me that the Johnson’s are amazing people.
Another amazing woman that has inspired is also Nicole Johnson from http://www.freshbrewedlife.com
Our social structures make it difficult for a person to be sociable and not to consume alcohol. At every work or sports gathering alcohol is always present in some form, if not then it is in the food.
Even some churches advocate that you must consumed wine. (Sorry if I offended anyone) Speaking for myself, I was actually looking forward to that day I could drink wine in church – To be part of that whole ritual at a certain age is important.
It was only at a later stage that I discoverd that almost all the churches use wine juice with no alcohol in it for that purpose.
Clever drinkers advocate one drink a day is actually good for you (whisky sippers like me) or the oxidants in a glass of red wine can perform miracles.
Some diabetes types say alcohol actually lowers their blood sugar levels.
Other people also need alcohol to unwind after a stressful day at the office. University students that has to perform long hours of studying and exams, also turn to drinking at parties/social gatherings to distress.
Whether you are an athlete, diabetic or just trying to maintain a certain level of fitness, alcohol consumption best be avoided, apart from running the risk of getting involve in a legal matter. There is certain health factor to consider before drinking alcohol.
· Alcohol gives rise to the release of insulin then glycogen metabolism increases. Losing any fat in this condition will be very hard.
· Cortisol (stress hormone) levels rise when consuming alcohol.
Ø Protein synthesis decrease when cortisol levels are up. Muscle growth slows down because muscle cells need protein to maintain growth.
· Alcohol extend the recovery (extreme soreness) time after a work-out, because it cause inflammation of the muscles.
Ø Less efficient and weaker muscles are caused by heat loss from heavy drinking.
Ø Drinking a lot will actually cause the muscle cells to die
· The up take of vitamins and minerals becomes harder because alcohol slows down the process. Resulting in a vitamin deficiency.
· Fat loss will not be effective with alcohol because it is not calorie free.
After a drinking session your throbbing headache or hangover the next day will tell you that you consumed too much alcohol. What it will not tell you is the emotional damage that you have caused to loves ones and yourself.
Alcohol also messes with your blood sugar readings and it becomes harder to read the diabetic signs and symptoms.
If you are serious about your health and you want to perform at your peak in everyday tasks it is best stay clear of alcohol
PS. 16/05/10 Bob has provided us with a link that is relevant to the above post just go here http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/diet-and-lifestyle/alcohol-consumption-guidelines.htm
Reading a recent post over at Diabetics Daily about Omelet’s. I realized the ideas and recipes that was share is pure gold. Omelet’s are always a great meal and I would like to share some of their creations with you.
Larry007 – I just made a green and red cabbage omelet with zuchini, mushrooms and onions with pepper jack cheese. Yum Yum. I also use a lot of spinach and mushrooms in omelets. I can stay full for three to four hours after one of these with no carb spike
furball64801 – Cool Larry zuchini sounds good in an omelete. Me were sorta bland I guess I use them green peppers and cheese a lot.
jeanne wagner – It took me years to learn to make a good omlette. I now cook the onions, tomatoes, spinach and meat in a separate pan and add them after the eggs set up. i’ve never tried cabbage but that sounds good. Lately I’ve been using those bags of broccoli slaw in everything, espedially in eggs. I love mushroom, cheese and salsa in my omlettes.
BabeDumplin – I love omelets…red, yellow, orange, green peppers, green onions, cheese, mushrooms, chicken or turkey (very lil) salsa, hot sauce. Spinach sometimes.
Larry007 – Another thing I do when cooking with spinach is set it aside and soak up all the juice it leaks out. That way your omelet isn’t too runny with spinach drippings. I do the same thing as Jeanne. sometimes I just do a giant scramble but I love to use some finesse sometimes and make something worthy of a fine restaurant.
lizzy08 – mmm, omelettes. Good idea for breakfast tomorrow! My favorite is sharp cheddar, pickled jalapenos and onions.
kraftypixie – I don’t usually make them at home, so they are a treat when I go out to eat. I like chicken, avocado & cheese, or bacon, tomato, onion, spinach & cheese. I love to top them with sour cream. Mmmmm…
colliemom – Dep;ends on my mood — often use left over roasted veggies from dinner and some cheese mixes – sometimes I want something sweet — add some DaVinci flavor to eggs and waldon farm spread in center for a “jelly” opmlete — sometimes I like Swiss cheese in the center and salsa on top – oh there are so many ways — today I mixed some sour cream into the eggs – the center was pepperjack cheese and salsa on top
Facing it – Wow! that sounds like a very special omelet – how many eggs did you crack into that?
my favourite omelet is spinach hearts with a little green onion cooked in butter or olive oil, then add 1 egg, I find it much easier to scramble the egg if I am making it for myself only.
I might use to use asparagus tips, but where I live 1 bunch asparagus = 10 bunches spinach pricewise. All the outer spinach leaves to make some thing with. I nearly always separate a bunch of spinach into stems, leaves and inner leaves. And cook them separately, even use them raw
The above ideas are going to provide me with many new meals for the next couple of weeks. If you have more ideas about omelets, Please Send it!
Never in my life did I imagine I would not be happy when I’m not exercising although I have not reached the stage where I am happy to exercise, but I do enjoy it when finishing a cardio class.
I always had this dream to swim in our annual Redhouse River Mile event. Last year I did it and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. This year I thought I would actually prepare for the Mile on 28 February.
Just before December I started training and set myself a target that this Sunday I would swim 30 minutes in the ocean none stop as my finale preparation before the official Mile. Getting down to the beach nice and early there was a dead seal that washed up on the beach. I once watched a program on National Geographic that sharks knew there was something to eat on the beach and they were waited just behind the waves – with this picture in my head I did not swim
While sitting there feeling let down it dawn on me if I am not busy with obsessive behavior. How much is too much? It is only when something bad happens that you realize that you have gone too far.
That something positive and pleasurable becomes a compulsive necessity – filled with pressure
Going swimming in the ocean when it raining or feeling cheated when there is a storm raging. I use to enjoy just a dip and maybe riding a couple waves, not any more I must now battle the current till it feels like my arms are on fire.
It might be time to redefine my goals between healthy and unhealthy once..
Be on the look out for the following signs of diabetes if you suspect that you or someone you know might have diabetes and it hasn’t been diagnosed yet by a medical officer.
Extreme fatigue
Lack of energy
Increase hunger (especially after you just had a meal)
If you have any of these signs speak to your medical officer or health professional. Many people who have Type 2 diabetes may not show the signs of diabetes
With some lifestyle changes diabetes is can be managed
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA) is also known as 1.5 Diabetes. This type of diabetes tends to slip under the radar.Like Type 1 diabetes LADA is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin
This condition normally affects adults over 30 and under 60 years that is slim. This condition appears suddenly in children with Type 1 diabetes. Doctors sometimes mistakenly diagnose LADA as type 2 diabetes in adults because of the gradual onset of symptoms. If the patient is not aware of the signs of diabetes it could lead to the patient getting more sick because they are not receiving the correct medication.
The doctor must perform the following test to confirm if a patient has LADA, test like a glutamic acid decarboxylase(GAD) antibody test. This should show if your body is destroying the cells that produces the insulin also it will show if you have diabetes or impaired glucose intolerance which can develop into diabetes.
If a patient has LADA they must be injected with insulin the same way a type 1 diabetes. With these conditions your cells become less responsive to insulin or the body does not produce enough insulin. Insulin resistance is a more typical of type 2 and gestational diabetes where the glucose isn’t transferred to the cells and blood sugar rises. With a controlled diet and exercise type 2 and gestational diabetes can be controlled.
Always be aware of the signs of diabetes because it could save someone’s live!
It would be appreciated it anyone could add more light and information about LADA
Tea and coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, reported the BBC, adding that the protection may not be down to caffeine since decaffeinated coffee has the greatest effect.
This story is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis that pooled data from studies of the association between tea and coffee consumption and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It found the more tea, coffee or decaffeinated coffee was drunk, the lower the risk of developing diabetes.
People should not drink more tea or coffee on the strength of this evidence. The review did not account for diet, exercise and lifestyle, and the studies included were varied. The results do, however, suggest that further research is warranted. Maintaining a healthy weight, choosing a sensible diet and participating in physical activity remain the best ways to protect against type 2 diabetes.
Where did the story come from?
This research was carried out by Dr Rachel Huxley and colleagues from the University of Sydney. It was funded by the National Heart Foundation of Australia. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine .
The newspapers highlighted the benefits of tea and coffee based on this research, but generally also reported that other factors such as diet and exercise also play a role.
What kind of research was this?
This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of a number of studies. The researchers say it has been suggested that coffee may be able to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To investigate this, they searched scientific databases to look for prospective studies on coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea that estimated the effect of these drinks on diabetes over time.
What did the research involve?
The researchers searched several scientific databases for relevant articles using the keywords tea', coffee', decaffeinated coffee' and diabetes'. These search results were then condensed further, using the abstracts of the articles as guidance. Studies in animals, cross-sectional studies and case series (which did not include a time component to the analysis) were excluded, as were studies of only type 1 diabetes.
To be included, studies had to be prospective cohort studies giving an estimate of the risk of type 2 diabetes over time and the number of cups of tea, coffee and decaffeinated coffee consumed. They also had to take into account age and body mass index (BMI), which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
This resulted in the pooling of data from 18 studies. As there was some variability in what each study tested, the researchers grouped the participants into two groups for analysis, those who drank three to four cups versus those who drank less than two cups or no cups. The researchers also classified tea drinkers as people who drank green, black or oolong tea rather than analysing each type of tea separately.
The study populations were predominantly white with 21% of the data derived from Asian cohorts.
The majority of the studies asked the participants to keep a drinks diary to record their tea or coffee consumption. In one study, participants were asked to estimate their tea and coffee consumption over the past 24 hours. Type 2 diabetes was either determined by the participants reporting their diagnosis or with an oral glucose-tolerance test.
What were the basic results?
The 18 studies had a total of 457,922 participants, in which coffee drinkers had a 25% lower risk of developing diabetes than people who drank no coffee or up to two cups of tea a day (relative risk [RR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 0.82). As these studies were varied, the authors refined their analysis to 11 studies, which they adjusted for age, sex other confounders and found the same association. The researchers also found that smaller studies tended to show larger effects so decided to include only the six largest studies. This resulted in a smaller, 15% reduced risk of diabetes in people who drank three to four cups of coffee a day.
In six studies that looked at decaffeinated coffee (a total of 225,516 participants) individuals that drank three to four cups of decaffeinated coffee a day had approximately a third less chance of developing diabetes (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.77).
The effect of tea on diabetes was investigated by seven studies with a total of 286,701 participants. The pooled results showed the risk of diabetes was about a fifth lower in people who drank more than three to four cups of tea per day compared to people who drank no tea (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.94).
How did the researchers interpret the results?
The researchers concluded that high intake of coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and/or tea is associated with a reduction in the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes .
They also say that although they would advise their patients most at risk of diabetes to increase their levels of physical activity and to lose weight, they might also advise patients to increase their tea and coffee consumption.
Conclusion
This research pooled and analysed data from studies of the association between drinking tea and coffee and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and found that these drinks reduced the risk. However, though this type of systematic review is stronger evidence than that from each of its individual components, it still has several limitations that the researchers highlight:
The included studies varied greatly in the length of time the participants were followed up and their ages. Although age and BMI were taken into account, other factors that can increase the risk of diabetes, such as smoking, diet, lifestyle and exercise, were not.
The studies varied greatly in the types of coffee and tea consumed and their preparation (for example filtered versus unfiltered coffee, cup size, cup strength, addition of milk or sugar and other variations). However, estimates of the protective effect did not vary greatly despite this meaning that it is difficult to know which component of tea or coffee is responsible for the effect.
Most of the studies did not give data on the effects of these beverages or their components on measures of hyperglycaemia and insulin sensitivity (physical signs of diabetes). As such, the research does not provide further evidence on the biological mechanisms involved that may underlie the effects.
Only 20% of the cohorts included in the review were from non-white populations. This is an important consideration given that the pattern of beverage consumption and background risk of diabetes may differ across ethnic groups. It may not be possible to generalise these findings to other populations.
People should not increase their tea or coffee consumption based on the findings of this review. However, the findings do indicate that further research into the effect of these beverages on diabetes is warranted.
Links to the headlines
Cuppa may cut threat of diabetes. Daily Mirror , December 15 2009
Drinking three cups of tea or coffee a day cuts risk of age-related diabetes by 23%. Daily Mail , December 15 2009
Drinking cups of tea and coffee 'can prevent diabetes'. BBC News, December 15 2009
Links to the science
Huxley R, Man Ying Lee C, Barzi F, et al. Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Tea Consumption in Relation to Incident Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 2053-2063
Artificial sweeteners do have a effect on the Human Body. It was always thought that because artificial sugars have very little carbohydrates it does not effect the way the body handles glucose.
Dr. Rebecca J. Brown and colleagues from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease reports “in light of the large number of individuals using artificial sweeteners on a daily basis, it appears essential to carefully investigate the associated effects on metabolism and weight,” Studies in humans and animals have shown that when artificial sweeteners are consumed without carbohydrates they do not trigger GLP-1 secretion. “However, our data demonstrate that artificial sweeteners synergize with glucose to enhance GLP-1 release in healthy volunteers,”
Brown and colleagues report.Some evidence that artificial sweeteners may trigger secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released from the digestive tract when a person eats as a “fullness” signal to the brain, curbing appetite and calorie intake
More studies are needed with Type two diabetes to conclude the effect in the metabolism
Keeping tabs on carbohydrates helps young people with type 1 diabetes control their blood sugar,
published in the journal Diabetes Care. Carb counting remains an “important tool” for adjusting insulin doses according to Drs. Lori M.B. Laffel and Sanjeev N. Mehta, two of the researchers on the study
In interviews with 35, 8- to 21-year-olds and their parents, the researchers found that some preferred packaged processed foods to “whole” foods because the carb content was readily available on the product labels. Parents limited their children’s intake of healthy choices like fruit and whole grains because of their carbohydrate content.
This was despite the fact that parents and kids alike usually believed that fruits and vegetables were generally healthy foods, while “junk food” and fast food should be limited A “healthy” diet, they added, is one that is moderate in calories and includes enough protein, “good” unsaturated fats, healthful carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals, among other nutrients.
When it comes to carb counting, there are ways to easily calculate what’s in fresh produce and other whole foods. Getting a kitchen scale to weigh fruits and other whole foods is also a good idea, the researchers noted. Read more in Reuters…
Patients with Diabetes should be screened for Depression
Treating depression helps with blood sugar control. Rates of depression in people with diabetes are double those in the general population. researchers found that antidepressant therapy was associated with improved long-term blood sugar control and reduced blood pressure. Dr. Mayer B. Davidson and his colleagues at Charles Drew University in Los Angeles screened low-income patients attending a diabetes clinic for depression, the study included 89 patients; 45 were randomly assigned to receive the antidepressant medication sertraline (sold as Zoloft) and 44 to a placebo. After six months, Blood pressure also fell to a greater degree with sertraline than with placebo, while both groups had similar significant improvements in depression, pain and quality of life. Read more in Reuters...
At the 20th World diabetic congress in Montreal evedince was presented ont the followingIf adults stop smoking, drink moderate and eat less. The adults changes of surviving is increased.Also presented at the congress is the combo pill that treats diabetic nerve pain.The pill(Ultracet) is a combo of containing the pain relievers tramadol/acetaminophen and gabapentin is effective in treating adults with painful diabetic neuropathy in the lower extremities.. Gabapentin is an anti-seizure drug frequently prescribed for epilepsy. The drug is also used to treat persistent neurological pain. The study was sponsored by JANSSEN KOREA, Read more…
