Foods to avoid for people with diabetes

From medicalnewstoday.com

Foods to avoid with diabetes
Having diabetes does not have to stop people from eating the foods they enjoy. However, it does mean that they should eat smaller portions, less often.
The Institute of Medicine recommend that carbohydrate intake for most people should be between 45-65 percent of total calories. This higher carbohydrate intake is consistent with plant-based diets, which have shown benefit for diabetes management in well-designed, long-term studies.
However, some research has shown that people can improve their blood sugar levels when their carbohydrate intake is between 5-35 percent of calories. Much of the research comes from short-term studies for higher-fat diets, such as the ketogenic diet and Mediterranean diets.
Experts are just beginning to understand the influence that the gut bacteria have on health. What is known is that high-fibre carbohydrates feed gut bacteria while a high-fat, low-carb diet often results in gut bacteria death. This is far from ideal as people with diabetes already have lower levels of gut bacteria.
Populations around the world that live the longest, known as Blue Zones, all eat a plant-based diet, rich in whole foods and carbohydrates.
The key to eating well with diabetes is to eat a variety of healthful foods from each of the food groups.
Foods to avoid within the major food groups and suggested replacements are listed below.

Grains

All grains are starches. Avoiding refined grains is a smart choice for people with diabetes, regardless of chosen diet, as they affect blood glucose more quickly than whole grains.
People with diabetes should look at the ingredients list on foods and avoid anything made from white flour, or enriched flour.
Grains and products made from refined flours to avoid or limit:

• white rice, pasta, and flour
• white bread, bagels, white-flour tortillas
• cereals not made from whole grains
• crackers and pretzels
• cookies
• cakes
• muffins

Two extra servings a day of whole grains may reduce the chances of developing prediabetes and has been shown to decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21 percent.
Grains to eat:
      brown and wild rice

barley

quinoa

oatmeal

amaranth

millet

high-fibre cereals (at least 5 grams (g) of fibre per serving)

whole-grain sprouted bread (at least 3 g fibre per serving)

Protein

Protein helps the body build, maintain, and replace the body's tissue. The body's organs, muscles, and immune system are made up of protein. Protein can also be broken down into sugar, although less efficiently than carbohydrates.
Eating red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, has been shown to increase the risk of diabetes, even when consumed in small amounts.
One 3-ounce serving of unprocessed red meat, such as beef, per day was found by one review to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20 percent. A smaller serving of processed red meat, such as bacon, increased the risk of diabetes by 51 percent.
Swapping red meat or processed red meat for other protein sources that are more healthful, such as poultry, fish, low-fat dairy, whole grains or nuts, may cut the risk of diabetes by up to 35 percent.

Protein to avoid or limit:

• red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
• breaded, fried, high-sodium meats
• processed meats (bacon, hot dogs, deli meats)
• ribs and other fatty cuts of meat
• poultry with skin
• deep-fried fish

Protein to eat:

• beans
• lentils
• nuts
• soy
• fish
• seafood
• poultry without skin
• eggs

                                          Eating fish or soy-based products, such as tofu, can lower the risk of

                                           diabetes significantly

Dairy

Dairy proteins are a major source of calcium and contain proteins and vitamins, and people with diabetes can still consume products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, every day.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than other people. So, they should exchange foods that increase the levels of cholesterol in the blood and lead to a greater risk of heart disease for lower-fat options.
Dairy to avoid or limit:

• whole milk
• full-fat yogurt
• full-fat cottage cheese
• full-fat cheeses
• full-fat sour cream
• full-fat ice cream

Dairy to eat:

• reduced-fat or fat-free dairy products
• 1 percent or skim milk
• low-fat plain yogurt
• low-fat cottage cheese
• low-fat sour cream

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables not only add nutrients to the diet, but they also help manage body weight and reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, some cancers, and other chronic diseases.
While some fruits may cause blood sugar levels to rise, they do not cause such sharp increases as some carbohydrates, such as bread, do. Whole fruits are considered to be high-quality carbohydrates and contain fibre that may help slow down the absorption of glucose.
Dried fruit contains concentrated natural sugars, which may spike blood glucose levels. People with high blood pressure should also be wary of sodium levels in canned and pickled vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables to avoid or limit:

• dried fruit
• canned fruits with sugar syrup
• regular jam, jelly, and preserves
• sweetened applesauce
• fruit drinks, fruit juice drinks
• canned vegetables with added sodium
• pickles
• sauerkraut

Fruits and vegetables to eat:

• raw, steamed, roasted, or grilled fresh vegetables
• frozen vegetables
• canned vegetables unsalted or low sodium
• fresh fruit
• frozen fruit - no added sugar
• canned fruit - no added sugar
• applesauce - no added sugar

Fats and sugars

Fat is a source of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3, and is an important part of a healthful, balanced diet. Fat also helps the body to absorb vitamins A, D, and E.
Replacing saturated fats and trans fats with unsaturated fats lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Sugary foods, sweets, and desserts are made mostly of sugar and are considered to be low-quality carbohydrates. They lack in nutritional value and can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar.
Sugar can also contribute to weight gain, which can make it harder to control diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Fats and sugars to avoid or limit:

• butter
• lard
• certain oils, such as palm oil
• cream-based dressings or dips
• full-fat mayonnaise
• french fries
• breaded and battered foods
• potato chips
• doughnuts
• croissants
• breakfast pastries
• cakes and cookies
• processed baked goods
• pizza dough
• sauces and condiments
• microwave meals
• table sugar
• agave nectar
• maple syrup
• desserts and candy bars
• fruit-flavored yogurt
• dessert wines
• alcoholic fruit drinks
• chocolate drinks
• flavoured coffee drinks
• sweetened ice tea and lemonade
• soda
• beer

Healthful fats and sugar substitutes to eat and drink:

• olive or canola oils
• reduced-fat dressings or dips
• salmon and other fatty fish
• avocado
• nuts
• seeds
• apples
• oranges
• pears
• berries
• bananas
• unflavoured water or sparkling water
• no-sugar flavoured water
• small amounts of wine
• coffee taken black or with low-fat milk
• fresh, frozen, or dried fruit as a sweetener

                                          Avocado and nuts both contain fats that are an essential part of a

                                           healthful diet.

Diabetes and carbohydrates

There are three main types of carbohydrates in food, including starches, sugars, and fibre. Carbohydrates affect blood glucose levels more than other nutrients.
The body breaks down starches and sugars into glucose. Fibre, however, is not processed by the body in the same way as other carbohydrates and so does not raise blood sugar levels.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are considered to be healthful carbohydrates. Healthful carbohydrates provide energy, nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, and fibre.
While unhealthful carbohydrates, such as food and drinks with added sugars, also provide energy, they contain little nutrients.
People with diabetes need to monitor their intake of carbohydrates to ensure their glucose levels remain within target.
A diabetes educator or dietitian can help with developing a healthful eating plan. They can recommend what foods to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat based on factors like weight, physical activity level, medicines, and blood glucose targets.

Tips for eating with diabetes

The following steps could help with eating healthfully and maintaining blood glucose levels:

• check blood sugar first thing in the morning and 2 hours after at least one meal a day
• spread out foods between three meals a day with two or three snacks
• eat a variety of foods
• eat a reasonable portion (around one cup or less) of starch at every meal
• only drink one cup of milk at a time to avoid blood sugar spikes
• limit fruit portions
• limit fat and cholesterol if consuming a higher-carb diet
• always eat breakfast
• satisfy hunger with low-fat dairy and lean protein
• avoid fruit juice
• limit desserts and sweets
• switch added sugars with whole fruit as a sweetener
• avoid added sugars
• keep sodium and salt to a minimum
• limit alcohol
• check total carbohydrate amounts on products
• minimize artificial sweeteners, which can negatively impact gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity
• watch serving sizes
• keep a food record to monitor carbohydrate intake and blood sugar levels

Despite what someone's current diet is, there are plenty of healthful alternatives available for people to try. Once someone has adjusted to a new diet, they may not even miss the foods they used to eat.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317718.php

Focus on Eyes: Diabetes can lead to eye problems

From floridatoday.com

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which people develop high levels of blood sugar or glucose either because the body does not produce adequate amounts of insulin (hormone that regulates glucose processing) or it does not respond adequately to insulin.
It is estimated that around 9 percent of the population in the United States has diabetes, and that number continues to increase.
Furthermore, being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes. In general, there are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational.
In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin while in Type 2, the body produces an inadequate amount of insulin for proper functioning. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Most diabetic patients have Type 2 diabetes.
Patients who have diabetes experience an increase in appetite and thirst and also present with frequent urination. In addition, diabetes can affect the eyes.
Accordingly, patients can develop diabetic retinopathy, which damages the vessels that provide blood to the retina. As a result, diabetes can cause blurry vision and distortion of images, and the longer a person has had diabetes, the higher the risk of developing eye problems due to diabetes.

Patients with poorly controlled diabetes can develop bleeding or swelling in the retina (inner most layer in the eye), which can lead to a decline in vision.

In some instances, the vessels can also close off and this cuts down the oxygen supply to the retina leading to decreased vision.
In some cases, new vessels can grow in the optic nerve (nerve that connects the eye to the brain), retina or vitreous humor (gel inside the eye).
These new vessels are very fragile and if ruptured, can lead to bleeding in the vitreous humor.
Diabetic macular edema or swelling in the retina can be treated with injections to the eye with Avastin, Eylea or Lucentis. These are injected monthly until the swelling disappears.
Treatment can also involve laser to a focal area of the macula (portion of the retina that is involved in capturing our fine central vision) if swelling is pre-set or to the entire peripheral retina if there is neovascularization.
In cases in which the bleeding in the vitreous humor does not resolve after a few months, the ophthalmologist may need to perform surgery to remove the gel and the blood inside the eye, so that the patient can regain some vision back. Of course, it is very important that patients work toward an optimal level of blood glucose.
Diabetes can also worsen or accelerate the progression of cataracts.
In some instances, the cataract can block the view of the eye doctor making treatment of diabetic eye disease more difficult. In those cases, it is advisable to remove the cataract with the purpose of allowing a better view for the doctor to monitor and treat the diabetic-eye-disease.
If the macula is unaffected by diabetes, patients will likely see an improvement in vision after cataract surgery.

The eyes are a clear window into the inside of our bodies. Thus, one can see in the eyes if diabetes has started to affect the rest of the body or not.
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect the way we see by making vision blurry at times when sugar levels are not normal, while returning to normal vision once the blood glucose levels stabilize.
Diabetes can affect your entire body, so make sure that you follow up closely with your primary care physician, and be aware that diabetics need to have a dilated eye exam at least once a year in order to prevent serious complications resulting from uncontrolled diabetes.

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/life/wellness/2017/06/27/focus-eyes-diabetes-can-lead-eye-problems/103198298/

Broccoli Compound Lowers Risk of Obesity and Helps Treat Diabetes

From organicconsumers.org

Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have potent anticancer activity courtesy of sulforaphane, a naturally occurring organic sulfur, and other chemoprotective compounds. Studies have shown sulforaphane:

• Supports normal cell function and division and acts as an immune stimulant
• Causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in colon, prostate, breast and tobacco-induced lung cancer cells; three servings of broccoli per week may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by more than 60 percent
• Activates nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates cellular oxidation and reduction and aids in detoxification, as well as other phase 2 detoxification enzymes.
Broccoli sprouts, in particular, have been shown to help detox environmental pollutants such as benzene. In another study, sulforaphane was found to increase excretion of airborne pollutants by 61 percent. The phytonutrients glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin also aid detoxification
• Reduces damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) by as much as 73 percent, thereby lowering your risk of inflammation, which is a hallmark of cancer. It also lowers C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation
• Reduces the expression of long noncoding RNA in prostate cancer cells, thereby influencing the micro RNA and reducing the cancer cells’ ability to form colonies by as much as 400 percent

However, the health benefits of this cruciferous veggie do not end there. Research shows it may reduce your risk for a number of common diseases, including but not limited to arthritis, heart disease and kidney disease. Most recently, its beneficial effects on obesity and type 2 diabetes have been highlighted.

https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/broccoli-compound-lowers-risk-obesity-and-helps-treat-diabetes

British doctors trial simple gut operation that 'cures or controls' diabetes

From telegraph.co.uk

A simple gut operation that sees a plastic film inserted into the stomach could cure or control diabetes, British doctors have found.
Patients taking part in trials at King's College Hospital and University College Hospital in London and City Hospital in Birmingham found their diabetes had disappeared or become much milder after the operations.
Francesco Rubino, professor of metabolic surgery at King's, told The Sunday Times: "About 50 per cent of patients are diabetes-free after these procedures.
"The remaining people demonstrate big improvements of blood sugar control and can drastically reduce their dependence on insulin or other medication.
"In many patients, blood sugar levels go back to normal within days, long before declines in fat levels or weight."
The treatments stem from a new view of the causes of diabetes, a condition in which there is too much glucose in the blood.
Diabetes has previously been blamed on the pancreas not secreting enough insulin, the hormone that controls glucose levels - but Rubino and his colleagues believe the gut is the key player.
Andrea Midmer, 59, a nurse, took part in the trial, in which a plastic liner or "endobarrier" was fitted into her stomach to stop the walls of her upper gut coming into contact with the food she ate.
"The effect was immediate," said Midmer, who weighed 20 stone and was on insulin when the trial started. I stopped feeling hungry, I ate much smaller meals and I lost 4½ stone."

Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to obesity, is one of Britain's biggest health problems and affects about four million people.

Treatment costs £10 billion a year - about 10 per cent of the NHS budget. That figure is expected to rise to 17 per cent if the numbers suffering from the condition his five million, as is predicted, by 2025.
The increased number of people with the disease has been linked to rising levels of obesity.
Between 1993 and 2010 the proportion of obese people in the UK went from 13 per cent to 26 per cent for men and from 16 per cent to 26 per cent for women.

How to Manage and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

Six tips from Dr David Cavan, the UK's leading expert on diabetes self-management and author of Reverse Your Diabetes: The Step-by-Step Plan to Take Control of Type 2 Diabetes.

1. Limit yourself to two standard alcoholic drinks a day. Alcohol is high in calories and can lead to weight gain and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Moderate alcohol intake is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Cider, sweet wines and some beers are best avoided as the can have high sugar or carbohydrate content.
2. Drink water, coffee or tea instead of fruit juice and fizzy drinks. Sugar-sweetened beverages increase the risk of type 2 diabetes including fruit juices and smoothies. Caffeine may be beneficial but only as unsweetened tea or coffee - not a latte or cappuccino.
3. Eat at least three servings of green leafy vegetables every day. These contain vitamins, fibre and are very low in calories. Starchy vegetables, such as potatoes are best eaten in moderation as they can have a similar effect as sugar in leading to a rapid rise in blood glucose. Eating more than three pieces of fruit a day does not appear to protect from type 2 diabetes.
4. Snack on a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts or unsweetened yoghurt. They're low in sugar, as opposed to biscuits, chocolate bars and cakes which are high in sugar, fat and calories.
5. Choose poultry, fish or lean cuts of white meat. Red and processed meats are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Meals prepared with fresh, unprocessed meat are preferable to ready-made or 'fast food' meals.
6. Buy whole-grain bread, rice and pasta. White bread and white rice are turned into glucose rapidly; excess consumption of white rice is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/25/british-doctors-trialsimple-gut-operation-cures-controls-diabetes/

Type 2 Diabetes - How Long Can You Go Without Eating?

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Here is a question for you: how long can you go without eating? Have you asked yourself this question before? Often people shy away from attempting any challenge that could benefit their health because it takes a lot of work. Many Type 2 diabetics are quick to say they would love to lose weight but when it comes time to put in the work, they start looking for excuses.
To lose weight you have to eat fewer calories than your body expends. This is common knowledge for many adults. Generally speaking, there are two ways of doing this...

• you can eat less, or
• you can exercise more.

Ideally, you will combine the two methods for a healthy balance. And to see results, you will have to stick with the two methods. There is no point in doing it for a week or two, only to give up because progress is slower than what you initially expected.

Even though physical activity is a significant factor in weight loss, nutrition always comes first. The only way you can lose weight is if you control your caloric intake. You can exercise as much as you want, but if you are not keeping your food choices in check, there is a good chance you will not be getting anywhere. It is a harsh truth, but it must be understood.
Why is it important to know how long you can go without eating? The best way to limit your calories is to periodically fast. You can fast in the morning, evening, or between lunch and dinner. It depends on what works best for you. What matters most is you can tame your hunger so it no longer impairs your ability to control your blood sugar and lose weight.

One reason many people with Type 2 diabetes have hyperglycemia is they are often eating. They have been led to believe eating many small meals a day is healthy, and that it is conducive to a healthy metabolism (whatever that means). The truth is, several daily meals are rarely conducive to better health, and it usually leads to unstable blood sugar readings and overeating.

Ideally, you will learn to keep your hunger at bay through a combination of willpower and proper eating...

• if you eat more protein and fibre instead of mostly carbohydrates, you will feel full for longer periods of time.
• if you drink more water and quit your snacking habit, you will likely find you can wait until dinner after you have eaten lunch.
• if you can resist mild levels of hunger between your main meals on a regular basis, you will likely have more weight loss success.

And if you have high blood sugar, you can also count on seeing your levels decrease over time.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---How-Long-Can-You-Go-Without-Eating?&id=9732030

Tiny Device Helps Diabetics Monitor Blood Sugar Continuously & Discreetly

From newyork.cbslocal.com

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — A new development for people with diabetes could help prevent some of the consequences of the disease.
It’s a tiny monitor that continuously reads a diabetic’s blood sugar.
For most diabetics, knowing your blood sugar and insulin levels means pricking your finger a dozen or more times a day, CBS2’s Dr. Max Gomez reported. Even then, it’s tough to keep blood sugar under control.
How about something the size of a flash drive that talks to your smartphone and your doctor?
Katelyn Prominski is a classically trained professional ballerina. A few years ago she started developing some of the symptoms  of type one diabetes.
“Going to the bathroom five times an hour. It interfered with my life. I was in a ballet company at the time, I had to leave ballet class in order to go to the bathroom,” she said. “In the middle of the night, I was starving, I was losing tons of weight."
A blood test revealed sky-high blood sugar. Prominski was diabetic.
She had to retire from ballet, but now she’s back dancing professionally with the national tour of “Dirty Dancing.” That’s really hard to do, because a two hour performance burns a lot of blood sugar.
Part of what’s let her do what she loves is a tiny device – a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM for short.
“That lets the patient look at their blood sugar in real time. And that’s the most amazing thing I’ve seen in my 20-something years of practice,” Dr. Stuart Weiss, of New York University Langone Medical Centre, said.
Weiss, a diabetes specialist, said recent studies have shown that CGMs actually help type one diabetics keep tighter control of their blood sugar.
Prominski uses a Dexcom CGM that not only monitors her blood sugar, it transmits her numbers to her smartphone and tells her how her sugar is trending.
“It would be scary if it was going straight down, or even scarier if it was two arrows going straight down. That means I’m really falling,” she said.
Too low a blood sugar can be fatal. The Dexcom device alerts the diabetic of that.
“Those alerts and alarms can be communicated to their parents or their spouse, and someone can intervene and help them as well,” Dexcom Inc. CEO Kevin Sayer said. “Patients live a much fuller life.”
The Dexcom device is the only CGM approved by the FDA that allows diabetics to forgo the usual finger sticks. As small as the Dexcom device is, the company is working to make it as small as a penny, so that no one needs to know if you’re diabetic.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/06/21/cgm-diabetes-monitor/

Diabetic cycling team raise awareness of condition

From oxfordmail.co.uk

AN ALL-DIABETIC cycling team parked up at Oxford's hospitals to raise awareness of the condition as part of Diabetes Week 2017.
The 'Pedal for 7' team stopped off at the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals on Thursday afternoon as part of a five-day bike ride through seven UK cities.
It aimed to prove that people with diabetes can still live enriching lives, while encouraging patients to achieve healthy blood sugar levels of seven per cent.
The 10 cyclists included eight from Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and all are living with type one or type two diabetes.

Professional cyclist Aaron Perry, who is taking part in Pedal for 7, said: "Many people diagnosed with diabetes believe they won't be able to live the life they had hoped to. "By managing my diabetes and controlling my blood sugar levels I have been able to live a full and active life, participating in competitive races all over the world.
"This week’s cycle is proof that with effective diabetes management, anything is possible."
The team has so far cycled through Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Coventry, Leicester, Birmingham and Oxford and is now heading to Gatwick for the final leg of the tour.
It formed part of national campaigning efforts for Diabetes Week in support of the 4.5 million people in the UK living with the condition.
At Oxford's hospitals members of Team Novo Nordisk met patients living with diabetes
Former pro cycling teammate Justin Morris added: "People always ask me how my diabetes affects my cycling.
"As long as I properly manage my diabetes and keep my blood sugar within an optimal range, I’m able to train as hard as I like and compete at an elite level."
Some 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes every day in the UK, equivalent to one person every two minutes.
It affects the body's ability to produce or respond to insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar, and can cause long-term damage to the body including blindness.
Earlier this year Oxford University announced a landmark collaboration with Novo Nordisk focused on type two diabetes, the most common version.
The Danish firm is to invest about £115m in university research into innovative ways to treat the condition over the next 10 years.
Sir John Bell, Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford University, said: 'We see the collaboration as an outstanding opportunity to mix competence embedded at our campus with Novo Nordisk’s ground-breaking research and results in diabetes.
"Employees and researchers will have the opportunity for daily interaction to share knowledge and insights that will potentially produce new medicines for people living with type 2 diabetes and its complications."

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/15354386.Diabetic_cycling_team_raise_awareness_of_condition/

Diabetic foot flashcards launched for healthcare professionals

From diabetestimes.co.uk

New education flashcards to help healthcare professionals and people with diabetes understand more about the risks associated with diabetic foot, have been launched.
Developed by the Integrated Diabetic Footcare Faculty, the organisation said: “The aim of this training is to provide care workers, patients and their relatives with a basic understanding of the risks associated with the diabetic foot, knowledge on how to prevent problems from occurring, how to recognise potential problems and access the appropriate medical services.
“Careful foot assessments are the cornerstone for good diabetic foot care and can help to prevent amputation. It is hoped that the information and advice within this training will be a continuous point of reference to help you achieve this effectively.”
It is hoped the flashcards will enable the reader to understand good practice to support healthy living, understand better the risks associated with diabetes, learn how diabetes can affect the feet, identify the increased risks to the diabetic foot and find out the effects poor blood flow and loss of feeling can have.
Last year Diabetes UK revealed the number of diabetes-related amputations in England had reached an all-time high of 20 a day. The figures were based on Public Health England data, which showed the annual number of diabetes-related amputations in England was 7,370 a year, compared to the previous figure of 7,042. It is thought good diabetes healthcare and support could prevent many amputations as 80 per cent begin as foot ulcers in the first place.

http://diabetestimes.co.uk/diabetic-foot-flashcards-launched/

This writer hopes to reassure young people that diabetes need not be a life sentence

From walesonline.co.uk

If Natalie Ann Holborrow was a superhero she would most probably be called Word Girl.
The rapidly rising star of Welsh literature is certainly using her talent for good as her latest project involves writing a book about diabetes aimed at reassuring young people that the condition need not be a life sentence.

The 26-year-old poet and writer, from Skewen, is writer in residence at Dylan Thomas’s birthplace in Uplands and already has a clutch of major awards under her belt, including the Terry Hetherington Award and the Robin Reeves Prize.
And the Swansea University creative writing MA graduate is a diabetic herself.
In fact, her poem Blood Sugar, which won her the Terry Hetherington Award, is about living with the condition.
Her new project will attempt to share the burden among her fellow diabetics.
She said: “I’m looking for fellow young people with type 1 diabetes, or older people who want to share experiences of how they felt during their teenage years, who can help with my research while I write a more light-hearted book for living with the condition.
“I feel very lucky in that I’ve made friends who also live with type 1 diabetes and I have an amazing team at Singleton Hospital who are always there when I need it, but I realise this isn’t always the case.
“During teenage years, when you can feel isolated, angry and confused as it is with exam pressure, peer pressure and moments of self-doubt, having the responsibility of living with diabetes can really push you over the edge.
“People can be judgemental due to the way diabetes is generalised and portrayed in the media and at that age, it can feel like your future is suddenly falling to pieces, darkened by headlines of terrible diabetes complications and how your life will be so much more restricted.”
The poet, who recently launched her first book of poetry, And Suddenly You Find Yourself, published by Parthian Books, just completed the Edinburgh Marathon.
She said: “I want to reach out to young people who just need something a bit more optimistic than one of those heavy textbooks and explore some issues that are more relevant at that age such as relationships, going out, how to manage insulin and blood sugars with regards to your favourite foods and how you can still achieve everything you’ve wanted to do without letting the condition define you.”
The poet, who recently launched her first book of poetry, And Suddenly You Find Yourself, published by Parthian Books, just completed the Edinburgh Marathon.
As part of the project she wants to hear from others coming to terms with diabetes.
She said: “I really need some help from others to get some different angles on the experience and am sending out interview questions for people to provide me with feedback to get the book written and give young people a bit of support when they most need it.
“So many end up suffering through depression or eating disorders as a result of the strain of living with diabetes and there needs to be more out there with a positive spin on things, to encourage young people to keep on living their lives to the full and remind them that they’re not alone. This isn’t about lecturing on what you should or shouldn’t do, eat or feel, but more about living life to the full and offering support and I always felt fed up of the negative content in health books that I plucked from the library shelves. Even though some days it’s naturally pretty tough, I want to encourage more of a ‘can-do’ attitude to those who most need it.
“All those interested can get in touch and I’ll send out a questionnaire to fill in.”
To take part email natholborow@gmail.com

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/writer-hopes-reassure-young-people-13192522

Broccoli Could Be a Secret Weapon Against Diabetes, Say Scientists

From sciencealert.com

Broccoli contains an ingredient that can help those with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar level, according to a new study – potentially providing a much-needed treatment option for millions.
A chemical in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and sprouts called sulforaphane is thought to be responsible, having been shown to lower glucose levels in earlier lab experiments on diabetic rats.

To identify suitable compounds to examine, researchers used computer models to identify gene expression changes linked with type 2 diabetes, and then sift through thousands of chemicals that might reverse these changes.
"We're very excited about the effects we've seen and are eager to bring the extract to patients," one of the researchers, Anders Rosengren of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, told Andy Coghlan at New Scientist.
"We saw a reduction of glucose of about 10 per cent, which is sufficient to reduce complications in the eyes, kidneys and blood."
That 10 percent average reduction was across a sample of 97 human volunteers taking part in a 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The participants who were obese and who had higher baseline glucose levels to begin with benefitted the most.
The dose was the equivalent of around 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of broccoli daily – a fair few platefuls – but the researchers say it could be adapted into a powder to add to food or drinks.
It's important to note that all but three of those taking part in the trial continued to take metformin, a drug already used to improve blood sugar regulation in people with diabetes.
However, the researchers think sulforaphane could eventually replace metformin for some patients – up to 15 percent of those with diabetes can't take metformin because of the associated risks of kidney damage.
The two chemicals take different approaches: sulforaphane suppresses the enzymes in the liver that stimulate glucose production, whereas metformin makes cells more sensitive to insulin, taking more glucose out of the bloodstream.
With more than 29 million people having type 2 diabetes in the US alone, and that number on the rise, any kind of help is going to be very welcome.
Before the human trial, the researchers also found sulforaphane was able to reduce glucose production in liver cells grown in a lab, and shift liver gene expression away from an abnormal, diseased state in diabetic rats.
Larger and more detailed studies are required before the drug can get approved for regular treatments though, and until then it's probably wise to keep your vegetable intake to a normal, healthy level.
"More research is needed to see if this repurposed drug can be used to treat Type 2 diabetes, as it was only tested in a small number of people and only helped a subset of those who are taking it," Elizabeth Robertson from Diabetes UK, who wasn't involved in the research, told New Scientist.
"For now, we recommend that people continue with the treatment prescribed by their healthcare team."

https://www.sciencealert.com/broccoli-could-be-a-secret-weapon-against-diabetes-say-scientists

4 Tips For A Safe Vacation With Diabetes

From blackdoctor.org

Are you planning for some fun in the sun this summer? Before you hit the beach, consider these tips to make sure your vacation is safe and fun.

1. Keep Diabetes Medications Readily Available
No matter how you travel – plane, train, or automobile, it’s important to keep your diabetes supplies readily available.
When traveling by plane, be sure to put all of your diabetes supplies and medications in your carry-on. Checked baggage goes in the bottom of the plane where it can be exposed to extreme cold or heat that can spoil insulin and destroy your glucose meter. Dacia Bryant, Founder and Chief Health Officer at A ONE C LifeBox, a digital healthcare engagement company that equips Black and Hispanic people with the tools to manage their diabetes more effectively, suggest using a cool storage pouch for insulin. These are small enough to fit into your carry-on luggage.
“I often recommend packing a cooler like the Frio Insulin Cooling Case or a Medicool pouch. These cool storage pouches will protect insulin and other injectables from extreme heat not only during hot summer months but also throughout the year if you travel to warm climates where air conditioning may be limited, and power loss is common,” says Bryant.
The same rules for air travel apply when traveling by train or car. Bryant also reminds her patients to keep insulin and other medications handy either in a clear plastic baggy in a handbag or carry-on when traveling instead of the trunk of a car or in checked luggage.           

2. Avoid Tanning and Tattoos    
Any increase in skin pigment as a result of tanning is a sign of damage. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause dry skin, wrinkles and dark spots. People with diabetes tend to have dry skin, increasing the risk of damage from the sun’s rays. Dry skin can lead to cracking and peeling which allows bacteria to enter the body and cause infection.
Tattooing also puts you at risk for infection – particularly HIV and hepatitis, if you are exposed to unclean tools, practices, or products. Also, if your diabetes is in poor control, a tattoo might not heal properly.
Tight blood glucose – also called blood sugar, control is crucial to help protect your skin from sun damage and facilitate healing if damage occurs. The American Diabetes Association recommends an A1C score less than 7 percent or an estimated average glucose of 154 mg/dl.

3. Be Careful With Contact Lenses
Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome, which occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly. Dry eye syndrome increases the risk for inflammation, infections, and scars on the cornea. To avoid these problems make sure your contacts are prescribed by an eye care professional. It’s also important to keep your blood glucose levels under control. Research shows the higher the hemoglobin A1C values, the higher the rate of dry eye syndrome.
Don’t be tempted to buy coloured or decorative lenses sold along the boardwalk, in convenience stores or internet sites that do not require a prescription. They can damage your eyes and cause infection.
Handle your lenses with care. Always, wash your hands before touching lenses, and be sure to use only sterile solution. Remove your contacts before swimming or getting in a hot tub.

4. Stay Hydrated  

Dehydration happens when your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. For people with diabetes, dehydration can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels.
“Monitoring for high blood sugar is especially important in the hot summer months when dehydration is common. Becoming dehydrated from sweating and not replacing that water can lead to high blood sugar. When fluids leave your body, your blood becomes more concentrated with glucose,” says Bryant. “Dehydration also leads to a decrease in blood flow supplied to the skin where insulin is injected. Your insulin dose may not be fully absorbed, and blood glucose can remain high.”
So avoid getting dehydrated. For instance, when you spend a late afternoon at the beach bring water and drink even before you feel thirsty.  The Institute of Medicine recommends that women consume 11 cups of fluid per day; men should have 16 cups of fully daily to stay fully hydrated. About 80 percent of your daily fluid intake should come from water and other beverages that you drink. The other 20 percent can come from juicy foods like fruits and vegetables.

http://blackdoctor.org/514461/4-tips-for-a-safe-vacation-with-diabetes/4/

Know diabetes. Fight diabetes – by Chris Askew

From diabetes.org.uk

This week is Diabetes Week, our annual awareness-raising campaign and our theme is ‘Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes’ which many of you will recognise as our new strapline.
This year we’re raising awareness of the essential work Diabetes UK does in helping people to know their diabetes, and in fighting the challenges that diabetes presents. And we’re asking our supporters what ‘Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes’ means to them.
We don’t think there’s anything more important than knowledge when it comes to living with diabetes. Knowledge – when given to the right person, in the right way, at the right time – can transform someone’s life. We know the more knowledge people have about their diabetes, the more they can control it. And that means people can live a life where diabetes doesn’t control them.
If ‘know’ is the head of the organisation, ‘fight’ is the heart.
We know some supporters may have difficulty with the word fight, but for us, it’s an important part of who we are.
Fight Diabetes isn’t about someone fighting their diabetes, although we know for some people it can be a battle. Fighting diabetes is about us all working together to fight the challenges that diabetes brings. It’s a condition that affects millions and can cause terrible complications and is often underestimated, misunderstood and not prioritised.
Together we fight to make sure everyone with diabetes gets the care they need, wherever or whoever they are. We fight to stop people with diabetes being discriminated against. We fight to increase understanding and awareness of the condition.
We fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.
And we want more people to join our fight and find out how we can help them to know more about their diabetes.
That’s why Diabetes Week is so important.
Our supporters and volunteers work tirelessly all year round to engage with their local communities and to promote the work that we do for and with people with diabetes. Diabetes Week gives us the chance to celebrate our supporters and, together, make sure more people than ever know how we can help them and how serious diabetes is.
We work with healthcare professionals throughout the year and Diabetes Week is our chance to champion their tireless work. This week, along with sharing their top tips for better diabetes care, we demonstrate how we work together to improve care for people with diabetes.
All week we’ll have some great stories about how our supporters are fighting diabetes and knowing diabetes. And we want to hear from you. Join the conversation and tell us what you’re doing. You can also download our posters and put them up at your local surgery, community club or school.
By the end of this Diabetes Week we hope you and your friends know a little more about the condition and what we do.
And we hope you’ll be part of the fight.

https://blogs.diabetes.org.uk/?p=8458&utm_source=bronto&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Read+Chris's+blog&utm_content=Read+Chris's+blog&utm_campaign=Enewsletter+June+2017

Lifestyle tips for managing diabetes

From inquirer.net

Walking for 10 minutes straight after meals could be more effective in controlling blood sugar levels than taking a walk at other times of day. (Image: s4svisuals/Shutterstock.com via AFP Relaxnews)

Lifestyle is a decisive factor in preventing or stabilizing diabetes. From diet and exercise to stress management, here are a few lifestyle changes to consider.

Pick the right dessert Diabetics don’t need to have to skip dessert, but they should definitely make wise food choices. Pick products that have a naturally low glycemic index to prevent spikes in blood sugar. Top fruits on that front are red berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, blueberries), apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, peaches and nectarines. Note that cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels. It can be used to sweeten coffee or tea or sprinkled on yogurt or fromage frais.

Certain bakeries make cakes and cookies specifically for diabetics. These sweet treats typically contain half the amount of sugar, notably by using natural sugar substitutes. Still, they should only be eaten occasionally and always as part of a meal in order to limit the hyperglycemic effect.

Get cooking
Most diabetics know that they should avoid pre-prepared supermarket dishes and ready meals, which are often too high in fat and salt, and can be lacking in vitamins and minerals. Cooking from scratch with quality produce remains the best option. When it comes to grains, oats and barley are allowed. These cereals’ fibres are interesting for diabetics as they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine and therefore help control blood sugar levels and insulin requirements.

Walk for 10 minutes after meals
Walking for 10 minutes right after eating could be more effective for controlling blood sugar than walking at another time of day, particularly after an evening meal, when blood sugar can drop by 22 percent, according to research from New Zealand. Current recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend at least the equivalent of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, five times a week.

Take time to relax
Unfortunately, it is possible to develop type 2 diabetes due to chronic stress from work or personal lives. Permanent stress can contribute to increasing insulin resistance. That’s why it is recommended to take regular exercise, learn relaxation techniques and organize break times on downtime in your day. Keep an eye on shut-eye too (minimum seven hours’ sleep per night), as, according to several studies, this can help curb cravings for fatty or sugary foods, among other things. JB

http://m.inquirer.net/lifestyle/265158

Diabetes Week 2017

From diabetes.org.uk

Diabetes Week kicks off on 11 June, and this year the theme is: Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes.
While a lot of people have a good understanding of diabetes and how to manage it, many others aren’t getting the right help and support to look after their diabetes.
Today, 65 people will die early from the condition and hundreds more will face life-changing complications that could have been avoided or delayed if they'd had the right knowledge and support to manage their diabetes. Some of you have that, and are already doing everything you can to manage your diabetes well. But this isn't true for everyone and it's our job to change that. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm. Together, we can make that a reality.

Know Diabetes 

We are encouraging the diabetes community to share their experiences and knowledge. We’d love to hear your stories of how you know more about diabetes because this shared knowledge could help someone else with the condition.
We know that the right knowledge has the power to transform lives. Knowledge gained from the experience of people living with diabetes, knowledge gained from research discoveries, knowledge from the people working with diabetes every day. 
This Diabetes Week, we want to hear how you learned more about your condition, to inspire others to do the same, using our hashtag #knowdiabetes

Fight Diabetes

We are fighting every day for people with diabetes. Together, we all need to fight the challenges that diabetes presents – challenges of funding over research, perceptions around Type 1 and Type 2, of better care, rights for people at work and children at school living with diabetes.
Together we can fight diabetes. We can fight against the postcode lottery in care, we can fight for a cure and we can fight on behalf of those who can’t.
This Diabetes Week, tell us what fight diabetes means to you, using our hashtag #fightdiabetes

Get involved

There are lots of ways to support Diabetes Week.
• Join the conversation on social media using the hashtags #diabetesweek #knowdiabetes #fightdiabetes
• Hear from our supporters on social media – they’ll be sharing their stories of how they ‘know diabetes’ and ‘fight diabetes’ during the week.
• Download our posters to put up in your local community and help us raise awareness. We’ve created a variety of posters to help our supporters understand ‘Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes’. It’s a great way of showing the work that we do, not only as an organisation, but with our supporters.
• We’ve got two ‘Know Diabetes’ posters, themed on prevention (Know your Risk) and our Type 1 events.
• We’ve got two ‘Fight Diabetes’ posters, themed on research (fighting for a cure) and fundraising (Your Way).
• If you’re a healthcare professional, we’ve also got some posters about what people can do to get more support with their diabetes and how they can manage their diabetes better. We’re also putting a call out for other healthcare professionals to join our professional network.
• We have also developed a blank poster, which you can personalise with your own information.
If you have any questions about Diabetes Week, contact us at diabetesweek@diabetes.org.uk

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Get_involved/Diabetes-Week/

Eating red onions 'can prevent cancer' and could protect against diabetes and heart disease

From mirror.co.uk

Eating plenty of red onions could prevent cancer, according to new research.
The vegetable, popular in salads and salsas, is rich in chemicals that destroy tumour cells, say scientists.

And the discovery may soon lead to an anti-cancer pill based on the food’s magical properties.
It is known people with the highest consumption of onions have a lower risk of many types of the disease - including ovarian, bowel and breast cancer.
They contain several anti-cancer compounds including quercetin and anthocyanins - which, crucially, give the red variety their colour.

Abdulmonem Murayyan, a PhD student at the University of Guelph in Canada, said: “Anthocyanin is instrumental in providing colour to fruits and vegetables.
“So it makes sense the red onions, which are darkest in colour, would have the most cancer fighting power.”
In the first study of its kind Mr Murayyan and engineering Professor Suresh Neethirajan found red onions have the strongest cancer fighting power.
The vegetable has been used in Mediterranean cooking for thousands of years, which could help explain lower rates of the disease in southern Europe.
Diced in a side salad, sprinkled as a garnish or chopped through a pasta dish, they may just be one of the best raw ingredients you can eat.

Red onions have also been linked with protecting against diabetes and heart disease. The researchers said onions as a superfood are still not well known, despite containing one of the highest concentrations of quercetin, a type of flavonoid.
But not all are created equal because the red onion not only has high levels of this but also large amounts of anthocyanin, which boosts the scavenging properties of quercetin, explained Mr Murayyan.
Along with Prof Neethirajan, he tested five onion types grown in Ontario and discovered the Ruby Ring red came out on top.

In lab experiments reported in Food Research International, colon cancer cells were placed in direct contact with quercetin extracted from the five different onion varieties.
Mr Murayyan said: “We found onions are excellent at killing cancer cells. Onions activate pathways that encourage cancer cells to undergo cell death.
“They promote an unfavourable environment for cancer cells and they disrupt communication between cancer cells, which inhibits growth.”
The researchers have also recently found onions are effective at killing breast cancer cells.
Mr Murayyan said: “The next step will be to test the vegetable’s cancer-fighting powers in human trials.”
The findings follow a previous study by the researchers on a new extraction technique that eliminates the use of chemicals, making the quercetin found in onions more suitable for consumption.
Other extraction methods use solvents that can leave a toxic residue which is then ingested in food.
Prof Neethirajan said: “This new method that we tested to be effective only uses super heated water in a pressurised container.
“Developing a chemical free extraction method is important because it means we can use onion’s cancer-fighting properties in nutraceuticals and in pill form.”
The researchers said we can currently include the superfood in salads and on burgers as a preventative measure.

                                          Red onions have to be eaten raw to feel the benefits

But they expect onion extract will eventually be added to food products such as juice or baked goods - and be sold in pill form as a type of natural cancer treatment.
Experts say it is best, where possible, to eat red onions in their raw state as cooking them in any manner can kill off the goodness.
If you are diabetic, you should eat raw red onions as these help increase insulin levels.
In Europe and Asia, red onions and raw garlic are often encouraged amongst diabetics.
Red onions are a fibrous vegetable, which helps your digestive track move things along. One onion contains roughly 1.5 grams of fibre.
Flavonoid compounds - the same compounds that give the onions their striking pigmentation - reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad’ cholesterol in obese people at risk of heart disease.
Flavonoids also have anti-inflammatory abilities and can be useful in the treatment of arthritis and other such conditions.
Not only do red onions lower cholesterol, they can also fend off heart disease and discourage clot formation. They can also help to maintain blood flow and reduce inflammation to the blood vessels.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/eating-red-onions-can-prevent-10586723

Can turmeric help manage diabetes? What the evidence says

From askdrnandi.com

(WXYZ) – Turmeric is the bright yellow-orange spice often used in Asian dishes and curries.
I am a huge fan of turmeric and use it often in our family meals. But it’s medicinal uses date back 4,000 years, so it’s not surprising it may help with managing diabetes.
Research focuses on the main component of turmeric called curcumin.
A review of 13 years of research suggest curcumin may help in different ways. Adding it to your diet may reduce your chance of developing diabetes as curcumin appears to improve the cells that create insulin in the pancreas.
Taking curcumin orally may reduce blood sugar levels, however more research is needed in humans.
Other studies have shown those with pre-diabetes may not develop full diabetes when taking curcumin in capsule form.
Diabetes can affect your liver and research showed those who took curcumin over a long period of time had fewer symptoms of liver disorders.
Taking curcumin may also help to prevent diabetic-related nerve damage, prevent diabetic cataracts and kidney disease.
Turmeric is a great to add to your regular regimen, but there are other ways to manage or prevent diabetes:

1. Eat a healthy diet. Focus on natural unprocessed meals that include vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
2. Choose high fibre foods like beans and nuts. They slow the rate of sugar absorption and improve blood sugar control.
3. Exercise regularly. It lowers your blood sugar and helps to keep it within a normal range.
4. If you use turmeric or curcumin as a supplement, start with a low dose and build from there.

Turmeric and curcumin are considered safe but can have side effects if taken in large doses.
You might experience indigestion, diarrhea or nausea.
Please avoid if you have anemia, gallbladder disease, or kidney stones.
If you’re on blood sugar medications, discuss this spice with your doctor as it could increase the effects and lead to low blood sugar.

https://askdrnandi.com/can-turmeric-help-manage-diabetes-evidence-says/

Type 2 diabetes could 'overwhelm' NHS unless changes are made, Leicester experts warn

From le.ac.uk

Melanie Davies CBE (pictured), a Professor of Diabetes Medicine at our University and the Leicester Diabetes Centre, has commented on the rise in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

In an article for the Express, Professor Davies discusses how obesity-related conditions are threatening to 'overwhelm' the NHS due to the sheer cost of treatment, with large amounts of money spent every year by the health service on drugs to combat type 2 diabetes, weight loss and indigestion.

Professor Davies said: “Unless we change our thinking on type 2 diabetes, the condition is going to overwhelm the NHS. There is a wealth of evidence supporting the benefits of the role of exercise in preventing and successfully managing type 2 diabetes.
"We are part of the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, which is aiming to steer 100,000 people a year away from the condition by 2020 through tailored, personalised help.”
The Leicester Diabetes Centre is an international centre of excellence in diabetes research, education and innovation led by Professor Melanie Davies and Professor Kamlesh Khunti.
Hosted at Leicester General Hospital, the centre is a partnership between the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester.

http://www2.le.ac.uk/news/blog/2017-archive/june/type-2-diabetes-could-overwhelm-nhs-unless-changes-are-made-leicester-experts-warn

Diabetic retinopathy eye drop treatment to be developed

From diabetestimes.co.uk

Researchers are hoping to develop eye drops for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
A team from the University of Nottingham has received a £60,000 grant and if successful, the eye drops could be available to people with diabetes on clinical trials within the next three to five years.
They will be investigating whether work aimed at developing eye drops for the condition age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could also work to prevent sight loss in people with diabetes.
Professor David Bates from the university’s School of Medicine said: “We are extremely grateful for the grant we have received from the Freemasons and National Eye Research Centre. Without their support, this project would not have been possible and we would not be able to find out whether drugs that are already being developed for other eye diseases could be also be used in diabetic retinopathy.
“Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the working population in the UK. The impact of this research means that in the future diabetic patients could be offered a better, more effective way of preventing them from losing their sight.
“The current treatment for diabetic retinopathy is very unpleasant for the patient but also costly and time-consuming because the injection can only be performed at eye clinics by specialist doctors and nurses.”
In the human body, a protein called VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is responsible for the normal formation and growth of blood vessels. However, in people with diabetes a type of VEGF is produced which causes the faulty blood vessels to grow and leak fluid into the eye. Current treatments target all forms of VEGF which prevent the growth of the faulty blood vessels but also stops the re-growth of normal blood vessels to help the eye recover from the effects of the high blood sugar levels.

Studies have shown that in models of AMD, drugs can be used to target the protein SRPK1 which can switch off the detrimental form of VEGF and enable the good form of VEGF to promote normal blood vessel growth and protect the endothelial cells which line the interior surface of the blood vessels.
The current drug, which is used to switch off VEGF completely, is a large molecule, meaning it can only be administered by injection. However, the drugs which target SRPK1 are much smaller meaning that they could be given in the form of eye drops.
professor Bates said: “Eye drops that patients could administer themselves would reduce both their discomfort and the financial burden which the current treatment places on the NHS.”
Around 1.2 million people are believed to suffer from diabetic retinopathy in the UK, with around 750,000 of those currently experiencing some form of visual impairment.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) estimates that the total economic cost of sight loss including healthcare, social care and loss of employment, could be as high as £28bn per year. Globally, the condition affects in the region of 93 million people.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar levels. Over time it can weaken and damage the small blood vessels within the retina which can cause haemorrhages, leaky blood vessels and swelling on the retina. This starves the retina of oxygen, causing abnormal blood vessels to grow. If left untreated over time it can affect vision and lead to blindness.
In more serious cases, the leaking blood vessels behind the eye can lead to the condition diabetic macular oedema in which fluid builds up in the macula, the part of the eye which provides us with our central vision. The condition of patients with diabetic macular oedema can decline very quickly and can lead to rapid visual impairment and blindness.

http://diabetestimes.co.uk/diabetic-retinopathy-eye-drop-treatment-to-be-developed/