Green Tea and Aged Garlic Might Help Prevent Diabetes, PreDiabetes

From endocrineweb.com

Two recent studies—one on green tea and the other on aged garlic—found that extracts from these foods may be beneficial to individuals who have diabetes or who are at risk for developing the disorder.
But don’t run out and buy green tea extract or garlic extract just yet! If they offer any health benefits, the best result occurs when they are taken in conjunction with other strategies, experts say.
 “Everybody wants that one-pill fix,” says Sherri Findley, MS, RD, a dietitian at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, “Of course, it’s tempting to take a product and hope it will prevent these diseases.”

Findings of AntiDiabetes, Obesity Properties 
 For the recent clinical trial on aged garlic extract that focused on 51 adults  with obesity,¹ investigators focused on whether daily supplements of aged garlic extract might reduce inflammation and improve immune function in obese adults. There was some evidence that taking aged garlic extract (3.6 grams) might improve blood cholesterol levels and have a favourable effect on the immune system.

In the second study, also published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 120 women who were overweight (body mass index >24) were assigned to consume green tea extract (1 gram), metformin, or green tea with metformin.² The evidence suggested that green tea extract outperformed metformin in terms of improving blood sugar control in women who did not have diabetic but were overweight and therefore considered at risk for developing the condition. 

Such Small Studies Only Offer a Bit of Hope, for Now

Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, associate professor and vice president of primary care at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine/UC Health in Ohio, says that the catechins in green tea have health benefits. “We know that these catechins can help with blood sugar regulation,” she says.

It is still unclear whether either of these extracts could prove useful in managing glucose in people with diabetes. Nearly half of all Americans have diabetes, or prediabetes, which is a condition that causes blood glucose levels to rise above normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. Individuals with prediabetes, who are at risk of developing diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, are often advised to lose weight to reduce the risks associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
While results from the two studies look promising, it is important to keep in mind that they both involved a small number of people and that if the same research was conducted with larger numbers of subjects, the findings might end up being quite different, Fitch says. “The two studies show a benefit, but if we repeat these studies with 10,000 patients, they may show no connection between the extracts and improvements in diabetes symptoms,” she says.
Findley says taking aged garlic extract would not be a part of her current recommendation for obesity-related disease states. “There could be potential evidence that it might be applicable to heart concerns and cholesterol levels, but not for weight control,” she says.

Go With Strategies that Offer the Greatest Possible Benefits
Here are a few things to try.

• A little less weight matters most.  “Losing just five to 10 percent of your body weight is shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50 percent,” Fitch says.
• Move a bit more. Physical activity—even walking—is a wonderful way to prevent the development of prediabetes, or diabetes, Findley says. “It’s a sure way to get the cells, the insulin, and your blood sugar to talk to each other better,” she says. Try to get in some form of activity, such as walking or Zumba, for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, she says. Or use a walking app for motivation to track your steps; and, aim for 10,000 steps daily.
• Pay attention to meal frequency, Findley says. What you eat and how often will have the greatest influence on your body weight, and ultimately your blood sugar levels. If you can, have a bigger breakfast and lunch and a smaller dinner. Others find it better to skip lunch and have a grain-free dinner most easily manage their weight and blood sugar.
• Focus on protein. Add a bit of protein to every meal and snack to help keep your blood sugar stable. Spread some peanut butter on apple slices, or tuna salad on cucumber rounds for a snack, or top whole grain crackers with a slice of roast turkey. Nuts, hummus, and cheese sticks are also good sources of protein that can easily satisfy your hunger as part of a meal or just for a snack.
• Avoid processed foods. Dr. Fitch says, “The more processed foods you eat, the more insulin resistance you will have. “And with insulin resistance, we effectively run out of insulin since we are using it up so fast. The more we use those cells in the pancreas to make insulin, the more tired they get.”
• Increase Your Vegetables. “The Mediterranean diet is an excellent plan because it means eating more vegetables, not more whole wheat bread and cereal,” Dr. Fitch says, "If you can’t manage to eat at least eight servings of vegetables a day, try adding them into a smoothie for a good morning boost."

If you decide to take a green tea or aged garlic extract, keep in mind that they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, says Dr. Fitch. “You can’t be sure of the quality of the supplement you are taking,” she says. Look for products that carry the seal from independent testing labs such as, the USP, ConsumerLab, or NSF International, which offer some assurance that the ingredients have been evaluated.

https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/diabetes/59007-green-tea-aged-garlic-might-help-prevent-diabetes-prediabetes

Importance of Periodic Eye Examinations

By Indu Dennis

Despite your age or physical wellbeing, a yearly examination of eye will helps to identify any issues at the early stage and take treatment for the same. Periodic eye exam checks for common diseases, assessment about how your eyes works and evaluates as an indicator for your overall health.
For children, vision and eye health is a critical part in learning and development stage. Vision problem underline developmental delays or trouble in learning. If any of these factors like premature birth, personal or family history of eye disease, serious injury etc put your child at increase risk. Taking regular examination and proper screening are required for all infants and children under 5 years.
Like our body, our eye also gets weaken as we age. Eye disease mainly occurs in human at the age of 40. From the age of 40 to 65, eye examination is required for every two to four years. Presbyopia, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are common age- related eye diseases that lead to vision loss and dependency.

In periodic eye exam doctors will not only evaluate nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, but also check for any diseases like Amblyopia- which occur when the eyes are misaligned, Strabismus- turned eyes defect, other diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and other disease developing due to high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
A periodic comprehensive eye examination is one of the best ways to protect your vision because it can detect problems at their earliest stage. People who spend long hours in front of computer monitors, welders, those working on micrometers etc. require regular examination to determine the need for prescription spectacle lenses. The doctors will also provide suggestions and advice on the proper care and eyewear for certain task-specific jobs.

Here are some basic procedures of eye exam:
1. Medical history - At first the doctor or optometrist will assess your past and current medical history, and medical history within the family to determine your eye health condition
2. Visual Acuity Examination- As a base, optometrist examines the clearness of your vision by means of eye chart to determine the current visual sharpness.
3. Ocular Motility Examination- It is tested to determine how well your eyes and visual system function in terms of movement, reflexes and tracking
4. Detect Refraction error - As part of this step, a phoropter or similar device is used to determine rate of refractive error and determine the standards and measurements for eyeglasses if one is needed.

5. Biomicroscopy- A slit lamp is used to shine a high intensity light into the eye to facilitate an examination of the anterior segment of the human eye - including the conjunctiva, iris, natural crystalline lens and the cornea.
6. Ophthalmoscopy- It is a test that allows your optometrist to see inside the fundus of the eye and other structures (including the retina, optic disc, macula and fovea). This helps to detect symptoms of conditions such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
Regardless of your age or physical health, annual eye exams are important for seeing more clear vision. In addition to routine check up it is also important to self care your eyes by doing regular exercise, nutritious diet and following healthy lifestyle.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Importance-of-Periodic-Eye-Examinations&id=9875644

Type 2 Diabetes - Adjusting To Living Well With Diabetes

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Did you just find out you have Type 2 diabetes? Sadly, this is often a devastating revelation for many people. If you have received your diagnosis recently, it likely has not been different for you: you may feel overcome with negative emotion. In many cases, it is a temporary response, at least the intense feelings are. Usually, anxiety leaves once you decide to fight against the disease actively.
But you will not have to worry about being anxious because your choice is going to be to take control of your life. Right? A great many people live quite successfully with Type 2 diabetes. They see the disease as a challenge, one that becomes a turning point in their life.
Don't let diabetes linger. There is nothing to gain, and potentially everything to lose. Having Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you should take lightly. Let us talk about how you should get started with putting diabetes into remission...

Become motivated. First things first: empower yourself: learn more about your disease. Odds are at the moment your knowledge is limited. Educate yourself on the consequences of high blood sugar, and the advantages of controlling it. Understand...

• why and how high blood sugar levels developed,
• what is going on, and
• how you can make a difference.

Be proactive. Learning about your disease is general advice, and so is being proactive. But it is still essential to not overlook these critical steps. Before you begin doing anything, internalize the idea of having a proactive approach. Living well despite having Type 2 diabetes is a process - there are no breaks. You have to commit to the daily effort if you are to make definitive progress. You can do this by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Balance your carbs. With Type 2 diabetes, it is crucial to balance your carbohydrates. Not only your overall intake but also the predominant carbs in your diet. Which means it is time to...

• substitute your potatoes with sweet potatoes.
• stop minding the extra time it takes to cook brown rice and start getting used to its different taste. It will be worth it, and unless you are very active,
• reduce your portion sizes.

On that note: get active if you haven't already. But that goes without saying.

Work with your doctor. Managing Type 2 diabetes starts and ends with you. But no progress is made without proper guidance. You know your body better than anyone, but you are also not an expert on its general physiology. Even if you were, your doctor is still an authority on the subject, especially in the context of disease. Work with him or her. Create a treatment plan you can follow, and commit to it. Trust his guidance, and achieve the results you need to improve your well-being.
That ought to get you started. Don't think for one minute a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes means you cannot live a vibrant, fun-loving, full and productive life.

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---Adjusting-To-Living-Well-With-Diabetes&id=9876238

Is Weight Loss the Secret Behind Remission of Type 2 Diabetes?

From diabetesincontrol.com

T2D diagnosed within last 6 years may be able to achieve remission if substantial weight loss is achieved.

Temporary regularization of plasma glucose levels by calorie constraint and weight loss was demonstrated in previous studies. More specifically, a study conducted by Sarah Steven et al., concluded that T2D is potentially reversible, due to 40 percent of their subjects achieving remission of diabetes for a period of 6 months following a substantial loss of body weight. However, it has not been explored yet if weight loss provides long-lasting benefits against T2D, and if primary care succor offers an advantage to subjects who are in the quest to attain healthier body weight. Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, DiRECT study, sought to answers those questions. Primarily, researchers wanted to establish if a sustained weight loss of 10 to 15 kg as a result of primary care support can lead to a long-term remission of T2D and put an end to a lifelong need for antidiabetic drugs.
DiRECT is cluster-randomized, open-label trial conducted in Scotland, across 49 offices of the primary care providers. Individuals who had been diagnosed with T2D within the last 6 years between the ages of 20 and 65, whose BMI was greater than 27 kg/m2, and who had HbA1c levels above 6.5% were eligible to take part in the study. Uncontrolled T2D with A1c levels above 12%, patients requiring insulin use, poor renal function, and recent weight loss were some of the exclusion criteria listed. PCP offices that agreed to participate in the study were assigned in a 1:1 manner to either a control, or experimental groups. A total of 306 participants were enrolled in the trial, each trial arm composed of 148 subjects. Control group patients were treated according to the best-practice care guidelines, while experimental arm individuals received support to follow a standard protocol for weight management, the Counterweight-Plus program, with the goal to maintain a weight loss of 15 kg or more.

All antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive medications were discontinued at the enrollment date in the experimental group; the therapies were re-started as necessary following the standard protocols. During the first 3 months of the study, participants in the experimental arm followed a low-energy diet, with caloric intake of 825 to 853 kcal per day. For the following 2-8 weeks, participants’ calorie intake was increased and physical activity approaches were introduced; Step counting was encouraged with hopes of participants being able to maintain their weight loss. The study regarded the loss of weight of 15 kg or more along with the remission of diabetes as the primary outcome of the study.  Quality of life and blood pressure were among secondary outcomes assessed.  Intention-to-treat principle was employed in analysing the outcomes.
At the conclusion of 12-months, 24% of experimental arm participants achieved a weight loss of 15 kg, which was not seen in control group. Mean weight loss of 10 kilograms was achieved in the intervention group, while subjects following best-practice guidelines achieved a weight loss of 1 kg.

Out of 149 patients, 68 patients, or 46% of subjects in the experimental arm achieved complete diabetes remission, compared to 4% of patients in the control group. The remission was statistically significant, p-value <0.0001. With the respect to HbA1c reduction, experimental group subjects experienced a greater decrease of A1c by -0.85% compared to control, p<0.0001.  Number of antidiabetic drugs being taken in the control group increased throughout the trial, while it was reduced in the experimental group. Out of 148 individuals, only 19 were taking any antihyperglycemic drugs at month 12 in the intervention group. In contrast, 121 out of 148 patients in the control arm were being treated with antidiabetic drugs. Although blood pressure measurements were similar across the groups at the conclusion of the trial, 61% of patients in the control group were receiving either one or two antihypertensive therapies, while only half of those did in the intervention group.  Quality of life was enhanced for those patients who were randomized to the weight loss study arm. On contrary, those individuals treated according to best-practice guidelines had a decreased quality of life at the end of the study.

Significance of weight management and remission of type 2 diabetes is of crucial importance. What once was a disease of an older individual, is now affecting a large number of youth, principally due to high incidence of obesity seen in younger population. By having a way to increase life longevity, which is reduced as a result of T2D, both younger and older individuals can achieve remission by opting for following a healthy lifestyle. We have seen here that as a result of primary care support in weight management, remission of diabetes is possible in about 50% of patients. Results from this trial are promising and may pave a road for a change in how we approach T2D treatment. Larger, multinational, randomized controlled trials are needed to see if this trial’s results will be replicated, prior to implementing changes on guideline levels.

Practice Pearls:

• 46% of patients who lost at least 10 kg of weight achieved remission of diabetes.
• Individuals who treated their T2D by following a weight management strategy had lower A1c levels by -0.85% compared to individuals who were taking antidiabetic medications.
• At 12-month follow-up, 74% of patients in weight management group and 18% patients in the control group did not need antihyperglycemic agents to control their type 2 diabetes.

http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/is-weight-loss-the-secret-behind-remission-of-type-2-diabetes/

Eight Ways to Manage Diabetes in Cold Weather

From diabetesselfmanagement.com

Cold weather can throw off your diabetes management. Here are eight ways winter can present a challenge, and what you can do to maintain your blood sugar control.

1. Be aware that cold environments can raise your A1C

A1C levels (a measure of average glucose over the previous 2–3 months) often increase in cold weather. To some degree, bodies seem to do this on their own, perhaps as an evolutionary adaptation that helps raise their freezing point to survive the cold, according to Sharon Moalem, MD, PhD.

2. Stay out of the cold when you can

Pharmacist and diabetes educator Susan B. Sloane says that higher sugars may make you feel warmer in the cold, but they are still unhealthy. Sloane says, “Remember not to stay out long in extreme cold, especially if you have any cardiac issues or neuropathy. The cold weather can make blood thicker and more prone to clotting.”

3. Keep feet and hands warm

Diabetes may reduce circulation to feet, leaving them less able to keep warm in cold weather. Winter may increase your chances of infection and nerve pain in your feet.
Wear the warmest socks and well-fitting shoes or waterproof boots you can get. Pay extra attention to your foot care; inspect your feet carefully every day and use moisturizer if the skin is drying (except between the toes). Wear warm gloves or mittens.

4. Keep your diabetes supplies at the right temperature

Like extreme heat, extreme cold can affect your insulin and cause your blood glucose monitor to stop working properly. Joslin Diabetes Centre advises not leaving supplies in the car in very cold weather.
The same applies to insulin vials, pens, and pumps. Cool is generally OK; very cold or freezing is not. Some experts advise keeping a Thermos of warm tea in your diabetes supply case — you have one of those, don’t you? — to keep supplies warm.

5. Be aware that cold hands can affect blood sugar readings

Joslin recommends washing your hands in warm water, then drying them carefully before testing.

6. Avoid colds and flu

The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) points out that flu is much more dangerous for people with diabetes than for the general public. Diabetes makes it harder to fight the flu off, and blood sugars often go out of control due to illness.
The CDC gives several suggestions for avoiding the flu, including getting the flu vaccine, washing hands frequently, not touching your face, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Frequent use of hand sanitizers may help. My wife teaches in different elementary schools. She says there’s a dramatic difference between classrooms where students use sanitizers every time they come in, and those that don’t. Far fewer kids in the sanitizer rooms are out sick. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that commercial sanitizers don’t really kill all dangerous germs, and washing with soap and water is better.

7. Do your best to avoid or treat depression

The British website Diabetes.co.uk says that cold and snow may keep you inside, leading to less sun exposure and less exercise. Both of those lacks can lead to depression, and depression interferes with diabetes management. Though the days start to get longer toward the end of December, we still get less sun in the winter.
Try to get sun when you can, or buy a sunlamp you can shine on yourself for roughly 30 minutes a day (the exact time range will depend on feedback from your doctor). Vitamin D may also help, as can talking to people you like or love.
If you think you may be getting depressed, you can take this two-minute depression inventory for a better idea. Reach out for help if you’re in the depressed range.

8. Keep moving any way you can

If you’re stuck inside by snowstorms or cold snaps, have exercises you can do at home. Exercise will help your blood glucose control and your mood.

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/eight-ways-manage-diabetes-cold-weather/

Diabetes: Look after your teeth to look after your blood glucose

From medicalnewstoday.com

A new study highlights the importance of oral hygiene for people with type 2 diabetes, after finding that those with the condition may have better blood glucose levels if they look after their teeth.
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body's cells stop responding to the hormone insulin. This is a process known as insulin resistance.  Blood glucose levels become too high as a result.

Without effective management of blood glucose levels, a number of serious complications may arise, including nerve damage, or neuropathy, eye problems such as glaucoma and cataracts, and skin conditions.

Previous research has also shown that there is a two-way link between type 2 diabetes and gum disease, or periodontitis; individuals with type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease, and gum disease may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The new study — recently published in The Journal of Clinical Periodontology — suggests that for people who already have type 2 diabetes, good dental hygiene could be key for managing blood glucose levels.

Led by Miquel Viñas — a professor of microbiology at the University of Barcelona in Spain — the study included 90 adults who had an average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 7.7 percent, constituting a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
The adults were randomized to one of two groups for 6 months. One of these groups received oral health instructions, as well as scaling and root planing, a non-surgical form of "deep cleaning" that removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and below the gums.
The other group — the controls — received oral health instructions plus supragingival removal of plaque and tartar, meaning that plaque and tartar are removed from above the gum line only.

Both groups had their HbA1c levels, fasting plasma glucose, and oral bacteria levels measured at 3 and 6 months after the start of the study.
The results revealed that the group that received the deep cleaning experienced significant improvements in HbA1c levels and fasting plasma glucose, while the control group saw no improvements.
The team notes that, in most cases, these improvements corresponded with oral bacteria levels. Previous research has shown that oral bacteria may play an important role in diabetes.
So, it seems that good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups may aid good blood glucose management for people with type 2 diabetes.

"The main conclusion of the study is that the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis improves the glycemic status and levels of glycated hemoglobin, and therefore proves the great importance of oral health in these patients."

Study co-author José López-López, University of Barcelona

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320806.php

5 Diet Habits You Never Knew Could Raise Your Diabetes Risk

From prevention.com

Today, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes. It’s the underlying cause of over 79,000 deaths per year—and contributes to hundreds of thousands more, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which occurs when the body cannot properly use insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. There are a number of things that can cause insulin-producing cells to become exhausted and fail. Top offenders include: inactivity, obesity, smoking, consuming too much alcohol, and regularly eating high-glycemic foods that spike blood sugar, say Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health experts. But there are other, less talked about behaviors that can increase your risk of the condition.
Take these five dietary habits, for example. They may seem harmless, but nixing them could lower your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

1 Eating only “starchy” vegetables

It’s great that you fit vegetables into your diet—they provide a healthy blend of nutrients, and a new study found that antioxidants found in produce could help reduce type 2 diabetes risk.
However, it’s best not to pair starchy vegetables with other carbohydrate-rich foods. (Think: rice with sweet potatoes). While too much starch doesn’t directly raise your risk of diabetes, it can contribute to weight gain and blood sugar spikes, both of which could up your risk. As with any food, moderation is key.
“Many people don’t consider vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, and peas to be sources of starch,” says Jenifer Bowman, RD, a dietitian at UCHealth in Fort Collins, Colorado. “But if you’re trying to regulate your blood sugar, you need to be aware of overall carbohydrate content.”
To make sure every meal is a balanced one, fill half your plate with non-starchy produce like leafy greens, then fill the rest with equal parts protein and grains or starchy vegetables. (So, quinoa or corn—not both.)

2 Regularly snacking on dried fruit

It may seem like a healthy snack, but dried fruits can cause blood sugar spikes, and don’t ward off hunger like their fresh counterparts.
“If you eat a whole apricot, you’ll probably feel somewhat full from just one fruit,” says Fatima Cody Stanford, MD, an obesity medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center. “However, if you’re eating dried apricot, you probably have to eat quite a few of them for the same effect.” This means you’re consuming a ton more sugar—without the fibre that will blunt its effects on your blood sugar.

“When we dry food, we take away a lot of the fibrous content that promotes satiety and helps to regulate blood sugar,” Stanford explains.
The occasional dried fruit snack won’t hurt you, but Stanford recommends eating this snack sparingly. Instead, opt for the real deal—a fresh apple or juicy grapes, for instance. (The water content in these fruits may also help to keep you fuller, longer).

3 Not eating enough nuts

The healthy polyunsaturated fats found in nuts and seeds have been found to help prevent type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, according to a Swedish study. What’s more, walnuts, in particular, may activate a part of the brain that’s involved in appetite control. Snack on them in the afternoon to help you resist sugary snacks or drinks that contribute to diabetes risk.

4 Consuming too much red meat

Although red meat is typically associated with heart disease risk, there’s evidence that eating it even in small amounts can increase the risk of diabetes. One meta-analysis from the Harvard School of Public Health found that a daily serving of red meat was associated with a 19% increased risk of type 2 diabetes. (These are 5 other health concerns linked to type 2 diabetes.)
Although researchers aren’t certain how red meat causes an increased risk, its high iron content could play a role by damaging insulin-producing cells. Swapping a daily serving of red meat for a healthier source of protein, like nuts, low-fat dairy, or whole grains was associated with up to a 35% lower risk of type 2 diabetes in the meta-analysis.

5 Buying processed foods instead of fresh ones

The Harvard School of Public Health meta-analysis also found that eating a small amount of processed meat every day (think two slices of bacon or one hotdog) increases diabetes risk by 51%. The high levels of preservatives and sodium in processed meat may play a role, according to the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

6 So what should you eat instead?

“Look for lean cuts of protein, whether they’re from animal sources or another source, and avoid meat that’s been processed significantly beyond its native form, like fried chicken tenders,” says Stanford.
But it’s not just processed meat: If you want to lower your risk of developing diabetes, it’s best to choose whole foods whenever possible, including whole grains. Research shows that diets rich in whole grains reduce diabetes risk, while those rich in refined carbohydrates increase risk.
“Many cereal companies have promoted themselves as being a go-to healthy option, but if you really look at their nutritional information, the fibre content is quite insignificant,” says Stanford. Meanwhile, whole grains like rolled oats have fibre that slows down digestion and wards off blood sugar spikes. They’re also rich in nutrients and phytochemicals that may help ward off diabetes.

https://www.prevention.com/health/foods-that-cause-diabetes