He took up running rather than take diabetes medication. It worked South China Morning Post
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He took up running rather than take diabetes medication. It worked - South China Morning Post
Transforming Corporate Health: Fitterfly's Success in Tackling Diabetes and Weight Issues Business Standard
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Transforming Corporate Health: Fitterfly's Success in Tackling Diabetes and Weight Issues - Business Standard
For Those With Diabetes On Medicare Part D, Insulin Is $35...If Its Covered Forbes
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For Those With Diabetes On Medicare Part D, Insulin Is $35...If Its Covered - Forbes
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Biologist Douglas Melton: I was studying frogs until my son was diagnosed with diabetes then I started looking for a cure - EL PAS USA
Diabetes and Hearing Loss with Concept by Iowa Hearing | Paid Content Local 5 - weareiowa.com
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COUNTY COLUMN: Learn to Live well with diabetes at The Well Norman Transcript
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COUNTY COLUMN: Learn to Live well with diabetes at The Well - Norman Transcript
Want to Cut Type 2 Diabetes Risk? This High-fat Food Can Be the Answer, According to New Study Revyuh
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Want to Cut Type 2 Diabetes Risk? This High-fat Food Can Be the Answer, According to New Study - Revyuh
OverviewWhat is Diabetes?What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesnt make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isnt responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes.
Glucose (sugar) mainly comes from carbohydrates in your food and drinks. Its your bodys go-to source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all your bodys cells to use for energy.
When glucose is in your bloodstream, it needs help a key to reach its final destination. This key is insulin (a hormone). If your pancreas isnt making enough insulin or your body isnt using it properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Over time, having consistently high blood glucose can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage and eye issues.
The technical name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus. Another condition shares the term diabetes diabetes insipidus but theyre distinct. They share the name diabetes because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes insipidus is much rarer than diabetes mellitus.
There are several types of diabetes. The most common forms include:
Other types of diabetes include:
Diabetes is common. Approximately 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is about 11% of the population. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, representing 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases.
About 537 million adults across the world have diabetes. Experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
Its important to talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child has these symptoms.
Additional details about symptoms per type of diabetes include:
Too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream causes diabetes, regardless of the type. However, the reason why your blood glucose levels are high differs depending on the type of diabetes.
Causes of diabetes include:
Long-term use of certain medications can also lead to Type 2 diabetes, including HIV/AIDS medications and corticosteroids.
Diabetes can lead to acute (sudden and severe) and long-term complications mainly due to extreme or prolonged high blood sugar levels.
Acute diabetes complications that can be life-threatening include:
Blood glucose levels that remain high for too long can damage your bodys tissues and organs. This is mainly due to damage to your blood vessels and nerves, which support your bodys tissues.
Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues are the most common type of long-term diabetes complication. They include:
Other diabetes complications include:
Living with diabetes can also affect your mental health. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes.
Healthcare providers diagnose diabetes by checking your glucose level in a blood test. Three tests can measure your blood glucose level:
To screen for and diagnose gestational diabetes, providers order an oral glucose tolerance test.
The following test results typically indicate if you dont have diabetes, have prediabetes or have diabetes. These values may vary slightly. In addition, healthcare providers rely on more than one test to diagnose diabetes.
Diabetes is a complex condition, so its management involves several strategies. In addition, diabetes affects everyone differently, so management plans are highly individualized.
The four main aspects of managing diabetes include:
Due to the increased risk for heart disease, its also important to maintain a healthy:
You cant prevent autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes. But there are some steps you can take to lower your risk for developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, including:
Its important to note that there are some diabetes risk factors you cant change, such as your genetics/family history, age and race. Know that Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that involves many contributing factors.
The prognosis (outlook) for diabetes varies greatly depending on several factors, including:
Chronic high blood sugar can cause severe complications, which are usually irreversible. Several studies have shown that untreated chronic high blood sugar shortens your lifespan and worsens your quality of life.
In the United States, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death. A large number of people with diabetes will die from a heart attack or stroke.
However, its important to know that you can live a healthy life with diabetes. The following are key to a better prognosis:
Studies show that people with diabetes may be able to reduce their risk of complications by consistently keeping their A1c levels below 7%.
If you havent been diagnosed with diabetes, you should see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination.
If you have diabetes, you should see your provider who helps you manage diabetes (such as an endocrinologist) regularly.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event, but it doesnt mean you cant live a happy and healthy life. Managing diabetes involves consistent care and diligence. While itll likely be very overwhelming at first, over time youll get a better grasp on managing the condition and being in tune with your body.
Be sure to see your healthcare provider(s) regularly. Managing diabetes involves a team effort youll want medical professionals, friends and family on your side. Dont be afraid to reach out to them if you need help.
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Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
A number of healthtech startups claim they can reverse Type 2 diabetes. But caveats apply, caution doctors Economic Times
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A number of healthtech startups claim they can reverse Type 2 diabetes. But caveats apply, caution doctors - Economic Times
Tampa doctor who lost brother to diabetes calls insulin price cut a 'game changer' ABC Action News Tampa Bay
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Tampa doctor who lost brother to diabetes calls insulin price cut a 'game changer' - ABC Action News Tampa Bay
New study suggest people previously infected with COVID-19 could have increased risk for diabetes CBS Los Angeles
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New study suggest people previously infected with COVID-19 could have increased risk for diabetes - CBS Los Angeles
Understanding Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes can be a scary diagnosis, but like other forms of diabetes, its one that you can manage. It doesnt mean that you had diabetes before you conceived or that you will have diabetes after you give birth. It means that, by working with your doctor, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. No matter what, know that you have all the support you need for both you and your baby to be at your best.
We dont know what causes gestational diabetes, but we know that you are not alone. It happens to millions of women. We do know that the placenta supports the baby as it grows. Sometimes, these hormones also block the action of the mothers insulin to her body and it causes a problem called insulin resistance. This insulin resistance makes it hard for the mothers body to use insulin. And this means that she may need up to three times as much insulin to compensate.
The key to treating it is to act quicklyas treatable as it is, gestational diabetes can hurt you and your baby. Work with your doctor to keep your blood glucose levels normal, through special meal plans and regular physical activity. Your treatment may also include daily blood glucose testing and insulin injections.
Read More on Gestational Diabetes
In addition to type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, a small minority of people develop specific types of diabetes due to other causes. This includes:
Because these types of diabetes are rare, they are often misdiagnosed as other types of diabetes. You can learn more about these types of diabetes in the Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes section in the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. If you think you might have one of these types, be sure to talk with your doctor.
More on Diabetes from Other Causes
When it comes to prediabetes, there are no clear symptomsso you may have it and not know it. Heres why thats important: before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have prediabetesblood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. You may have some of the symptoms of diabetes or even some of the complications.
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Diabetes Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment | ADA
More than 11% of Americans have diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.
As a nutritionist who has been living with type 1 diabetes for more than 30 years, I've found that having diabetes doesn't mean you have to completely stop eating what you enjoy. Managing blood sugar is often more about making small food swaps, or adding, rather than eliminating, certain foods.
For example, you can still eat carbs, but you also need to add protein, a small amount of healthy fats and plenty of fiber. Protein, fat and fiber all moderate how quickly food is digested, which is helpful in balancing blood sugar levels.
Here are the foods I eat and the foods I try to cut back on to help manage my diabetes:
Turning vegetables into noodles using a spiralizer is a great way to increase your fiber and vitamin intake.
Floortje | Getty
Wheat-based pasta is mostly carbohydrates, and it can lead to a blood sugar spike if eaten in large portions on its own.
Instead, I'll opt for bean-based pasta or a vegetable pasta. Turning vegetables (e.g., carrots, zucchini and sweet potatoes) into noodles using a spiralizer is a great way to increase your fiber and vitamin intake.
If you do choose to eat traditional pasta, whether it's gluten-free or wheat-based, be sure to add lots of protein and fiber to your dish. I recommend poultry, fatty fish like salmon and beans, and vegetables like kale, peppers, onions and broccoli.
As a substitute for grain rice, try riced broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, chickpeas or cauliflower. These are fiber-rich and gentler on blood sugar.
Cavan Images | Getty
As a substitute for grain rice, try riced broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, chickpeas or cauliflower. These are fiber-rich and gentler on blood sugar.
Brown rice is a common substitute for white rice in diabetes diet plans, but the carbohydrate amounts in both are actually pretty similar. And the small amount of additional fiber you get from brown rice isn't typically enough to have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
So, just as with pasta, when you want to enjoy some rice, just be mindful of your portion size and pile on the protein, fat and fiber (e.g., from nuts, veggies, fish, or beans).
To make these chocolate chip almond butter breakfast bars, I use a combination of ground up oats (or oat flour) and almond flour. This combo creates a more blood sugar-friendly flour that also gives a great fluffy texture!
Mary Ellen Phillips
Instead of using traditional flour when baking or cooking, I'll opt for blood sugar-friendly flour made from almonds, coconuts or oats.
One of my favorite tricks is to use a blend of almond flour and oat flour. The resulting flour is lower in carbohydrates and higher in fiber and protein than wheat flour.
And it's equally tasty: This chocolate chip almond butter breakfast bars recipe is delicious!
Breakfast cereal can do a number on your blood sugar if you're not careful. Instead of choosing cereals with large amounts of added sugars, opt for brands that have more fiber and protein.
ATU Images | Getty
Breakfast cereals can do a number on your blood sugar if you're not careful. Instead of choosing cereals with large amounts of added sugars, choose brands that have more fiber and protein.
My recommendation for a high-fiber, low-sugar option: bran flakes. With about five grams of fiber per serving, this type of cereal contains 19 grams of net carbs per 3/4th cup serving, making it lower in carbohydrates than many breakfast cereals.
A bonus: The added fiber is beneficial to digestive health, heart health and weight management.
Berries are delicious and also low in sugar.
Viktoryia Vinnikava | Twenty20
Many people with diabetes are told they should avoid fruit. But there's often no reason to eliminate entire food groups, especially something as nutritious and tasty as fruit.
I always go for fruits low in sugar, such as berries, kiwi, melon and citrus. Watermelon is great, too, if consumed in moderation. One cup of diced watermelon has less than 10 grams of sugar.
If you want to eat fruits that are higher in sugar like bananas or mangos, enjoy them with a source of protein, like peanut butter, cheese or plain yogurt.
Mary Ellen Phipps is a registered dietitian, nutritionist and founder ofMilk and Honey Nutrition. She is also the author of "The Easy Diabetes Desserts Cookbook: Blood Sugar-Friendly Versions of Your Favorite Treats," and a writer forHealthDay. Follow her onTikTokandInstagram.
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Diabetes is characterized by insufficient production of insulin due to the loss or dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism shows that a protein called beta cell expansion factor A (BefA) secreted by gut bacteria could induce the replication of insulin-producing beta cells in neonatal mice.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying the actions of BefA protein could help develop therapies to stimulate beta cell proliferation in individuals with diabetes.
The study also provides a potential explanation of how the gut microbiome could play a role in the development of diabetes.
Study author Dr. Karen Guillemin, a professor at the University of Oregon in Eugene, told Medical News Today:
[Our findings imply] that the activities of gut bacteria in young animals including possibly humans can shape the development of the pancreas in early life. This is important because early life corresponding to about the first 2 years of life in a human is when insulin-producing beta cells are most proliferative, after which they become more quiescent. If this population of beta cells does not proliferate enough during early life, it means that the individual with a small beta cell pool is more vulnerable to developing type 1 diabetes if beta cells are depleted by autoimmune attack.
Dr. Martin Blaser, a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Rutgers University, NJ, commented that this study is exciting because it represents a novel way that we might be able to regrow beta cells in situations with injury like type 1 diabetes.
This is a great example of how basic research on the microbiome of zebrafish can lead to new approaches to treating important human diseases, he added.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes are unable to regulate blood sugar levels due to the loss of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The loss of beta cells in type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune response against these cells.
In contrast, in type 2 diabetes the body is initially able to produce insulin but the cells in the body do not respond to insulin. In response to the consequent increase in blood glucose levels, beta cells produce more insulin to compensate for the resistance of cells to the hormone. This leads to the exhaustion of beta cells and their dysfunction, resulting in lower insulin levels.
The replication rate of beta cells is high immediately after birth but rapidly declines thereafter. Thus, therapies that stimulate the replication or regeneration of beta cells in adults could help treat diabetes.
The studys authors had previously identified such a protein, called BefA, secreted by gut microbes that could stimulate the proliferation of beta cells in zebrafish.
Moreover, the authors had also identified a version of the BefA protein synthesized by gut bacteria in humans that could stimulate the proliferation of beta cells in zebrafish. In other words, the BefA proteins secreted by gut microbes in humans and zebrafish share a similar structure and function.
In the present study, the researchers further examined the mechanism through which BefA could facilitate the proliferation of pancreatic beta cells in young mice and zebrafish.
Previous studies have shown that the gut microbiome could potentially play a role in the development of diabetes. In their previous work, the study authors had shown that germ-free zebrafish larvae, which show a complete absence of gut microbes, show lower levels of pancreatic beta cell proliferation during development.
In addition, exposure to BefA prevented this decline in beta cell proliferation in germ-free zebrafish larvae.
In the current study, the researchers examined whether the BefA protein performed a similar function in mice. Specifically, they examined the impact of BefA in germ-free and specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice.
SPF mice are reared so that they are not exposed to disease-causing microorganisms that may interfere with the goals of the study.
Similar to germ-free zebrafish larvae, germ-free neonatal mice and SPF mice treated with antibodies at birth showed lower levels of beta cells than untreated SPF.
Notably, the BefA protein was able to rescue beta cell development in germ-free and antibody-treated SPF neonatal mice. Moreover, mice treated with BefA also showed lower blood glucose levels than untreated animals.
The researchers then examined whether the BefA protein could directly interact with beta cells to stimulate their expansion instead of exerting these effects by interacting with other tissues. They cultured pancreatic tissue dissected from germ-free zebrafish larvae and mice pups in the laboratory and exposed the cells to the BefA protein.
The researchers found that the BefA protein was able to directly interact with and stimulate the proliferation of pancreatic beta cells.
In subsequent studies using zebrafish larvae, the researchers examined how BefA protein synthesized by gut microbes could reach the beta cells in the pancreas. The BefA protein could be transmitted to the pancreas via the bloodstream or the hepatopancreatic duct, which connects the pancreas to the gut.
Using zebrafish models with a compromised hepatopancreatic duct or lacking blood vessels, the researchers found that pancreatic beta cell proliferation was reduced in both models.
These results show that BefA protein produced by intestinal microbiota could indeed travel from the intestine via the hepatopancreatic duct or blood vessels to reach the pancreas.
To better understand the function of the BefA protein, the researchers examined the structure of the protein. They found that BefA proteins derived from the bacterial species Klebsiella aerogenes in the human gut, and Aeromonas veronii in zebrafish showed considerable structural differences but shared an identical domain or region of the protein called SYLF.
The researchers found that the SYLF domain could rescue the loss of pancreatic beta cells in germ-free zebrafish larvae. These results suggest that this region could underlie the ability of the BefA protein to induce the proliferation of pancreatic cells.
Evidence from previous studies examining other proteins containing the SYLF domain from a wide range of organisms suggested that the ability of the BefA protein to stimulate beta cell proliferation may be mediated by its interaction with lipid membranes that surround cells.
Consistent with this, the researchers found that the BefA protein was able to permeabilize or disrupt synthetic membranes as well as membranes surrounding the cells of bacteria.
The secretion of BefA protein by certain gut bacteria could damage the cell membrane of other gut bacteria and confer a competitive advantage over these microbes. Moreover, this ability to disrupt cell membranes could also potentially explain the BefA proteins ability to enhance beta cell proliferation.
To test this hypothesis, the researchers exposed cultured pancreatic beta cells to a mutated form of BefA protein with a reduced ability to permeabilize membranes. The mutated BefA protein had a reduced ability to induce the proliferation of cultured pancreatic beta cells from neonatal mice.
These results suggest that the membrane permeabilizing activity of BefA was responsible for mediating its effects on beta cell proliferation. Proteins such as BefA may be secreted by gut microbes to gain a competitive advantage over other bacteria, but could also confer incidental benefits to the human host by facilitating normal pancreatic development.
However, Dr. Guillemin noted: We dont know yet whether BefA can stimulate proliferation of beta cells in older animals, in animals that have experienced beta cell autoimmune attack, or in people, but these are questions we are currently pursuing. We also dont know yet how membrane permeabilization stimulates beta cells to proliferate, but we are also pursuing this question.
In addition to the BefA protein synthesized by a subset of gut microbes, other proteins produced by human cells also possess membrane permeabilizing properties. This includes antimicrobial proteins that form pores in the membrane of bacterial cells and protect the body from harmful bacteria.
The researchers found that the Reg3 protein, a member of the antimicrobial protein family, was also able to increase the proliferation of mice and zebrafish pancreatic cells.
Proteins such as BefA that are produced during microbial competition are known to activate antimicrobial proteins. The study authors think that proteins secreted by gut microbes such as BefA and the antimicrobial proteins that are produced in response to these proteins could play an important role in the development of pancreatic beta cells.
These findings could facilitate the development of strategies for the prevention or treatment of diabetes. The diversification of the microbial communities in the gut occurs at the same time as the proliferation of beta cells after birth.
A lack of microbial diversity during early childhood, especially lower levels of microbes that secrete proteins such as BefA, could thus increase the risk of type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Guillemin explained:
There are several potential future therapeutic applications of our findings. One area is in prevention. It may be possible to perform microbiome profiling combined with other genetic and environmental data analysis to predict whether infants are at high risk for developing type 1 diabetes and if they may benefit from prophylactic administration of BefA-producing gut bacteria or BefA protein formulations to stimulate the development of their beta cell population in the first 2 years of life, which is when beta cells are most proliferative and when the lifelong pool of beta cells is established.
The second area is in the treatment of [type 1 diabetes], she added. It is possible that BefA will prove useful for stimulating the proliferation of beta cells in older individuals and in pancreases following the autoimmune destruction of beta cells, which is the process that causes [type 1 diabetes].
Even if BefA itself is not able to stimulate beta cell proliferation in these circumstances, our studies of the BefA mechanism may uncover new strategies to stimulate beta cell proliferation through membrane manipulations, said Dr. Guillemin.
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Diabetes and the gut: How a bacterial protein may impact insulin - Medical News Today
Newly Enhanced Danatech Website Includes CGM Insurance Lookup Tool
CHICAGO, Oct. 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- All healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes now have access to vital information about the latest diabetes technology in one place through the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists' (ADCES) newly revamped danatech website.
Launched in 2018, danatech has been updated and enhanced. ADCES now provides free danatech access to all healthcare professionals, from the nurse who is trying to determine if insurance will cover a prescription for a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to the provider who wants to compare the various insulin pumps to the radiologist who wants to know whether a patient should remove their device before having an MRI. Site visitors can also access training and education on the devices, including many for continuing education (CE/CME) credit. Many of these offerings are free.
"The number of people with diabetes is skyrocketing and there aren't nearly enough specialists to treat them all, healthcare professionals in multiple practice settings are caring for people with diabetes," said Leslie Kolb, DrPH, MBA. BSN, RN, chief science, practice and learning officer for ADCES. "But many are not familiar with the multitude of new technologies and devices available to those who need them the most. These technologies and devices generate the data that allows for effective care planning and danatech helps healthcare professionals get up to speed so they can collaborate with their patients most effectively to self-manage their diabetes."
The easy-to-navigate site includes information on apps and digital therapeutics designed to prevent, manage and/or treat diabetes and features:
"While some of these resources are available elsewhere, it's piecemeal, whereas danatech brings it all together," said Kolb. "For example, if a provider wants to compare insulin pumps to determine which would be best for a patient, they'd have to visit each of the manufacturer's websites individually. Now they don't."
Contact: Danielle McNary, 312-601-4805 [emailprotected]
SOURCE Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES)
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Providers Now Have Free Access to Latest Diabetes Technology in One Place - PR Newswire
MILTON When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, most children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes were unable to attend camps and other events geared toward their condition.
In order to make up for this, 19-year-old Adriana Richard of Milton along with 15-year-olds Natalie Brogan and Sophie Rinzler started T1D to the Third, which helps connect diabetic children and young adults through online events.
Richards was diagnosed with diabetes at age 5. Rinzler is from Chappaqua, N.Y., and was diagnosed with diabetes at age 4. Brogan is from Woodinville, Wash., and was diagnosed with diabetes in 2016.
T1D to the Third is a support group for type one diabetics around the world. Its goal is to provide a safe space for children and young adults with diabetes to interact.
Participants use Zoom calls to play games, host dance parties, do crafts and host "speed friending" events. The Zoom calls are monthly for three different age groups, 4 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 20. There's also a pen pal program where, individuals pair with others from across the United States to chad about diabetes.
"We're kind of like a support group online to just make sure people are staying connected," said Richard.
T1D to the Third started when the three met each other at the 2019 JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Children's Congress. During COVID, they started the support group to compensate for the closed diabetic camps.
"It was super important during COVID-19 because there wasn't anything else out there for them," said Richard. "But now I think it is even more important because the world is starting to open back up and this bringing us back together even if it's just one time a month to hang out with each other and it's also connecting diabetics all over the world who might not have gotten to meet otherwise."
In the future, T1D to the Third hopes to do an in-person meet up at some point. The group is also interested in doing something special for National Diabetes Month in November.
Richard attends Shippensburg University, where she is studying special education and early childhood education to become an elementary school teacher. Her work with diabetes includes helping Cedar Crest College of Nursing run a diabetes day camp, andtestifying before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Richard hopes to follow her father Joshua Richard footsteps. He passed away in 2019 at age 39, and was known and well-respected for his nonprofit Walk On Foundation, which provided more than $100,000 in support to individuals suffering from various medical conditions.
"I feel like I'm a miniature him, following in his footsteps and trying to help people," said Richard.
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Milton teen involved in launch of diabetes support program - Milton Daily Standard
Investigators found that lifestyle changes such as a high-quality diet and regular exercise can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus, modifying 5 different lifestyle risk factors was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to the results of a study published in The BMJ.
Investigators found that these results were seen even among individuals who were overweight, had obesity, or who have a greater genetic susceptibility.
Investigators included 4275 individuals with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and respectively measured weight and lifestyle factors between 1991 and 2009. The data were self-reported, and the individuals were clinically diagnosed with T2D.
The 5 modifiable risk factors included not being overweight or having obesity with a body mass index of less than 25; a high-quality diet, which was calculated in the top two-fifths of the modified Alternate Healthy Eating Index; regular exercise of 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity or 75 minutes or more of vigorous intensity; moderate alcohol consumption, which was defined as 5 to 14.9 g/day; and currently not smoking.
After a median follow-up of 27.9 years, 924 of the 4275 women developed T2D. Individuals who had optimal levels of 5 factors had more than a 90% lower risk of developing T2D compared to individuals who did not have any optimal levels for of the risk factors for the disorder.
The hazard ratios of T2D for those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 modifiable factors compared with 0 were 0.94, 0.61, 0.32, 0.15, and 0.08, respectively.
Among individuals with a body mass index of 25 or greater, the hazard ratio for achieving optimal levels of all other 4 risk factors was 0.40. Additionally, for women with higher genetic susceptibility, the hazard ratio of developing T2D for having 4 factors was 0.11, whereas in the group with all 5 factors there were no T2D events observed.
The genetic susceptibility for T2D was assessed by a genetic risk score based on 59 single nucleotide polymorphisms that were associated with T2D.
At baseline, investigators said that women who had optimal levels of 4 or more modifiable factors were more likely to be older at their first birth, have longer breastfeeding duration, were pre-menopausal, and were less likely to have a family history of diabetes.
Investigators said that limitations of the study included the self-reported modified risk factors as well as self-reported weight and lifestyle habits. They also said that the population consisted of mainly health care professionals of European ancestry, which could limit the application of these findings across other racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
They also noted that women who were aware of their risk for T2D and modified their risk factors may have also been more likely to get screened for T2D, therefore, the results could have underestimated the benefit associated with the modifiable factors in the study.
Reference
Yang J, Qian F, Chavarro J E, Ley S H, Tobias D K, Yeung E et al. Modifiable risk factors and long term risk of type 2 diabetes among individuals with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2022;378 :e070312 doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-070312
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5 Modifiable Factors in Women with History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus That Can Reduce the Risk of T2D - Pharmacy Times
We are often asked to not skip meals; ever wondered why? It has been said that skipping meals can alter our blood sugar levels and make us put on weight as opposed to doing the opposite.
So, if you are an otherwise-healthy person who is looking to lose weight, do not fall for fads that suggest you avoid eating food. Why is it so?
Explaining the connection between weight, blood sugar, and meals, nutritionist Nmami Agarwal explained in an Instagram post that eating irregular meals can affect our health. The body gets surprised by too much food or no food at all, she said in a video, adding that when we skip meals, our blood sugar levels drop, which makes us overeat during our next meal.
This further makes our blood sugar levels rise quickly. There is a fluctuation highs and lows in your blood sugar levels [which can] put the body at risk of getting diabetes. And when you skip your meals and you overeat at the next meal, the excess calorie is converted into fat and stored, she warned.
According to Agarwal, this can make you gain weight. Now, the ideal thing that you can do for your body is to not skip meals and eat at a regular interval, she said.
Concurring with her, nutritionist and chef Ishti Saluja told indianexpress.com that when people focus on weight loss, they often skip meals. Yes, a calorie deficit does lead to weight loss, but it also leads to nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss and worst of all, hormonal imbalance, she said, adding that the body perceives the lack of food as a sign of stress and so, it releases stored energy to go on with the day.
But, that energy does not match up to the physical activity that is required to use that released energy, so it gets stored back as fat along with the added food that has been consumed throughout the day. This back and forth of energy going up and down due to stress and skipping meals leads to insulin resistance, among other hormonal imbalances. It causes stubborn weight around the abdomen and lower abdomen area, energy fluctuation and mood swings, she explained.
Saluja said cortisol a stress hormone dysregulation is another common side effect. Ideally, it should be at its highest level when you wake up in the morning, and should gradually go down by the time you hit the bed. But, when a person has imbalanced cortisol levels, these timings go haywire and it leads to people waking up groggy; they have a burst of energy in the evenings, making them struggle to fall asleep.
Dr Varsha Gorey, senior clinical dietitian, HOD, dietetics department at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai summarised this by stating that when we starve or fast, we feel low on energy. Having a long gap [between meals] can cause an energy deficit, fatigue and dehydration. When we skip a meal and then eat, we tend to either eat too much, or the wrong kind of food, or the carbohydrate content is very high, which can lead to a sudden rise in the blood glucose level. This can make us feel lethargic. Occasionally, it is fine, but if it becomes a habit, it will impact your weight.
The importance of healthy nutrition
Dr Gorey told this outlet that we should have small and frequent meals at least four meals which are breakfast, lunch and dinner, and two mid-morning and mid-evening snacks (like fruits and nuts). Whenever you have a meal, focus on the proteins first, followed by fibre, and then carbohydrates. If we follow this pattern, it can help us control our blood sugar, weight and prevent and manage diabetes, she concluded.
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Can skipping a meal lead to diabetes and fat around abdomen? - The Indian Express
Key Ingredients: A Story of Diabetes and Determination
BCMH Patient Story: Chantelle Mumma
Chantelle Mumma made a goal for herself when she learned she had Type 2 diabetes in August of 2021: to keep her blood glucose levels (or sugars) in check. She has achieved that goal, and as an added benefit, she has lost weight and gained more energy and self-confidence. It wasnt easy, but with her family history, she was highly motivated to get control of the disease.
Chantelle sought the help of her health care team at High Street Family Care Clinic right away. With the help of her nurse practitioner, Lori King, and other BCMH services and providers, Chantelle felt she was given the key ingredients that put her on a path to better health.
Nutrition Counseling
In the early days of any diagnosis, its normal to feel overwhelmed, and with diabetes in particular, there is a lot of information to digest. One of Chantelles first steps, on Lori Kings recommendation, was to get nutrition counseling, which she was able to schedule at BCMH with Jennifer Lindquist, RDN/LDN. Even with just one consultation, Chantelle felt she learned so much. One tip in particular laid the groundwork for her: count the carbs and the calories will fall into place.
I went in thinking; I dont know how Im going to do this. And when I left, I was like wait a minute, I think I can do this, Chantelle said.
I think prior to coming to see me, theres a lot of fear about being put on a restrictive diet, said Jennifer. Im always upfront that were going to take a non-diet approach to this, they just need to look at food differently. The real hero in this is Chantelle. I provided the tools, and she figured out how to make it sustainable for her lifestyle, and thats the key.
Free Foods
One of these tools was a list of free foods that sparked an aha moment for Chantelle. Jennifer told her all foods are okay in moderation, but free foods have very low/no carbs or calories, which allows you to eat enough to feel full.
The fun part is creating new recipes by using my free foods, Chantelle said. It became a challenge to see what I could cook and how low-carb I could get it.
Cauliflower became a favorite free food, as it readily picks up flavors in a recipe. One winning combination was a potato salad using cooked cauliflower instead of potatoes. This recipe, among many others, has been a hit with friends and family.
Making it All Work Together
Chantelles focus was to follow her providers and dietitians guidelines, including testing her blood glucose levels twice a day, every day, and staying within recommended carb counts per meal. Within three months of keeping her sugars in check, Chantelle realized she was losing weight and had more energy. When she started walking, she noticed that exercise helped decrease her sugar levels, compared to days she didnt exercise but ate the same foods.
I wasnt focused on weight loss, but its been a silver lining for keeping my sugars where they need to be, she said. When you see it all work together, its easier to stay motivated.
Motivation
Chantelles dedication to improving her health has been notable.
Chantelle was determined right from the beginning and I was so proud of her for what she has accomplished, said Lori King. As a provider I know it takes discipline, drive, and perseverance to accomplish the goals Chantelle has obtained, and I am so proud of her for taking such great care of her health.
Chantelle says her motivation has little to do with willpower. She points to the death of her mother, who passed away in 2020 due to complications of diabetes.
If I hadnt watched my mom struggle so much, I dont know if I would have been as motivated, she said. Its that nagging picture of what my mom went through amputations, dialysis, a triple bypass and I just dont feel like I have a choice. Its either do this, or end up like my mother did. If giving up something now means Im going to give up dialysis later, then its worth it.
Its not easy, but its doable, Chantelle added. I have had the best support system, and that makes a difference, too.
BCMH offers outpatient services for people living with diabetes, including nutrition counseling, free nutrition classes every first and third Tuesday of the month, and endocrinology specialty clinics. Learn more at http://www.bcmhospital.com.
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BCMH the stoy of Diabetes and Determination - 921News