There has been preliminary evidence that the seasonal variation of Vitamin D may affect the outcome of certain cancers, including Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The British Journal of Cancer published a study this fall that looked at the outcome of people diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in relation to the season at initial diagnosis. The study was designed as a retrospective look at all cases of Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Norway from 1964 to 2000. Each case was analyzed by season of diagnosis and overall outcome of the cancer.
They found that season has a strong affect on the prognostic outcome of patients with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Patients who were diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in autumn had a 20% lower fatality rate compared to those who were diagnosed in the winter. This rate decreased to 60% less fatality if those diagnosed in autumn were less than 30 years of age.
This retrospective study gives some insight to the role that Vitamin D plays in cancer outcome as well as how the season can particularly affect prognosis of cancer diagnosis. This information in preliminary and cannot be generally applied to all cancer types. Further studies are needed to determine the effect, if any season plays in cancer prognosis. As well it cannot be completely determined that the effects were due to Vitamin D, more studies are needed to fully answer this question as well.
]]>Tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been shown to reduce stress as well as improve strength, flexibility and balance. Now research reports that tai chi may help improve type 2 diabetes symptoms. Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes due to high blood sugar levels. The study suggests that tai chi improved blood glucose metabolism, the inflammatory response and immunity in diabetic patients.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, examined the effects of tai chi on patients with type 2 diabetes. Researchers at Chang Gung University in Taiwan, administered tai chi to 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy participants (control) for 12 weeks. Immune response and blood glucose levels were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that the tai chi group had significantly lower blood sugar and HbA1c glycated haemoglobin (blood glucose concentration marker) levels. Furthermore, interleukin-12 (boosts immunity) levels were doubled while interleukin-4 (suppresses immunity) were lowered. There was also a significant increase in T cell (immune white blood cell) activity.
"A 12-week TCC [tai chi chuan] exercise programme decreases HbA1c levels along with an increase in the Th1 reaction," the study authors write. "A combination of TCC with medication may provide an even better improvement in both metabolism and immunity of patients with type 2 DM [diabetes mellitus]."
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An effective way to support healthy blood sugar levels is to eat healthy, exercise, and supplement with natural nutrients.
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Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach and bypasses a portion of the small intestine. This limits food intake and reduces digestion and calorie absorption. Although the surgery is used for treatment of extremely obese people, it may also treat Type 2 diabetes. Now research reports that bariatric surgery significantly reduced medication in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Healthcare costs were also reduced.
The study, published in Archives of Surgery, examined the health care costs and diabetes drug use in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, analyzed data of 2235 Type 2 diabetics undergoing bariatric surgery as part of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Obesity Care Collaborative from January 2002 through December 2005. The participants healthcare administrative claims were obtained.
The researchers found that 75%, 81% and 85% of patients eliminated diabetes medications after surgery 6 months, 1 year and 2 years respectively. Furthermore, annual healthcare costs increased 10% in the first year, but then declined 34% and 71% during the second and third years.
"Bariatric surgery is associated with reductions in the use of medication and in overall health care costs in patients with type 2 diabetes," the study authors write. "Health insurance should cover bariatric surgery because of its health and cost benefits."
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Previous studies suggest that meditation can decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Now research reports that mindfulness meditation may benefit diabetics. Mindfulness is a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and actions in the present moment. Researchers believe that chronic stress and anxiety stimulates stress hormones release, making blood sugar more difficult to control.
The pilot study, presented at the 2010 American Diabetes Association Conference, investigated mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in diabetics. The participants practiced self-calming skills and seven mindfulness attitudes including non-judgment, patience, beginner's mind, trust, non-striving, acceptance and let go.
The researchers found that MBSR practice lowered the participants' blood pressure levels and reduced stress and anxiety.
"There is little research on this process when it comes to this treatment of diabetes," says researcher Joseph B. Nelson, MA, LP, CST, in a news report. "Mindfulness is not meditation; it's a way to live."
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A panel of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisers recommend the controversial diabetes drug Avandia be allowed to stay on the market. However, the panel advise additional warnings of heart risks and restrictions on use. The FDA usually follows recommendations from its advisory committee and will make the final decision soon.
The adviser's recommendation followed their two day review of conflicting data and controversial evidence on Avandia's risks. In 2007, an FDA panel convened about the drug recommending that warnings be placed on the drug. They concluded that some research linked Avandia to a higher risk of heart attacks and heart failure.
British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturer of Avandia, is being sued by thousands of patients claiming Avandia caused their heart attack or strokes. Glaxo recently agreed to pay millions to settle Avandia lawsuits. The FDA has required Glaxo to conduct a study on the drug's safety, although results will not be available for years.
Some members of Congress have criticized the FDA for not withdrawing the drug. "The result of the advisory committee vote gravely disappointing and raises serious questions as to whether the science was presented in an unbiased manner," says Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., in a news release.
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Sarcopenia is muscle loss often found in obese or older adults. Now research reports that low muscle mass is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that sarcopenia may have negative effects on glucose (sugar) metabolism and increases insulin resistance. They conclude that good muscle mass and healthy diet are important components to prevent diabetes.
The study, published in PLoS ONE, investigated whether sarcopenia is associated with diabetes risk in obese and non-obese adults. Researchers at UCLA analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III including 14,528 participants. Muscle mass bioelectrical impedance measurement, BMI (body mass index) and blood samples were obtained from the participants.
The researchers found that sarcopenia was linked with insulin resistance in obese and non-obese participants. However, sarcopenia was associated with high blood sugar in obese subjects but not non-obese subjects. Furthermore, this association was stronger in participants younger than 60 years old.
"Sarcopenia, independent of obesity, is associated with adverse glucose metabolism, and the association is strongest in individuals under 60 years of age, which suggests that low muscle mass may be an early predictor of diabetes susceptibility," the study authors write. "Given the increasing prevalence of obesity, further research is urgently needed to develop interventions to prevent sarcopenic obesity and its metabolic consequences."
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An effective way to support healthy blood sugar levels is to eat healthy, exercise, and supplement with natural nutrients.
Progressive Health's Glucose M2 is a natural blood sugar management supplement designed to enhance carbohydrate metabolism and maintain blood glucose levels. Glucose M2 contains researched ingredients like alpha lipoic acid, bitter melon, gymnema sylvestris, vanadium, chromium, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
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Although many authorities have suggested high intake of refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of insulin resistance leading to type 2 diabetes, the scientific evidence has been sparse. So researchers examined nearly one hundred years of dietary data, and conducted a multivariate analysis of the correlation between changes in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and changes in dietary patterns in the United States. Their findings showed that, as expected, increased consumption of corn syrup sweetener and decreased intake of fiber were strongly associated with the increasing trend of prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) represented more than 56% of the US sweetener market in 2002. Prior research has linked beverages sweetened with HFCS consumption to the obesity epdiemic, as well. The authors suggest, "the risk of type 2 diabetes may be reduced by replacing refined carbohydrates with low-GI carbohydrate sources and whole-grain, high-fiber products."
]]>Most people associate vitamin D with bone strength and osteoporosis, but the effects of vitamin D are far reaching. Most tissues in the body contain vitamin D receptors and the enzyme required to convert preformed vitamin D to its active form, signifying the importance of vitamin D throughout the body. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to high blood pressure and certain cancers. Vitamin D also protects against muscle weakness.
One hundred twenty six healthy subjects with normal glucose tolerance were enrolled in this study to assess insulin sensitivity and B-cell (pancreatic cells that produce insulin) function in relation to plasma levels of vitamin D. The results showed that patients with deficient levels of vitamin D (<20ng/mL) had impaired insulin sensitivity and poor B-cell function, leading researchers to conclude vitamin D deficiency predisposes to metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.
The current US recommendation for vitamin D intake to prevent deficiency related to bone density is 200 IU per day for children and younger adults, 400 IU/d for people aged 51-70 and 600/d for those over 70. However, previous work has suggested raising the level to 1000 IU per day for disease prevention. Because the amount of Vitamin D synthesized in the body will vary depending on factors that affect UVB light exposure, supplementation is an inexpensive and a convenient way to achieve optimal levels of vitamin D.
]]>Whey protein is derived from milk and is basically the protein portion. Previous studies have demonstrated some confusing data on the effect of milk and glucose metabolism. Research has shown that overweight individuals with a high intake of dairy products have a reduced risk of developing insulin resistance diseases like type 2 diabetes. However, the state of increased insulin (hyperinsulinemia), which is one of the effects of milk, can also decrease insulin sensitivity which is the essential problem in type 2 diabetes.
The present study set out to determine what effect whey protein had in patients with type 2 diabetes. Fourteen patients with type 2 diabetes were given a high glycemic index breakfast (white bread) and lunch (mashed potatoes and meatballs) with 27.6g of a whey supplement one day, and a lean ham and lactose supplement on another day. The results showed that the glucose level after lunch (postprandial glucose) was significantly reduced when whey was consumed with the meal, while insulin levels were higher following both meals when whey was supplemented.
The authors conclude that whey lowers postprandial glucose in type 2 diabetics through its ability to increase insulin secretion, which according to more recent proposals may be more important than just lowering fasting blood glucose. The target of most drugs for diabetes is fasting glucose. However, research shows that the measure of long-term glucose status and damage to proteins, Hb A1C, is more closely linked to postprandial glucose. It appears whey supplementation may be a wise choice for diabetics, especially because of its safety, as opposed to pharmaceuticals.
]]>The study, presented at the Keystone Symposium on Diabetes in Canada, examined the therapeutic effects of probiotic strain Bifidoacterium lactis (B420) on glucose and insulin metabolism in diabetic mice. Researchers at the National Institute of Health & Medical Research (INSERM) in France and the Danisco Health & Nutrition Research Centre in Finland administered a high fat diet with probiotic strain B420 to diabetic mice.
The researchers found that the diabetic mice's blood glucose levels were lowered to tthat of the control mice on a normal diet. Insulin secretion on glucose challenge was improved, suggesting an improved glucose metabolism. Findings also revealed that B420 reduced inflammation and improved insulin metabolism.
"The new screening tests have revealed that Bifidobacterium lactis B420, in comparison with other probiotic strains, has the potential to reduce the adverse effects associated with high-fat diets and alleviate metabolic diseases," states researcher Dr. Sampo Lahtinen, senior scientist at Danisco Health and Nutrition Research Centre in Findland, in a press release.
Glucose M2 Supports Healthy Blood Sugar
An effective way to support healthy blood sugar levels is to eat healthy, exercise, and supplement with natural nutrients.
Progressive Health's Glucose M2 is a natural blood sugar management supplement designed to enhance carbohydrate metabolism and maintain blood glucose levels. Glucose M2 contains researched ingredients like alpha lipoic acid, bitter melon, gymnema sylvestris, vanadium, chromium, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
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Diabetes is a growing epidemic in the western world. Complications of this debilitating disease range from a difficulty in healing wounds to cardiovascular disease and death. The cost to society in terms of productivity and health care costs is enormous. Coffee consumption appears to be a simple adjunct to dietary measures, exercise and appropriate supplementation for the prevention of type II diabetes in patients for whom coffee is not contraindicated (such as certain heart conditions). However, at this point it cannot yet be recommended as a public health measure until more definitive research is carried out.
]]>Bilberries (a fruit related to blueberries) are rich in flavonoid antioxidants including anthocyanins and flavonols. Previous studies suggest that these flavonoids may promote vision and brain health. Now research reports that bilberries can lower blood glucose (sugar) levels and diabetes risk.
The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, examined the therapeutic effects of bilberries on glucose and fat metabolism in diabetic mice. Researchers at Chubu University in Japan administered a diet with or without bilberry extract to mice genetically predisposed for diabetes, for 5 weeks.
The researchers found that the bilberry group had lower blood glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity. Findings also revealed that bilberry consumption was associated with the activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). AMPK plays an important role in glucose and fat metabolism.
"These findings provide a biochemical basis for the use of bilberry fruits and have important implications for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes via activation of AMPK", the study authors conclude.
Support Healthy Blood Sugar with Glucose M2
An effective way to support healthy blood sugar levels is to eat healthy, exercise, and supplement with natural nutrients.
Progressive Health's Glucose M2 is a natural blood sugar management supplement designed to enhance carbohydrate metabolism and maintain blood glucose levels. Glucose M2 contains researched ingredients like alpha lipoic acid, bitter melon, gymnema sylvestris, vanadium, chromium, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
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A study published in the July issue of Cornea investigated the effects of strict glycemic control on refractive eye changes in diabetics. The study enrolled 18 patients with consistent blood sugars above 300. Participants were given dietary guidelines and glycemic control means to maintain blood sugars below 200.
The researchers measured auto refraction, corneal topography, corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, and vision at baseline and post treatment.
They found that improved glycemic control resulted in positive changes to the auto refraction sign. Researchers also found that 9 of 18 patents became far sighted, 2 nearsighted and 7 had no change in vision. Corneal topography was positively affected. There were no changes in anterior chamber depth or corneal thickness.
This study shows positive proof that slight changes in blood sugar regulation can have positive effects on visual performance in patients with chronic hyperglycemia. Aside from diabetes affecting daily activities, decreased visual function can severely impact the quality of life of diabetic patients. Improvement of blood sugar levels from severe hyperglycemic can yield positive effects for eyes as well as other organs in the body and should always be considered the priority of treatment.
]]>At the end of the study, the researchers found that dark chocolate supplementation was associated with significantly improved insulin resistance and decreased blood pressure, while white chocolate had no effect. Findings revealed that dark chocolate significantly decreased HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance, and increased QUICKI and the ISI, both indexes of insulin sensitivity. "In conclusion, the current study showed that polyphenol-rich dark chocolate but not white chocolate (which contains cocoa butter) decreases blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity in healthy persons," the study authors write. "These findings indicate that dark chocolate may exert a protective action on the vascular endothelium also by improving insulin sensitivity."
Probiotics such as acidophilus and bacillus are beneficial bacteria found in the gut (intestines). Probiotics are known to help support GI (gastrointestinal) health and immunity. Now for the first time research reports that gut bacteria of diabetics differs from non-diabetics. This discovery may provide new therapies for modifying gut bacteria with probiotics to help manage diabetes.
The study, published in PLoS One, examined the differences between gut bacterial microflora in diabetic and non-diabetic people. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark evaluated 36 men with different ages and BMIs (body mass indices). Half of the men were type-2 diabetics. Fecal samples were obtained from the participants. The researchers analyzed the fecal bacterial composition of the samples.
The researchers found that type-2 diabetes is linked with compositional differences in gut bacteria. The diabetic group had reduced proportions of Firmicutes and Clostridia bacteria, compared with non-diabetics. In addition, the ratios of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes were positively correlated with reduced glucose tolerance.
"The results of this study indicate that type 2 diabetes in humans is associated with compositional changes in intestinal microbiota," the study authors conclude. "The level of glucose tolerance should be considered when linking microbiota with metabolic diseases such as obesity and developing strategies to control metabolic diseases by modifying the gut microbiota."
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