The report I gathered last year from two CDC studies indicated that the diabetics are monitoring their blood glucose better so there are now fewer reports of the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. In fact, the occurrence of cardiovascular disease is down by 11 % from 1997- 2005.
The authors noted that the decrease may be due to lower risk factors of high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking and better use of preventive treatment like taking a daily low dose of aspirin. Whatever is the reason, it is still a high note.
Among the blacks, the decrease is more than 25% between 1997 and 2005. It is kind of a surprise because this group is likely to have higher diabetes rates than the whites and Hispanics which are the other two ethnic groups included in this study.
Cardiovascular disease is the chief cause of death among the Americans and in 65% of deaths among the diabetics. That is why this is a very encouraging report as this will help beat diabetes. And with the stem cells
research on President Obama's agenda, we can't help but be optimistic.
The second report also makes me happy for there is a significant increase among the diabetics who monitor their blood sugar level at least once a day. The rate increased by more than 22% between 1997 and 2006. This exceeded the goal of the national health of 61% by 2010.
This is great news for this is the key to managing the disease to prevent complications like amputation, heart disease and retinopathy that could lead to blindness. As long as we continue maintaining the blood glucose level to as close to normal as possible, then we will be in for more good news.
I am glad that people are taking advantage of the help they are getting but continued education and self-monitoring are keys to preventing and managing diabetes. So let us continue our effort and spread the word around. Help others take the steps to manage the diabetes so they can prevent the complications.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Awareness to Growing Diabetes Crisis
The American Diabetes Association says one in four Americans has diabetes or is likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This is the fastest growing health crisis for nearly 75 million Americans have the condition or are likely to develop diabetes.
When ADA’s American Diabetes Month was celebrated last November, they focused on the fact that the trend for the occurrence of diabetes was on the rise. How did they do this? They highlighted the “Many Faces of Diabetes” each week.
Week 1 was devoted to the caretakers as these are faced with challenges. The employees was the focus of Week 2 where healthy lifestyles were promoted in the workplace. This will help prevent type 2 diabetes and the complications that may come along and at the same time save money for the employers.
Week 3 focused on diabetes around the world. There are over 246 million people with diabetes around the world and this figure is likely to go up to 380 million in 2020 so ADA proudly supports World Diabetes Day on November 14 as well as the United Nations Resolution urging supporters to fight diabetes.
They did this by letting people know the diabetes facts. They are doing this on a regular basis. In fact, as I write this, I am getting emails from them to write to representatives and others in order to promote any cause for diabetes. And I comply because I know how important it is.
The populations that are at risk was the focus of Week 4 for if the trend continues one of two minorities born in 2000 will get diabetes during their lifetime. Week 5 focused on the youth and type 1 diabetes. These are the ones who need the most pressing care. ADA will supply the resources to these and their families.
I am glad they are doing this because diabetes is now the fifth cause of death through disease. At present, there is no cure although there are all kinds of research studies going on. At least we can still prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications through lifestyle changes. And of course there is insulin. So let’s roll up our sleeves, lose weight by eating right and moving more.
When ADA’s American Diabetes Month was celebrated last November, they focused on the fact that the trend for the occurrence of diabetes was on the rise. How did they do this? They highlighted the “Many Faces of Diabetes” each week.
Week 1 was devoted to the caretakers as these are faced with challenges. The employees was the focus of Week 2 where healthy lifestyles were promoted in the workplace. This will help prevent type 2 diabetes and the complications that may come along and at the same time save money for the employers.
Week 3 focused on diabetes around the world. There are over 246 million people with diabetes around the world and this figure is likely to go up to 380 million in 2020 so ADA proudly supports World Diabetes Day on November 14 as well as the United Nations Resolution urging supporters to fight diabetes.
They did this by letting people know the diabetes facts. They are doing this on a regular basis. In fact, as I write this, I am getting emails from them to write to representatives and others in order to promote any cause for diabetes. And I comply because I know how important it is.
The populations that are at risk was the focus of Week 4 for if the trend continues one of two minorities born in 2000 will get diabetes during their lifetime. Week 5 focused on the youth and type 1 diabetes. These are the ones who need the most pressing care. ADA will supply the resources to these and their families.
I am glad they are doing this because diabetes is now the fifth cause of death through disease. At present, there is no cure although there are all kinds of research studies going on. At least we can still prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications through lifestyle changes. And of course there is insulin. So let’s roll up our sleeves, lose weight by eating right and moving more.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
National Institute of Health Awards Grant to Improve Research Competitiveness
The National Institute of Health awarded $33 million grant to three states. The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Research Resources announced the almost $33 million dollars for three new Institutional Development Awards (IDeA). The multidisciplinary centers will receive support to reinforce institutional biomedical research and improve research infrastructure.
This will also improve the competitiveness of researchers in states that have not received major NIH research funding. The new centers are being established at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Rhode Island Hospital and University of Kansas Medical Center.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will study diabetes among the Native American populations. As we know over the past fifty years studies have revealed that Native Americans are at high risk to develop diabetes. There are differences among the different regions part of which is due to diabetes risk factors like physical activity, diet and obesity.
Rhode Island Hospital will research cartilage, repair mechanisms and health of the joints while the University of Kansas Medical Center will study molecular regulation. Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. who is the director of NIH said that to improve the country’s health, it is good to bridge the gap of research funding.
This way too the partnership with the community is strengthened. Multidisciplinary approach is the way to go to lessen health inequality and help prevent disease. This is good as usually only the big centers get the grant. I can't wait to read the report on the results of this grant.
A main investigator with well-known qualifications pertinent to the research topic is assigned to each award. In addition there will be three to five individual projects around the topic. This will be supervised by a junior researcher. This mentoring plan will get the researchers prepared to receive funding.
Barbara M. Alving, M.D., who is the director of the NCRR said there is a need to put down the foundation to partner with the community and utilize the undergraduate level to effect change. This way, homegrown researchers will be produced who will be the future leaders in securing federal funding. That is why this was initiated by The National Institute of Health.
This will also improve the competitiveness of researchers in states that have not received major NIH research funding. The new centers are being established at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Rhode Island Hospital and University of Kansas Medical Center.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center will study diabetes among the Native American populations. As we know over the past fifty years studies have revealed that Native Americans are at high risk to develop diabetes. There are differences among the different regions part of which is due to diabetes risk factors like physical activity, diet and obesity.
Rhode Island Hospital will research cartilage, repair mechanisms and health of the joints while the University of Kansas Medical Center will study molecular regulation. Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D. who is the director of NIH said that to improve the country’s health, it is good to bridge the gap of research funding.
This way too the partnership with the community is strengthened. Multidisciplinary approach is the way to go to lessen health inequality and help prevent disease. This is good as usually only the big centers get the grant. I can't wait to read the report on the results of this grant.
A main investigator with well-known qualifications pertinent to the research topic is assigned to each award. In addition there will be three to five individual projects around the topic. This will be supervised by a junior researcher. This mentoring plan will get the researchers prepared to receive funding.
Barbara M. Alving, M.D., who is the director of the NCRR said there is a need to put down the foundation to partner with the community and utilize the undergraduate level to effect change. This way, homegrown researchers will be produced who will be the future leaders in securing federal funding. That is why this was initiated by The National Institute of Health.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Obesity and Diabetes? Prevent Onset By Blocking Fat Deposits in Tissues
Obesity and diabetes were the focus of the pathologists from the University of Cincinnati. They have recognized a new molecular target that may help researchers develop drugs to decrease fat transport to fat cells. This will prevent these evil twins from developing. This, I've got to know!
The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports the findings about a specific cell receptor that will supply significant clues regarding the mechanisms that regulate the transport of fat in the body. Wouldn't everyone like to know this to avoid both obesity and diabetes?
David Hui, PhD, et al showed that "knocking out" the LRP1 in the fat cells of mice that were genetically altered directly influenced the number of fats and fat-like substances transported to the fat cells. The mice put on less weight, piled up less fat, showed better glucose tolerance and had more energy than the control group because of improved muscle activity.
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Hui said that the results of the study showed the impact of the molecule to the rate of transport of fat. As the corresponding author of this research, Hui said that further study could target new drugs that could control getting fat and developing the condition that is linked to it. Oh, no, drugs again!
Two independent groups of LPR1-knockout mice were used for this study. Hui et al studied one group while the other group was monitored by Joachin Herz, PhD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Herz is the co-author of this research that may add knowledge on how to prevent diabetes. .
Researchers found out that if the LRP1 receptor was active, more fat was absorbed and this made the body increase storage of fat. Both groups of mice were fed the same low-fat diet, yet one group stored more fat. Which one stored less fat? The LRP1 knockout mice stored less fat and therefore gained less weight than their counterpart.
The above discovery made the researchers conclude that LRP1 is a significant regulator of lipid absorption in fat cells. Pathology research instructor at UC, Susanna Hofmann said that a functional disturbance led to fewer fat absorption into the cells. This prevented the onset of obesity and diabetes.
Hui added that perhaps the smaller fat stores in the genetically altered mice that provide heat, made the mice increase their muscular activity to raise body temperature. This may have led to lack of weight gain. Naturally when intake is more than the energy expenditure, extra calories are stored as fat and this makes people gain weight. Dietary factors like eating triglyceride-rich foods such as fried foods can lead to obesity and diabetes .
The Journal of Clinical Investigation reports the findings about a specific cell receptor that will supply significant clues regarding the mechanisms that regulate the transport of fat in the body. Wouldn't everyone like to know this to avoid both obesity and diabetes?
David Hui, PhD, et al showed that "knocking out" the LRP1 in the fat cells of mice that were genetically altered directly influenced the number of fats and fat-like substances transported to the fat cells. The mice put on less weight, piled up less fat, showed better glucose tolerance and had more energy than the control group because of improved muscle activity.
Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Hui said that the results of the study showed the impact of the molecule to the rate of transport of fat. As the corresponding author of this research, Hui said that further study could target new drugs that could control getting fat and developing the condition that is linked to it. Oh, no, drugs again!
Two independent groups of LPR1-knockout mice were used for this study. Hui et al studied one group while the other group was monitored by Joachin Herz, PhD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Herz is the co-author of this research that may add knowledge on how to prevent diabetes. .
Researchers found out that if the LRP1 receptor was active, more fat was absorbed and this made the body increase storage of fat. Both groups of mice were fed the same low-fat diet, yet one group stored more fat. Which one stored less fat? The LRP1 knockout mice stored less fat and therefore gained less weight than their counterpart.
The above discovery made the researchers conclude that LRP1 is a significant regulator of lipid absorption in fat cells. Pathology research instructor at UC, Susanna Hofmann said that a functional disturbance led to fewer fat absorption into the cells. This prevented the onset of obesity and diabetes.
Hui added that perhaps the smaller fat stores in the genetically altered mice that provide heat, made the mice increase their muscular activity to raise body temperature. This may have led to lack of weight gain. Naturally when intake is more than the energy expenditure, extra calories are stored as fat and this makes people gain weight. Dietary factors like eating triglyceride-rich foods such as fried foods can lead to obesity and diabetes .
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Growth Hormone Helps Heal Diabetes Wound
One complication of diabetes is slow healing process in the wounds so a research group led by Doctor Juan Manuel Bellon and Doctor Julia Bujan worked to develop a model that releases growth hormone directly over the wound. They did this in a controlled and gradual way. What did they find? They found the healing process improves.
This type of therapy was successfully tested with the use of diabetic lab rats. They published their findings in the Journal of Biomedical Materials. They found that applying the growth hormone directly over the wound helps in the regeneration of tissues and skin.
They said that after an average of 15 days, the healing of a sample wound in normal rats is complete. When this was done to diabetic rats, the healing was complete after 30 days. The team that investigated this is composed of histologists, surgeons, chemists, biologists and pharmacists from the Surgery Department. The groups dedicated itself for more than twenty years in investigating tissue repair.
Scientists found that protein could help restore the tissues that are starved of oxygen. This way the wounds are healed. They tried to find this so they could lay out a strategy to treat the tissues like those damaged by diabetes. They tried to generate the production of blood vessels that are healthy but found the capillaries leaky.
Then the researchers tried it again with mice that are genetically engineered. This time the capillaries in the skin of the mice increased to almost 7o%. There was no swelling or inflammation and more significantly there was no leakage.
I don’t know where they are going with this and I tried to follow them up but I didn’t find any. I was surprised because they were so excited with the result of their research and of course I was awaiting what they will do for the diabetics who have problem with wounds and their diabetic foot ulcer.
This type of therapy was successfully tested with the use of diabetic lab rats. They published their findings in the Journal of Biomedical Materials. They found that applying the growth hormone directly over the wound helps in the regeneration of tissues and skin.
They said that after an average of 15 days, the healing of a sample wound in normal rats is complete. When this was done to diabetic rats, the healing was complete after 30 days. The team that investigated this is composed of histologists, surgeons, chemists, biologists and pharmacists from the Surgery Department. The groups dedicated itself for more than twenty years in investigating tissue repair.
Scientists found that protein could help restore the tissues that are starved of oxygen. This way the wounds are healed. They tried to find this so they could lay out a strategy to treat the tissues like those damaged by diabetes. They tried to generate the production of blood vessels that are healthy but found the capillaries leaky.
Then the researchers tried it again with mice that are genetically engineered. This time the capillaries in the skin of the mice increased to almost 7o%. There was no swelling or inflammation and more significantly there was no leakage.
I don’t know where they are going with this and I tried to follow them up but I didn’t find any. I was surprised because they were so excited with the result of their research and of course I was awaiting what they will do for the diabetics who have problem with wounds and their diabetic foot ulcer.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Metabolic Syndrome and Some Treatment Options
The Methodist Hospital and the University of Houston are doing a joint research on the use of a portable tool to check metabolism to fight obesity and the related complications. John Miller, Physics professor at the University of Houston received a three-year grant to the amount of $623,425.00 from the National Institutes of Health to explore biosensors for obesity and energy balance.
Miller is particularly focusing on metabolic syndrome, a destructive obesity complication that affects 20% of obese people. This increases the likelihood for these people to develop heart disease, obesity and cancer. He wants to develop technologies to sense metabolic activity.
There are drug treatments for this condition but the cost is exorbitant. There is therefore a need to acquire technologies that can help with early diagnosis. This will make the treatment more cost-effective. I am keeping a close eye on the result of this research but I have not seen any report yet.
So meantime it is good to know what are the available treatment options. The first line of defense is lifestyle change. This means to lose weigh when needed and so will involve a diet of healthy food and increased and regular physical exercise.
The next line of treatment are the medicines. The different conditions that comprise the metabolic syndrome are treated differently. But they are all used to control the high blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Sometimes aspirin is recommended in order to avoid blood clots.
To reduce the risk for cardiovascular events is the main purpose of treating the metabolic syndrome. If diabetes has not developed yet, the other purpose of treatment is to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This way the diabetes complications can be avoided.
Some of the risk factors can easily be controlled like being overweight, inactivity and eating the wrong kinds of food. Well, perhaps not easily but with determination, it can be done. And when compared to dealing with complications, give me these controllable risk factors anytime and I will be more than glad to deal with them. They can even be fun like dancing and eating different kinds of food.
Miller is particularly focusing on metabolic syndrome, a destructive obesity complication that affects 20% of obese people. This increases the likelihood for these people to develop heart disease, obesity and cancer. He wants to develop technologies to sense metabolic activity.
There are drug treatments for this condition but the cost is exorbitant. There is therefore a need to acquire technologies that can help with early diagnosis. This will make the treatment more cost-effective. I am keeping a close eye on the result of this research but I have not seen any report yet.
So meantime it is good to know what are the available treatment options. The first line of defense is lifestyle change. This means to lose weigh when needed and so will involve a diet of healthy food and increased and regular physical exercise.
The next line of treatment are the medicines. The different conditions that comprise the metabolic syndrome are treated differently. But they are all used to control the high blood pressure, blood glucose and triglyceride levels. Sometimes aspirin is recommended in order to avoid blood clots.
To reduce the risk for cardiovascular events is the main purpose of treating the metabolic syndrome. If diabetes has not developed yet, the other purpose of treatment is to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This way the diabetes complications can be avoided.
Some of the risk factors can easily be controlled like being overweight, inactivity and eating the wrong kinds of food. Well, perhaps not easily but with determination, it can be done. And when compared to dealing with complications, give me these controllable risk factors anytime and I will be more than glad to deal with them. They can even be fun like dancing and eating different kinds of food.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
European Medicine Agency Assessment of Avandia
A professional group of doctors (The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) says that the warning label on Avandia should mention that a vegan diet that is low in fat is safer than the drug itself and so should be touted as a more effective way to lower the blood glucose level.
The same diet they say is also good to lower the cholesterol and blood pressure levels. On top of these other benefits, the diet can be beneficial for weight loss and in preventing and even stopping heart disease. This fact should also be made clear to Avandia users.
This request came when the FDA decided to make Avandia show a warning to alert the users about the risk of increasing heart attacks. They say there were 13,000 cases of heart failure and heart attack that can be attributed to the use of the Avandia which is the brand name of rosiglitazone used to keep the blood sugar under control.
EMEA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has just completed its assessment of Thiazolidinediones (TZD). They have reached the conclusion that the benefits derived from these drugs outweigh the risks. Dr. Alaistair Benbow, European Medical Director and Vice-president of GSK, said it is important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
GlascoSmithKline is a research based health care and pharmaceutical company which commits itself to improve the life by making people able to do more and live longer. They said they will continue working with physicians to provide the best treatment for patients.
Rosiglitazone is of the same class of drugs that help improve blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. Some patients cannot take metformin and so may have to take this alone or in combination with sulphonylurea or with metformin or with both.
Rosiglitazone cannot be taken in combination with insulin. Remember also that Rosiglitazone is not good for patients with cardiac failure. It may lead to fluid retention. If you suddenly experience a rapid weight increase, shortness of breath and increasing edema, please consult your doctor. Patients with liver problem should not be taking rosiglitazone. They should undergo blood tests to rule out liver problems before taking it.
The same diet they say is also good to lower the cholesterol and blood pressure levels. On top of these other benefits, the diet can be beneficial for weight loss and in preventing and even stopping heart disease. This fact should also be made clear to Avandia users.
This request came when the FDA decided to make Avandia show a warning to alert the users about the risk of increasing heart attacks. They say there were 13,000 cases of heart failure and heart attack that can be attributed to the use of the Avandia which is the brand name of rosiglitazone used to keep the blood sugar under control.
EMEA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has just completed its assessment of Thiazolidinediones (TZD). They have reached the conclusion that the benefits derived from these drugs outweigh the risks. Dr. Alaistair Benbow, European Medical Director and Vice-president of GSK, said it is important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
GlascoSmithKline is a research based health care and pharmaceutical company which commits itself to improve the life by making people able to do more and live longer. They said they will continue working with physicians to provide the best treatment for patients.
Rosiglitazone is of the same class of drugs that help improve blood glucose control in Type 2 diabetes. Some patients cannot take metformin and so may have to take this alone or in combination with sulphonylurea or with metformin or with both.
Rosiglitazone cannot be taken in combination with insulin. Remember also that Rosiglitazone is not good for patients with cardiac failure. It may lead to fluid retention. If you suddenly experience a rapid weight increase, shortness of breath and increasing edema, please consult your doctor. Patients with liver problem should not be taking rosiglitazone. They should undergo blood tests to rule out liver problems before taking it.
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