Summer Heat Is A Risk To Diabetes Patients
The results weren't all bad. "Most patients incorporated appropriate personal protective measures such as staying indoors, drinking additional fluids on schedule, applying sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing," says Adrienne A. Nassar, MD, a third year resident at Mayo Clinic Arizona, who presented the findings at ENDO 2010 in San Diego, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society. But the respondents fell short in other ways. For instance, one in five waited until temperatures were over 100 degrees before taking precautions, Nassar said at a news conference And 23% began drinking fluids when they got thirsty -- typically too late to prevent dehydration effectively. Many left their medications and monitoring equipment at home during a heat wave. Nassar and her colleagues analyzed responses of 152 people with diabetes living in Phoenix, where the average July temperature is 107 F. On average, the patients were 64 years old, 85% had type 2 diabetes, and 77% were on insulin injections or pumps. Their blood glucose test results on the hemoglobin A1c tests were on average 7.9%, although the goal for those with diabetes is 7%. While many respondents protected their medication in the heat by carrying it in a cooler, 37% left medication or supplies at home. "This is quite concerning,'' Nassar says, "because they would not have the means to check their blood sugar" if they became faint, for instance. While most respondents, 72%, knew about the effect of heat on insulin, just 40% said they had gotten information from their health care providers about the ill effects of high temperature on oral medications, 41% on glucose monitors, and 38% on glucose monitoring strips. The point at which respondents said they would take protective measures varies. Nassar can't pinpoint an ex Continue reading >>
A Comparative Study To Determine Vitamin D Status In Type 2 Diabetes And Normal Subjects In South India | Kumar | International Journal Of Medical Research And Review
International Journal of Medical Research and Review A comparative study to determinevitamin D status in type 2 diabetes and normal subjects in south India R. Anil Kumar 1,R. Lalitha2, Surekha B. Shetty3 1Dr R. Anil Kumar, Assistant Professor, 2Dr R Lalitha,Assistant Professor,3Dr Surekha B. Shetty, Assistant Professor, Allauthors are affiliated to Karnataka Institute of Endocrinology andResearch Bangalore, Karnataka, India Address forCorrespondence: Dr R. Anil Kumar, E-mail:[email protected] Background:Vitamin D deficiency is common in general population in India in spiteof adequate sunlight. We have decided to compare the prevalence ofvitamin D deficiency in type 2 diabetes and normal individuals. Methods: 370 type 2diabetes individuals attending Karnataka Institute of endocrinology andresearch outpatient department and 100 normal individuals were studied.Fasting plasma glucose, post prandial plasma glucose, lipid profile,vitamin D levels, BMI, waist circumference and BP of these subjectswere measured. Results:Out of 370 type 2 diabetes subjects 67.3% were males and age groupranging from 21 to 80 years. Duration of diabetes vary from 0 to 20years. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 83%, insufficiency in 13.8%and only 3.2% had normal vitamin D levels in type 2 diabetes. Vitamin Ddeficiency was common in individuals >50 years, males, BMI25-30. Family history of diabetes was present in 60%. Hypertension waspresent in 47.6%. Total cholesterol, LDL, Triglycerides were lower andHDL levels were higher in type 2 diabetes individuals with vitamin Dmore than 20 nanograms per ml. In 100 normal individuals taken ascontrols 62% were males, age group ranging from 21 to 80 years. VitaminD deficiency was present in 82% and insufficiency in 12% and 6% hadnormal vitamin D leve Continue reading >>
- Type 2 diabetes, socioeconomic status and life expectancy in Scotland (2012–2014): a population-based observational study
- Effects of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis
- Effects of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis
The Healing Sun: Sunlight And Diabetes
The Healing Sun by Richard Hobday presents evidence showing an increase in disease with a decrease in sunlight exposure. This article discusses:Sunlight and Diabetes How Sunlight Can Prevent Serious Health Problems by Richard Hobday, taken from his book, The Healing Sun According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 35 million people suffer from diabetes mellitus worldwide. There are two main forms of the disease: insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes. The onset of insulin dependent diabetes is most common in childhood and occurs as a result of the bodys auto-immune system destroying the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. As the name implies, insulin dependent diabetes requires treatment with insulin. Non-insulin dependent diabetes is less serious and can be treated with diet, exercise, drugs which increase the production of insulin, or insulin itself. It is the more common form of the disease and accounts for almost 90 per cent of all diabetes cases. Non-insulin diabetes occurs after the age of about 40 years in people who are genetically disposed to it and who are often overweight and unfit. The World Health Organization predict that the number of people with diabetes is set to rise to 300 million by 2025 because of population ageing, unhealthy diets, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. A deficiency of insulin results in increased concentrations of glucose in the blood which, in turn, causes damage to blood vessels and nerves. Diabetes can lead to severe complications in the longer term, including heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and gangrene in the lower extremities. Heart disease kills 75 per cent of people of European origin with diabetes. Studies have shown vitamin D to have a protective effect against childh Continue reading >>
Sun Exposure Helps Prevent Obesity, Diabetes In Mice
Sun exposure helps prevent obesity, diabetes in mice Moderate sun exposure may help prevent the development of obesity and diabetes, according to new animal research. Scientists from Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Australia tested the effects of sunlight on mice after feeding them a high-fat diet in order to trigger obesity and diabetes. The mice were then exposed to moderate levels of UV radiation. The researchers found that after the UV exposure, the mice showed reduced weight gain and fewer indications of diabetes, such as high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. The researchers then analyzed whether the effects of UV exposure were due to vitamin D. However, they found that the results of the study was actually due to nitric oxide, which is a compound that the skin releases after being exposed to the sun. The studys findings, published in the journal Diabetes, suggest that moderate exposure to sunlight, in addition to a healthy diet and exercise, may help prevent obesity and diabetes, which have beengrowing problems for American children in recent years. Researchers noted, however, that human studies are needed before any clear conclusions can be reached about the effect of sunlight in fighting obesity. A new study has determined that certain compounds found in cocoa may help reverse memory decline in older adults. Previous animal studies have found that flavanolsa kind of antioxidantfound in cocoa beans may improve connections made in the brain region called the dentate gyrus, which plays a critical role in learning and memory. In the new study, scientists from Columbia University Medical Center focused on whether cocoa flavanols could have a similar effect in humans and help improve age-related memory decline. They recruited 37 healthy adults between the Continue reading >>
Avoid The Sun If You Take These Drugs
If you’re enjoying the sunshine one last time as summer comes to an end, it is important to know that some of your medications could cause you an unexpected problem. You may not be aware, but some prescriptions can increase your sensitivity to sunlight—causing your skin to burn more easily. What type of reaction can occur? If your medication has a warning to avoid sunlight, don’t ignore it. That usually means that you could be more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive), which would cause you to sunburn more easily. You may also end up with a worse sunburn than usual—even a little exposure could mean a severe burn. What is photosensitivity? Photosensitivity is an abnormally high sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. You could also be affected by other light sources, including indoor fluorescent lights. The reaction to UV or fluorescent lights can cause itchy spots or areas of redness and swelling on patches of sun-exposed skin. What are some medications that can cause skin problems if you are exposed to the sun? There are a few basic types of medications that could cause sensitivity to the sun: Antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines (doxycycline or minocycline) and fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) Griseofulvin, an anti-fungal medication Some chemotherapy medications Diuretics (water pills), especially hydrochlorothiazide and other thiazide diuretics Some heart medications for arrhythmia, including amiodarone How can I minimize my exposure to the sun? There are a few things you can do to cut down on your sun exposure. First, and this may be obvious—avoid direct exposure to the sun. You’ll also want to stay away from tanning beds—this is as bad or worse than direct sun exposure. If you do need to (or want to) spend time outside, wear sunscreen! Continue reading >>
Are Active Sun Exposure Habits Related To Lowering Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Women, A Prospective Cohort Study?
Volume 90, Issue 1 , October 2010, Pages 109-114 Are active sun exposure habits related to lowering risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women, a prospective cohort study? Author links open overlay panel Pelle G.Lindqvista An inverse relationship exists between vitamin D levels and diabetes mellitus. However, little is known about the correlation of sun exposure habits and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). A South Swedish cohort study comprising 1000 women from each age group between 25 and 64 (n=40,000) drawn from the Southern Swedish population registry 19901992. At the inception of the study 74% answered the inquiry (n=29,518) and provided detailed information on their sun exposure habits and other variables. A follow-up inquiry was sent 20002002 which 24,098 women answered. The mean follow-up time was 11 years. Logistic regression analysis was used and the main outcome was the relationship between type 2 DM and sun exposure habits. Our findings indicated that women with active sun exposure habits were at a 30% lower risk of having DM, as compared to those with non-active habits. There was an inverse relation between this risk reduction and BMI. Our investigation gives possible epidemiological explanation to ethnic and seasonal differences in type 2 DM and metabolic control. The study supports that sunlight is involved in the glucose metabolism. Continue reading >>
- Potato Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Results From Three Prospective Cohort Studies
- Improved pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes but substantial clinic-to-clinic variations: a prospective nationwide study
- Relation of total sugars, fructose and sucrose with incident type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Diabetes Health: Tips For Protection From The Winter Sun
Diabetes Health: Tips for Protection From the Winter Sun Even if youre not heading south for a vacation in the sun, winter is no time to bypass protective measures for your skin. When we think of the effects of cold weather on the skin, we tend to think about frostbite, chapping, and windburn, says Dr. Robert Levine of Advanced Dermatology, P.C. But many people arent aware that the sun is as damaging on the ski slopes as it is on the beach. In fact, winter sun can be even more harmful, in part because we dont feel the heat and dont perceive the risk but also because the suns rays are stronger at higher altitudes and when they reflect off snow. The vast majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. As dangerous as it is, cancer isnt the only consequence of sun exposure. Changes to the skin that are often thought of as a natural result of aging wrinkling, sagging, leathering, and the pigmentation known as age spots or liver spots are also the result of sun exposure. Two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB, damage DNA in ways that cause cells to grow out of control and become cancerous; these rays also cause premature aging. And while UVB rays decrease during the winter months, UVA rays are just as intense. As Dr. Levine says: We cant prevent all damage to the skin from sun exposure at any time of the year. But we can take steps to minimize the risk. Dr. Levines Sun Protection Tips for Winter Sunscreen: Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or more that is broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Choose a moisturizing sunscreen that contains lanolin or glycerin to protect against harsh winter conditions. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, especially the face, and slather it on liberally use at least a t Continue reading >>
Sun Exposure Could Help With Diabetes
Sun exposure is a hot topic these days. Some health experts advise against it, due to the increased risk of skin cancer, while others tout the many benefits of regular sun exposure. One new Australian study may suggest that moderate sun exposure can help prevent the onset of diabetes and obesity in adults. Sun exposure, specifically exposure to UV radiation, has long been associated with increased risk of skin cancer. Leading health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control recommend limiting exposure to the sun and wearing protective gear, such as sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. However, it is also well-known that sun exposure is the body's main source of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher mortality rates and cancer prognoses, among other negative health effects. In 2013, a study performed at the University of Edinburgh suggested the heart-health benefits of moderate sun exposure outweighed any increased skin cancer risk. Dr. Richard Weller, who led the Edinburgh study, worked with Dr. Shelly Gorman of Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, Australia on the study regarding sun exposure, diabetes and obesity. The research team fed mice a high-fat diet to encourage the onset of obesity and diabetes, then exposed the mice to moderate levels of radiation. Over time, researchers say, the mice showed less weight gain and exhibited fewer signs of diabetes such as insulin resistance and high blood sugar. The researchers took the study one step further to determine if these effects were due to increased vitamin D levels, or nitric oxide, a compound released by the skin after sun exposure. To determine this, researchers supplemented half the mice with vitamin D, while the other mice were rubbed with a nitric oxide cream. The team found that vitamin Continue reading >>
How To Manage Your Diabetes In Extreme Summer Heat
We often look forward to changes of season, but if you have diabetes, you need to be extra careful when temperatures climb dramatically. Extreme heat can affect your blood sugar control. If you use insulin or if your treatment of blood sugars is inadequate, this can put you at higher risk. Often, worsening blood sugar control is the main concern. Depending on the situation and your level of physical activity, low blood sugars are also possible. Extreme temperatures can also damage your medications and testing equipment. I always remind my patients to take precautions to protect themselves and their supplies during both winter and summer. If a patient’s blood sugars are mostly higher than 250 mg/dl, I recommend improving blood sugar control before engaging in heavy physical activity — regardless of the climate and the temperature, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association. How heat can affect you The extreme heat of summer affects blood sugar levels. How the heat affects your levels depends on what you’ve eaten, whether you’re well-hydrated and your activity level. If the heat and your activity make you sweat profusely, you may become dehydrated, leading to a rise in glucose levels. If you become dehydrated, your blood glucose levels will rise. This can lead to frequent urination, which then leads to further dehydration and even higher blood sugar levels — a kind of vicious cycle. Further, if the treatment includes insulin, dehydration reduces blood supply to the skin and, therefore, less absorption of injected insulin dosage. Adjusting your insulin dosage Most types of insulin can tolerate temperatures from 93 degrees F to 95 degrees F, but any higher than that and the medication will degrade rapidly. Attention should be paid to the insulin you are c Continue reading >>
Vitamin D And Diabetes
Renewed interest in vitamin D, the so-called “sunshine vitamin,” has occurred recently because it has been linked to everything from cancer and heart disease to diabetes.1 Research studies continue to pour into the literature stating that vitamin D is a superstar when it comes to health. However, most of the research is based on observational, epidemiological studies, which are important for generating hypotheses but do not prove causality. A PubMed search in 2011 using the term “vitamin D” and selecting articles published in the past 2 years resulted in more than 2,864 hits. The following diseases and conditions have been researched to assess their relationship with vitamin D status: osteomalacia/osteoporosis,2–5 muscle function and falls,6–8 cancer,9–14 multiple sclerosis,15 hypertension,16 type 1 diabetes,17 rheumatoid arthritis,18 tuberculosis,19,20 mental health,21 cardiovascular events,22,23 infection,24,25 seasonal affective disorder,26 obesity,27 aging,28 and overall mortality.23 The challenge for health care providers and nutrition researchers is to determine whether vitamin D deficiency actually causes or increases the incidence of certain diseases or whether, instead, low levels of vitamin D are simply coincidental given that the majority of the general population, regardless of disease, is likely to have insufficient levels of vitamin D. In other words, do people who develop disease states just happen to be deficient in vitamin D, or do low levels of vitamin D cause the disease? Will supplementation with vitamin D prevent diseases, and can it be used to treat diseases such as diabetes? The purpose of this article is to summarize the latest information related to diabetes and vitamin D. For readers who desire further information, Holick29 has wr Continue reading >>
Health Benefits Of Sunshine For People With Diabetes
Health Benefits of Sunshine for People With Diabetes Light is the basic component from which all life originates, evolves, and is energized. Light and health are inseparable. ~ Ken Ceder, former co-director Hippocrates Health Institute, Boston, Mass. May was declared National Sunshine Month by GrassrootsHealth, a nonprofit public health research organization. Their goal is to spread an awareness of the importance of sunshine for human well being. GrassrootsHealth believes a lack of sunlight puts us at high risk for many health problems including diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease. Advice from some within the medical community, and even our own government, encouraging Americans to avoid the sun is an immense threat to human health, says Carole Baggerly, Director of GrassrootsHealth. We expect National Sunshine Month will raise awareness of the sunshine, its many health benefits and ways to take advantage of it. Some of the health benefits of sunlight are especially significant for those with diabetes: Vitamin D from sun exposure increases the bodys manufacture of antimicrobials that can annihilate the cell walls of bacteria and viruses, and stimulates the production of infection destroying white blood cells. Research studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and an accumulation of abdominal fat that puts people at higher risk for insulin resistance. Nitric oxide is released into our system when sunlight touches the skin. Its an effective blood pressure lowering substance that reduces our risk for heart attack or stroke. Oral vitamin D supplements do not increase nitric oxide. The skin condition psoriasis is almost twice as common among diabetics as non-diabetics, and those who have psoriasis tend to have low vitamin D levels. Exposure to sunlight Continue reading >>
Photosensitivity Drugs: What Is Photosensitivity?
Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey. Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stppler, MD Melissa Conrad Stppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Many common medications may cause a reaction in some individuals that is similar to sunburn . Symptoms of sun sensitivity are similar to those of sunburn . The phototoxic reactions may happen within hours of exposure to sun. The photoallergic reactions may happen after several days of exposure to sun. Photosensitivity (or sun sensitivity) is inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of sunlight and certain medications or substances. This causes redness (erythema) of the skin and may look similar to sunburn. Both the photosensitizing medication or chemical and light source have to be present in order for a photosensitivity reaction to occur. Generally, these reactions can be divided into two mechanisms, 1) phototoxic reactions, and 2) photoallergic reactions. Phototoxic drugs are much more common than photoallergi Continue reading >>
Heat And Type 1 Diabetes
Note: This article is part of our Daily Life library of resources. To learn more about the many things that affect your health and daily management of Type 1, visit here. Whether experiencing hot summer temperatures or a tropical vacation, it is important for everyone to beware of the heat – and the various effects that it can have on our bodies. Have you ever noticed your blood sugar either spiking or dropping rapidly in severe temperatures? Many people with Type 1 diabetes run into this issue and have been baffled as to why. Heat may have much more of an impact on your blood glucose levels than you realized! Keeping a close eye on your BG becomes even more important when in areas with higher temperatures. Here are some possible explanations to the heat’s role in blood sugar fluctuations, and some factors to keep in mind while enjoying your summer fun in the sun with Type 1! High blood sugar Heat can spike blood sugar levels easily if we are not properly hydrated. When the body is dehydrated, blood glucose becomes more concentrated due to the decrease in blood flow through the kidneys. This makes it much more difficult for the kidneys to remove any excess glucose from urine. How to fix it? Adjust insulin dosages as instructed by a medical professional, and most importantly drink plenty of water! Low blood sugar Blood glucose levels have been known to plummet in the heat – especially when combined with exercise. Why is this? Heat can cause the body’s blood vessels to expand, which in turn can speed up insulin absorption and potentially lead to hypoglycemia. This can be made worse when exercising due to the increased blood flow to certain areas, especially if insulin is injected in the legs. Also consider that hot tubs/jacuzzis or hot showers/baths can have the s Continue reading >>
Your Guide To Fun In The Sun
Save for later Here comes the sun (hopefully!), so here is a reminder of all the things diabetes–related that you need to bear in mind when enjoying the summer months. Heat and hypos Hot weather can cause insulin to be absorbed more rapidly, which increases the risk of hypos. If concerned, test more often. You’ll then be able to take appropriate action – such as adjusting insulin doses – in order to avoid hypos. Sunbathing Long periods of inactivity lying on the beach may raise blood glucose levels, so test frequently. And, diabetes or not, sunburn is dangerous for everyone – so remember slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen (high factor), and slap on a hat. Storing your kit Hot weather can affect the way insulin works. So store new insulin in the fridge, but not too close to the freezer section – and don’t use it if it’s been frozen. In-use insulin can be kept out of the fridge at temperatures between 2˚C and 25˚C, but keep it out of direct sunlight. If room temperature goes above 25˚C, store in-use insulin in an insulated cool bag to keep it cool without freezing it. Your blood glucose meter and strips should also be kept within normal room temperature and out of direct sunlight, otherwise you may get inaccurately high readings. Insulin gone off? If extreme temperatures have caused clear insulin to go off, it goes cloudy. Cloudy insulin that has gone off goes lumpy and sticks to the side of the container. If you’re not sure, use a new cartridge because gone-off insulin is less effective and using it will affect blood glucose levels. You can still eat ice cream and ice lollies without causing problems for your diabetes control. The key is to have these types of treats in small quantities and to keep your overall diet healthy and balanced. Sunglasses E Continue reading >>
Sunlight Helps Prevent Diabetes And Obesity
Sunlight Helps Prevent Diabetes and Obesity We all know by now that excessive exposure to sunlight particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be harmful to our skin. As a result, health organizations typically recommend that we stay in the shade, use sunscreen and to cover up to reduce the risks associated with too much sun. However, these protective measures may be causing us to miss out on the very real mental and physical health benefits of the sun. Sun exposure is, for example, the bodys main source of vitamin D, a vitamin which many people are deficient in, possibly because of how much time we spend indoors. Not getting enough vitamin D could have serious health implications, as a recent study showed that vitamin D deficiency is connected to a higher risk of death from all causes. Vitamin D is not the only benefit of spending time in the sun. Sunlight exposure has also been shown to boost mood, fight inflammation, aid in soothing skin disorders, and lower blood pressure. Furthermore, the newest research on sunlight shows that its benefits go even further in keeping us healthy and protecting us from disease: it may actually help to prevent diabetes and obesity. The study, published in the journal Diabetes, found that ultraviolet radiation (found in sunlight) slows weight gain and fends off the warning signs of diabetes, like insulin resistance and abnormal glucose levels. The study was performed on mice, who were fed a high fat diet in order to induce obesity and diabetes. The mice were then exposed to moderate amounts of UV radiation. Results showed that they gained less weight and developed the warning signs of diabetes slower than those not exposed to the UV radiation. What surprised the researchers was that the benefits had nothing to do with vitamin D. Instea Continue reading >>
