Leeds Diabetes Clinical Champion Raises Awareness Of Gestational Diabetes For World Diabetes Day

Leeds diabetes clinical champion raises awareness of gestational diabetes for World Diabetes Day

In the lead up to World Diabetes Day (WDD) on 14 November, Clair Ranns, a Pharmacist at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) Partnership, is raising awareness of a type of diabetes that affects pregnant women.
Clair Ranns, Pharmacist at NHS Leeds CCGs Partnership and a Clinical Champion for Diabetes UK, said: “With this year’s WDD we’re raising awareness of gestational diabetes in women. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that affects one in seven births1. It’s brought on by, and usually lasts only the duration of the, pregnancy.
“However, if gestational diabetes isn’t managed properly, it can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and result in a child being at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in later life. In addition, women who experience gestational diabetes are seven times more likely to develop lifelong Type 2 diabetes later in life2.
“I’d urge all women to have an annual blood test at their GP surgery if they’ve had gestational diabetes in the past, as early detection can slow down the risk of developing the long-term health condition. You should have the test even if you feel well and see your GP as soon as possible if you start to develop symptoms of high blood sugar. Things to look out for include; increased thirst, passing urine more often than usual, feeling very tired, unexplained weight loss, and a dry mouth.
“Women can reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly”.
Terry Banks (pictured on the left) developed Type Continue reading

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Identification of novel biomarkers to monitor β-cell function and enable early detection of type 2 diabetes risk

Abstract
A decline in β-cell function is a prerequisite for the development of type 2 diabetes, yet the level of β-cell function in individuals at risk of the condition is rarely measured. This is due, in part, to the fact that current methods for assessing β-cell function are inaccurate, prone to error, labor-intensive, or affected by glucose-lowering therapy. The aim of the current study was to identify novel circulating biomarkers to monitor β-cell function and to identify individuals at high risk of developing β-cell dysfunction. In a nested case-control study from the Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular disease (RISC) cohort (n = 1157), proteomics and miRNA profiling were performed on fasting plasma samples from 43 individuals who progressed to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and 43 controls who maintained normal glucose tolerance (NGT) over three years. Groups were matched at baseline for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), insulin sensitivity (euglycemic clamp) and β-cell glucose sensitivity (mathematical modeling). Proteomic profiling was performed using the SomaLogic platform (Colorado, USA); miRNA expression was performed using a modified RT-PCR protocol (Regulus Therapeutics, California, USA). Results showed differentially expressed proteins and miRNAs including some with known links to type 2 diabetes, such as adiponectin, but also novel biomarkers and pathways. In cross sectional analysis at year 3, the top differentially expressed biomarkers in people with IGT/ reduced β-cell glucose sensitivity were adiponectin, alpha1-antitryp Continue reading

How to make informed decisions from diabetes commercials

How to make informed decisions from diabetes commercials
Reviewed by Natalie Olsen, RD, LD, ACSM EP-C
Memorable diabetes television commercials are often shared widely online. Staying informed about the topics they cover, and understanding key things to look out for, may help people make positive choices about how they manage their condition.
Many people have seen the diabetes commercial where Wilford Brimley, an actor with diabetes , pronounces diabetes in an unusual way.
The commercial has been parodied multiple times, which can lead to misinformation about what it is trying to say. However, it may be a useful source of information for people with diabetes.
This article explores what qualities good diabetes commercials should have. It also gives examples of some of the best adverts for people with diabetes.
The discussion that follows highlights things that people with diabetes should look out for in diabetes commercials. This is to help ensure they have the right information to make the best decisions about what they choose to buy.
Diabetes commercials must be emotive and memorable if the viewer is expected to engage with the product or service.
From a business standpoint, a good commercial needs to have an impact on the audience. It needs to inform the audience about the product or service it wants them to engage with.
From the viewer's perspective, a good diabetes commercial will be:
One of the best ways that commercials for diabetes spread awareness is through the use of celebrity endorsements.
Letting a celebrity with diabetes explain a product helps the Continue reading

Diabetes App Designed to Predict Blood Sugar Levels After Each Meal

For individuals with type 2 diabetes, managing glucose levels can be a daily challenge.
However, the introduction of a new algorithm-based app may soon take some of this stress away.
A lot of work still needs to be done on the process, but the idea behind the personalized technology is to predict the impact of each meal on a user’s blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes now affects more than 29 million people in the United States. An additional 86 million adults are thought to have prediabetes, which can develop into type 2 diabetes if lifestyle changes are not implemented.
With type 2 diabetes comes a constant need to monitor food intake to ensure the correct blood glucose levels are maintained.
If levels are too high for prolonged periods of time, serious health complications can arise.
Medication is given to help manage sugar level fluctuations, but exercise and diet also play a substantial role.
Although the impact of specific food types on glucose levels can be estimated, it is not an exact science.
Effects can vary substantially between individuals and they can even vary within an individual dependent on a range of factors.
A report, published in PLOS Computational Biology this week, explains how a group of scientists have integrated an algorithm into an app called Glucoracle, which goes some way toward solving this problem.
David Albers, Ph.D., associate research scientist in biomedical informatics at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) in New York and lead author of the study, explains: “Even with expert guidance, it's difficult for people to understand the t Continue reading

Is it Safe to Take Turmeric with Diabetes Medicines?

Is it Safe to Take Turmeric with Diabetes Medicines?
YES, turmeric in the diet is perfectly safe to consume along with diabetes medications. However, turmeric supplements should be taken with care and at a gap of about 3-4 hours with diabetes medicines.
Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric assists in treatment, management and prevention of diabetes.
Studies have shown that curcumin, when taken with diabetes drugs has no adverse interactions. On the contrary, it gives better results and can inhibit the side effects of these medicines.
Care should be taken when taking turmeric with the medicines, as high dosage could lower blood glucose and result in hypoglycemia.
Let us take a look at what scientists have to say about these effects.
Curcumin found in turmeric can lower blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. It can also enhance the functioning of pancreatic cells which produce insulin. [ 1 ] [ 2 ]
The working mechanism of turmeric and anti-diabetic medicines is quite similar.
Curcuminoids and metformin, both target the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway which results in lowered blood glucose levels. [ 3 ] [ 4 ]
Curcumin improves insulin sensitivity and lipid parameters by inhibiting Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-) and reducing plasma free fatty acids. The drug rosiglitazone works in the same manner [ 5 ]
It assists in regulation of lipid levels, blood pressure and body weight, which decreases the risk of developing diabetes. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ]
Turmeric is also beneficial in the prevention and treatment of several other health complications which o Continue reading