Leptin Resistance: The Other Hormone Important For Managing Diabetes | Everyday Health

Leptin Resistance: The Other Hormone Important for Managing Diabetes | Everyday Health

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet with lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats can help increase leptin sensitivity.
When most people think of diabetes and hormones, insulin which controls blood sugar levels by ferrying glucose to cells for energy is usually the first that springs to mind. But there are many hormones at play when it comes to blood sugar levels and weight, and anyone living with diabetes or prediabetes should consider them all when striving to better manage their symptoms. Key among these is leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that helps the body regulate energy by telling the brain its had enough to eat, according to a review published in December 2012 in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism .
Leptins action is to inhibit appetite, to stimulate the burning up of fatty acids, to decrease glucose, and to reduce overall body fat and weight, says VandanaSheth, RDN, CDE , a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The problem, Sheth explains, is, just like insulin resistance whereby cells are resistant to insulin, leading glucose to accumulate in the blood people can develop leptin resistance, an effect that can further complicate their diabetes management .
When this occurs, Sheth says, People can gain weight, have increased body fat, and, even though there are adequate fat stores, their brains are getting the signal that they are hungry, so they eat more. It's a vicious cycle.
Unfortunately, just adding more leptin, as people with diabetes often do with insulin injections , cant fix this problem because the issu Continue reading

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ADA guidelines embrace heart health

Recent studies that confirm the cardiovascular benefit of some antihyperglycemic agents are shaping the newest therapeutic recommendations for patients with type 2 diabetes and comorbid atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Treatment for these patients – as all with diabetes – should start with lifestyle modifications and metformin. But in its new position statement, the American Diabetes Association now recommends that clinicians consider adding agents proved to reduce major cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death – such as the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin or the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist liraglutide – to the regimens of patients with diabetes and ASCVD (Diabetes Care 2018;41(Suppl. 1):S86-S104. doi: 10.2337/dc18-S009).
The medications are indicated if, after being treated with lifestyle and metformin therapy, the patient isn’t meeting hemoglobin A1c goals, said Rita R. Kalyani, MD, who led the ADA’s 12-member writing committee. But clinicians may also consider adding these agents for cardiovascular benefit alone, even when glucose control is adequate on a regimen of lifestyle modification and metformin, with dose adjustments as appropriate, she said in an interview.
“A1c remains the main target of sequencing antihyperglycemic therapies, if it’s not reached after 3 months,” said Dr. Kalyani of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. “But, it could also be that the provider, after consulting with the patient, feels it’s appropriate to add one of these agents solely for cardioprotective benef Continue reading

Lower-Calorie Ice Creams: Trick or Treat?

Lower-Calorie Ice Creams: Trick or Treat?
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! These are famous lyrics from a song recorded in the 1920s. Ninety years later, they still ring true. Ice cream is the most popular dessert in America , and the U.S. ranks number two of the top five ice cream consuming countries in the world, according to the website icecream.com. And while ice cream is a cool, creamy concoction for those dog days of summer, many people eat this frozen delectable year round.
Ice creams creamy goodness comes at a price (of course): its full of fat, sugar, and, of course, calories. For people who have diabetes or who are watching their weight, ice cream doesnt exactly fit into a healthful eating plan, although its certainly fine to enjoy it as an occasional treat. But not so fast theres a slew of lower-calorie ice creams that have recently hit the frozen food cases in supermarkets. What are they all about? And can you finally indulge without guilt?
Do a quick Google search, and youll be amazed at how many brands of lower-calorie ice creams have hit the frozen food scene. Not only are they lower in calories than regular ice cream, but many of these ice creams are dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, low sugar, low carb, and/or organic. And many brands are higher in protein than regular ice cream, as well. Theres pretty much something for everyone. Although, it does leave one wonderingwhat exactly is in these products? The ingredients of these frozen desserts vary from brand to brand, of course. Some of them arent even legally ice cream: Th Continue reading

Types of Diabetes and 20 Foods to Avoid in Diabetes

Everybody loves food as it is the main source of energy for our body. But what happens if that energy giving food becomes killer?? Yeah……you’ve read it right…..not all type of food is beneficial for us especially when it comes to a diabetic person. In order to maintain heat and blood sugar level, it is essential to take proper diet and exercise. But have to avoid some of the killer foods and unnecessary heavy workouts that can make the situation worse.
Diabetes – What and Why??
But before discussing the killer foods that are needed to be avoided in diabetes, let’s discuss what actually the diabetes is and how do we lead a normal life even after affecting by this problem. Diabetes is a problem in which the level of blood sugar becomes high and our body stops producing necessary insulin of its own. In other words, it can be said that diabetes is a kind of problem in which either the insulin production is not enough or our body cells stop do not respond to the insulin properly. Now, people often ask me how do we come to know that we are affected by this disease or you can say what are the symptoms of diabetes?? Well, if a person is affected by this problem then he typically experiences frequent urination, and he will become increasingly thirsty and hungry.
Is diabetes of different types?? If yes then how many types are there??
This is another question frequently asked by the patients that are there any type of diabetes?? Well, Yes. Like all other diseases, Diabetes also has its different types. All the types are different but still share something in common. Before Continue reading

Vote Diabetes: British Columbia

How You Can Help > Advocate > Vote Diabetes: British Columbia
There are currently more than 1.4 million British Columbians living with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) or prediabetes. Of those living with prediabetes, 50 per cent will be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease often diagnosed in childhood, is found in five to 10 per cent of Canadians with diabetes.
Diabetes is estimated to currently cost the British Columbia health-care system $418 million and is estimated to increase to $595 million by 2027. To ensure the sustainability of the health-care system, Diabetes Canada urges all parties running for public office in British Columbia to make diabetes a health priority during the upcoming provincial election.
To follow our latest news and updates on the election, please follow our Twitter account: @DiabetesCanada or visit Facebook @DiabetesCanada @DiabetesCanadaBC
Diabetes Canada calls for anexpansion to the provincial insulin pump program for all British Columbians with type 1 diabetes
High out-of-pocket costs and limited government coverage compromise the ability of British Columbians to manage their diabetes; some must choose between paying for food and rent or buying life-saving medications and supplies. Diabetes Canadais calling on the Government of British Columbia to:
Expand the insulin pump program for British Columbians with type 1 diabetes who are medically eligible, regardless of age.
Enhance access to diabetes medications, so British Columbians with diabetes can improve their quality of life and dec Continue reading