Large meal better than smaller meals for diabetes patients: study

For patients with diabetes, it is better to eat a single large meal than several smaller meals throughout the day, a new study has found. Researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden studied the effect on blood glucose, blood lipids and different hormones after meals were compared using three different macronutrient compositions in patients with type 2 diabetes. The three diets were a low-fat diet, a low-carbohydrate diet and a Mediterranean diet. The scientists included 21 patients that tested all three diets in a randomised order. During each test day blood samples were collected at six time points. Getty images. The low-fat diet had a nutrient composition that has traditionally been recommended in the Nordic countries, with about 55 per cent of the total energy from carbohydrates. 

The low-carbohydrate diet had a relatively low content of carbohydrate; approximately 20 per cent of the energy was from carbohydrates and about 50 per cent of the total energy came from fat. The Mediterranean diet was composed of only a cup of black coffee for breakfast, and with all the caloric content corresponding to breakfast and lunch during the other two test days accumulated to one large lunch. Furthermore, the total caloric content included energy from 150 ml (women) to 200 ml (men) of French red wine to ingest with the lunch. 

The food in the Mediterranean diet had an energy content from carbohydrates that was intermediate between the low-fat and the low-carbohydrate meals, and sources of fat were mainly olives and fatty fish. “We found that the low-carbohydrate diet increased blood glucose levels much less than the low-fat diet but that levels of triglycerides tended to be high compared to the low-fat diet,” said Doctor Hans Guldbrand, who together with Professor Fredrik Nystrom was the principal investigator of the study. “It is very interesting that the Mediterranean diet, without breakfast and with a massive lunch with wine, did not induce higher blood glucose levels than the low-fat diet lunch, despite such a large single meal,” said Nystrom.

 “This suggests that it is favourable to have a large meal instead of several smaller meals when you have diabetes, and it is surprising how often one today refers to the usefulness of the so-called Mediterranean diet but forgets that it also traditionally meant the absence of a breakfast,” Nystrom said. “Our results give reason to reconsider both nutritional composition and meal arrangements for patients with diabetes,” Nystrom said.

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/large-meal-better-than-smaller-meals-for-diabetes-patients-study-1257583.html?utm_source=fwire&utm_medium=hp

Wasim Akram to get award for long fight against diabetes in Melbourne

Akram said that he had fought against diabetes because of his discipline and hard work and the young leader's award would be a just reward for his discipline.

Legendary paceman Wasim Akram is set to receive the first-ever young leader's award in sports for his fight against diabetes in a congress in Melbourne.

According to The Express Tribune, the 47-year-old, renowned for his left-arm pace bowling, has been fighting against the disease since 1997.

Akram said that he had fought against diabetes because of his discipline and hard work and the young leader's award would be a just reward for his discipline.

Wasim will get the award during the World Diabetes Congress to be held in Melbourne, Australia from December 2-6, the report said.

The International Diabetic Foundation will be organising the congress, the report added.

Wasim, who took 414 Tests and 502 one-day wickets, will also deliver a lecture to help create awareness on diabetes, according to the report.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-wasim-akram-to-get-award-for-long-fight-against-diabetes-in-melbourne-1926621

One in 10 people could suffer from diabetes by 2035

A shocking new report suggests that one in 10 people globally will have diabetes by 2035.

To highlight World Diabetes Day which takes place each year on Nov. 14, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) released its sixth edition of the Diabetes Atlas.

The report estimates how many adults between the ages of 20 to 79 will be affected by the disease in the future.

By the end of this year, the IDF estimates that 382 million people will have diabetes around the world, CBS News reported.

By 2035, that number will skyrocket to 592 million. For comparison, about 285 million people had the disease just four years ago.

Eighty percent of people with the disease live in low- and middle-income countries, and most of them are between 40 and 59 years old.

The organization also said that one person dies from diabetes every six seconds, or about 5.1 million deaths annually.

The IDF estimates that the percentage of U.S. residents affected by diabetes will increase to 11.6 by 2035, which will be 29.7 million people.

About 8.3 percent of the U.S. population had a form of diabetes in 2011, according to the American Diabetes Association.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-one-in-10-people-could-suffer-from-diabetes-by-2035-1919589

'TN has the most number of diabetic patients in India'

At least 1,000 people receive treatment for diabetes out of the 12,000 out-patients who visit Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) everyday, said Health Minister Dr C Vijayabhaskar on Tuesday.

The Minister was speaking at a function organised as part of World Diabetes Day at RGGGH. He said that the Government Hospital had been giving free medicine and insulin vials to Type I and Type II diabetic patients.

“Sufficient medicines are given to these patients so they can come to the hospital once a month,” said the Minister. He also added that there was also a specialised foot care centre at the hospital.

Dr V Kanagasabai, Dean, RGGGH and MMC, informed that hospitals in Chennai had been witnessing highest number of diabetic cases in the State. “India has the highest number of diabetic cases and within the country, Tamil Nadu has the most number of cases,” said the dean. He also advised people to take at least half a kilo of vegetables everyday and limit the intake of banana, sweets, ice cream and chocolate.

Diabetes can affect one’s eyesight, kidney and heart, warned Professor Dr P Dharmarajan, HOD, Institute of Diabetes. He added that diabetic patients should go for annual checkups. “Patients notice the symptoms of ailments in the kidneys, heart and eyes only after 90 per cent of the organs are already affected,” said Dharmarajan.

Twenty Type I diabetes patients were given blood glucometers free of cost for monitoring their blood sugar levels and 30 Type II diabetes patients were given a kit containing free insulin vial, 10 disposable insulin syringes and travel pouch for transporting insulin vials at the function.

More: http://newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/TN-has-the-most-number-of-diabetic-patients-in-India/2013/11/13/article1887073.ece

‘Youngsters in city turning blind eye to Type II diabetes risks’

Out of the total population of Pune, 14 per cent are diabetic and out of every 100 diabetic patients, five are Type I, says city-based diabetologist Dr Abhya Mutha, who is also the president and founder of Diabetes Care and Research foundation (DCRF). He says the Type I diabetic patients are mostly children, adding that their number has increased rapidly in the last few years.

Children with Type I diabetes have no option but to depend on insulin and regular monitoring. "Regular check-ups, monitoring and insulin or insulin pumps are costly and unaffordable for such children from poor families," says Dr Mutha.

At a press conference on Monday, he announced a programme to be held on November 14, the World Diabetes Day, in association with Lions Club International. The programme will start with a road show on diabetes from Sarasbaug to Tilak Smarak, which will be flagged off by former Indian hockey team caption Sandeep Singh in the presence of former cricketer Chandu Borde.

"While Type 2 Diabetes is a big worry, Type 1 diabetes among small children is growing rapidly and is a cause of big concern," says Mutha. If regular monitoring is not done, children run a risk of affecting their kidneys, eyes and heart at a later stage. "They can also be prone to infections," adds Mutha.

According to him, while awareness about diabetes and the importance of fitness is increasing in the city, youngsters, especially those in the age group of 20-35, are turning a blind eye to preventive measures for Type II diabetes. The global incidence of diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, with more than 371 million people worldwide living with the condition. The International Diabetes Federation has reported that while India had 63 million diabetic patients in 2012, the figure would rise to 101.2 million by 2030.

Mutha says issues like stress and bad lifestyle have to be addressed. "Stress has been taken for granted, and youngsters must force their organisations or companies to have healthy or diet food options in their canteens. Homemade food or simple Maharashtrian food is the best option," he says, adding that people must also exercise for 150-180 minutes every week, including 30 minutes of jogging, skipping and brisk walking. "Just reducing the weight by 10 per cent can do wonders to an individual as a lot of risks are reduced," says Mutha.

DCRF has adopted 279 children as of now in Maharashtra and has given away 17 insulin pumps. The foundation plans to donate seven to 10 insulin pumps to the needy every year.

More: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/-youngsters-in-city-turning-blind-eye-to-type-ii-diabetes-risks-/1193852/0

Milkha Singh bats for diabetes awareness

Recently, legendary athlete Milkha Singh launched the Ranbaxy Diabetes Care program at the annual conference of the Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India being held at India Expo Centre.

‘Physical fitness plays a vital role in fighting the adversities in life and give mental strength to bounce back. The goal of Ranbaxy Diabetes program is not just about medicines but to offer holistic diabetes care which starts with healthy life style which includes healthy food, regular excercise to provide physical and mental fitness,compliance to medicines and doctors advise,’ Singh said at the event.

‘Ranbaxy is taking lead for promoting physical activity and fitness amongst doctors and mass public as first step towards tackling life style disorder like diabetes,’ said Rajeev Sibal, Vice President and Head (India), Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.

Milkha Singh re-entered national consciousness recently after his biopic starring Farhan Akhtar took the nation by storm.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease which is characterised by high blood sugar levels. It can be caused either due to the lack of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or because the body’s cells fail to respond to the insulin produced (type 2 diabetes). Some of the common symptoms of diabetes are hunger, frequent urination and increased thirst. While type 1 diabetes is usually genetic, type 2 diabetes is caused more by lifestyle factors. It is one of the common ‘lifestyle diseases’ which is plaguing people in the developed countries and often has a causal link to heart diseases, hypertension and obesity. (Read more..)

Home remedies for diabetes

Ever wonder if there was something you could do at home to keep your blood sugar levels in check? Well, there is. Here are some of them:

Holy Basil Leaves: Also known as tulsi, leaves of holy basil are packed with antioxidants and essential oils that produce eugenol, methyl eugenol and caryophyllene. Collectively these substances help the pancreatic beta cells (cells that store and release insulin) function properly. This in turn helps increase sensitivity to insulin. An added advantage is that the antioxidants present in the leaves help beat the ill effects of oxidative stress.

Tip: Have two to three tulsi leaves whole, or about one tablespoon full of its juice on an empty stomach to lower the blood sugar levels. Read more home remedies

Caring for a diabetic

Diabetes can be treated but can’t be cured. People with diabetes can still live a long and healthy life by making some important changes in their lives. When a family member is diagnosed with the disease your support and care can go a long way in achieving and maintaining their blood glucose control. Your role as a care taker can throw up some unique challenges.

Educate yourself

You can care for your family member only when you know about the disease. So, first and foremost, educate yourself about diabetes. Know as much as you can about the disease. To stay healthy, they have to learn how to monitor and control their blood sugar levels. (Read: Living with diabetes)

Pay attention to their diet

Diabetics need to eat regular meals. They need to have at least three meals every day at about the same times. Hence it is important to follow a healthy meal plan at home. Make healthy diet a lifestyle. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods. Give them a choice of food with less fat, less sugar and less salt. Include high-fibre foods, like vegetables, fruit and whole grain breads and cereals in the menu. Don’t stock up on junk food. Read more…

Yoga poses to keep diabetes under control

Breathing in deeply and breathing out helps oxygenate your blood, and improves circulation. It also calms the mind and gives your rattled nerves some much needed rest.

Steps to do this pose: Sit on a yoga mat on the floor. Fold your legs in either padmasana or sit cross legged. Now straighten your back, keep your chin parallel to the floor, place your hands on your knees with your palms facing upwards and close your eyes. Breath in deep and hold your breath for five counts. Exhale slowly. Repeat this process at least ten times. Once you are done, rub your palms together till they are warm, and place them on your eyes. Now slowly open them and smile.

2. Setubandhasana: This pose not only helps keep one’s blood pressure in control it also helps to relax the mind, improves digestion, relieves the symptoms of menopause in women and stretches the neck and spine.

Steps to do this pose:

Lie flat on your yoga mat, with your feet flat on the floor. Now exhale and push up, and off the floor with your feet. Raise your body up such that your neck and head are flat on the mat and the rest of your body is in the air. You can use your hands to push down for added support. If you are flexible you can even clasp your fingers just below your raised back for that added stretch. The key here is to not overexert or hurt yourself while doing this pose.

More: http://health.india.com/news/milkha-singh-bats-for-diabetes-awareness/

Diabetes 'ticking time bomb' for young Indians

With the prevalence of diabetes increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, the proportion of young people with the disease is also soaring.

The major cause for the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young Asian adults is the increasing rate of obesity and decreasing rate of physical activity, leading to insulin resistance.

India today sits on the ticking time bomb of two closely interlinked epidemics- Obesity and Type 2 diabetes, aptly termed DIABESITY, Diabetic Living India reported.

Eating food high in complex carbohydrates, sugars and saturated fats together with sedentary lifestyles of reduced physical activity have caused an alarming increase in the prevalence of both diabetes and obesity in the country.

The rising trend seen in the prevalence of gestational diabetes among Asian women and the increased risk for future diabetes in them may also contribute to the escalating prevalence of diabetes in young people.

The development of type 2 diabetes among young individuals has significant public health consequences as these youth are likely to manifest the complications of diabetes, including retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy and cardiovascular disease, at a time that should be the most active and productive of their lives.

Several studies have shown that youth with type 2 diabetes develop early and rapidly progressing signs of heart and kidney disease, poor glycemic control and diabetes-related eye diseases.

More: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report-diabetes-ticking-time-bomb-for-young-indians-1916187