Can Type 1 Diabetes Be Reversed?

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are fortunate in that it's possible, with diet and lifestyle changes, to actually reverse the course of the disease. Even if they're unable to reverse Type 2, it's possible for them to avoid going on insulin by losing weight, watching carbs, and getting moderate exercise.

Those with Type 1, however, can't change the reality that they'll always need to take insulin since their bodies no longer make it. Or can Type 1 diabetes ever be reversed?

Very preliminary experiments suggest that it might in fact be possible to reverse Type 1 with an inexpensive vaccine that keeps the immune system from attacking pancreatic cells, reports the Los Angeles Times. Studies in mice already had documented the effectiveness of the tuberculosis vaccine known as BCG in Type 1 diabetes. That vaccine was shown to prevent T cells from attacking the insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. In mice that got the vaccine, the pancreas began to regenerate and to produce insulin once again, effectively "curing" the mice of their diabetes.

An immune system protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is pivotal in the research. When blood levels of TNF are increased, studies show, the protein blocks other areas of the immune system that attack the body, particularly the pancreas.

Researchers report that humans who got low doses of the vaccine began to demonstrate transient increases in insulin production. At Massachusetts General Hospital, medical experts are getting ready to try higher doses of the vaccine in larger groups of people.

The research is intriguing: if the vaccine works, even those who've had Type 1 diabetes for awhile might have their pancreas function restored, reports the Los Angeles Times. That depends, of course, on whether it's possible to block the beta cell-destroying parts of the immune system. "It's fascinating research," says Spyros Mezitis, MD, Ph.D., endocrinology consultant at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "It's changing the way we think about Type 1 diabetes."

Further experiments are needed with more individuals who have Type 1 diabetes, Mezitis says. "And higher doses of BCG tuberculosis vaccine are needed to confirm these important results," he adds.

Immunology expert Eva Mezey, MD, who directs the adult stem-cell unit at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, called the study results "fascinating and very promising," according to the Los Angeles Times. She noted, though, that only a small number of patients had gotten good results, and that vaccinations would most likely need to be repeated on a regular basis.

Source:

Maugh, Thomas H. "Research shows promise in reversing Type 1 diabetes." 25 June 2011. Los Angeles Times.
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/25/health/la-he-bcg-diabetes-20110625

Summer Travel With Diabetes: 11 Essential Tips

As you probably know all too well, diabetes doesn't take a vacation. So before you set off on a trip--be it a cruise, a week in the mountains with the family, or an international destination--be well-prepared for every possible scenario.

"When people are on vacation, they're just naughty," says Dana Simpler, MD, of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.  "They eat more than they should, they may drink too much, and they may either get more or less exercise than usual."

One way to keep track of your blood sugar is to pack your glucose meter, and to use it during travel, Simpler recommends.

"Knowing your blood sugar is very important," Simpler says. "And when you keep track of your blood sugar, you can see what your vacation is doing to your diabetes."

As you're packing your suitcase and readying yourself for travel, you should:

Compose and pack a list of all the medications, as well as a list of all medical conditions that you have. "Consider taking a recent set of lab results and an EKG," Simpler says. "This way, a doctor would know your baseline should an emergency come up while you are traveling." Pack duplicates of all your medications in case something should get lost during travel or left behind at the hotel, advises Gerald Bernstein, MD, FACP, director of the Diabetes Management Program at the Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. "Take two or three days' worth of extra blood testing strips, too, in case you are delayed," he says.Pack your medications in your carry-on if you are flying, just in case your luggage gets lost.Be sure to ask your doctor whether you need any extra vaccinations before traveling. Don't wait until the last minute, since some have to be obtained many weeks before you travel. If you'll be immobile for hours at a time sitting on a cramped plane or train, ask your doctor if you should wear compression stockings or take a baby aspirin in order to prevent blood clots, Simpler says. Get up and walk around every hour or so while on the plane, too.Ask your doctor if you should take along an antibiotic just in case you get an infection, Simpler says.If you are abroad and you're not sure of the water quality, stick to bottled water and don't eat fruit or vegetables washed in local water. "When you are diabetic you are more susceptible to infections, and infections tend to be harder on you," Simpler says. Take snacks so that you'll have some shelf-stable foods that you are familiar with. Pack candy or glucose tablets in your carry-on in case of hypoglycemia. "Take a variety of glucose replacements and be prepared for any kind of circumstance," Friedman says. Pack plenty of cotton socks and loose-fitting, comfortable shoes. They'll come in handy if you do a lot of walking, Friedman says. Check your feet often, especially if you are doing a lot of walking on the trip.  Finally, and this is tough to follow when you're in vacation mode, use moderation at mealtime--at least for most of the trip. "After all, you're on a vacation for fun and relaxation, not to make yourself sick," Simpler says.

View the original article here

Which Vitamins Are Really Essential?

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Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function. The list includes:

Vitamin A: Found in dairy, meat, and seafood, vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth and skin.Vitamin C: Works to maintain healthy teeth and gums and promotes the healing of wounds. Eat plenty of berries, citrus, and melons for this antioxidant.Vitamin D: Known as the vitamin that the body produces after exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in dairy, fish, and oysters. It also works to maintain bone health.Vitamin E: Found in seeds and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, vitamin E plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.Vitamin K: Rarely listed as an essential vitamin, but without it our blood cells would turn into jelly. It can be found in cereals, cabbage, and spinach.Vitamin B1 (thiamine): An excellent aide to heart health, thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy. B1 can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes proper body growth and function of red blood cells. Dairy, leafy green vegetables, liver, kidneys, legumes, tomatoes, and mushrooms can help you get your daily dose of B2.Vitamin B3 (niacin): Known for its ability to lower cholesterol, niacin also helps maintain healthy nerves and skin. Eat dairy, eggs, or lean meats for your daily helping of this essential vitamin.Pantothenic acid: Found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and beans, pantothenic acid works to metabolize food.Vitamin H (biotin): Vitamin H helps the body process protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Reach for onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower.Vitamin B6: Try some tuna, chicken, or bananas to aid brain function and help the body utilize protein.Vitamin B12: Want a fully functioning metabolism? Eat meat, fish, and shellfish for your daily dose.Folate (folic acid): Essential for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function, any woman who may be pregnant should get plenty of this vitamin. Not only is folate found in fortified foods, but it's also in leafy greens. 

According to the Institute of Medicine, the best and easiest way to ensure you're receiving the appropriate amount of essential vitamins is through a balanced diet. As a basic guide, fill your plate with approximately half fruits and vegetables, a quarter dedicated to lean meat or seafood, and a quarter given to whole grains.

If your doctor finds that you have a deficiency or a condition that requires more of a particular vitamin (e.g. osteoporosis, which requires more vitamin D than the average daily serving), she may suggest supplementation. It is essential that you follow your physician's suggestions. When it comes to vitamins, there can be too much of a good thing.

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!

Sources:

Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins
http://iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamins
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm

View the original article here

Which Vitamins Are Really Essential?

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!

Nearly every "health-conscious" food product or dietary supplement comes with the same catchphrase: "Packed with essential vitamins and minerals." But with a vitamin existing for almost every letter of the alphabet, which ones are really essential for you?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 13 vitamins that are crucial to proper body function. The list includes:

Vitamin A: Found in dairy, meat, and seafood, vitamin A helps promote healthy teeth and skin.Vitamin C: Works to maintain healthy teeth and gums and promotes the healing of wounds. Eat plenty of berries, citrus, and melons for this antioxidant.Vitamin D: Known as the vitamin that the body produces after exposure to sunlight, it can also be found in dairy, fish, and oysters. It also works to maintain bone health.Vitamin E: Found in seeds and leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, vitamin E plays a role in the formation of red blood cells.Vitamin K: Rarely listed as an essential vitamin, but without it our blood cells would turn into jelly. It can be found in cereals, cabbage, and spinach.Vitamin B1 (thiamine): An excellent aide to heart health, thiamine helps convert carbohydrates into energy. B1 can be found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish.Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes proper body growth and function of red blood cells. Dairy, leafy green vegetables, liver, kidneys, legumes, tomatoes, and mushrooms can help you get your daily dose of B2.Vitamin B3 (niacin): Known for its ability to lower cholesterol, niacin also helps maintain healthy nerves and skin. Eat dairy, eggs, or lean meats for your daily helping of this essential vitamin.Pantothenic acid: Found in lean meats, dairy, eggs, potatoes, and beans, pantothenic acid works to metabolize food.Vitamin H (biotin): Vitamin H helps the body process protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Reach for onions, cabbage, cucumber, and cauliflower.Vitamin B6: Try some tuna, chicken, or bananas to aid brain function and help the body utilize protein.Vitamin B12: Want a fully functioning metabolism? Eat meat, fish, and shellfish for your daily dose.Folate (folic acid): Essential for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function, any woman who may be pregnant should get plenty of this vitamin. Not only is folate found in fortified foods, but it's also in leafy greens. 

According to the Institute of Medicine, the best and easiest way to ensure you're receiving the appropriate amount of essential vitamins is through a balanced diet. As a basic guide, fill your plate with approximately half fruits and vegetables, a quarter dedicated to lean meat or seafood, and a quarter given to whole grains.

If your doctor finds that you have a deficiency or a condition that requires more of a particular vitamin (e.g. osteoporosis, which requires more vitamin D than the average daily serving), she may suggest supplementation. It is essential that you follow your physician's suggestions. When it comes to vitamins, there can be too much of a good thing.

See what people are saying about this article on our Facebook page!

Sources:

Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins
http://iom.edu/Activities/Nutrition/SummaryDRIs

National Institutes of Health (NIH), Vitamins
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002399.htm

View the original article here