Turmeric Shows Promise in Combating Diabetes and Obesity

Turmeric, an Asian spice found in many curries, has a long history of use in reducing inflammation, healing wounds and relieving pain, but can it prevent diabetes? 

Since inflammation plays a big role in many diseases and is believed to be involved in the onset of both obesity and Type 2 diabetes, Drew Tortoriello, M.D., an endocrinologist and research scientist at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center, and his colleagues were curious what effect the herb might have on diabetic mice.

Dr. Tortoriello, working with pediatric resident Stuart Weisberg, M.D., Ph.D., and Rudolph Leibel, M.D., fellow endocrinologist and the co-director of the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, discovered that turmeric-treated mice were less susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes, based on their blood glucose levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests. They also discovered that turmeric-fed obese mice showed significantly reduced inflammation in fat tissue and the liver compared to controls. They speculate that curcumin, the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, lessens insulin resistance and prevents Type 2 diabetes in these mouse models by dampening the inflammatory response provoked by obesity.

Their findings are the subject of a soon-to-be published paper in Endocrinology and were recently presented at ENDO 2008, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has no known dose-limiting toxicities in doses of up to at least 12 grams daily in humans. The researchers tested high-doses of a dietary curcumin in two distinct mouse models of obesity and Type 2 diabetes: high-fat-diet-fed male mice and leptin-deficient obese female mice, with lean wild-type mice that were fed low-fat diets used as controls.

The inflammation associated with obesity was shown several years ago by researchers in the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center to be due in part to the presence of immune cells called macrophages in fat tissues throughout the body. These cells produce "cytokine" molecules that can cause inflammation in organs such as the heart, and islets of the pancreas, while also increasing insulin resistance in muscle and the liver. Researchers hypothesized that by suppressing the number and activity of these cells, with turmeric or a drug with similar actions, it may be possible to reduce some of the adverse consequences of obesity.

Curcumin administration was also associated with a small but significant decline in body weight and fat content, despite level or higher calorie consumption, suggesting that curcumin beneficially influences body composition.

"It's too early to tell whether increasing dietary curcumin [through turmeric] intake in obese people with diabetes will show a similar benefit," Dr. Tortoriello said. "Although the daily intake of curcumin one might have to consume as a primary diabetes treatment is likely impractical, it is entirely possible that lower dosages of curcumin could nicely complement our traditional therapies as a natural and safe treatment."

For now, the conclusion that Dr. Tortoriello and his colleagues have reached is that turmeric -- and its active anti-oxidant ingredient, curcumin -- reverses many of the inflammatory and metabolic problems associated with obesity and improves blood-sugar control in mouse models of Type 2 diabetes.

In addition to exploring novel methods of curcumin administration to increase its absorption, they are also interested in identifying novel anti-inflammatory processes invoked by curcumin and in adapting those processes in the development of more potent curcumin analogues.

Funding for the study comes in part from the National Institutes of Health's Child Health and Human Development branch and the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center.

Sources:

Columbia University Medical Center, (2008, June 23). Common Cooking Spice Found In Curry Shows Promise In Combating Diabetes And Obesity (http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/) .

Pancreas

What does your pancreas do?  Breaks down nutrients and makes hormones

The pancreas does two main things. It makes fluids that contain enzymes, which break down the nutrients in food -- like fats and proteins -- so your body can use them. And it makes hormones like insulin to balance your blood sugar levels.

Where is the pancreas located?  Behind the stomach 
The pancreas is about 6 inches long and looks a bit like a tadpole, with a head, body, and tail. It sits in the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the spine.


What does your pancreas make?  Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that boost the rate of chemical reactions in your body. Without them, processes that can take seconds or minutes would take years. Enzymes in the pancreas combine with bile, a liquid made by the liver, to break down food.

You can live without a pancreas.
But because the pancreas makes insulin, you'll develop diabetes if you need to have yours removed. That means you will be dependent on insulin shots (or a pump). It's also hard to manage because the pancreas makes other hormones that control blood sugar.

The pancreas can attack itself.
When ducts, or tubes, in the pancreas are blocked, enzymes build up. That causes the pancreas to begin to self-destruct. When this happens, it’s called acute pancreatitis. Symptoms include gradual or sudden pain in the abdomen, which can be mild at first but usually becomes severe. Treatment often involves time in the hospital on IV fluids, without eating or drinking, so the pancreas can rest.

What is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis?  Drinking
Inherited factors, cystic fibrosis, and some medications can cause chronic pancreatitis, but it is most often brought on by years of drinking too much alcohol. People with this ailment should stop drinking, no matter what caused their condition.

Every day, your pancreas releases about how much enzymes?  About a liter
People with certain conditions -- like pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and those who’ve had certain kinds of surgeries -- may not make enough pancreatic enzymes. Because these people can't absorb nutrients properly, they need a treatment called pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy.


What cells in the pancreas make insulin?  Islet cells
Islets (pronounced EYE-lets) are tiny clusters of several different cells in the pancreas. These cells make insulin, which controls your blood sugar levels. They are also called the islets of Langerhans, for German pathologist Paul Langerhans, who first described them in the 1860s.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by: An immune system reaction
When you have type 1 diabetes, certain types of islet cells no longer make enough insulin, because they've been attacked by the body’s immune system. All people with type 1 diabetes must take insulin. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin. This is usually caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors, including obesity and lack of physical activity.


How many people in the U.S. develop pancreatic cancer each year?  About 44,000
Pancreatic cancer is relatively rare, making up only about 2.8% of new cancer diagnoses. The risk of developing it increases with age, and it is most commonly diagnosed in people ages 75-84. It's hard to detect and is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.


Can you get a pancreas transplant?  Yes
Pancreas transplants are mainly done when someone has type 1 diabetes that is extremely hard to control. It is often done at the same time as a kidney transplant. The old pancreas is usually left in place to continue to make enzymes. Because your immune system will naturally reject the new organ, you'll have to take drugs to prevent that for the rest of your life. Pancreas transplants are not possible in people with pancreatic cancer: The drugs that prevent rejection would also keep your  immune system from fighting the cancer.


The pancreas can detect what kind of taste?  Sweet
Research shows that the pancreas can detect fructose, a type of sugar that's found naturally in fruits and honey, but is also added to processed foods, like cereals and soda, in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. The receptors that allow the pancreas to perceive sweetness may play a role in diseases like type 2 diabetes.

Dairy Foods May Prevent Diabetes

New research points to a link between higher levels of a fatty acid found in dairy and a reduced risk of diabetes.

According to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, consumption of dairy products seems to be linked to a decreased risk of diabetes. Milk, cheese, yogurt and butter all contain trans-palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid that cannot be made by the body. The study looked at more than 3,700 people and found that those with higher levels of the fatty acid had a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and those with the highest levels had dropped their risk by as much as 60%.

According to bbc.co.uk, the study's lead author says, "The magnitude of this association is striking.... This represents an almost three-fold difference in risk of developing diabetes among individuals with the highest blood levels of this fatty acid."

Scientists do caution that people shouldn't take the findings to mean that it's a good idea to overeat dairy foods. They can be high in fat and overeating can lead to weight gain. It's best to choose lower fat dairy foods.

More study is needed to determine the role of trans-palmitoleic acid in nutritional health. Sticking with a healthy balanced diet and getting exercise is the best way to maintain health.

Dr. Brian Mowll's webinar: Master Your Blood Sugar And Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

Master Your Blood Sugar And Reverse Type 2 Diabetes

Dr. Brian Mowll
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A1C test

• The A1C test measures your average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months.
• It is determined by measuring the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, or HbA1c, in the blood.
• Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells; when glucose enters the blood, it attaches to the hemoglobin. The result is glycated hemoglobin. The more glucose in your blood, the higher your glycated hemoglobin.
• Check your A1C twice year at a minimum, or more frequently when necessary.

The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes and then to gauge how well you're managing your diabetes. The A1C test goes by many other names, including glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C and HbA1c.

The A1C test result reflects your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. Specifically, the A1C test measures what percentage of your hemoglobin — a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — is coated with sugar (glycated). The higher your A1C level, the poorer your blood sugar control. And if you have previously diagnosed diabetes, the higher the A1C level, the higher your risk of diabetes complications.

The hemoglobin A1c test -- also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, or glycohemoglobin -- is an important blood test used to determine how well your diabetes is being controlled. Hemoglobin A1c provides an average of your blood sugar control over a six to 12 week period and is used in conjunction with home blood sugar monitoring to make adjustments in your diabetes medicines.

Hemoglobin is a substance within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When your diabetes is not controlled (meaning that your blood sugar is too high), sugar builds up in your blood and combines with your hemoglobin, becoming "glycated." Therefore, the average amount of sugar in your blood can be determined by measuring a hemoglobin A1c level. If your glucose levels have been high over recent weeks, your hemoglobin A1c test will be higher. The amount of hemoglobin A1c will reflect the last several weeks of blood sugar levels, typically encompassing a period of 120 days.

What's a Normal Hemoglobin A1c Test?

For people without diabetes, the normal range for the hemoglobin A1c test is between 4% and 5.6%. Hemoglobin A1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate increased risk of diabetes, and levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes. Because studies have repeatedly shown that out-of-control diabetes results in complications from the disease, the goal for people with diabetes is a hemoglobin A1c less than 7%. The higher the hemoglobin A1c, the higher the risks of developing complications related to diabetes.

People with diabetes should have this test every three months to determine whether their blood sugars have reached the target level of control. Those who have their diabetes under good control may be able to wait longer between the blood tests, but experts recommend checking at least 2 times a year.

Patients with diseases affecting hemoglobin such as anemia may get abnormal results with this test. Other abnormalities that can affect the results of the hemoglobin A1c include supplements such as vitamins C and E and high cholesterol levels. Kidney disease and liver disease may also affect the result of the hemoglobin A1c test.

Tart cherries : reduce factors associated with heart disease and diabetes

Tart cherries contain:

• Anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation and inhibit tumor growth.
• Flavanols and Flavonols which improve blood flow, heart and brain health, and lowers blood pressure.
• Phenolic Acids which are powerful antioxidants.  
• Phytochemicals (antioxidants) are associated with reducing the risk of major chronic diseases. 
• Plant Hormones that help regulate physiological functions.
• Terpenes that are essential oils from plant elements.

While some other fruits may have some of these bioactive compounds (such as antioxidants), tart cherries possess a wider variety of them and in greater amounts.  For this reason, it is extremely beneficial to seek out tart cherries at your local grocery store and make them a regular part of your diet.  Look for the can of tart cherries, the jam made from tart cherries or the tart cherry juice health drink made from all natural tart cherries

Diabetes drug metformin may double as cancer-fighting medicine

• Metformin is derived from the French lilac plant, Galega officinalis

Metformin is a workhorse drug for people with diabetes. It helps patients control their blood sugar and makes them more sensitive to insulin. But soon, metformin may take on a new role fighting cancer.

Results of a preliminary study presented Saturday at the American Assn. for Cancer Research’s annual meeting in Chicago suggest metformin slowed the growth of prostate cancer tumors. The study involved 22 men with prostate cancer. All of them were scheduled to have their prostates removed, and some of them took metformin for about seven weeks beforehand. After the prostates were excised, researchers from Toronto compared them and found that tumors grew more slowly in men who took the diabetes drug than in men who didn’t.

Those findings were augmented by a flurry of studies published Saturday in various AACR journals. Taken together, they offer hopeful signs that the diabetes drug may help prevent or treat an array of cancers.

Among them:

* In a study that examined 302 patients with pancreatic cancer, 117 were taking metformin. Researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that the one-year survival rate for patients on metformin was 64%, compared with only 46% for patients who weren’t on the drug. After two years, the survival rate was 30% for those taking metformin and 15% for those who weren’t. The findings were published in Clinical Cancer Research.

* Liver cancer tumors grew less in mice that were given metformin than in mice that didn’t get the drug. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that metformin’s ability to prevent the formation of fat in the liver helped keep the cancer at bay. The study was published in Cancer Prevention Research.

* In another mouse study, researchers from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research induced the animals to grow pre-cancerous lesions in their mouths. Mice who took metformin wound up with fewer oral cancers, and the tumors that did grow were smaller. These results also appear in Cancer Prevention Research.

Metformin is derived from the French lilac plant, Galega officinalis. According to this report in the journal Practical Diabetes, it is “reputed to be the most widely prescribed agent in the treatment of diabetes.”

Diabetes : The progress of a disease over thirty years

THE number of adults with diabetes more than doubled between 1980 and 2008, according to a new study led by Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London and Goodarz Danaei at Harvard University and published in the Lancet. This jump is not quite as horrific as the numbers might initially suggest, because ageing helped push up rates. But a good 30% of the increase was caused by higher prevalence of diabetes across age groups. Obesity seems to be a main culprit; the authors found a high correlation between rising rates of diabetes and a rise in body mass index. The global leap masks considerable variation between the sexes and among regions. Across the world the rate of diabetes rose by 18% for men and by 23% for women, to 9.8% and 9.2% respectively. In some countries the gap between the sexes was more dramatic. In Pakistan, for example, rates jumped by 46% for men and by 102% for women. The highest incidence of all is found in the Marshall Islands, where more than a quarter of all adults had diabetes in 2008. America has lived up to its hefty reputation. Women’s rate of diabetes jumped 79%, something that has contributed to a decline in life expectancy among some groups. And once again, French women are the envy of the world. Rates there fell by 11.2%.