Friday, September 02, 2005
DARK CHOCOLATE MAY HELP REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE - EVEN HELP IMPROVE INSULIN RESISTANCE
If you have High Blood Pressure, a daily bar-sized serving of flavonol-rich dark chocolate might lower your blood pressure and improve insulin resistance, researchers report. “Previous studies suggest flavonoid-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea, red wine and chocolate, might offer cardiovascular benefits, but this is one of the first clinical trials to look specifically at dark chocolate’s effect on lowering blood pressure among people with hypertension,” said study author Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, whose findings were published in the August 2005 issue of Hypertension. Blumberg is a senior scientist at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants found in many foods from plants. “This study is not about eating more chocolate,” Blumberg cautioned. “It suggests that cocoa flavonoids appear to have benefits on vascular function and glucose sensitivity.”
Diabetics fare worse after ankle fracture surgery
In the largest analysis of its kind, Duke University Medical Center researchers have found that patients with diabetes who require surgery for ankle fractures have significantly higher rates of complications and higher hospital costs compared to non-diabetic patients.
Specifically, the researchers found that diabetics experienced one additional day of hospitalization (an average of 4.7 vs. 3.6 days) with costs approximately 20 percent higher ($12,898 vs. $10,794). Additionally, diabetics had higher mortality rates (0.26 percent vs. 0.11 percent) and higher rates of post-operative complications (4.63 percent vs. 3.27 percent).
Diabetes linked to ear damage
Type 1 diabetes can damage the vasculature and inner structure of the ear, according to a new report.
Previous research suggests that diabetes can cause hearing loss, the authors explain in the journal Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, but no previous study has measured and documented changes in the anatomy of the cochlea—the deep-seated spiral structure where sound is turned into nerve impulses—in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Diabetes raises pancreatic cancer risk - study
Middle-aged and older Americans who are newly diagnosed with diabetes also appear to have a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a study published on Tuesday.
For three years after their diagnosis with diabetes, patients have eight times the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the study at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center found.
Diabetes itself may be an early symptom of the hard-to-treat cancer, the researchers said.
CONTINUOUS HOME GLUCOSE MONITORING MOVES A STEP CLOSER
DexCom, Inc. of San Diego California has announced the completion of two clinical and regulatory milestone studies of an 86-patient, 21-day trial in the United States with its Short-Term Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (STS) that evaluated performance over 3 consecutive 7-day periods. Patients inserted the STS sensors themselves, wore them in their daily activities at home and work, and were allowed to view and utilize the real-time continuous glucose data from the STS System.
The study demonstrated that the STS System functioned reliably over a 7-day period without a decline in sensor performance or any signs of infection at the insertion site. Although the specific regulatory path and timing are not yet determined, the company intends to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a 7-day STS sensor, in addition to the 3-day STS system currently under review. DexCom expects the data from this study to be presented or published by the study investigators in the future.
Scientists find that protein controls aging by controlling insulin
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that a protein prolonging life in mice works by controlling insulin.
The protein, Klotho, is found in several species. In mice, the researchers discovered, it acts as a hormone, circulating through the blood and binding to cells.
Secretary Announces Plan to Fight Diabetes, Highlights Efforts to Promote Prevention
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced Diabetes: A National Plan for Action during a town hall meeting at the National Press Club. This plan is a step-by-step guide to activities and resources against a disease that affects more than 18 million Americans.
“This action plan provides specific steps that everyone can take to fight diabetes,” Secretary Thompson said. “The most effective way to bring this problem under control is for government, business, health care providers, schools, communities and the media, as well as people with diabetes and their families to work together.”
Obesity, diabetes linked to poor pregnancy outcome
The results of a large study show that obesity and diabetes are independent risk factors for a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as cesarean delivery and having an infant with a low birth weight. The magnitude of the effect, however, varies by racial and ethnic group.
As reported in the American Journal of Public Health, Dr. Terry J. Rosenberg, from the Medical Health and Research Association of New York City, and colleagues analyzed information from 329,988 births to determine the impact of obesity and diabetes on pregnancy outcomes and the effect, if any, of race or ethnic group.
New Dietary Guidelines Will Help Americans Make Better Food Choices, Live Healthier Lives
HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, the federal government’s science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk of chronic diseases through nutrition and physical activity.
The sixth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. This joint project of the Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture is the latest of the five-year reviews required by federal law. It is the basis of federal food programs and nutrition education programs and supports the nutrition and physical fitness pillars of President Bush’s HealthierUS Initiative.
2005 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS
ADEQUATE NUTRIENTS WITHIN CALORIE NEEDS
* Consume a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages within and among the basic food groups while choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol.
* Meet recommended intakes within energy needs by adopting a balanced eating pattern, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Guide or the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
* To maintain body weight in a healthy range, balance calories from foods and beverages with calories expended.
* To prevent gradual weight gain over time, make small decreases in food and beverage calories and increase physical activity.