A study of nearly 70,000 women found that those drinking coffee at lunch reduced their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by a third. The results help true for both decaf and caffeinated coffee, both with sugar and without it. Those drinking it at other times during the day showed no reduced risk. The findings only applied to those drinking coffee without milk.

Researchers hypothesize that the lunchtime-effect may have to do with timing, but also may relate to the types of foods people eat during lunchtime.

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People with pre diabetes have higher blood sugar levels than normal, but the levels do not rise to the point of being considered Type 2 diabetes. In other words, people with pre diabetes are on the path to developing Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle modifications can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes in people with prediabetes.

The new research suggests that almost one-third of all adults in the U.S. have pre diabetes, but whopping 90% don’t even know they have it. The study looked at the responses from 1,402 people that participated in the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Those that had been advised by a doctor to lose weight or exercise, both measures that can reduce the risk of diabetes, were more likely to take such measures, leading researchers to conclude that identification and awareness are the keys to helping win the battle against the growing diabetes epidemic.

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Researchers examined records from 11,140 diabetic patients in 20 countries, according to an article recently published by Reuters.  They looked at the complications, hospital stays and costs. What they found was that patients in Asia and Eastern Europe tended to have longer hospital stays, but also higher rates of some complications such as stroke.

For example, in China, the average healthcare spending per individual per year was 10 times more expensive for a diabetic that has a stroke than the average citizen.

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Larry H Miller, the team’s longtime owner died on Feb. 20, 2009 at the age of 64 due to complication from his Type 2 diabetes. Miller suffered a heart attack in June 2008 and had both his legs amputated six inches below the knees in January 2009.   

Specifically, when fans purchase four seats in the lower bowl area at $35 per seat and four hot dogs, the team will donate $5 for each ticket to the ADA. Fans can call (801) 355-DUNK to buy tickets to the game.

Diabetes is a rapidly growing disease affecting 28 million Americans. Another 57 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition that can lead to Type 2 diabetes if drastic lifestyle and dietary changes are not taken. People with Type 2, the more common form of the disease, produce insulin but do not use it efficiently. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood.

Long-term complications of the disease include heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation among others.

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Currently, there are at least seven different diabetes vaccines being developed. Most of them are for Type 1 diabetes and are in Phase I testing, meaning they have a long way to go before being considered for the public, if they ever are. However, Diamyd Medical, a Swedish company is conducting a Phase III trial of 640 kids recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes to see if their vaccine can halt or slow the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. The company claims its Phase II trial results show that those given the vaccine shortly after diagnosis have a much better diabetes status compared the a group given a placebo.   

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that regulated sugar levels in the blood. Without the insulin-producing cells, people with Type 1 diabetes must inject themselves with insulin several times each day.

For drug companies, a diabetes vaccine could be a real boost to the bottom line, according to Kalorama. The firm predicts the markets for such a vaccine could hit $100 million by 2012 and $2.4 billion by 2020.

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While many diabetics test their blood sugar levels several times a day, an A1C test is designed to provide a big picture look at overall blood glucose control over a period of several months. It can tell patients and doctors how well a specific treatment plan is working. The American Diabetes Association says diabetics should aim to keep their A1C readings below 7%. High levels of sugar in the blood can lead to some of the disease’s more devastating complications, such as blindness, stroke, heart disease and amputations.

Bayer says the at-home device enables patients to stay better informed in between doctor visits and arm them with greater knowledge so that they can have a more meaningful discussion with their doctor during visits.

The company says the at-home test should not serve as a replacement for their healthcare provider-administered A1C test, but rather should be used to complement it. Currently, A1CNow Selfcheck comes as a 2-test-kit and sells for about $30.

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The things in life that can have affect our blood sugar and the complications that diabetes can cause sometimes amaze me, especially when they work both ways.

Studies have found that people with diabetes are at a greater risk for periodontal disease and that periodontal disease can make managing blood sugars more difficult. While periodontal disease is the most common complication that affects the mouth there are others. People with diabetes can also suffer from tooth decay, salivary gland dysfunction, fungal infections (such as thrush), and taste impairments, among others. 

Diabetes can reduce your body’s abilities to fight off infections and periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bones in the mouth. The symptoms of periodontal disease include swollen gums, bleeding from the gums, bad breath, receding gum line and loose teeth.

We all know that infections can wreak havoc with blood sugars. Periodontal disease is an infection of an area about the size of your fist. If you had an infection that size anywhere else in your body you would more than likely seek treatment from your doctor and you would probably monitor blood sugar levels as if it were a sick day. So what can those of us with diabetes do?

Of course good blood sugar control is the first place to start to prevent complications associated with diabetes. Regular dental checkups and periodontal screenings is the second step. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help prevent complications. The road to good health with diabetes is a maze and good support from others is the best way not to get lost.

(Each of the Expert columns are based on the experiences and knowledge of the individual columnists. The columns are meant to provide you with helpful information, but are not meant to be considered direct advice. Before making any decisions that could affect your health, make sure to contact a physician or the appropriate medical professional.)

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Most people generally agree there is a genetic element to both Type 1 and type 2 diabetes and that having a parent with diabetes ups a child’s diabetes risk. Diabetes News Hound ran an article back in November entitled ‘How Likely Are You to Pass on Diabetes to Your Kids?‘ that addressed this issue.

Children of men with Type 1 diabetes have a 6% chance of developing diabetes. With women, the risks vary. A child born to a woman with Type 1 diabetes, who is younger than 25 years old, has a 4% chance of getting diabetes. After that age, the risk drops to 1%. The odds double if the parent was diagnosed prior to the age of 11 years old. Children of non-diabetic parents have less than a 1% chance of getting this form of the disease.

Family history is extremely important with Type 2, the more common form of the disease. Children with one parent suffering from Type 2 have a 30% to 50% chance of developing the disease. If both parents have it, the risk jumps to between 50% and 100%. Researchers estimate that one in three people born after the year 2000 will develop diabetes.

So, in short, knowing the symptoms and the risks can help parents know when to worry and when to take a chill pill. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, frequent urination (in kids, excessive bedwetting might be an indicator), unquenchable thirst, dizziness and blurry vision, among others.

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With Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes insulin resistant, meaning it produces insulin but doesn’t use it properly. As a result, people with the disease must take pills or insulin to help regulate their glucose levels. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including blindness, heart disease, stroke, amputations of limbs and more.

There are an estimated 28 million diabetics in the United States — the vast majority of them are Type 2 diabetics. It is estimated that a quarter of the people with Type 2 don’t know they have the disease. There are another 57 million with Pre diabetes, a condition that is the pathway to Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is listed as the sixth leading cause of death, but according to the Digital Journal, it is the leading killer when all the side-effects are factored in.

Dr. Oz, who also has his own show, was a special guest on the Oprah show and helped explain the disease and the consequences of uncontrolled blood sugar.  He also helped to spell out the symptoms, which includes dire thirst, frequent urination and blurred vision.

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Scientists are hoping to manipulate three ‘longevity genes’ they have identified that promote a healthy and long life. Researchers hope they can create a pill that imitates the genes’ function. One gene is thought to prevent diabetes, while the group of genes is said to protect people who have them against smoking, obesity and poor diet.

However, some are already questioning their scientists’ claims. As more information becomes available, we will surely hear more expert opinions on both sides.

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