Category Archives: Diabetes

1. Artificial sweeteners dont aid weight loss, may increase diabetes, heart disease risk, says WHO  ThePrint
2. World Health Organization warns nonsugar sweeteners may increase risk of diabetes and heart disease  MarketWatch
3. WHO: Artificial sweeteners linked to diabetes, death  POLITICO Europe

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Artificial sweeteners dont aid weight loss, may increase diabetes, heart disease risk, says WHO - ThePrint

OverviewWhat is Diabetes?What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesnt make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isnt responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes.

Glucose (sugar) mainly comes from carbohydrates in your food and drinks. Its your bodys go-to source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all your bodys cells to use for energy.

When glucose is in your bloodstream, it needs help a key to reach its final destination. This key is insulin (a hormone). If your pancreas isnt making enough insulin or your body isnt using it properly, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, causing high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Over time, having consistently high blood glucose can cause health problems, such as heart disease, nerve damage and eye issues.

The technical name for diabetes is diabetes mellitus. Another condition shares the term diabetes diabetes insipidus but theyre distinct. They share the name diabetes because they both cause increased thirst and frequent urination. Diabetes insipidus is much rarer than diabetes mellitus.

There are several types of diabetes. The most common forms include:

Other types of diabetes include:

Diabetes is common. Approximately 37.3 million people in the United States have diabetes, which is about 11% of the population. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, representing 90% to 95% of all diabetes cases.

About 537 million adults across the world have diabetes. Experts predict this number will rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

Its important to talk to your healthcare provider if you or your child has these symptoms.

Additional details about symptoms per type of diabetes include:

Too much glucose circulating in your bloodstream causes diabetes, regardless of the type. However, the reason why your blood glucose levels are high differs depending on the type of diabetes.

Causes of diabetes include:

Long-term use of certain medications can also lead to Type 2 diabetes, including HIV/AIDS medications and corticosteroids.

Diabetes can lead to acute (sudden and severe) and long-term complications mainly due to extreme or prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Acute diabetes complications that can be life-threatening include:

Blood glucose levels that remain high for too long can damage your bodys tissues and organs. This is mainly due to damage to your blood vessels and nerves, which support your bodys tissues.

Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues are the most common type of long-term diabetes complication. They include:

Other diabetes complications include:

Living with diabetes can also affect your mental health. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to have depression than people without diabetes.

Healthcare providers diagnose diabetes by checking your glucose level in a blood test. Three tests can measure your blood glucose level:

To screen for and diagnose gestational diabetes, providers order an oral glucose tolerance test.

The following test results typically indicate if you dont have diabetes, have prediabetes or have diabetes. These values may vary slightly. In addition, healthcare providers rely on more than one test to diagnose diabetes.

Diabetes is a complex condition, so its management involves several strategies. In addition, diabetes affects everyone differently, so management plans are highly individualized.

The four main aspects of managing diabetes include:

Due to the increased risk for heart disease, its also important to maintain a healthy:

You cant prevent autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes. But there are some steps you can take to lower your risk for developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes, including:

Its important to note that there are some diabetes risk factors you cant change, such as your genetics/family history, age and race. Know that Type 2 diabetes is a complex condition that involves many contributing factors.

The prognosis (outlook) for diabetes varies greatly depending on several factors, including:

Chronic high blood sugar can cause severe complications, which are usually irreversible. Several studies have shown that untreated chronic high blood sugar shortens your lifespan and worsens your quality of life.

In the United States, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death. A large number of people with diabetes will die from a heart attack or stroke.

However, its important to know that you can live a healthy life with diabetes. The following are key to a better prognosis:

Studies show that people with diabetes may be able to reduce their risk of complications by consistently keeping their A1c levels below 7%.

If you havent been diagnosed with diabetes, you should see a healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination.

If you have diabetes, you should see your provider who helps you manage diabetes (such as an endocrinologist) regularly.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Being diagnosed with diabetes is a life-changing event, but it doesnt mean you cant live a happy and healthy life. Managing diabetes involves consistent care and diligence. While itll likely be very overwhelming at first, over time youll get a better grasp on managing the condition and being in tune with your body.

Be sure to see your healthcare provider(s) regularly. Managing diabetes involves a team effort youll want medical professionals, friends and family on your side. Dont be afraid to reach out to them if you need help.

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Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types

Medically supervised weight loss approach helps patients reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease and stroke  ABC4.com

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Medically supervised weight loss approach helps patients reduce risks of diabetes, heart disease and stroke - ABC4.com

Dear Annie: Im worried about my sisters use of diabetes injections to drop a few pounds  OregonLive

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Dear Annie: Im worried about my sisters use of diabetes injections to drop a few pounds - OregonLive

Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Expected To Be Approved For Weight Loss Soon: What To Know And How It Compares To Similar Drugs  Forbes

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Diabetes Drug Mounjaro Expected To Be Approved For Weight Loss Soon: What To Know And How It Compares To Similar Drugs - Forbes

Alcohol: Some People Have Higher Risk Of Heart Attack, Diabetes And Stroke More Than Binge Drinkers Signs Youre At Risk  Revyuh

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Alcohol: Some People Have Higher Risk Of Heart Attack, Diabetes And Stroke More Than Binge Drinkers Signs Youre At Risk - Revyuh

Still Drinking Green Tea? Doctor Reveals A Healthier Drink With Proven Benefits For Diabetes, Aging, Oxidative Stress, And Cancer  Revyuh

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Still Drinking Green Tea? Doctor Reveals A Healthier Drink With Proven Benefits For Diabetes, Aging, Oxidative Stress, And Cancer - Revyuh

Cinnamon may help support blood sugar management by increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing blood sugar levels after eating, and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Diabetes is a condition that affects blood sugar management, which can lead to long-term complications like heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage (1).

Treatment often includes medications and insulin injections, but many people are also interested in foods that can help lower blood sugar.

One example is cinnamon, a commonly used spice thats added to sweet and savory dishes around the world.

It provides many health benefits, including the ability to help lower blood sugar and manage diabetes (2).

This article tells you everything you need to know about cinnamon and its effects on blood sugar management and diabetes.

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that comes from the bark of several species of Cinnamomum trees (3).

While you may associate cinnamon with rolls or breakfast cereals, it has actually been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and food preservation (3).

To obtain cinnamon, the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees must be removed. The bark then undergoes a drying process that causes it to curl up and yield cinnamon sticks, or quills, which can be further processed into powdered cinnamon.

Several different varieties of cinnamon are sold in the United States, and they are typically categorized into two different types (3):

While both types are sold as cinnamon, there are important differences between the two, which will be discussed later in this article.

Cinnamon is made from the dried bark of Cinnamomum trees and is generally categorized into two varieties.

A quick glance at cinnamons nutrition facts may not lead you to believe that its often considered a superfood (4).

A single teaspoon (tsp), the average serving size of cinnamon, doesnt contain a lot of vitamins or minerals. But many recipes call for more than just 1 tsp, and larger amounts of cinnamon do contain a high amount of vitamins and minerals. It also contains larger amounts of antioxidants, which provide many of cinnamons health benefits (5).

In fact, one study in 84 people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that taking 1,500 milligrams (mg) of cinnamon daily led to a significant increase in antioxidant blood levels after 8 weeks (6).

Antioxidants are important because they help the body reduce oxidative stress, a type of damage to cells that is caused by harmful free radicals (7).

One study showed that consuming 1 gram (g) of cinnamon extract daily for 12 weeks reduced fasting blood sugar levels and improved markers of oxidative stress in people with type 2 diabetes (8).

This is significant because oxidative stress has been linked to the development of nearly every chronic disease, including type 2 diabetes (9).

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants that decrease oxidative stress. This may be beneficial for several chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

In people with diabetes, either their pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or cells do not respond to insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of insulin and increasing the movement of sugar from the bloodstream into cells (10).

It can also help lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more efficient at moving sugar into cells (11).

One study in 80 people with PCOS found that taking 1.5 g of cinnamon powder daily for 12 weeks caused a significant reduction in fasting insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity compared with a placebo (12).

Similarly, another study found that taking 250 mg of cinnamon twice daily for 2 months improved insulin sensitivity in 137 people with high blood sugar levels (13).

Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar by mimicking the effects of insulin and increasing insulins ability to move sugar into cells.

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may help improve blood sugar management.

In fact, a review of 16 studies concluded that cinnamon could significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance compared with a placebo in people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes (14).

Some studies have also found that it could also lower hemoglobin A1c, a measure of long-term blood sugar control.

For instance, a research review reported that cinnamon could reduce hemoglobin A1c in people with type 2 diabetes by 0.27% to 0.83% while also decreasing fasting blood sugar levels by up to 52.2 mg per deciliter (15).

According to another review of 11 studies, cinnamon supplements could lead to modest reductions in fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c (16).

However, researchers also noted that more studies are needed and cinnamon should not be used in place of medications or diet and lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar levels (16).

Cinnamon shows promise in lowering fasting blood sugar levels and reducing hemoglobin A1c. However, more research is needed.

Postprandial blood sugar refers to your blood sugar level after eating. Blood sugar levels can increase quite a bit after you eat, depending on the size of the meal and how many carbs it contains (17).

These blood sugar shifts can increase levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage your bodys cells and contribute to chronic disease (18).

Cinnamon can help keep these blood sugar spikes after meals in check. Some research suggests that it does this by slowing down the rate at which food empties out of your stomach (19).

A study from 2007 found that consuming 1.2 tsp, or 6 g, of cinnamon with a serving of rice pudding slowed the emptying of the stomach and decreased subsequent spikes in blood sugar levels compared with eating rice pudding alone (20).

Other studies suggest that cinnamon may lower blood sugar following meals by blocking digestive enzymes that break down carbs in the small intestine (21).

Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar following meals, possibly by slowing stomach emptying and blocking digestive enzymes.

In addition to supporting blood sugar management, cinnamon may also lower the risk of certain complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease and stroke (22).

For example, one review of 13 studies showed that cinnamon could decrease levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, both of which are risk factors for heart disease (23).

An analysis from 2020 found that supplementing with at least 2 g of cinnamon per day could significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 8 weeks (24).

Diabetes has also been increasingly linked to the development of Alzheimers disease and other types of dementia, with some people now referring to Alzheimers disease as type 3 diabetes. The classification of type 3 diabetes is highly controversial, and its not widely accepted by the medical community as a clinical diagnosis (25).

Studies suggest that cinnamon extract may decrease the ability of two proteins beta-amyloid and tau to form plaques and tangles, which are routinely linked to the development of Alzheimers disease (26).

However, this research has been completed only in test tubes and animal studies. Further studies in humans are needed to confirm these findings.

Cinnamon may help lower the risk of diseases related to diabetes, such as heart disease and Alzheimers disease. However, more research is needed.

Cinnamon is typically grouped into two different types Ceylon and Cassia.

Cassia cinnamon can be derived from a few different species of Cinnamomum trees. Its generally inexpensive and is found in most food products and the spice aisle of the grocery store.

Ceylon cinnamon, on the other hand, is specifically derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree. Its typically more expensive and less common than Cassia, but studies have shown that Ceylon cinnamon contains more antioxidants (27).

Because it contains more antioxidants, its possible that Ceylon cinnamon may offer more health benefits.

Nevertheless, although several animal and test-tube studies have highlighted the benefits of Ceylon cinnamon, most studies demonstrating health benefits of cinnamon in humans have used the Cassia variety (28).

While both varieties of cinnamon likely lower blood sugar and fight diabetes, most research has focused on the potential benefits of Cassia cinnamon. More research is needed.

Cassia cinnamon is not only lower in antioxidants but also high in a potentially harmful substance called coumarin, an organic substance found in many plants.

Several studies in rats have shown coumarin can be toxic to the liver, leading to concern that it may cause liver damage in humans as well (29).

Accordingly, the European Food Safety Authority has set the tolerable daily intake for coumarin at 0.045 mg per pound (lb.), or 0.1 mg per kilogram (kg) (30).

Using average coumarin levels for Cassia cinnamon, this would be equivalent to about half a tsp (2.5 g) of Cassia cinnamon per day for a 165-pound (75-kg) individual.

Cassia cinnamon is particularly high in coumarin, and you can easily consume more than the upper limit by taking Cassia cinnamon supplements or even eating large amounts of it in foods.

However, Ceylon cinnamon contains much lower amounts of coumarin, and it would be difficult to consume more than the recommended amount of coumarin with this type (3).

Keep in mind that there is limited information on the long-term safety of cinnamon supplements for children and people who are pregnant or nursing (31).

Additionally, people with diabetes who take medications or insulin should talk with a doctor before adding cinnamon to their daily routine, as it could increase the risk of low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia (32).

Cassia cinnamon is high in coumarin, which may cause liver damage if consumed in high amounts. People taking medications for diabetes should also talk to a doctor before taking cinnamon supplements to avoid adverse side effects.

Cinnamons benefits for lowering blood sugar have been well-studied.

Yet despite this, no consensus has been reached regarding how much you should consume to reap the benefits while avoiding potential risks.

Generally, most research has studied the effects of 16 g per day, either as a supplement or powder added to foods (15).

However, keep in mind that the coumarin content of Cassia cinnamon can vary. Thats why it may be best to stick to lower doses of around 0.51 g of Cassia cinnamon per day to avoid surpassing the tolerable daily intake of coumarin.

On the other hand, Ceylon cinnamon contains significantly less coumarin and can be consumed safely in doses of up to 1.2 tsp. (6 g) per day (3).

Be sure to talk with a doctor before adding cinnamon supplements to your routine. You may want to start with a lower dose and work your way up to avoid adverse effects on health.

It may be best to limit your intake of Cassia cinnamon to 0.51 g per day. Ceylon cinnamon can be consumed in higher amounts, even though it may not be necessary.

Many studies have suggested that cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar and help manage common diabetes complications, among other health benefits.

If you want to take cinnamon supplements or add it to your meals to help lower your blood sugar, it may be best to use Ceylon instead of Cassia.

While it may be more expensive, Ceylon cinnamon contains more antioxidants and lower amounts of coumarin, which can potentially cause liver damage.

Its probably best not to exceed 0.51 g of Cassia daily, but taking up to 1.2 tsp (6 g) daily of Ceylon cinnamon is likely safe.

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How Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar and Fights Diabetes - Healthline

Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes that is not being managed through methods such as diet, exercise, and insulin treatment. Ulcers are formed as a result of skin tissue breaking down and exposing the layers underneath.

Theyre most common under your big toes and the balls of your feet, and they can affect your feet down to the bones.

All people with diabetes can develop foot ulcers, but good foot care can help prevent them. Treatment for diabetic foot ulcers varies depending on their causes.

Discuss any foot concerns with your doctor to ensure its not a serious problem, as infected ulcers can result in amputation if neglected.

One of the first signs of a foot ulcer is drainage from your foot that might stain your socks or leak out in your shoe. Unusual swelling, irritation, redness, and odors from one or both feet are also common early symptoms.

The most visible sign of a serious foot ulcer is black tissue (called eschar) surrounding the ulcer. This forms because of an absence of healthy blood flow to the area around the ulcer.

Partial or complete gangrene, which refers to tissue death due to infections, can appear around the ulcer. In this case, odorous discharge, pain, and numbness can occur.

Signs of foot ulcers are not always obvious. Sometimes, you wont even show symptoms of ulcers until the ulcer has become infected.

Talk with your doctor if you begin to see any skin discoloration, especially tissue that has turned black, or feel any pain around an area that appears callused or irritated.

Your doctor will likely identify the seriousness of your ulcer on a scale of 0 to 5 using the Wagner Ulcer Classification System:

Ulcers in people with diabetes are most commonly caused by:

Poor blood circulation is a form of vascular disease in which blood doesnt flow to your feet efficiently. Poor circulation can also make it more difficult for ulcers to heal.

High glucose levels can slow the healing process of an infected foot ulcer, so blood sugar management is critical. People with type 2 diabetes and other ailments often have a harder time fighting off infections from ulcers.

Nerve damage is a long-term effect and can lead to a loss of feeling in your feet. Damaged nerves can feel tingly and painful. Nerve damage reduces sensitivity to foot pain and results in painless wounds that can cause ulcers.

Ulcers can be identified by drainage from the affected area and sometimes a noticeable lump that isnt always painful.

All people with diabetes are at risk for foot ulcers, which can have multiple causes. Some factors can increase the risk of foot ulcers, including:

Diabetic foot ulcers are also most common in older men.

Stay off your feet to prevent pain from ulcers. This is called off-loading, and its helpful for all forms of diabetic foot ulcers. Pressure from walking can make an infection worse and an ulcer expand.

Your doctor may recommend wearing certain items to protect your feet:

Doctors can remove foot ulcers with a debridement, the removal of dead skin or foreign objects that may have caused the ulcer.

An infection is a serious complication of a foot ulcer and requires immediate treatment. Not all infections are treated the same way.

Tissue surrounding the ulcer may be sent to a lab to determine which antibiotic will help. If your doctor suspects a serious infection, they may order an X-ray to look for signs of bone infection.

Infection of a foot ulcer can be prevented with:

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiplatelets, or anticlotting medications to treat your ulcer if the infection progresses even after preventive or antipressure treatments.

Many of these antibiotics attack Staphylococcus aureus,bacteria known to cause staph infections, or -haemolytic Streptococcus, which is normally found in your intestines.

Talk with your doctor about other health conditions you have that might increase your risk of infections by these harmful bacteria, including HIV and liver problems.

Your doctor may recommend that you seek surgical help for your ulcers. A surgeon can help alleviate pressure around your ulcer by shaving down the bone or removing foot abnormalities such as bunions or hammertoes.

You will likely not need surgery on your ulcer. However, if no other treatment option can help your ulcer heal, surgery can prevent your ulcer from becoming worse or leading to amputation.

According to a 2017 review article in the New England Journal of Medicine, more than half of diabetic foot ulcers become infected. Approximately 20 percent of moderate to severe foot infections in people with diabetes lead to amputation. Preventive care is crucial.

Closely manage your blood glucose, as your chances of diabetes complications remain low when your blood sugar is stable. You can also help prevent foot problems by:

Foot ulcers can return after theyve been treated. Scar tissue can become infected if the area is aggravated again, so your doctor may recommend you wear shoes specially designed for people with diabetes to prevent ulcers from returning.

If you begin to see blackened flesh around an area of numbness, see your doctor right away to seek treatment for an infected foot ulcer. If untreated, ulcers can cause abscesses and spread to other areas on your feet and legs.

At this point, ulcers can often only be treated by surgery, amputation, or replacement of lost skin by synthetic skin substitutes.

When caught early, foot ulcers are treatable. See a doctor right away if you develop a sore on your foot, as the likelihood of infection increases the longer you wait. Untreated infections may require amputations.

While your ulcers heal, stay off your feet and follow your treatment plan. Diabetic foot ulcers can take several weeks to heal.

Ulcers may take longer to heal if your blood sugar is high and constant pressure is applied to the ulcer.

Remaining on a diet that helps you meet your glycemic targets and off-loading pressure from your feet is the most effective way to allow your foot ulcers to heal.

Once an ulcer has healed, consistent preventive care will help you stop an ulcer from ever returning.

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Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes and Treatments - Healthline

Diabetes: Are jaggery and honey healthier alternatives to sugar? Experts help you understand  Times of India

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Diabetes: Are jaggery and honey healthier alternatives to sugar? Experts help you understand - Times of India