Brown rice is a whole grain thats often considered a health food.

Unlike white rice, which only contains the starchy endosperm, brown rice retains the nutrient-rich germ and bran layers of the grain. The only part removed is the hard outer hull (1).

Yet, while its higher in several nutrients than white rice, brown rice remains rich in carbs. As a result, you may wonder whether its safe for people with diabetes.

This article tells you whether you can eat brown rice if you have diabetes.

Brown rice is a healthy addition to a balanced diet, even if you have diabetes.

Still, its important to monitor portion sizes and be aware of how this food affects blood sugar levels.

Brown rice has an impressive nutritional profile. Its a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and several vitamins and minerals (1, 2).

Specifically, this whole grain is high in flavonoids plant compounds with potent antioxidant effects. Eating flavonoid-rich foods is associated with a reduced risk of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimers disease (1, 3).

Growing evidence suggests that high fiber foods like brown rice are beneficial for digestive health and may reduce your risk of chronic disease. They may also boost fullness and aid weight loss (4, 5, 6).

One cup (202 grams) of cooked long grain brown rice provides (2):

As you can see, brown rice is an excellent source of magnesium. Just 1 cup (202 grams) provides nearly all your daily needs of this mineral, which aids bone development, muscle contractions, nerve functioning, wound healing, and even blood sugar regulation (2, 7, 8).

Furthermore, brown rice is a good source of riboflavin, iron, potassium, and folate.

Thanks to its high fiber content, brown rice has been shown to significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in people with excess weight, as well as those with type 2 diabetes (9, 10, 11).

Overall blood sugar control is important for preventing or delaying the progression of diabetes (12).

In a study in 16 adults with type 2 diabetes, eating 2 servings of brown rice resulted in a significant reduction in post-meal blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c (a marker of blood sugar control), compared with eating white rice (13).

Meanwhile, an 8-week study in 28 adults with type 2 diabetes found that those eating brown rice at least 10 times per week had significant improvements in blood sugar levels and endothelial function an important measurement of heart health (14).

Brown rice may also help improve blood sugar control by aiding weight loss (11).

In a 6-week study in 40 women with excess weight or obesity, eating 3/4 cup (150 grams) of brown rice per day resulted in significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI), compared with white rice (15).

Weight loss is important, as an observational study in 867 adults noted that those who lost 10% or more of their body weight within 5 years of receiving a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes were twice as likely to achieve remission within that period (16).

In addition to its potential benefits for individuals with diabetes, brown rice may even reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first place.

A study in 197,228 adults linked eating at least 2 servings of brown rice per week to a significantly reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, swapping just 1/4 cup (50 grams) of white rice with brown was associated with a 16% lower risk of this condition (17).

While the mechanism isnt entirely understood, its thought that the higher fiber content of brown rice is at least partially responsible for this protective effect (18, 19).

Additionally, brown rice is higher in magnesium, which has also been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (20, 21, 22).

Due to its fiber content, brown rice may improve blood sugar control, which is critical for people with diabetes. It may also lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes to begin with.

The glycemic index (GI) measures how much a food raises blood sugar levels and can be a useful tool for people with diabetes (23).

Foods with a high GI raise blood sugar levels more than those with a medium or low GI. As such, eating more foods in the low and medium categories may aid blood sugar control (24, 25, 26).

Boiled brown rice has a score of 68, categorizing it as a medium GI food.

To put this in perspective, examples of other foods based on their GI score include (27):

In comparison, white rices score of 73 makes it a high GI food. Unlike brown rice, its lower in fiber and thus gets digested more quickly resulting in a greater spike in blood sugar (17, 28).

People with diabetes are generally encouraged to limit their intake of high GI foods.

To help reduce the overall GI of your meal, its important to eat brown rice alongside low GI foods, protein sources, and healthy fats.

Brown rice has a medium GI score, making it more suitable than white rice which has a high score for people with diabetes.

Managing your total carb intake is an important part of controlling your blood sugar levels. As a result, you should be mindful of how much brown rice youre having at a meal.

As theres no recommendation for how many carbs you should eat, you should base your optimal intake on your blood sugar goals and your bodys response to carbs (29, 30).

For example, if your goal is 30 grams of carbs per meal, youd want to limit your brown rice intake to 1/2 cup (100 grams), which contains 26 carbs. The rest of your meal could then be made up of low carb options like chicken breast and roasted vegetables (2).

In addition to watching portion sizes, its important to remember that whole grains are just one part of a balanced diet. Try to incorporate other nutritious foods at each meal, including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and low carb vegetables.

Eating a varied, balanced diet one thats high in whole foods and limited in processed, refined products not only provides more vitamins and minerals but also helps maintain stable blood sugar levels (31, 32).

In fact, a study in 229 adults with type 2 diabetes showed that those with higher diet quality had significantly better blood sugar control than those with poor diet quality (31, 33).

You may want to consult a healthcare professional to determine what a balanced diet looks like for you.

Maintaining a balanced diet thats high in whole foods and low in overly processed ones has been associated with improved blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Brown rice is a pantry staple thats inexpensive and easy to cook.

After rinsing the rice under cold running water, simply place 1 cup (180 grams) of dry rice in a pot and cover with 2 cups (475 ml) of water. You can add a small amount of olive oil and salt if desired.

Bring it to a boil, cover, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 4555 minutes or until most of the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid on.

Before serving, use a fork to fluff the rice for better texture.

Brown rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in grain bowls, curries, salads, stir-fries, soups, and veggie burgers. It can also be combined with eggs and vegetables for a hearty breakfast or used in a low sugar rice pudding.

Here are some diabetes-friendly recipes featuring this whole grain:

Brown rice is easy to cook and can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, grain bowls, and salads.

Brown rice is perfectly safe to eat in moderation if you have diabetes.

While its high in carbs, its fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may improve blood sugar control, thereby helping manage diabetes.

However, you should still watch your portion sizes and pair brown rice with other healthy foods, such as lean proteins or healthy fats, to help keep your blood sugar levels in check.

With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, brown rice can be a nutritious addition to a well-rounded diet.

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Is Brown Rice Safe if You Have Diabetes? - Healthline

Many people with diabetes also experience anxiety, and they may wonder whether there is a link between the two conditions.

Diabetes and anxiety are both among the leading causes of disability in developed countries around the world.

In the United States alone, anxiety affects close to 40 million adults. Diabetes is also common, with about 30.3 million U.S. adults living with this condition.

A 2013 meta-analysis revealed that people with diabetes face a higher likelihood than the general population of experiencing anxiety.

In this article, we outline the reasons for this association. We also describe the symptoms of both diabetes and anxiety, as well as how healthcare professionals diagnose each of these conditions.

People with diabetes are responsible for managing their blood sugar levels and ensuring that these stay within a healthy range. This task can be challenging and stressful.

Doctors will ask people with diabetes to remain mindful of their blood sugar levels and to engage in routine behaviors, such as:

Planning, checking, and being prepared for a wide range of challenges are all important for effective diabetes management. However, some people may worry excessively about their blood sugar levels or how their disease may progress. These concerns may trigger episodes of anxiety.

According to the National Library of Medicine, anxiety is "excessive worry or fear at real or imagined situations."

The emotional challenges of living with diabetes can also trigger anxiety.

Researchers report that anxiety affects about 40% of people with diabetes. This prevalence is much higher than that in the general U.S. population, where the condition affects 18.1% of people.

People with diabetes are at risk of developing low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are identical to those of anxiety.

Additionally, the results of a 2015 animal study suggest that experiencing several episodes of hypoglycemia can increase the likelihood of anxiety. The reason for this may be that hypoglycemic episodes trigger chemical and metabolic changes that physically affect the part of the brain that plays a role in processing anxiety.

The procedures that healthcare professionals use to diagnose diabetes and anxiety are quite different.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), doctors diagnose diabetes using one or more of the following blood tests:

A person should see their doctor if they think that they have anxiety. The doctor may ask the person to fill in a questionnaire that asks about their psychological and physical symptoms.

In some cases, a doctor may refer the person for a mental health screening with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. These mental health professionals will be able to carry out a more detailed assessment.

People with diabetes and anxiety must learn to distinguish between rational concerns over diabetes management and irrational, anxious thinking.

The first step in this process is to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a diabetes treatment plan. This plan should include information on the following:

For people with anxiety, many different treatment options are available. A doctor or mental health professional may recommend one or more of the following approaches:

The combination of diabetes and anxiety can create a vicious cycle of physical and emotional problems. However, people who learn to manage their anxiety may find themselves better able to manage their diabetes.

Certain lifestyle practices can be beneficial for people with diabetes, anxiety, or both. These include:

Diabetes and anxiety are two serious yet common conditions, which can share some of the same symptoms.

People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing anxiety because they may experience excessive fear and worry about the management and possible progression of diabetes. Concerns over the physical symptoms themselves can also trigger anxiety.

Anxiety can, in turn, interfere with a person's ability to manage their blood sugar levels. Due to this, a person who has diabetes should see their doctor if they begin to experience symptoms of anxiety.

Many treatment options are available to help people deal with the symptoms of diabetes and anxiety. Certain lifestyle changes may also help with the management of both conditions.

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Can diabetes cause anxiety? Blood sugar and other causes - Medical News Today

Diabetes disproportionately affects the Black community. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with the disease and twice as likely to die from it. Actress Angela Bassett is using her platform to bring attention to the disease in hopes of preventing another individual from becoming a statistic. According to Black Enterprise, she has teamed up with two health-focused organizations for the creation of a new campaign.

The campaigndubbed Know Diabetes by Heartis a collaborative project between the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. The initiative focuses on educating individuals on how to effectively manage diabetes and decrease the chances of succumbing to cardiovascular complications.

For Bassett, the diseasewhich affects over 30 million Americanshits close to home. Her mother died after battling with heart issues that stemmed from diabetes. I wish my family had recognized the link earlier and thats why I want everyone living with Type 2 diabetes to know about the connection to heart disease and stroke and know that they can do something about it, she said in a statement. Start by asking about it at your next doctors appointment. Ambassadors for the campaign include five individuals from different walks of life who have experienced the effects of Type 2 diabetes and are now taking charge and controlling their health.

Bassett isnt the only Black actress spreading awareness about diabetes. Earlier this year, Viola Davis joined forces with the pharmaceutical company Merck to narrate a documentarytitled A Touch of Sugarthat captured how the disease is impacting communities across the country. Im one of the 84 million American adults living with prediabetes and Im sharing my story for the first time in an effort to inspire others to take action against the type 2 diabetes epidemic, she said.

SEE ALSO:

Viola Davis Spreads Awareness About Diabetes Through New Documentary

Chicago Nonprofit Aims To Combat Diabetes Within The Black Community

The rest is here:
Actress Angela Bassett Aims To Spread Awareness About Diabetes Through New Initiative - News One

The impressive headlines were enough to grab investors' attention last week. Not only did Tandem Diabetes (NASDAQ:TNDM) win the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's clearance of its new insulin pump management platform, but it even spurred the FDA's creation of a whole new category of insulin-dosing technology.The Control-IQ technology is a complete automated insulin dosing (AID) system that offers interoperability with other manufacturers' insulin monitoring devices. In this case, Control-IQ works with Dexcom's (NASDAQ:DXCM)G6 continuous glucose monitoring tool. Other diabetes-management tech companies could make compatible devices in the future.

The rub is that rivals are already nipping at Tandem's heels. In fact, a sizable piece of the insulin-dosing market is rooted in open-source options and do-it-yourself solutions that make a diabetic's smartphone the centerpiece of their self-management effort.

Image Source: Getty Images.

Last week, the FDA cleared Tandem's Control-IQ technology for use with its t:slim X2 insulin pump and Dexcom's G6 CGM, creating the first-ever hybrid closed loop that delivers automatic correction doses to prevent high or low blood sugar levels.The exciting innovation here is the fact that Control-IQ's software is 'interoperable,' meaning this device is compatible with hardware from other manufacturers of diabetes devices.

To people who don't have diabetes, the detail might mean little. But for the 1 million people in the U.S. who have type 1 diabetes, this initially looks like the long-overdue answer to a significant need for reliable insulin-management solutions using devices from multiple makers. Other stand-alone solutions like the MiniMed 670G insulin pump from Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) were initially seen as similar game-changers. But research by the Boston Children's Hospital in 2017 and 2018 revealed roughly one-third of its sample patients -- people with diabetes between the ages of 14 and 25 -- discontinued use of the pump because it was too complicated to manage. Tandem's Control-IQ is different in that it removes the need for constant manual adjustment of the pump and it does so in a clinically verified way.

At stake is a piece of a digital diabetes management market that's estimated to be worth $12 billion by 2025, growing at an annualized pace of more than 20% to reach that figure. The emergence of closed-loop systems like the ones Medtronic and now Tandem Diabetes created is expected to be one of the diabetes management market's key growth drivers.

The FDA's green light for Tandem's Control-IQ platform marks a milestone for the company and for the diabetes management movement. Theoretically, the pump/monitor/software combo could be a mostly automated solution that offers people with diabetes a variety of choices with very little hassle.

It's not a selling point Tandem Diabetes will have to itself for much longer, though, if Medtronic's plans pan out. Its next-generation MiniMed 780G automated insulin dosing system, expected to launch in the coming year, will also make the corrective doses that Control-IQ facilitates. Perhaps even more marketable is that the 780G can connect with smartphones, providing easy access to information about a user's glucose levels.

Beyond that, the Omnipod Horizon from Insulet (NASDAQ:PODD) is expected to becomeavailable in the latter half of 2020. As is stands now, that insulin pump will be entirely manageable from a smartphone rather than requiring a device attached to a pump and monitor.

France's Diabeloop has also seemingly toyed with the idea of marketing its EU-approved DBLG1 closed-loop insulin monitoring and pump system. Medtronic's 670G is available in Europe, but Diabeloop's DBLG1 is the first and only such system that -- like Tandem Diabetes' technology -- offers interoperability with other companies' hardware and devices. Clearly the FDA is now OK with the idea.

Other healthcare companies are likely to start eyeing this innovation now that Tandem has validated the idea.

Despite the FDA's warning in May 2019 that DIY solutions for diabetes management can be dangerous, the DIY diabetes management community has organized which in turn, gave rise to free availability of the open-source artificial pancreas software that makes this development possible using older, sometimes secondhand equipment. A nonprofit called Tidepool is also working on open-source software called Loop, which will initially work with Insulet's Omnipod, Medtronic's MiniMed, and Dexcom's G6 and is also intended to be an FDA-regulated platform.

Aside from the sheer cost of new and fully branded closed-loop systems, some people with diabetes simply like the idea of nonproprietary options, which tend to offer more functionality than regulator-approved ones. Whatever the motivation, it all works against demand for Tandem's Control-IQ.

Such closed-loop systems are the future to be sure, and adding interoperability is a nice touch. As it stands now, though, it doesn't look like this innovation will be enough to rekindle the slowing growth comparison that made Tandem such a strong performer last year.

That's not necessarily disastrous. Its fiscal trajectory should still push it out of the red next year, and analysts' profit estimates for the following year are compelling. It's progress the market can latch onto. But even at its present pace, Tandem Diabetes' current company value is more than 100 times 2021's expected earnings. That's rich even for a high-growth name like Tandem. It's especially pricey when the company's latest breakthrough is already slated to face stiff competition that could alter growth expectations in the meantime.

Data source: Thomson Reuters.

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Tandem Diabetes' New Tech Is Cool, but It Will Face a Crowded Market - The Motley Fool

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C) is a simple blood test that measures the average blood-sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.

Because its an average over several months, you do not have to be fasting when you get your blood drawn to check it. It is one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes (sometimes called insulin resistance), as well as type 1, and type 2 diabetes.

It is also the main test used to help manage diabetes. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your healthcare provider will likely order this test every three to six months depending on how your blood sugar is doing.

Story continues below video

What is an A1C? When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Everyone has some sugar attached to the hemoglobin (called glycosylated hemoglobin); however, people with higher blood sugar levels have more.

The A1C test measures the percentage of the hemoglobin that is coated with sugar. The more hemoglobin that is coated with sugar, the higher the A1C will be. The higher the A1C, the more dangerous the blood sugar becomes. Controlling your blood sugar lowers the A1C and lessens the danger.

A normal A1C level is at or below 5.6 %. A level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing diabetes.

Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications including vision troubles or blindness, kidney problems and failure, heart attacks and circulation problems, and nerve problems including numbness of the toes and feet.

The goal for most people with diabetes is an A1C of 7% or less. However, your personal goal will depend on many things such as your age and other medical conditions. Ask your healthcare provider to help you set a personal goal.

There are several factors that can falsely increase or decrease A1C results: 1) kidney and liver disease as well as severe anemia, 2) certain medications, including opioids and some HIV medications, 3) blood loss or blood transfusion, and 4) early or late pregnancy.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that everyone 45 years of age and older have the A1C test as a method for screening for blood sugar problems. If results are normal, the A1C can be repeated every three years.

If results are suggestive of prediabetes, the A1C should be checked at least annually. For those who were diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy (called gestational diabetes) that resolved after the baby was born, there is a recommendation to be tested every three years thereafter to make sure you do not develop diabetes in the future.

For those who are overweight or obese and have one or more of the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, the recommendation is to have the A1C tested as part of an annual medical exam.

Typical risk factors include: a parent or sibling with diabetes, being physically inactive, having high blood pressure, having high triglycerides or a low HDL, having a history of heart disease, or being a member of a high-risk ethnicity, including Native American, African American, Latino, or Asian American.

Ask your healthcare provider if you should be screened for blood sugar problems. Early treatment will postpone or even eliminate potential complications from having a high blood sugar.

Zuzana Fletcher, is a Nurse Practitioner Specialist at the Pocatello Health West Clinic. She graduated with honors in 2013 and has more than 6 years of diverse experience in her field.

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Diabetes and the Hemoglobin A1C - Idaho State Journal

Artificial sweeteners may lead people to put on weight and put them at risk of type 2 diabetes, according to researchers.

The team arrived at their conclusion after reviewing existing evidence from the past decade on what are also known as non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs).

Such products earn their name from the fact they don't contain any vitamins or minerals, meaning they have no nutritional benefit, and may contain zero or low levels of calories.

Over the past three decades, there has been a rise in the use of artificial sweeteners, according to the researchers. Between 2000 to 2012, the use among children rose by 200 percent, and 54 percent among adults, and with the market expected to grow to $2.2 billion by 2020.

The American Heart Association says NNSs are "one way to limit calories and achieve or maintain a healthy weight."

"When used to replace food and drinks with added sugars, it can help people with diabetes manage blood glucose levels. For example, swapping a full-calorie soda with diet soda is one way of not increasing blood glucose levels while satisfying a sweet tooth," the health organization states.

Lead author Professor Peter Clifton, an expert in obesity, nutrition, and diabetes at the University of South Australia, told Newsweek the team found a link between the sweeteners and weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

However, Clifton and colleagues concluded that more long-term studies on sweeteners are needed to "draw a firm conclusion" about their role in blood sugar control.

One paper his team used in their review involved 5,158 adults who were studied over the course of seven to eight years. Those researchers found people who consumed artificial sweeteners at least twice a day were more likely to gain weight than those who never did.

Clifton said the problem might be partly behavioral. Sweeteners can be a useful tool for weight loss if they are used correctly with a controlled diet. But he said people who use sweeteners often still eat sugar, and may feel permission to overindulge. He said sweeteners don't appear to make people crave sweet foods. "There are no simple solutions," he said.

Scientists also found studies involving animals indicating such products may change the gut microbiome, or the make-up of the bacteria.

In a statement, Clifton said: "Artificial sweeteners also change the gut bacteria which may lead to weight gain and risk of type 2 diabetes.

"A better option than low-calorie sweeteners is to stick to a healthy diet, which includes plenty of whole grains, dairy, seafood, legumes, vegetables and fruits and plain water."

Clifton told Newsweek the study was limited because it was based on observational studies, which can only show associations between factors, "so strong conclusions can't be made, Intervention studies are not numerous and are not at all conclusive."

"The associations with type 2 diabetes are really unexplained mechanistically," he said.

Edward Johnston, research communications officer at the charity Diabetes U.K. who did not work on the study, told Newsweek: "This review highlights that currently, there is not enough research to be able to draw conclusions on whether there is a link between artificial sweeteners and development of type 2 diabetes.

"What we do know is that artificial sweeteners are not a silver bullet, but they may be useful for some people looking to reduce their intake of sugary foods and drinks, lose weight or manage their diabetes. If you think you need more support on managing your diet, talk to your health care team for individual advice."

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Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Weight Gain and Type 2 Diabetes, Study Says - Newsweek

Insulin resistance is independently associated with body mass index (BMI) and synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients, shows new research published in Arthritis and Rheumatology.

Led by Ronan H. Mullan of the Trinity Centre for Health Science in Dublin, Ireland, researchers wrote that the findings, which were published December 16, suggest a link between glucose levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) inflammation.

RA and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2MD) share many of the same characteristics. Both are powered by abnormal glucose metabolism and both are associated with insulin resistance and adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes.

In this study, researchers recruited 92 rheumatoid arthritis patients (mean age 59, 66% female) who were assessed for insulin resistance, BMI and rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. Researchers found that glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4 were heightened in the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis patients, but not in those of osteoarthritis patients. And, GLUT1 was present in increased levels within all layers of the RA synovium. This suggests an independent association between insulin resistance (particularly with obesity) and the degree of RA disease activity and synovitis.

RELATED:Diabetes and RA: Explaining the Similarities

This data provides direct evidence that insulin resistant pathways are preferentially expressed within inflamed tissues in RA. And, they suggest a potential mechanism by which the reprogramming of glucose handling through differential GLUT expression favors the perpetuation of inflammation, researchers wrote.

METFORMIN

Taking metformin, a first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, was shown to reduce inflammation in synovial tissue of at least five patients by decreasing the spontaneous production of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 in synovial cells and fibroblasts.

We confirmed that metformin treatment increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and reduced the expression of GLUT1 from synovial fibroblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that metformin is capable of altering the cellular metabolic activity. This is consistent with recent studies suggesting metformin promotes resolution of inflammation through altered cellular metabolic activity, researchers wrote.

THE FINDINGS

REFERENCE: Lorna Gallagher Sian Cregan Monika Biniecka, et al. "Insulin Resistant Pathways are associated with Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and are Subject to Disease Modification through Metabolic Reprogramming; A Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach," Arthritis and Rheumatolology. Dec. 16, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.41190

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Type 2 Diabetes and RA Linked at the Core? - Endocrinology Network

Ive been on a real insulin-resistance kick lately. Its imperative that all people with diabetes understand the causes of insulin resistance and thus the importance of reducing it with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Causes of insulin resistance are multi-factorial. First: obesity, specifically abdominal obesity. This is primarily due to a high circulation of free fatty acids and unwanted fat deposits in the muscles and liver (enlarged adipose tissues at max capacity). This process causes chronic inflammation, resulting in a decrease in protective metabolic regulators and an increase in inflammatory mediators. These mediators have been directly associated with increased insulin levels (or insulin requirements). This inflammatory process can also occur high fat diets.

Lipoatrophy, the partial or complete loss of adipose tissue, and lipodystrophy, unwanted fat deposits in the muscles or liver (fatty liver), have also been associated with insulin resistance. The reason for this is unclear, but it is hypothesized that this condition results in a decrease in insulin receptor expression and insulin signaling. People with PCOS are also prone to higher levels of insulin resistance as a result of their associated generalized lipodystrophy. Acanthosis nigricans (Google it) is a common skin condition observed with lipodystrophy and is often seen in insulin resistant PWD.

Related: The 'Taboo' Type 1 Diabetes Medication: What to Know About GLP-1 Therapy

Research also shows a correlation between chronic stress and insulin resistance thanks to the hormone cortisol. In acute stress, cortisol stimulates production of glucose by the liver, designed to be immediately utilized in a fight-or-flight response. Chronic stress, however, is directly correlated with increased insulin requirements (endogenous or exogenous), a disruption of insulin signaling, and impaired overall insulin-mediated glucose uptake.

Menstruation tends to have a negative effect on insulin resistance, particularly just after ovulation. There is little research, but this phenomenon is thought to be due to the progesterone spike that happens during the luteal phase. Hopefully, there will be more research on this topic in the near future (insert empowering feminist comment here).

These are a few of the many contributors to insulin resistance. I havent even scratched the surface so I will likely do another post shortly. I just wanted to get some food for thought out to you all. Those of you who have been following me closely know that I have been attempting to decrease my insulin resistance with a low-fat, plant-based, whole-food diet. I have been on the diet for about a week thus far and have really been enjoying it! I have seen a reduction in my prandial insulin requirements, yet I have been eating more than I was when on my previous standard diet. Also, Ive really been enjoying fruits, something I used to stay away from!

The 'Taboo' Type 1 Diabetes Medication: What to Know About SLGT2 Inhibitors

How to Cope When Diabetes and Stress Become a Vicious Cycle

Why Continuous Glucose Monitors Are the Real MVP of Diabetes Management

Diabetes and Genetics: Is Your Child At Risk?

6 Ways to Pull Yourself Out of Diabetes Burnout

Continued here:
What Every Person With Diabetes Should Know About Insulin Resistance - Yahoo Lifestyle

People with diabetes are at increased risk ofdevelopingseriouseye diseases, yet most do not have sight-saving annual eyeexams,accordingtoalargestudy.

TheKentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeonsjoins theAmerican Academy of Ophthalmologyin reiterating the importance of eye exams.

Researchers at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia have found that more than half of patientswith the disease skip these exams. They also discovered that patients who smoke and those with less severe diabetes and no eye problems were mostlikely to neglect having these checks.

The researcherscollaborated with the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention toreviewthe charts of close to 2,000 patientsage 40 or older with type 1and type 2 diabetes to see how many had regular eye exams.Their findings over a four-year period revealed that:

Fifty-eight percent of patients did not have regularfollow-upeye exams. Smokers were20 percent less likelyto have exams. Thosewith less-severe disease and no eye problems were least likely tofollow recommendations. Those who had diabetic retinopathy were 30 percent more likely to have follow-up exams.

One in 10 Americans have diabetes, putting them at heightened risk for visual impairment due to the eye diseasediabetic retinopathy.The diseasealso can lead to other blinding ocular complications if not treated in time.Fortunately, having adilated eye exam yearly or more often can prevent 95 percent of diabetes-related visionloss.

Eye exams are critical as they can reveal hidden signs of disease, enabling timely treatment.This is why the Academy recommends people with diabetes have them annually or more often as recommended by their ophthalmologist, a physician who specializes in medical and surgical eye care.

Vision loss is tragic, especially when it is preventable, said Ann P. Murchison, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study and director of the eye emergency department at Wills Eye Hospital. Thats whywe want to raise awareness and ensure people with diabetes understand the importance ofregular eye exams.

The Academy offers thisanimated public service announcementto help educate people about the importance of regular exams and common eye diseases including diabetic retinopathy. It encourages the public to watch and share it with their friends and family.

People with diabetes need to know that they shouldnt wait until they experience problems to get these exams, Rahul N. Khurana, M.D, clinical spokesperson for the Academy. Getting your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist can reveal the signs of disease that patients arent aware of.Diabetic retinopathy, much like glaucoma, can be insidious in its ability to cause vision loss, said Thomas Harper, M.D., an ophthalmologist in Louisville.

It is common to have diabetic retinopathy without having any symptoms.Once symptoms manifest, retinopathy can be quite advanced.Even though it is a bit of an oversimplification, there are two types of people who go blind from diabetes: those who dont control his or her diabetes, and those who dont go to the eye doctor. Schedule your retina exam today.

Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons

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People with diabetes should get annual eye exams it's very possible that vision loss can be preventable - User-generated content