Due to some new research and a report titled “Guideline for management of Postmeal Glucose” that was carried out for The International Diabetes Federation we may need to be pricking our fingers even more frequently. Oh boy, how fun!

Warwick Medical School researchers looked at a range of studies that examined in particular the two hour post meal peak in blood sugars and found a substantial body of evidence that reducing postmeal plasma glucose is as important, perhaps even more important for achieving overall optimum HbA1c levels.

The researchers firmly believe that these sudden and dramatic increases in post meal “highs” can be more dangerous then a more constant elevated blood glucose or A1c. I know one thing… this calls for more research to be done on continuous glucose monitoring devices. I will curious to see how far these new findings make into clinical teaching. I guess this is why living with a chronic disease like diabetes can be so frustrating, every few months there is a new and improved way to do what you have been doing all along. No one can ever say we’re not flexible…

Post from: Blisstree

Post Meal Sugar High Just As Important As Fasting Blood Glucose

“Almost 4 million deaths every year are a consequence of diabetes-related causes. And with diabetes set to reach 380 million people within a generation, the death toll can only rise.(3) This is the first generation where children may die before their parents.”

Is that scary, or what? As a community, heck a society, we have to set guidelines and enforce education on this as well as have support systems in place for our children to improve their nutrition and exercise regimen. The new definition was printed in The Lancet today…

The new definition is simple and easy to apply in clinical practice. Waist measurement is the main component. Percentiles, rather than absolute values of waist circumference have been used to compensate for variation in child development and ethnic origin.

Early detection, treatment and intervention is key in preventing metabolic syndrome in adolescents. Do you want to read the specifics about this? Check it out!

via Digital 50

Post from: Blisstree

New Definition Of Metabolic Syndrome Among Adolescents

The IDF-led Unite for Diabetes campaign, which has brought together the largest ever diabetes coalition, including patient organizations from over 150 countries, the majority of the world’s scientific and professional diabetes societies, many charitable foundations, service organizations and industry. Thanks to this enthusiastic support, a key battle has been won in the fight against diabetes.

How will clinicians, researchers and diabetics handle the growing epidemic? Education on prevention of the disease is imperative.

Up to 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

Research has been essential in the approval of new medications like Januvia, Janumet and Lantus used to treat diabetes. Where the gap seems to lie is between what we have gained from the research and how we carry it out in clinical practice. Diabetics treatment should consist of behavior modification just as much as proper medications.

Through a gift from Lilly of USD 10 million over the next seven years, the IDF BRIDGES grant programme will fund translational research projects in diabetes. The BRIDGES grant research programme will provide the opportunity to ‘translate’ lessons learned from clinical research to those who can benefit most: people with diabetes. Lessons learned through the supported research projects provide the opportunity to steer, for example, the development of treatment routines and effective behavioural interventions, leading to relevant, evidence-based health care and improved outcomes for people with diabetes.

We have already stated that diabetes is a global health crisis, but did you know it also threatens economic growth? The use of inexpensive preventions and treatments of diabetes are available to the “richer” countries of the world, but unfortunately the wealthier countries are not where the help is needed.

If you can’t afford to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, don’t have clean drinking water and have no access to diet education or preventive health care, how can we expect to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing?

The economic effects of diabetes go beyond the costs that economies need to invest in diagnosis, care and prevention. They include loss of life, disability, the impact on quality of life, the economic impact that the disease has on individuals with diabetes and their families as well as lost economic growth. The global diabetes epidemic is resulting in spiralling health costs.

Every year that passes, almost 7 million people are newly diagnosed with diabetes. The diabetes epidemic will surpass all others in the near future. Did you know diabetics die on the average 5-10 years earlier than non diabetics? At this rate, how can we not afford to educate ourselves on risk factors and lifestyle changes.

International Diabetes Foundation

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Diabetes Has Become A Global Epidemic