Acne Breakouts

Ok so if you are like me you probably have adult acne that can flair up at the most inopportune times, like before a date or business meeting. I have used acne removal systems that promise to be better than the competitor and better for your skin only to sink a fifty to a hundred dollars into it only for it to fail.

I have come across this acne removal system that uses acne light therapy to help eliminate problem spots. I have sensitive skin, and am privy to it drying out or getting irritated red splotches where I’ve used acne products. Tanda Skincare uses state of the art light therapy to help zap away those unwanted zits.
I’ve been using the product now for about 4 weeks and have noticed a visible change in my complexion. I thought that I was going to hurt or be abrasive and leave my face red and irrigated, but it didn’t do anything.

It was like holding a flash light to my cheek and chin. It begins a two minute cycle and when its done vibrating you can move on to the next spot, or treat the same one over again.  I would recommend this product to anyone who is fighting to have beautiful clear skin. As many of you know I don’t endorse things that I haven’t tried. So head over to tandaskincare.com and pick one up for yourself. Don’t forget that The Spring Fling, and Prom are coming up, this would make a great gift for your son or daughter.

Via: Tanda Skincare

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Glucose-Induced Injury In Kidney Cells Reduced By Hydrogen Sulfide: Finding Lays Basis For Studies In Animal Models Of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Hydrogen sulfide, a gas notorious for its rotten-egg smell, may have redeeming qualities after all. It reduces high glucose-induced production of scarring proteins in kidney cells, researchers from The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio report in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The paper is scheduled for print publication in early 2012.
"There is interest in gases being mediators of biological events," said B.S. Kasinath, M.D., professor of medicine and a nephrologist with UT Medicine San Antonio, the clinical practice of the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center. "We found that when we added sodium hydrosulfide, a substance that releases hydrogen sulfide, to kidney cells exposed to high glucose, it decreased the manufacture of matrix proteins that scar the kidney." Consistent with this finding, enzymes in the kidney that facilitate production of hydrogen sulfide were reduced in mice with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Dr. Kasinath and his team reported.
Scarring in the kidney, called renal fibrosis, is a core defect leading to end-stage kidney disease. Nearly half of end-stage kidney disease in the U.S. is related to diabetes, which is a disease marked by poor regulation of blood glucose.
"We have found a way to decrease matrix protein synthesis, which is a problem in diabetes," Dr. Kasinath said. Because the studies are limited to cells, the finding should not be extrapolated to the treatment of human diabetic kidney disease, he emphasized.
The finding paves the way for studies in mice or other animal models. Both the safety and effectiveness of hydrogen sulfide should be established in animal models of kidney disease before human trials can be considered. This precaution is required because hydrogen sulfide, at higher concentrations, is known to be a toxic agent.

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Call center for diabetics

 

DUBAI/AJMAN - A dedicated call center to educate diabetic patients and help them raise queries and concerns with healthcare professionals has been launched by the Dubai Health Authority.

The authority, on Thursday, announced its plan to launch the Diabetes Management Program(DMP) in association with Sanofi and Green Crescent.

The initiative was to mark World Diabetes Day 2011and saw the participation of 2,000 students from schools across Dubai in a Children’s Fun Day.

The event to announce the program, which was held at Al Wasl Club, was inaugurated by Khalid Al Shaikh Mubarak, Deputy Director General of the authority. “Patients enrolled under the program and visiting the Dubai Diabetes Centrewill now receive enhanced diabetes educational support and regular follow-ups,” he said. The follow-ups will be through e-mail, SMS and phone calls.

“Patients will have access to a dedicated call center for diabeticswhich will be a direct platform for patients to raise their queries and concerns with regard to their condition,” he said.

“We wanted to provide patients with a medium where they can directly contact healthcare professionals who can deal with their queries and concerns and to provide comprehensive support and guidance to enrolled patients through out-bound calls about how to manage their condition and to closely follow-up with them after their visit to ensure they are abiding by the doctor’s instructions.”

“The level of adherence by patients to diabetes treatment is low and therefore they are more susceptible to have complications. This is where DMP can help,” said George Morcos, General Manager, Sanofi Gulf.

“Health care costs associated with treating diabetes are staggering: the average cost for treating an employee with diabetes is 13 times greater than the health care expenses associated with a ‘healthy’ employee,” said Nathan Kennedy, Managing Director, Green Crescent Insurance Company.

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Novel Biosensor Benefits

Purdue University scientists have developed a method for stacking synthetic DNA and carbon nanotubes onto a biosensor electrode, a development that may lead to more accurate measurements for research related to diabetes and other diseases.
Standard sensors employ metal electrodes coated with enzymes that react with compounds and produce an electrical signal that can be measured. But the inefficiency of those sensors leads to imperfect measurements.
Carbon nanotubes, cylindrically shaped carbon molecules known to have excellent thermal and electrical properties, have been seen as a possibility for improving sensor performance. The problem is that the materials are not fully compatible with water, which limits their application in biological fluids.
Marshall Porterfield, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering and biomedical engineering, and Jong Hyun Choi, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, have found a solution. Their findings, reported in the journal The Analyst, describe a sensor that essentially builds itself.
"In the future, we will be able to create a DNA sequence that is complementary to the carbon nanotubes and is compatible with specific biosensor enzymes for the many different compounds we want to measure," Porterfield said. "It will be a self-assembling platform for biosensors at the bimolecular level."
Choi developed a synthetic DNA that will attach to the surface of the carbon nanotubes and make them more water-soluble.
"Once the carbon nanotubes are in a solution, you only have to place the electrode into the solution and charge it. The carbon nanotubes will then coat the surface," Choi said.
The electrode coated with carbon nanotubes will attract the enzymes to finish the sensor's assembly.
The sensor described in the findings was designed for glucose. But Porterfield said it could be easily adapted for various compounds.
"You could mass produce these sensors for diabetes, for example, for insulin management for diabetic patients," Porterfield said.
Porterfield said it may one day be possible to develop other sensors using this technology that could lead to more personalized medicines that could test in real time the effectiveness of drugs on their targets as with cancer patients.
Porterfield said he would continue to develop biosensors to detect different compounds.

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Link Between Diabetes And Cancer Described

The fact that diabetes raises the risk of certain types of cancer is already well known, but the reasons have been unclear. Now researchers at Lund University in Sweden have mapped a molecular link that explains the connection between the two widespread diseases.
Developing type 2 diabetes is a lengthy process. An early sign that it has begun is high levels of insulin in the blood. As long as the insulin-producing beta cells are able to compensate for the increased demand, for example when the individual is overweight, the blood sugar levels remain normal. It is not until the capacity for insulin secretion falls below the level needed that type 2 diabetes becomes a fact. The latter stage generally goes quickly, as the stressed beta cells work themselves to death.
"We have worked with the most well-known risk gene for type 2 diabetes, a variant of the TCF gene, and have studied its function in the beta cells", says Yuedan Zhou, a doctoral student at the Lund University Diabetes Centre and principal author of the published study.
The risk variant of TCF is common, 25 per cent of the population carry it and 31 per cent of diabetics, according to figures from the Malmö Preventive Project population survey.
An equally well-established risk gene in cancer research is p53. The gene has been called the "protector of the genome" because it prevents the uncontrolled cell division that takes place in cancer. The p53 gene has been linked to protection against colon and liver cancer, among others.
"The function of the TCF gene in the beta cells is to protect the cells against high, stressful blood sugar levels. If that function fails, the beta cells die, which leads to diabetes", says Ola Hansson, researcher and principal author of the survey.
The two genes work in concert, TCF protects against cell death, while p53 prevents excessive cell division.
"It is here that the connection between diabetes and cancer arises. When the blood sugar levels are high, the TCF gene is activated and this impedes the activity of the p53 gene thereby protecting the beta cells from cell death"
The research group began working with the TCF gene two years ago to understand its role in insulin production. The discovery of the link with p53 and cancer was mostly by chance.
"Or good intuition", they say.
The mapping of the TCF gene is continuing, this time in collaboration with the European Bioinformatics Institute in Cambridge.
Cancer researchers are working to try and influence p53 so that its tumour-preventing function is restored.
"In a similar way, strengthening the protective function of TCF against beta cell death in connection with high blood sugar would work as a drug for type 2 diabetes, or as a treatment before the disease has even developed fully", says Ola Hansson.

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What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

 

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that affects a person during the same season each year. If you get depressed in the winter but feel much better in spring and summer, you may have SAD.

Anyone can get SAD, but it is more common in:

• People who live in areas where winter days are very short or there are big changes in the amount of daylight in different seasons.
• Women.
• People between the ages of 15 and 55. The risk of getting SAD for the first time goes down as you age.
• People who have a close relative with SAD.

What causes SAD?

Experts are not sure what causes SAD, but they think it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light may upset your sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms. And it may cause problems with a brain chemical called serotonin that affects mood.

What are the symptoms?

If you have SAD, you may:

• Feel sad, grumpy, moody, or anxious.
• Lose interest in your usual activities.
• Eat more and crave carbohydrates, such as bread and pasta.
• Gain weight.
• Sleep more and feel drowsy during the daytime.

Symptoms come and go at about the same time each year. For most people with SAD, symptoms start in September or October and end in April or May.

How is SAD diagnosed?

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between nonseasonal depression and SAD, because many of the symptoms are the same. To diagnose SAD, your doctor will want to know if:

• You have been depressed during the same season and have gotten better when the seasons changed for at least 2 years in a row.
• You have symptoms that often occur with SAD, such as being very hungry (especially craving carbohydrates), gaining weight, and sleeping more than usual.
• A close relative—a parent, brother, or sister—has had SAD.

How is it treated?

Doctors often prescribe light therapy to treat SAD. There are two types of light therapy:

• Bright light treatment. For this treatment, you sit in front of a "light box" for half an hour or longer, usually in the morning.
• Dawn simulation. For this treatment, a dim light goes on in the morning while you sleep, and it gets brighter over time, like a sunrise.

Light therapy works well for most people with SAD, and it is easy to use. You may start to feel better within a week or so after you start light therapy. But you need to stick with it and use it every day until the season changes. If you don't, your depression could come back.

Other treatments that may help include:

• Antidepressants. These medicines can improve the balance of brain chemicals that affect mood.
• Counseling. Some types of counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help you learn more about SAD and how to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor prescribes antidepressants, be sure you take them the way you are told to. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. This could cause side effects or make your depression worse. When you are ready to stop, your doctor can help you slowly reduce the dose to prevent problems.

You may feel better if you get regular exercise. Being active during the daytime, especially first thing in the morning, may help you have more energy and feel less depressed. Moderate exercise such as walking, riding a stationary bike, or swimming is a good way to get started.

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Promising new compound to prevent Type 1 diabetes identified

Washington, Nov 2 (ANI): A specific molecule that can prevent the development of type 1 diabetes in mice has a similar effect on human cells from diabetic patients, according to researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The findings has implications in the fight against type I diabetes along with other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and celiac disease.

Aaron Michels, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medicine, working with George Eisenbarth, MD, Ph.D., executive director of the Barbara Davis Centre for Childhood Diabetes at the CU School of Medicine, tested a series of molecules before finding one that stopped diabetes from developing in mice bred to get the disease.

"We found that when you put specific molecules into specific structural pockets you could block the formation of diabetes," said Eisenbarth.

They found that the compound Glyphosine enhanced insulin presentation and prevented diabetes in mice genetically modified to develop type 1diabetes.

It had the same effect on human cells. The mice remained disease-free as long as they received daily injections of the compound.

However, it was not as effective on mice that already had diabetes.

The next step is to focus specifically on human cells to try and develop new therapies for clinical use. That could be at least five years away.

The study published in the latest edition of The Journal of Immunology. (ANI)

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Diabetes drug fights inflammation

A drug prescribed to help patients with type 2 diabetes improve blood-sugar control also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, U.S. researchers say.

Dr. Paresh Dandona, a professor at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, said the study of the drug exenatide, or Byetta, was designed after past observations indicated an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing plasma C-reactive protein levels, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure.

"Our most important finding was this rapid, anti-inflammatory effect, which may lead to the inhibition of atherosclerosis, the major cause of heart attacks, strokes and gangrene in diabetics," Dandona, the senior author, said in a statement.

It was noteworthy the anti-inflammatory effect occurred independently of weight loss over the 12-week study period, Dandona said.

Dr. Ajay Chaudhuri said obesity is an inflammatory state and adipose tissue contributes to inflammation. If a person loses weight it can lead to an anti-inflammatory effect.

"The fact that the drug caused this dramatic and comprehensive anti-inflammatory effect independent of weight loss shows that it is a primary action of the drug and is not dependent upon weight loss," Chaudhuri, the lead author, said. "Even more importantly, a short-lived anti-inflammatory effect was observed within 2 hours following a single injection of 5 micrograms of the drug. This coincides with the peak concentration of the drug after the injection. Such a rapid and dramatic effect is rare."

The study was published recently in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

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How to Treat the Common Cold – guest post

 

Causes

  The common cold is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by the transmission of more than 200 types of viruses, the most widespread of which are the rhinovirus, the Para-Influenza virus, and the adenovirus. Because these many types of viruses can cause the common cold, the body's immune system is unable to properly develop an effective immunity or resistance against it, so colds are recurring conditions.

Cold viruses are transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals or through airborne viruses that are released when an infected individual sneezes or coughs. They can also be contracted when a person comes into contact with objects such as pillows, telephones, and coffee cups that harbor cold viruses. Cold viruses can live on these types of objects for several hours.

Symptoms

  When a person contracts a cold virus, a certain period (between two to three days) will elapse before the cold manifests itself through various symptoms. These symptoms include stuffiness in the nose area, hoarseness, coughing, sore throat, headache, heaviness of the body, watering eyes, diminished appetite, and constant sneezing. Any number of these symptoms may last from three days to two weeks depending on the individual. Moreover, symptoms are generally the same for all age brackets--adults, adolescents, and children.

Conventional Treatment

The common cold is classified as a self-limiting sickness and will eventually dissipate over time in normal people who have no health issues. It has no known cure. However, various treatments and home remedies may be used to alleviate the various symptoms associated with the common cold. These treatments include getting adequate bed rest and drinking ample amounts of fluids. For people whose symptoms include sore throat and coughing, lozenges, cough drops, and other over the counter medications are advised. Some patients may request antibiotics from their doctor, but since these infections are cause virally, antibiotics will not improve symptoms. Overuse of antibiotics can even cause bacterial resistance and overgrowth of yeast or fungal infection in some patients. Antivirals like Tamiflu can offer limited improvement.

Alternative Treatments

  Some people take herbal concoctions and diet supplements to treat the common cold even though solid scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments is yet to be established. Some of the more popular alternative common cold treatments include the intake of Vitamin C and the mineral zinc (please note that the FDA issued a warning that claims zinc could damage sense of smell). Some people also take certain preparations of the herbal plant, Echinacea. Some studies confirm the efficacy of Echinacea in shortening the duration of common cold symptoms when taken as soon as symptoms manifest. Other studies are inconclusive, however.

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Blood Work, and Diabetes Check up

Well the doctor has found that I have Low Testosterone which may be some of the cause for my depression, though he is not totally confidant that is the only factor….

So we are going to undergo more testing. We are also going to be tweaking my medications to see if that will help any.
My Diabetes Educator was really happy with the results that I brought in today, and was happy to see that I was journaling again. I had also brought in My Fitness Pal reports and showed her the progress that im making there.
She was thrilled and wants me to attend a Diabetic Support group later this month, and share my knowledge about the different programs that are out there for free that can help others in the community. So I need to put together a resource flyer so that they have everything that I have.

It is strange that by helping others I help myself. When Im not working on others I am not working on myself…I wonder what this is all about, perhaps this is something new for me to explore with my councilor. 

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Free Online Diabetic Educational Classes!

http://www.facebook.com/widgets/like.php?href=https://hellocupcakeitsme.wordpress.com/2011/06/07/free-online-diabetic-educational-classes/

 

Hey everyone :)
I found free online educational classes on different diabetic topics. Here's what you do:
1. go to www.apidra.com
2. On the left side you will see "Find a Certified Diabetes Educator Near You" ... click on that.
3. You will be asked to type in your zip code, that is if you want to find someone in person but if you click the "Online" tab it will take you to a separate page with a list of the free classes. Just click which class or classes you want to take and register :)
4. Enjoy, hope this helps!!!

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Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Dry skin, a frequently overlooked complication of diabetes, is an irritating side effect of chronically high blood glucose levels. Try these tricks to keep your skin healthy and soft.

 

Say Goodbye to Dry Skin

Everyone gets dry skin from time to time. But for people with diabetes, it can be a chronic problem if your blood glucose levels are regularly high. High blood glucose causes the body to lose fluids at a faster rate. Skin can also become dry when nerves are damaged from years of diabetes and don't get the message to sweat.

For people with diabetes, dry skin can become more than an irritation -- it can be dangerous. When skin is dry, it sloughs off easier, and often the outer layer is lost. This outer layer is your skin's first defense against bacteria and acts as a barrier. And because bacteria feed on glucose, people with diabetes whose blood glucose isn't in control have a higher risk of bacterial infection -- the bacteria are literally on a feeding frenzy in the higher glucose levels. That's why even the tiniest cut can become a major infection when your glucose levels are regularly high.

Experts say it's vital to keep a close eye on your skin. If you identify a cut, scratch, or burn early, it's possible to avoid major complications such as an amputation.

"Don't wait! Even if a skin condition appears to be minor, see your doctor," says Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

Signs of Skin Problems

Many skin conditions associated with high blood glucose levels cause changes in your skin's color, texture, or pigmentation. Watch for:

• Dull red raised areas.
• Light brown scaly patches, rashes, and depressions or bumps at injection sites if you take insulin.
• Dry skin.
• Skin on your legs that becomes hairless, thin, cool, and shiny (signs of thickening arteries and poor circulation).
• Moist, red itchy areas surrounded by tiny blisters and scales (sign of fungal infection).

Controlled Glucose Means Healthy Skin
Fortunately, the steps you take to control blood glucose -- following a healthful meal plan, exercising, and taking your prescribed medications -- also help keep your skin healthy. The better you manage your blood glucose, the lower your chances of having bacteria-related complications with your skin.

 

Taking Care of Your Skin

"People with diabetes tend to have sensitive skin," Cook-Bolden says, "so it's important to avoid any trauma or bruising that could result in a slow-healing wound." Use these tips to keep your skin healthy:

• Treat all cuts and scratches: See a doctor if you suffer a major cut, burn, or infection; if a minor problem persists after more than a week of treatment; or if you're unsure about a skin condition. For minor cuts or scratches:
  - rinse the area with mild soap and warm water.
  - cover with a sterile gauze.
  - use antibiotic cream only if your physician recommends it.
• Practice a 30-in-30 guideline: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply it as the package directions suggest. Coat dry areas and minor sunburns with moisturizing lotions.
• Don't bathe too long or too hot: Overly long periods in hot water can dry your skin. When you bathe or shower, use warm -- not hot -- water and a mild cleanser.
• Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer everywhere (except between your toes) while your skin is still slightly damp. To help skin stay clean and dry, use talcum powder in areas where skin touches skin, such as the armpits. (Note that minor sweating can act as a natural moisturizer.)
• Beware spa treatments: If you get your nails or feet manicured, tell the manicurist that you have diabetes. Make sure they sanitize all instruments properly. If you can't cut your toenails yourself, get them cut by a podiatrist rather than a manicurist.
• Don't pick at skin sores: Resist the urge to scratch and break the skin, as that enables germs to enter your body.

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How Water Impacts Blood Sugars

Picture a glass of water. Mix in a little sugar and stir until it dissolves. Now place it outside on a hot, sunny day. As the water evaporates, the remaining water gets sweeter and sweeter.

If you have diabetes, this happens to your blood when you're dehydrated. Because your blood is 83% water, when you lose water, the volume of blood decreases and the sugar remains the same. More concentrated blood sugar means higher blood sugars.

The lesson: stay hydrated to avoid unnecessary high blood sugars.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

The average person loses about 10 cups of water per day through sweat and urination. At the same time, you gain fluid from drinking liquids and eating food.

So how much you need to drink is a tricky question. You may have heard the "drink 8 glass of water a day" rule. Where did this rule come from? As Barbara Rolls, a nutrition research at Pennsylvania State University says: "I can't even tell you that, and I've written a book on water!" It turns out that there's no basis for this in the medical literature.

The easiest way to tell is looking at your urine. If it's a little yellow, you're probably hydrated. If it's darker, then you need to drink more fluids.

You can also go with your own intuition. Are you thirsty? Drink! If you're busy or stuck at a desk for long periods, make sure you have a water bottle so you can easily answer when your body calls for water.

Does Coffee or Tea Count?

Yes. Although consuming caffeine can cause your body to shed some water, you still gain more water than you shed. And studies have shown that this effect is practically non-existent for people who drink caffeine regularly.

Can I Drink Too Much Water?

Actually, yes. A few years ago, a woman died in a water drinking contest. For the average person, it's more important to guard against under-hydration than over-hydration.

So take everything in moderation, make sure to get at least 8 glasses of water daily.

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Natural Remedy for Helping Diabetes

The importance of regulating blood sugar is clear: stabilizing blood sugar can prevent lots of health problems, one of the most obvious being diabetes, which is often a result of years of unstable blood sugar. Fortunately, for most of us it is within our power to take control of our blood sugar levels by remaining active & making the right "food choices" and also by drinking chamomile tea.

Chamomile tea has long been prized for its ability to quiet & relax, making it a favored tea for bedtime, but now a recent study in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry shows chamomile may serve another purpose: regulating blood sugar.

At the University of Toyama in Japan & at the Institute of Grassland & Environmental Research in the United Kingdom, researchers studied the effect of chamomile tea on diabetic rats. Half of the rats got a dose of chamomile extract for three weeks. Another set of diabetic rats was given a traditional diet with no addition of chamomile.

The study observed that when chamomile was given to the rats, a lesser amount of glucose was turned in to sorbitol (a sugar alcohol). Excess sorbitol may cause destroy to kidneys, eyes & nerve cells. The enzymes primarily responsible for this sort of destroy in diabetics were also inhibited in the chamomile rats. The rats who were fed chamomile extract also showed an overall decrease in blood glucose compared to the other rats.

Chamomile tea's benefits are not only for those with diabetes. For diabetics, stabilizing blood sugar is crucial for lovely health, but the truth is even people without diabetes can benefit from maintaining normal blood sugar levels. Blood sugar swings are associated with fatigue, sugar cravings & insulin resistance, among other signs. Taking measures to regulate blood sugar can actually prevent the onset of diabetes in healthy individuals, & it will also help you feel more energetic & maintain a healthy weight.

The authors of the study stated there's a clear link between the every day consumption of chamomile tea & stopping the progression of diabetes & hyperglycemia. As usual there's those who say more research needs to be finished to select  how effective this treatment can be, but to someone looking for a natural way of regulating blood sugar, the results of this study are over enough encouragement to start drinking chamomile tea.

Of coursework, if you are thinking about drinking chamomile tea solely to regulate your blood sugar, keep in mind it is a healthy addition to an overall lifestyle that naturally contributes to healthy blood sugar. Other steps which should be included in this lifestyle are regular exercise, eating balanced meals, avoiding refined foods & getting lots of sleep.

Related articles

• New diabetes treatment lowers blood sugar with less need for insulin (physorg.com)
• "What Causes Low Blood Sugar?" and related posts (dothegreenthing.com)
• Fruit residue on fingers can confuse blood sugar meters (ctv.ca)

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Transplanted Feces Improve Insulin Sensitivity

 

European researchers have reported that when fecal matter transplanted from healthy and thin people to obese people with pre-diabetes, insulin sensitivity of the latter group increased. (Insulin sensitivity is the body's ability to use insulin properly to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. The pre-diabetes occurs when the increasing insulin resistance creates higher than normal glucose, a prerequisite for the emergence of full-fledged type 2 diabetes.)

The team of researchers led by Anne Vriezen, MD, Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands, focused on 18 overweight men aged 21-65 years who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. (The term that describes a set of conditions that are often used interchangeably with pre-diabetes). The men were not taking medication for their condition and had not received antibiotics within the past 90 days. After the intestines of men have been thoroughly cleaned, feces were transplanted into people who were either male donors thin, or control, in the feces that they themselves produced. The two sources of feces were tested for parasites and pathogens.

During the six-week experiment, neither group experienced a weight loss, an effect seen in animal experiments. But the peripheral insulin sensitivity was significantly improved in men who received transplantation or by external donors and those who were implanted with their own feces. Vrieze attributed the increase to the effects of transplantation because there had been no change in the power of men or physical activity. Although the study results are promising, the use of gut bacteria affect pre-diabetes program is still in very early stage of research. fecal transplant is not a new line of research, but Vrieze is the first study to focus on the possible effects of fecal transplant in metabolic syndrome. Previous studies had focused on the use of stool to restore and rebalance the intestinal bacteria of laboratory animals and humans.

Several medical centers in the United States focused on fecal transplantation as a possible treatment for people with persistent gastrointestinal infections caused by Clostridium difficile . In such cases, the system of "good" bacteria is destroyed by gastrointestinal antibiotics in medical treatment, leaving open the digestive tract to the overcrowding of the robust, resistant to antibiotics difficile Clostridium. The introduction of fecal matter in patients introduces new bacteria that reproduce rapidly, reducing the number of Clostridium difficile. Their presence reduces bloating and diarrhea often associated with Clostridium difficile.

Small size and limited duration of the study Vriezen, the connection planted fecal matter and increased insulin sensitivity is indicative but not conclusive. The results open the door to much larger studies and longer, trying to demonstrate that the differences between individuals with the intestinal biota, the products of genetics and family environment, can become a tool for diabetes. While researchers continue to examine the bacteria in the digestive system a key factor in the progression of diabetes treatment aims to modify the intestinal biota does not seem so implausible, because it would have only a few years ago.

Related articles

• Treating Diabetes With Stool Transplants? (drsharma.ca)
• Attack on C. difficile: How can we combat this serious health issue (eurekalert.org)
• Transplanting Gut Microbes to Treat Disease (technologyreview.com)
• Insulin sensitivity may explain link between obesity, memory problems (sciencedaily.com)
• Mysa.com: Odd treatment for serious bug brings yucks from patients (mysanantonio.com)
• Progenics Awarded $4.1 Million NIH Grant to Advance Novel C. Difficile Antibody Therapy (eon.businesswire.com)
• Is it Possible to Reverse Insulin Resistance? (brighthub.com)

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