Interval training - more fat loss and less insulin requirements
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Research, Exercise
A study found that two interval sessions of cardio exercise caused enhanced fat metabolism compared with a single session of cardio exercise.
This study compared the fat metabolism after exercise of equal intensity (60% of maximum heart rate) but differing in session length. The trials compared 7 men performing either: 1) a 60 minute session of exercise once 2) a 30 minute session of exercise twice, separated by a 20 minute session of rest and 3) rest. The first 30 minutes of both exercise groups showed a significant increase in growth hormone, epinephrine and norepinephrine. However, in the interval session (30 minute sessions separated by 20 minutes of rest) the free fatty acids (FFA) levels rose significantly in the 20 minute rest period. During the subsequent 30-min exercise interval, FFA was significantly greater in the second interval training sessions than in the single 60 minute session.
More importantly for us diabetics - the second 30 minute interval session showed significantly lower values of insulin and glucose than the single 60 minute exercise session. What's the moral of this heart-pounding story? Interval training seems to be the fittest choice if you are looking for maximum fat-burning and effective insulin-lowering exercise.
Great taste has its benefits
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Diet, Products
Did you know there are 6 different ways to enjoy Diet Coke with added nutritional benefits? Diet Coke is building up its brand to include essential vitamins and minerals for the health-conscious Diet Coke lovers. Allow me to introduce you to Diet Coke Plus!
Diet Coke Plus offers automatic health benefits with the great taste Diet Coke drinkers have come to expect. Each serving provides 15% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of niacin, and vitamins B6 and B12 and 10% of the RDI for zinc and magnesium. After a little investigating - the vitamins and minerals in Diet Coke Plus might truly payoff. Low magnesium is tied to increased diabetes risk and zinc plays a key role in glucose metabolism. Vitamins B6 and B12 assist in protecting the body from nerve damage from diabetes. In fact, vitamins B6 and B12 showed a positive influence on vibration perception and nerve conduction speed (NCV) in people with diabetic neuropathy.
Coca Cola realized that Diet Coke drinkers are increasingly looking for more beverage options. Coke decided to remove the guilt from the pleasure. With benefits including: increased glucose metabolism, reduction of diabetes risk, and enhanced nerve perception -- move over Verizon. Diet Coke Plus is asking - can you feel me now??
[RESEARCH] Duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography for diagnosis and assessment of symptomatic, lower limb peripheral arterial disease: systematic review
Objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography, alone or in combination, for the assessment of lower limb peripheral arterial disease; to evaluate the impact of these assessment methods on management of patients and outcomes; and to evaluate the evidence regarding attitudes of patients to these technologies and summarise available data on adverse events.
Design Systematic review.
Methods Searches of 11 electronic databases (to April 2005), six journals, and reference lists of included papers for relevant studies. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality. Diagnostic accuracy studies were assessed for quality with the QUADAS checklist.
Results 107 studies met the inclusion criteria; 58 studies provided data on diagnostic accuracy, one on outcomes in patients, four on attitudes of patients, and 44 on adverse events. Quality assessment highlighted limitations in the methods and quality of reporting. Most of the included studies reported results by arterial segment, rather than by limb or by patient, which does not account for the clustering of segments within patients, so specificities may be overstated. For the detection of stenosis of 50% or more in a lower limb vessel, contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography had the highest diagnostic accuracy with a median sensitivity of 95% (range 92-99.5%) and median specificity of 97% (64-99%). The results were 91% (89-99%) and 91% (83-97%) for computed tomography angiography and 88% (80-98%) and 96% (89-99%) for duplex ultrasonography. A controlled trial reported no significant differences in outcomes in patients after treatment plans based on duplex ultrasonography alone or conventional contrast angiography alone, though in 22% of patients supplementary contrast angiography was needed to form a treatment plan. The limited evidence available suggested that patients preferred magnetic resonance angiography (with or without contrast) to contrast angiography, with half expressing no preference between magnetic resonance angiography or duplex ultrasonography (among patients with no contraindications for magnetic resonance angiography, such as claustrophobia). Where data on adverse events were available, magnetic resonance angiography was associated with the highest proportion of adverse events, but these were mild. The most severe adverse events, although rare, were mainly associated with contrast angiography.
Conclusions Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography seems to be more specific than computed tomography angiography (that is, better at ruling out stenosis over 50%) and more sensitive than duplex ultrasonography (that is, better at ruling in stenosis over 50%) and was generally preferred by patients over contrast angiography. Computed tomography angiography was also preferred by patients over contrast angiography; no data on patients' preference between duplex ultrasonography and contrast angiography were available. Where available, contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography might be a viable alternative to contrast angiography.
Building Brown Fat Reduces Diabetes Risk
Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Lifestyle, Exercise, Products, Support
Decreased brown fat markedly increass the risk to diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and elevated fats in the blood.
Brown fat tissue is present in newborn babies. People with a lot of brown fat have a "furnace" metabolism. They burn body fuels rapidly, and the more they consume, the more they burn, all the while maintaining a stable weight. A furnace metabolism thrives on carbohydrates. The more fuel they throw into the system, the more they burn, just like coals on a fire.
There are ways to change the percentage of brown fat in the body. Although most people normally do not advocate caffeine as a healthful food, research suggests that caffeine stimulates brown fat by increasing the metabolic rate. Caffeine, however, does other things that are not as positive. It can cause heart palpitations (especially in high amounts), and steals some of the vitamins in the body, such as C and B. Increasing multi-vitamins is helpful with any caffeine supplement.
Another way to increase brown fat is to exercise - specifically, to engage in aerobic exercise that uses oxygen. To be effective this exercise must raise the pulse rate from a resting level of about 70 up to 120 or so. A half-hour of vigorous walking four times a week can be very rewarding from a metabolic standpoint.
One last tip: too much sodium in the diet can deactivate the brown fat and promote water retention with consequent weight gain. So slow and steady exercises, pass on the salt, and make mine a Grande sugar-free vanilla latte. Thank you!
Boost glycemic control with Vitamin C
Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Diet, Research, Products, Allie Beatty, Care
Insulin not only moves glucose into the cells, but it also escorts Vitamin C. Blood sugar hogs the seats on the bus in most diabetics, therefore reducing the amount of Vitamin C we can absorb. This is the premise of The GAA Theory: high glucose levels hinder vitamin C entry into cells.
Vitamin C is vitally important for many functions throughout the body - a big one being metabolism. Glucose and Vitamin C are similar in the way they enter the cells. Both molecules require help from insulin. The name for the process that brings glucose and Vitamin C through cell membranes is insulin-mediated uptake. The insulin-mediated uptake of glucose and vitamin C uses white blood cells. White blood cells have more insulin pumps and they may contain 20 times the amount of vitamin C as ordinary cells.
So does increasing your Vitamin C help boost your glycemic control? Diabetes Health cited a study that confirms daily doses of 2,000 mg of absorbic acid improved both fasting blood glucose and HbA1c readings in patients with type 2 diabetes. Next time you swing by the store - see if some Emergen-C can help you achieve better glycemic control. With 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per packet - their homepage says: Feel The Good. Little did they know how good it could be for Type 2 diabetics!
Exercise of the Week: Step-Ups
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Exercise
Just because the summer season has reached its end, it doesn't mean that it's time to let our exercise programs 
go. People tend to put on more weight during the colder months for a few reasons: 1) Because they probably won't be donning their bathing suits at the beach for quite some time, and 2) Because our bodies are designed to slow our metabolism down -- a carry-over from our more primitive days when food sources became more scarce during the cold season. For these reasons, and probably about eight thousand others, it's a smart idea to keep stoking the flames of your metabolism right through the upcoming frost. So, to help you do just that, I'm showing you an exercise this week that will help you burn some serious calories while toning up your legs.
Called the Step-Up, this cardiovascular movement will help you speed up your metabolism as you strengthen and tone your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and even your calves. To perform this exercise, start by standing in front of a weight bench or any safe substitute for one (tip: take two milk crates, spread them apart, and place a firm, wooden board over them -- a great, makeshift bench). Next, take your right foot and place it on the surface of the bench. From there, step-up onto the bench, using your right leg to power the rest of your body up. Once you are standing firmly on top of the bench with both feet, step back down with one leg and follow with the other. Then, step up onto the bench with your left leg, following with your right. Repeat this movement for several repetitions, increasing speed and perhaps even adding small weights (dumbells in hand work well, as does holding a medicine ball) as you get stronger and more familiar with the movement.
I found a very good video demonstration for the Step-Up on ShapeFit.com. To view it, click HERE.
Note: The content presented in this post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or fitness professional before starting a physical fitness program.
Protein Coat might Cure Diabetes
Filed under: Type 2, Adult Onset, Research, Daily News
Researchers found a protein that coats the liver is directly correlated with visceral-fat induced diabetes, or type 2 diabetesWhen visceral fat accumulates, the amount of a hormone called adiponectin, decreases. Adiponectin is found in fat cells, and plays a role in glucose regulation and fatty acid metabolism. Researchers found two types of protein on the surface of mouse liver cells. When the proteins and adiponectin interact, blood sugar and neutral fat levels fall, boosting fat-burning functions. However, obese mice with accumulated visceral fat have fewer of these proteins on the surface of their liver cells. When these proteins increased in number, blood sugar levels would decline. The study hypothesizes that if the quantity of adiponectin decreases in obese people, a potential cure for type 2 diabetes may be found by increasing the proteins found on the surface of the liver.
Talk about the power of protein! We've all heard about the leaders in the pack when it comes to dropping pounds - eggs, fish, chicken, soy and whey protein. But this discovery reveals a new way to combat the bulge and reduce your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Although these new proteins won't find accommodations in your local grocery store - perhaps Big Pharma will have a designer label to sport in the near future. You'd buy it, wouldn't you?
Medications that cause high blood sugar
Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Drugs, Research, Support
Several commonly used drugs have adverse effects on glucose metabolism. Among these drugs are: aspirin, and an antibiotic.
Aspirin is a commonly used drug to relieve minor aches and pains, to reduce fever, as an anti-inflammatory and as a blood-thinner. However, studies show it leads to glucose metabolism impairment in insulin-sensitive tissues. A 3g daily dose of aspirin was administered over a three-day period. Although insulin release increased after the aspirin, the glucose remained unchanged. Despite the increased insulin, the body seemed to decrease cellular sensitivity to insulin in the aftermath of aspirin.
A healthcare facility in Scottsdale, AZ advises doctors to avoid giving gatifloxacin to patients with diabetes. They suggest selecting an antibiotic other than a fluoroquinolone for an elderly patient with diabetes, especially those taking sulfonylureas. Beyond elderly diabetics, any person who has recently undergone treatment with an antibiotic in the fluoroquinolone family should raise questions if they are diagnosed with diabetes or deemed pre-diabetic. Drugs included in this family are: Cipro, Ciproxin, Enroxil, Penetrex, Megalone, Maxaquin, Noroxin, Quinabic, Janacin, Floxin, Oxaldin, and Tarivid.
3 Biggest Benefits of Strength Training
"Can't find what you are looking for? Try Google Search" Calorie Feature Article 3 Biggest Benefits of Strength TrainingAuthor: Jeffrey Bedeaux Strength training is exercise that uses resistance to strengthen and condition the musculoskeletal system, improving muscle tone and endurance. "Strength training" is used as a general term synonymous with other common terms: "weightlifting" and "resistance training." Physiologically, the benefits of consistent strength training include an increase in muscle size and tone, increased muscular strength, and increases in tendon, bone, and ligament strength. Lifting weights has also been shown to improve psychological health as well, by increasing self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. Improved Physical Appearance and Performance One important result of strength training is increased physical performance. Muscles quite literally utilize energy to produce movement, functioning as the engine or powerhouse of the body. Strength training increases the muscles' size, strength, and endurance, which contribute to improvements in our work, favorite sports hobbies, and our general day-to-day activities. Another benefit of a good strength-training program is its effect on our overall appearance and body composition. Which can directly influence self-esteem, self-worth, and level of confidence. Take, for example, a 170-pound man who has 20 percent body fat; 34 pounds of fat weight and 136 pounds of lean body weight (muscle, bones, organs, water, etc). By beginning an effective strength training program, he replaces five pounds of fat with five pounds of muscle. He still weighs 170 pounds, but he is now 17 percent fat with 29 pounds of fat weight and 141 pounds of lean body weight. Although his body weight remains the same, his strength, muscle tone, and metabolism have improved, giving him a fit appearance. Both our physical appearance and our physical performance can be improved by muscle gain or hampered by muscle loss. Research indicates that unless we strength train regularly; we lose about one-half pound of muscle every year of our lives after age 30. Unless we implement a safe and effective weight lifting program, our muscles gradually decrease in size and strength in the process called "atrophy." Lifting weights is therefore important for preventing the muscle loss that normally accompanies the aging process. A common misconception is that as we reach the age of senior citizens, it is normal to stop being active and to start using ambulatory aides like canes and wheelchairs. Many people think we have no choice; they think this is normal. But this couldn't be further from the truth. There is absolutely no reason why all of us can't be physically, mentally, socially, and sexually active, living a healthy vibrant life until our last day on Earth! The reason many elderly people rely on ambulatory aides and become slower and fatter is simply that over the years their muscles have been wasting away, so their physical performance and metabolism also decrease, becoming less efficient. Increased Metabolic Efficiency (your ability to burn excess calories)That one-half pound of muscle loss every year after age 30 produces a one-half percent reduction in basal metabolic rate (BMR) every year. A reduction in BMR means that our bodies are less able to use the food we consume as energy, thus more gets stored as body fat. "Basal metabolic rate" refers to the energy used by our body at rest to maintain normal body functions. Our muscles have high-energy requirements. Even when we are sleeping, our muscles use more than 25% of our energy (calories). When you implement the principles of effective strength training and you are consistent in your program, you will achieve an increase in lean muscle mass throughout your body and increase your BMR. In other words, you can actually condition your metabolism to work better and more efficiently even when you are at rest. An increase in muscle tissue causes an increase in metabolic rate, and a decrease in muscle tissue causes a decrease in metabolic rate. You can see that anyone interested in decreasing body fat percentage and their risk of disease as well as in increasing physical performance and appearance, should be strength training to help condition their metabolism (BMR). One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a weight-management program is not including a strength training routine with their cardiovascular exercise and low-fat eating regimen. This is unfortunate because when we cut calories without exercise, we can lose muscle as well as fat.Decreased Risk of Sustaining an InjuryOur muscles also function as shock absorbers and serve as important balancing agents throughout our body. Well-conditioned muscles help to lessen the repetitive landing forces in weight-bearing activities such as jogging or playing basketball. Well-balanced muscles reduce the risk of injuries that result when a muscle is weaker than its opposing muscle group.To reduce the risk of unbalanced muscle development, you should make sure that when you are training a specific muscle group, the opposing muscle groups are being trained as well (though not necessarily on the same day). For example, if you are doing bench-pressing exercises for your chest, you should include some rowing exercises for your back muscles as well. By now you have probably realized that weightlifting should be an important part of your exercise routine. Weightlifting provides many important benefits that cannot be achieved by any other exercise or activity. When you begin achieving great results, the excitement and fun you experience will make the change well worth the effort. Good luck; I hope you enjoy all the wonderful benefits of an effective strength training program. About the Author I have been weightlifting since the age of 15 and been training individuals for 12 years. Over the past 16 years I have read 100?s of magazines, almost 100 books, attended about a dozen seminars and consumed any other type of information on the topic of bodybuilding to advance my knowledge in this area. I also have a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry with minors in Chemistry and Microbiology from Colorado State University, 1998.... Free Calorie CounterCalorie Counting Fast FoodLow Calorie Pasta
Vagus nerve inerference may prevent diabetes and hypertension
Who knew that all it took was removing the vagus nerve to prevent or reverse the development of insulin resistance. Wait -- what the hell is the vagus nerve? Turns out that it is a rather important nerve communicates with with just about everything in your body. It's truly no wonder that the terms 'vagus' itself is derived from the Latin word meaning "wanderer." And, thanks to researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, it has been found to play a very important role in preventing both diabetes and hypertension.
The scientists published their findings in the February issue of the journal Cell Metabolism, first pointing to a nuclear receptor they had previously highlighted called PPAR-Alpha (Ppara). This receptor had been shown to be necessary for the induction of both hypertension and diabetes when lab mice were treated with steroids. Considering that steroids are commonly prescribed for people who ave asthma, arthritis, and organ transplants, it has been suggested that this treatment has lead to insulin resistance and, in some cases, result in diabetes.
However, in the research team's most recent study, they found that both the Ppara and the vagus nerve play a significant role in the development of diabetes and hypertension. It appears as though by removing the vagus nerve, the risk of developing these disorders in response to steroid treatment, even if they have Ppara.
While the research on the interruption of nerve signals to the liver has only been performed on mice thus far, scientists are hopeful that their results will also hold true for humans.