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Daily exercise of just 20 to 25 minutes may reduce the risk of death from extended sitting.

Daily exercise of just 20 to 25 minutes may reduce the risk of death from extended sitting.

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The higher risk of death linked to a sedentary lifestyle can be eliminated with about 22 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day, according to a recent study. People’s risk of dying reduces more the more they exercise. The results of the study demonstrate that regular exercise can be done in one sitting or in smaller bursts during the day. Contrary to popular belief, a recent study indicates that much less exercise can lower a person’s risk of death. The study discovers that a sedentary lifestyle can lower one’s chance of dying young by as much as 22 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Naturally, the benefits of exercise are dose-dependent, meaning that, up to a certain degree, the more activity, the lower the risk of mortality. 11,989 participants in multiple fitness-tracker studies—the Swedish Healthy Aging Initiative, the Norwegian National Physical Activity Survey, the Norwegian Tromso Study, and the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey—were monitored by the study’s authors. Every participant in the studies, who was at least fifty years old, gave the researchers information about their height, weight, sex, education, alcohol and smoking habits, and history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. 6,042 people sat for 10.5 hours or more every day, compared to 5,943 participants who sat for less than that amount. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity and inactive time on mortality risk as determined by death registries. If an individual does not exercise for more than 22 minutes per day, sitting for more than 12 hours per day is linked to a 38% higher risk of death than sitting for 8 hours.

A minimum of 75 minutes of intense activity, 150–300 minutes of moderate–to–vigorous exercise per week, or a combination of both is advised by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The first author of the study, Dr. Edvard H. Sagelv of UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromso, stated: “There is some disagreement in the research community regarding the dangers of prolonged periods of inactivity. Sedentary time is not that harmful when compared to not exercising, in my opinion. He continued, “Yet prior research suggests that prolonged periods of inactivity are elevating the likelihood of illness and untimely demise.”

“Our legs and core muscles will weaken if we’re not using them, which will make it harder for us to walk a little distance, which will decrease our desire to be active,” she continued. Additionally, this raises the possibility of falling, which increases our risk of injuries that further discourage us from engaging in physical activity. “Keep in mind that the heart is a muscle,” Dr. Zaslow advised. She pointed out that the cardiac muscle weakens with less activity, making physical activity much more difficult as the heart must be reconditioned. According to Dr. Zaslow, cardiometabolic illness has been linked to sedentary lifestyles.

Dr. Melody Ding, who was not involved in the study, stated that although the study is focused on older adults, physical activity is known to give a range of advantages, including mental health, cardiometabolic profiles, and cognitive functioning. Dr. Ding stated, “There are good reasons to be active throughout your lifespan.” Dr. Zaslow made the point that exercise is necessary for even young children to develop and strengthen their muscles since it prepares them for a lifetime of physical activity. Furthermore, physical activity is linked to improved mental health, including a decrease in anxiety and depression. This is still another significant advantage, according to Dr. Zaslow, considering the highly publicized mental health issue among youth.

She said that exercise helps people sleep better as well, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. “We are aware that injury rates are lower when we get better sleep. Thus, research indicates that children who get more than eight hours of sleep have 50% fewer injuries. “I consider exercise and exercising consistently to be like an upward spiral,” Dr. Zaslow remarked. Dr. Sagelv emphasized that the study’s 22 minutes of daily physical exercise equates to the 150 minutes that the WHO recommends. According to our research, people who engage in moderate-to-intense physical exercise for longer than 22 minutes a day do not have a higher risk of dying from being inactive for longer. This runs counter to the WHO’s guideline, according to him, to deal with high sedentary time that cannot be avoided by consuming more than 150–300 minutes of MVPA each week.

It doesn’t seem to have an upper limit at which it stops being beneficial to health. The risk decrease does however, seem to level off at the higher ends, roughly 60–120 minutes per day, especially for people who are extremely sedentary.” It’s also not necessary for people to engage in 22 minutes of action all at once every day, as per Dr. Zaslow and earlier studies. Taking ten or fifteen minutes here and there to engage in “exercise snacking” may be a more manageable task for individuals with hectic schedules. It’s crucial to keep in mind that, from the standpoint of public health, performing any MVPA is preferable to performing none at all. Dr. Ding stated that it is better to exert a little bit more effort even if one is unable to meet the goal.

REFERENCES:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/exercising-just-for-20-25-minutes-can-prevent-death-risk-due-to-prolonged-sitting/articleshow/104784810.cms?from=mdr
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/daily-20-25-mins-of-physical-activity-may-offset-death-risk-from-prolonged-sitting
https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/daily-20-25-mins-of-physical-activity-may-offset-death-risk-from-prolonged-sitting/

For any medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com

Getting rid of belly fat could aid in reversing prediabetes.

Getting rid of belly fat could aid in reversing prediabetes.

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Prior to developing into type 2 diabetes, prediabetes raises the risk of heart attack, kidney, eye, and other cancers. There isn’t a recognized pharmacological therapy for prediabetes at the moment. Researchers at the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) have now demonstrated the mechanisms by which prediabetes can be put into remission, or a condition in which blood glucose levels return to normal. The DZD multicenter trial further demonstrates that long-term improvement in renal and vascular function is linked to long-term protection against type 2 diabetes and prediabetes remission. The researchers write in The Lancet diabetic & Endocrinology that it’s interesting because the underlying mechanisms are distinct from those in type 2 diabetic remission.

People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience heart attacks, renal problems, strokes, and death. Up until a few years ago, type 2 diabetes was believed to be untreatable. We now understand that significant weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in a large number of people. The majority of people often develop type 2 diabetes once more within a few years, therefore this remission rarely lasts. Due to their higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well as issues with the heart, kidneys, and eyes, among other things, people with prediabetes may need to know this.

But what triggers the remission of prediabetes? In order to answer this query, researchers from the Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology at the University Hospital of Tübingen and the Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) at Helmholtz Munich performed a post-hoc analysis on participants with prediabetes from the Prediabetes Lifestyle Intervention Study (PLIS).

In a one-year lifestyle intervention involving a balanced diet and more exercise, 1,105 people with prediabetes participated in this randomized-controlled multicenter trial run by the DZD. The 298 participants who had lost at least 5% of their body weight as a result of the intervention were next evaluated by the researchers. Participants who had responded were those whose fasting, 2-hour, and HbA1c levels had returned to normal after a year, indicating that they had entered remission. Non-responders were people who lost weight but still had prediabetes and did not go into remission.

Contrary to what the researchers had hypothesized, there was no difference in relative weight loss between responders and non-responders, indicating that it was not weight loss that separated those who entered remission from those who did not. Individuals who were able to attain remission, as opposed to non-responders, showed a noticeable improvement in insulin sensitivity. In essence, they were better able to increase their sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which decreases blood glucose levels, than those who did not respond. The amount of insulin secreted did not change in either group, though. This distinction is important since type 2 diabetes remission mostly rely on increased insulin secretion.

The researchers compared the two groups in order to pinpoint the reason behind responders’ elevated insulin sensitivity. Despite reducing the same amount of body weight, the responders had reduced their abdomen fat more than the non-responders. The intestines are encircled by visceral abdominal fat, which is situated inside the abdominal cavity. An inflammatory response in adipose tissue is partly responsible for its effect on insulin sensitivity.

In fact, those subjects who achieved remission also had lower blood levels of inflammatory proteins. “Since the responders showed a reduction in abdominal fat in particular, it will be important in the future to identify the factors that promote the loss of this fat depot,” says Arvid Sandforth, one of the two primary authors. Surprisingly, the reduction of liver fat, which is a significant risk factor for the onset of diabetes, did not differ between the two groups. Even two years after the conclusion of the lifestyle intervention, the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes was reduced by 73% in those who achieved remission. Additionally, they displayed fewer indicators of renal injury and improved blood vessel health.

To delay the emergence of type 2 diabetes, prediabetes is currently treated with weight loss and lifestyle changes, but without glucose-based objectives to direct the treatment process. The new analysis from the DZD closes this gap: Remission should be the new therapeutic goal for persons with prediabetes, according to the newly available evidence. According to co-first author Prof. Dr. Reiner Jumpertz-von Schwartzenberg, this could alter treatment strategies and reduce the risk of complications for our patients.The study found that remission in prediabetes is defined as a fasting blood glucose level of less than 100 mg/dl (5.6 mmol/l), a 2-hour glucose level of less than 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l), and a HbA1c level of less than 5.7 percent. When body weight is decreased and waist circumference shrinks by at least 4 cm in women and 7 cm in men, the likelihood of remission rises. According to researchers, these characteristics can now be applied as biomarkers.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/reducing-abdominal-fat-may-help-reverse-prediabetes
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230927/Loss-of-abdominal-fat-may-be-key-to-reversing-prediabetes.aspx
https://www.verywellhealth.com/weight-loss-reverse-type-2-diabetes-6670449

For diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_95

Daily tea consumption lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes

Daily tea consumption lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes

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Type 2 diabetes develops when the body is unable to control blood sugar levels, typically because insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose, is no longer being properly reacted to by the body. Type 2 diabetes can cause high blood pressure, cardiovascular illness, nerve damage, eyesight loss, and kidney damage if it is not well managed.

The greatest strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes and, in conjunction with medicine, to manage its symptoms is through lifestyle changes. Doctors advise regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and following a heart-healthy diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein, and heart-healthy fats.

Type 2 diabetes, whose incidence is rising globally, is a serious health concern.

Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to aging, being overweight, and obesity. It is largely brought on by bad diets and lifestyles.

Changes in lifestyle, such as more exercise and a healthy diet, can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

A recent study also suggests that frequent tea consumption may help to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes.

An observational study from China now reveals that those who frequently consume tea, especially dark tea, may lower their insulin resistance and improve their blood glucose levels, which lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Regular tea drinkers have better blood glucose control

The study included 562 men and 1,361 women, aged 20 to 80, from eight Chinese provinces. A total of 1,135 of them had normal blood sugar levels, 436 of them had diabetes, 352 had prediabetes.

1,000 of the 1,923 participants regularly drank tea. They drank a variety of teas: 300 said they drank green tea, 125 said they drank black tea, 521 said they drank dark tea, and 54 said they drank other kinds. Everyone drank their tea devoid of milk and sugar.

The morning spot urine glucose-to-creatine ratio (UGCR), a measure of the excretion of glucose in the urine, was used by the researchers to investigate for any correlation between the frequency and type of tea drinking and excretion of glucose in the urine. In addition, they assessed insulin resistance and noted any glycemic abnormalities (such as past or present type 2 diabetes, usage of anti-diabetic drugs, or an abnormal 75g oral glucose tolerance test).

They discovered that daily tea drinkers had less insulin resistance and excreted more glucose in their urine. In comparison to people who never drank tea, they also had a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a 28% lower risk of prediabetes.

Greater advantages of dark tea

People who consumed dark tea, a particular variety of tea that contains a fermentation process involving microbes, were more susceptible to the effects.

Dark teas include Ripen Pu-erh tea, Qingzhuan brick tea, Kangzhuan brick tea, and Liubao tea.

Black tea versus fermented tea for diabetes

The authors concur that because this research was observational, it cannot conclusively show that tea consumption enhances blood sugar regulation. But Dr. Wu did offer an explanation for why it might have this effect:

“These findings suggest that the actions of bioactive compounds in dark tea may directly or indirectly modulate glucose excretion in the kidneys, an effect, to some extent, mimicking that of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2), a new anti-diabetic drug class that is not only effective at preventing and treating type 2 diabetes but also has a substantial protective effects on the heart and kidneys.”

Dr. Wu informed MNT that the research team is preparing additional investigations:

Our team is conducting a double-blind, randomized experiment to examine the therapeutic benefits of routine drinking of microbial fermented tea vs. black tea on glycemic management in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with results expected in 2024.

As Dr. Inogong stated to MNT, “It would be interesting to see if these results could be reproduced in larger populations around the world, and if the association still holds, to then study any potential mechanisms by which dark tea impacts glucose regulation.” This could be a helpful step to try and confirm their findings. “[Dark tea] would be a wonderful natural supplement to consider in a treatment plan for those at risk for or who have established type 2 diabetes, if a mechanism is discovered.” Dr. Sue Inonog.

More proof of the health advantages of tea

Tea has long been believed to be healthy, and now scientific study is beginning to support those beliefs. Black and green tea contain polyphenols, which have been demonstrated to have anti-aging effects, cardiovascular advantages, and may even help prevent some cancers. According to the most recent study, reducing the risk of diabetes could be added to that list. Unless you consume excessive amounts, there is little evidence that drinking tea is harmful to your health. According to the current study, consuming a cup of tea each day may help keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/could-drinking-tea-every-day-reduce-type-2-diabetes-risk
https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/drinking-tea-tied-to-lower-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
https://www.thenationalnews.com/health/2023/10/02/drinking-dark-tea-every-day-may-reduce-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2669862/

For Type 2 diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_95

Time limited eating helps in weight loss & type-2 diabetes.

Time limited eating helps in weight loss & type-2 diabetes.

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According to recent studies, type 2 diabetics who practise time-restricted eating may experience weight loss and better blood sugar control.

According to a new randomized controlled research, those who restrict their eating to the eight hours from midday to eight o’clock lose more weight than people who lower their overall calorie intake by calorie counting.

However, experts advise patients to work closely with their doctor because certain medications and dietary needs may affect how beneficial a patient’s diet plan is.

In a recent study, people who restricted their eating to the hours between noon and eight o’clock lost more weight than those who merely cut their caloric intake overall by counting calories.

Despite the growing popularity of time-restricted eating, no studies had previously specifically examined an eight-hour meal window in people with type 2 diabetes.

In the study, 57 people with type 2 diabetes and obesity were divided into three groups: one group adhered to time-restricted eating, another group engaged in calorie restriction, and the third group acted as the control group.

The people in the time-restricted eating group could only eat between midday and 8 p.m., whereas the people in the calorie-restriction group could eat whenever they wanted as long as they kept track of their calories.

While the control group maintained eating normally without any special modifications, their objective was to cut their caloric consumption by 25% of what was needed to maintain their current weight.

Eating within a time limit reduces body weight.

The time-restricted eating diet resulted in a 3.55% weight loss in comparison to the control group during the course of the six-month study, according to the researchers.

To put this into perspective, it would mean that a person who weighs 275 pounds would have lost about 10 pounds.

Contrary to expectations, the calorie-restricted group did not significantly lose weight when compared to the control group.

In comparison to the control group, the time-restricted eating and calorie restriction groups both showed lower blood sugar levels (HbA1C), with decreases of about 0.91% and 0.95%, respectively.

The researchers also looked into whether these dietary approaches may lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol, and lower fasting glucose levels, which are all cardiometabolic risk factors.

The weight loss brought on by time-restricted eating, however, did not reach the 5% mark usually linked with improvements in these parameters.

An interview with experts, Vicky Pavlou, registered dietitian nutritionist, University of Illinois at Chicago doctoral student, and author of the study, said, “We found that eating all calories within an 8-hour window is a good alternative to calorie counting for people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and improve their A1C.”

“In comparison to the calorie counting group, the time-restricted eating (TRE) group dropped 4.28% of their body weight in six months. In both groups, the HbA1C was lowered by 1%, the expert said.

Calorie restriction versus intermittent fasting

Studies have previously examined the effectiveness of various dietary strategies among obese people. The prospective effects of time-restricted eating in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, however, have not been studied.

75 obese persons with type 2 diabetes participated in the new study, which was directed by Vicky Pavlou, a doctorate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago who is also a registered nurse. Three groups of participants, ranging in age from 18 to 80, were created: control, calorie restriction, and time-restricted eating.

The calorie intake needed to maintain a person’s present weight (maintenance calories) was lowered by 25% for those in the calorie restriction group and remained unchanged for those in the control group. At any time of day, they could eat.

The time-restricted eating group, on the other hand, was only permitted to eat between noon and 8 p.m. every day without having a set calorie goal or keeping track of their consumption.

For the first three months of the trial, participants in both groups met with a dietician once per week; for the next three months, they met every other week.

Pavlou stated that the dietician “helped them with any challenges in following the diet and gave general nutrition advice,” emphasizing “the importance of reading labels and understanding calories.”

What kind of diet is best for those who have diabetes?

The researcher who was not engaged in this study, Dr. Seun Sowemimo, a board-certified surgeon at Prime Surgicare in Freehold, New Jersey, stressed that “using a combination of disease management tools is more effective than a single effort.”

“Time-restricted eating (intermittent fasting) is a powerful strategy for weight loss and blood sugar control because it allows the body to switch from burning sugar to burning fat, resulting in weight loss,” he claimed.

Additionally, it helps diabetic control and lessens the frequency of blood glucose spikes, which can result in insulin surges.

Consuming whole meals with a high fibre content rather than processed foods with added sugar can also help people with diabetes maintain better blood sugar control. Unlike processed foods with free sugar, which are quickly absorbed and cause increased sugar levels and insulin spikes, natural fibre foods help regulate sugar absorption by allowing for a steady release into the bloodstream. Since the idea that fruit contains a lot of sugar is untrue, I also advise persons with diabetes to eat fresh fruits, stated Dr. Seun Sowemimo

Time-restricted eating “may help improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes,” according to registered dietitian Crystal Scott of Top Nutrition Coaching, who was also not involved in the study.

“The insulin response may become more efficient by avoiding constant grazing and giving the body longer periods without food intake,” Scott said. Studies have revealed that time-restricted meals can increase insulin sensitivity, glucose levels, and HbA1c levels, which are indicators of long-term blood sugar control. But it didn’t in this study.

Potential effects on type 2 diabetic patients

Dr. Sowemimo stated that this “study adds another layer of clinical evidence that the timing of food consumption is a major contributing factor to diabetes management, weight loss, and overall well-being.“

“Patients with diabetes can safely be prescribed time-restricted eating, but they should do so in partnership with their physician,” Dr. Sowemimo stated.

Scott also emphasized the significance of investigating potential confounders, such as participant water intake, activity level, and stress-reduction techniques, as well as their use of diabetes medications.

Many additional factors must be addressed concurrently in order for a study like this one on dietary regimens to be entirely successful, according to Scott.

Scott further emphasized that this study shows there are “easier approaches to weight management that don’t involve tracking every piece of food,” even though people may recognize the necessity to implement time-restriction tactics to observe weight loss.

REFERENCES:

For Weight loss medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=20

Dahlias might be the newest diabetes weapon.

Dahlias might be the newest diabetes weapon.

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Three chemicals found in the petals of vibrant dahlias may help people with prediabetes or diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels, according to recent studies. These substances lessen brain inflammation, which enhances insulin performance.

The discovery may help millions of individuals throughout the world who lack access to pricey and frequently unavailable drugs to some degree of blood sugar management.

D. pinnata dahlias are more than just exquisitely symmetrical flowers. Three chemicals that were discovered in the petals of these flowers, according to a recent study, may help persons with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels.

The researchers discovered that an extract containing the three dahlia compounds greatly enhanced the study participants’ control of blood sugar during a randomised, controlled, cross-over clinical trial.

Researchers from the University of Otago in Aotearoa, which is the aboriginal name for New Zealand, found in 2015 that a dietary flavonoid called lutein may be able to lower brain inflammation. Also, it improves blood sugar levels in people who have trouble controlling their blood sugar levels.

The dahlia flower’s petals are identified in the latest study as a source of butein and two additional compounds that increase its effectiveness.

The U.S. Centres for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 37.3 million Americans have diabetes and 96 million Americans have prediabetes. The CDC believes that 8.5 million of them have not yet received a diagnosis. According to the World Health Organisation, diabetes affected 422 million people globally in 2014. Also, it directly contributed to 1.5 million deaths in 2019.

Uncontrolled diabetes can result in lower limb amputation, kidney failure, blindness, strokes, and heart attacks. Continuous blood sugar monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and often taking insulin or medications that can aid with blood sugar control are required to prevent such results.

Treating diabetes with dahlias

The discovery that dahlias might contain the butein that his team had been looking for, according to study author Dr. Alexander Tups, was fairly accidental. He brought it up to a coworker over coffee. They then inquired, “Did you know that dahlias may contain that molecule?“

International dahlia experts were cultivating dahlias in the extreme south of New Zealand and were willing to offer the flowers. Thus, this was the beginning of a magnificent trip, according to Dr. Tups.

The group created a button-containing extract, which was successfully tested on mice. The other two compounds that might increase the impact of butein were then discovered in cooperation with a group of plant chemistry specialists.

In a preclinical context, the researchers discovered that all three molecules are necessary to maximise the blood sugar-lowering impact.

Additionally, we were able to demonstrate that the compounds’ ability to suppress brain inflammation in mice. Also, their dependence on doing so for the glucose-lowering impact, said Alexander Tups, M.D.

Human trials revealed the extract was efficient and generated no observable negative effects.

The tablet form of Dahlia

Since then, the group has obtained a patent for their discovery, released their research, and launched Dahlia4, an extract for bettering blood sugar regulation. There is a tablet version of Dahlia4. The American Food and Drug Administration has not yet reviewed it.

Although various plant extracts have been identified and studied, Dr. Thomas Lutz, full professor of veterinary physiology at the University of Zurich, who was not involved in the study, observed that “the question is always about the availability, the efficacy, and potential toxicity.”

The discovery made here has a lot of importance in these regards, according to Dr. Lutz. According to Dr. Tups, the dahlia molecules may be capable of more than just regulating blood sugar.

“We are now conducting a clinical trial in people with chronic fatigue syndrome or long COVID syndrome,” he said. “It showed promise in helping to improve brain function.”

Blood sugar regulation and brain inflammation

“We know that ‘brain inflammation’ is associated with many metabolic disorders, e.g., access to high energy/high fat food, obesity, type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Lutz.

“The reduction of brain inflammation has been shown to improve/restore the sensitivity to various hormones involved in the physiological control of metabolism. Particularly in insulin and leptin,” the author added.

“This idea has been around for a while. The issue was how to approach it in a way that benefits the patients concerned“, according to Dr. Lutz.

Why this finding is significant?

Dr. Lutz claims that “potentially, the discovery described here may be of benefit for a very large number of people.”

He clarified that in addition to the newly developed dahlia extract, there were numerous other therapy options that were either recently approved or that were being studied in pre-clinical or clinical settings.

He stated: “Many of these are pharmacological approaches based on agonists of endogenous hormones.” Adding, “Efficacy and safety is very good, [but] cost is high, and availability has been an issue.”

“From a legal standpoint, we are not discussing drugs here; rather, we are discussing food additives. Their broad use may benefit from this,” according to Dr. Lutz.

Dr. Tups stated that there are “literally millions” of people who could gain from promoting normal levels of insulin and blood sugar.

Therefore, the finding is crucial for all patients with metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, but possibly also with other illnesses where brain inflammation is involved, according to Dr. Thomas Lutz.

REFERENCES:

For Diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_95

Depression: High blood sugar and lower grey matter links.

Depression: High blood sugar and lower grey matter links.

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Around the world, 5% of adults are thought to be depressed. A known risk factor for depression is fluctuations in a person’s blood sugar levels.

The relationship between blood sugar levels and the likelihood of developing depression, according to Sun Yat-sen University researchers, may be mediated by decreased grey matter volume in the brain.

About 5% of the adult population worldwide suffers from depression, a mental illness that makes a person feel incredibly depressed and hopeless to the point where they are unable to enjoy their daily activities.

Variations in glycemia, or a person’s blood sugar levels, are one of the many risk factors for depression.

According to earlier research, people with diabetes, a disorder in which a person struggles to maintain adequate blood sugar levels, are two to three times more likely to experience depression.

The relationship between blood sugar levels and depression may now have a precise biological cause. This is according to researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China.

According to research, the association between blood sugar levels and the risk of depression may be mediated by a decreased grey matter volume in the brain.

Depression, blood sugar, and brain structure

According to Dr. Hualiang Lin, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Sun Yat-sen University and the study’s corresponding author, they chose to investigate the effect of blood sugar on the risk of developing depression. Earlier research has established a link between changes in blood sugar levels and the development of depression.

Also, a lot of research has shown a clear connection between depression development and changes in brain structure and function. As a result, the information that is now available strongly supports that brain anatomy may play a moderating role in the co-morbidity of diabetes and depression. As a result, we carried out this research to learn more about this connection, said Dr. Lin.

Changes in the amount of grey matter in the brain have been linked in the past to depression. According to a 2019 study, particular changes in gray-matter volume were linked to lifetime major depressive illness.

Additionally, a study conducted in 2022 discovered that individuals with significant depression, bipolar illness, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders frequently have lower hippocampus grey matter volume.

Examining brain’s grey matter

Dr. Lin and his team gathered information from more than 500,000 UK Biobank individuals between the ages of 40 and 69 for this observational study.

Researchers examined the data and discovered a “significant correlation” between sadness, decreased grey matter volume, and raised levels of HbA1c, or glycosylated hemoglobin.

A quick test called HbA1c determines a person’s blood sugar levels during the previous three months, or glycosylated hemoglobin.

In comparison to study participants with or without diabetes, researchers found that a reduced grey matter volume was associated with depression. This association was particularly pronounced in study participants with prediabetes.

Even if the outcome supports our hypothesis, Dr. Lin stated, “We are still very excited about it.”

Previous studies on the specific brain regions connected to depression have been rather scarce, frequently concentrating on well-established clinical regions such the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. Contrarily, we were able to more thoroughly analyse and identify probable grey matter regions that may be connected to depression in our study since it made use of MRI data from hundreds of different brain areas,” he said.

Age as a risk factor for increased risk

Furthermore, participants in the study who were 60 years of age or older had the strongest correlation between decreased grey matter volume and depression.

According to Dr. Lin, “This finding has important public health implications, particularly for the neurological health of older individuals.”

In particular, the findings indicate that in older people compared to younger people, the decline in grey matter volume is more pronounced for every one unit increase in HbA1c. The difference can be more than twice as great in some brain regions, according to Dr. Hualiang Lin.

This study shows that we may soon face increased dangers to brain health and mental well-being, he said, “given the global trend of population aging and the rising risk of diabetes.”

What does a normal blood sugar level mean?

Glucose, sometimes referred to as blood sugar, is crucial for numerous bodily processes. It is the body’s main source of energy, to start. And glucose is what “feeds” the brain, keeping it active and maintaining connections amongst its associated nerve cells.

The food you eat, especially carbohydrates like starchy vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, provides the body with blood sugar. Glucose is released into the bloodstream as these nutrients are broken down by the body through the digestive tract.

The pancreas starts to secrete insulin as soon as blood glucose levels increase. To give the body’s cells with the energy they require, insulin aids glucose absorption.

An individual with diabetes or one who is at risk for getting it may have high fasting blood sugar levels:

  • A good fasting blood sugar level is one that is 99 mg/dL or lower.
  • Prediabetes is indicated by a fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL.
  • One has diabetes if their fasting blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL or greater.

Hyperglycemia, or having too much glucose in the bloodstream, can cause the following symptoms:

Could controlling blood sugar lessen depression?

Dr. Daniel Pompa, a cellular health expert, author of the “Cellular Healing Diet,” and host of a weekly Cellular Healing TV podcast and YouTube show. He stated after reviewing this study that it has long been known that blood sugar levels have a significant impact on brain health. Also, this study only serves to further that understanding.

High glucose levels cause brain inflammation, which lowers cognitive function and emotional control. According to Dr. Daniel Pompa, long-term exposure to elevated glucose levels has been related to altered brain circuits that raise the chance of developing depression.

In those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, higher levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are associated with a reduction in brain capacity. Elevated HbA1c is linked to decreased grey matter sizes in regions including the hippocampus, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex. This is according to several other research that have supported this, Dr. Pompa continued.

As a strategy to treat type 2 diabetes, Dr. Pompa said he would like to see further research on the impact of lifestyle modifications and fasting. It also brain scans to measure these people’s grey matter volume.

In particular, he asked, “Can reducing type 2 diabetes symptoms stop or even reverse the loss of grey matter and lower rates of depression?”

Dr. Matthew J. Freeby, director of the Gonda Diabetes Centre and associate director of diabetes clinical programmes at the David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, said: “Unfortunately, depression is quite common in people living with diabetes, and there’s not much known as to the connection. For a better understanding of the problem’s causes and potential treatments, more research is urgently needed.

Although this research makes an interesting observation, Dr. Freeby stated that he did not believe we could yet identify physical changes in grey matter volume as the explanation.

REFERENCES:

For Depression medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_478

Links between sleep brain waves and blood sugar control.

Links between sleep brain waves and blood sugar control.

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Diabetes is a disorder that makes it difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar levels.

When the body stops generating or responding to the hormone insulin, which controls blood glucose (sugar), blood glucose levels rise too high.

Poor sleep quality and higher blood sugar levels are related, according to research. A recent study has discovered that certain deep sleep brain waves are connected to the control of blood sugar levels.

The researchers hypothesise that elevating particular deep-sleep brain waves could lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

More than 6% of the world’s population currently has diabetes, which is on the rise globally. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 37.3 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, have diabetes, with more than 35.4 million of those having type 2 diabetes.

96 million Americans aged 18 and older had prediabetes in 2019, which is a condition in which blood glucose (sugar) levels are increased but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.

The risk factor for type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, frequently has no symptoms and can go unnoticed for a very long time.

To lower the chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes, the National Institutes of Health recommend many lifestyle modifications, including:

  • if a person is overweight, reducing 5–7% of their body weight and maintaining that weight loss
  • getting up to 30 minutes of exercise five times each week
  • consuming fewer servings and making an effort to consume nutritious foods the majority of the time.

What connection exists between sleep and diabetes?

Numerous studies have connected poor blood glucose control and sleep issues. Raised blood glucose levels and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes are all linked to inadequate sleep length, poor sleep quality, and sleep disorders such insomnia and sleep apnea.

Now, a study has postulated a mechanism through which deep sleep is associated with lower blood glucose levels and contends that sleep quality rather than quantity is a better predictor of blood glucose levels.

Researchers discovered a connection between some deep sleep brain waves and better blood sugar regulation the next day.

According to the study, which was published in Cell Reports Medicine, deep sleep enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to better blood sugar regulation.

According to study co-author and researcher Vyoma D. Shah of the Centre for Human Sleep Science, “the association with blood glucose control appears to be strongly explained by a link between deep sleep oscillations and specific alteration in insulin sensitivity, rather than insulin synthesis, storage, or secretion.”

The study noted that “the causal chain by which this occurs in humans is still unexplored.”

Brainwaves suggest a metabolic connection

Although she was not engaged in this study, Fiona McLoone, a research communications officer at Diabetes UK, commented:

“This study gives us more information about how the brain regulates blood glucose levels while we sleep; however, more research is required to determine whether assistance with improving sleep could benefit those who have type 2 diabetes or are at risk for developing it.”

Previous studies have suggested that decreased glucose metabolism is related to a shortening of slow-wave, or deep, sleep.

In a laboratory experiment, it was discovered that healthy young people’ insulin sensitivity significantly decreased when slow-wave sleep was inhibited, which in turn reduced glucose tolerance and raised the chance of developing diabetes.

Researchers found that clusters of strong wave ripples from the hippocampus, which happen during non-REM sleep, caused a drop in blood sugar levels in the rats within 10 minutes.

In the current investigation, the researchers first examined 647 people’s nocturnal polysomnography results as well as their next-morning glucose and insulin readings. They subsequently conducted their trials once more on a different 1,996 subjects.

They were looking to see if coupled non-REM spindles the night before were linked to better peripheral blood glucose levels the next day.

Other variables known to affect blood glucose management, such as age, gender, race, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, quantity of sleep, and sleep quality, were accounted for in both groups.

They discovered that the coupling of slow waves and sleep spindles during deep sleep was connected to better blood glucose regulation the next morning.

How could REM sleep affect blood sugar?

The parasympathetic nervous system’s activity, according to the authors, may be the cause of the influence on blood glucose.

They discovered that deep sleep activated this area of the nervous system, causing the body to become more sensitive to insulin, causing the body to absorb more glucose from the bloodstream into cells, so reducing blood sugar.

As Shah commented that the results of our study are not applicable to all deep sleep in general, but rather to the coupling (nearly simultaneous or time-locked occurrence) of slow oscillations and spindles in deep sleep, despite the fact that there are numerous techniques that can alter brain waves during sleep, including electrical, audio stimulation, and better sleep hygiene to increase the ease of falling asleep and the likelihood of staying asleep.

The connection might not be direct

The researchers issue a warning that their results do not prove a causal link between better blood glucose regulation and deep sleep. They do, however, offer a theory as to how the link occurred.

According to Shah, “based on a seminal study in rats that inspired this study, it is plausible that during sleep, hippocampal sharp wave ripples which we index by measuring slow oscillation-spindle coupling in this study send a signal to a relay station called the lateral septum, which in turn modulates blood glucose levels.”

The authors also make the case that monitoring brain waves during deep sleep could be a non-invasive way to determine how well someone is controlling their blood sugar.

What will the upcoming research focus be?

We learned from Shah that “our findings are the first to demonstrate an association between these particular deep sleep brain waves (slow oscillation-spindle coupling) and glucose regulation, reiterating the significance of sleep in the clinical management of hyperglycemia.”

“We hope this study paves the way for future research that can better understand the causal mechanisms underlying these associations, and eventually, develop therapeutics to enhance slow-oscillation spindle coupling during sleep, to better control blood sugar levels,” she continued.

She also outlined possible areas for further study, such as measuring glucose levels at various times and examining whether slow oscillation and spindle coupling may be used to change glucose regulation or vice versa.

However, as McLoone cautioned, “Some people are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes than others, and getting a good night’s sleep is an essential component of good health, but currently the best evidence for reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes involves eating a healthy, balanced diet and keeping active.”

REFERENCES:

For Diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=13

Exercise & weight loss can improve obesity and prediabetes.

Exercise & weight loss can improve obesity and prediabetes.

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According to new research, people who are overweight and have prediabetes may benefit significantly from regular exercise when accompanied with weight loss via diet.

The goal of the study was to ascertain whether exercise had benefits in addition to those provided by diet-only weight loss.

The study examined two groups, one of which followed a diet plan plus exercise training and the other of which followed a diet plan alone.

According to the findings, the group that combined diet and exercise improved their insulin sensitivity by twice as much as the diet-only group, which is essential for controlling prediabetes.

Researchers from the Centre for Human Nutrition at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, examined the results of regular exercise paired with a nutrition programme for people in a recent study.

The individuals’ bodies’ sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, was tested by the researchers.

According to the findings, those who made changes to their eating and exercise routines saw a twofold increase in their insulin sensitivity compared to those who only made dietary changes.

This indicates that their bodies used insulin to regulate blood sugar levels more effectively.

The participants’ muscles were also examined by the researchers, and they discovered that the group that changed their diet and exercise regimens had higher expression (activity) of genes related to the production of new mitochondria, which are cells’ energy factories, energy metabolism, and the development of new blood vessels.

They discovered no discernible differences between the two groups in terms of the amounts of specific amino acids or particular inflammatory blood indicators.

The composition of their gut bacteria also changed similarly in both groups, which can have an impact on general health.

Exercise for managing and treating obesity

We spoke with Dr. Sergio P. Ramoa of Atrius Health, who was not a part of the study, and he stated that “despite the growing focus and treatment of obesity and diabetes, diabetes-related mortality increased in the first 20 years of the 21st century.”

“The approach to treating obesity has altered, with a focus on treating it like a chronic illness like hypertension or asthma. There have been considerable advancements in the treatment of weight reduction and weight maintenance, according to Dr. Sergio P. Ramoa, as a result of changes in social, educational, and therapeutic attitudes.

In his statement, Dr. Romoa said that “This article demonstrates why exercise continues to be a pillar of not only weight management treatment but the overall health of the community.”

“Exercise should always be used in conjunction with pharmaceutical treatment for persistent lifestyle changes,” he advised.

The National Coalition on Healthcare’s (NCHC) Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian and health research specialist who was not involved in the study, concurred, saying that “the study findings imply that combining exercise training with a calorie-restricted diet can enhance insulin sensitivity and metabolic health beyond the benefits achieved solely through diet-induced weight loss.”

As Costa said, “It is essential to understand how effectively this combination of therapies can improve metabolic health given what we know about the barriers to exercise in people with obesity.”

For managing prediabetes, insulin sensitivity is essential.

Prediabetes is characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough to progress to type 2 diabetes.

Although it acts as a warning sign for an elevated risk of getting diabetes, it is frequently preventable or deferred with lifestyle adjustments.

Enhancing insulin sensitivity through exercise

According to Dr. Romoa, “GLUT4, the main insulin-driven glucose transporter, exercise improves insulin sensitivity.”

“GLUT4 is present in adipose and muscular tissue. The amount of these transporters varies depending on a person’s diabetes and obesity condition.

While they drop in adipose tissue, they hold steady in muscular tissue. As a result, exercise can keep enhancing glucose regulation. Due to insulin resistance, adipose tissue can no longer adequately regulate blood glucose. Additionally, exercise will increase the body’s GLUT4 levels. Walking can help lower blood sugar levels, according to Dr. Sergio P. Ramoa.

It was said by Costa that this study showed that “exercise enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, likely due to changes in skeletal muscle biology induced by exercise.”

This includes an improvement in mitochondrial content and function as well as an increase of genes related to substrate oxidation and mitochondrial energy metabolism. The diet plus exercise group consequently saw a more significant rise in muscle insulin sensitivity,” Costa said.

Type 2 diabetes treatment through exercise

Exercise is strongly advised as a main treatment for type 2 diabetes, according to prior research.

Combining 150 minutes per week of moderate to strenuous exercise with dietary and behavioural adjustments can stop, delay, or even reverse the condition.

Exercise of all kinds, including resistance and aerobic training, can regulate blood sugar levels. Small bursts of exercise spread out throughout the day and high intensity interval training are both good.

Exercise in the afternoon or right after a meal, for example, may have additional benefits.

Exercise guidelines that are ideal Working with healthcare experts is crucial for personalised diabetes management because individual aspects are continuously being researched.

Costa stressed “the significance of integrating a calorie-restricted diet with exercise training to enhance metabolic health and physical function.”

Exercise caution

Be sure to consult your doctor before beginning a new workout routine. Make sure you drink enough water before, during, and after the activity.

To keep your blood sugar levels within the desired range, be sure to closely monitor them as well.

REFERENCES:

For Diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=13

Higher doses of Ozempic improve blood sugar, weight loss?

Higher doses of Ozempic improve blood sugar, weight loss?

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According to experts, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications like Ozempic, often referred to as semaglutide, can aid in weight loss in those who are obese.

For weight loss, Ozempic is not FDA-approved. There is also the brand Wegovy, which is semaglutide.

Wegovy and Ozempic should not be used by persons who are not diabetic or obese for any reason, including to shed minor amounts of weight, according to experts.

In the latter part of 2017, the FDA approved the use of the GLP-1 medication Ozempic in people with type 2 diabetes. But lately, it’s made news for other reasons as well: Benefits of purported weight loss and scarcity.

“People are talking about them because there is a trend where celebrities and influencers are increasingly turning to off-label use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight loss by people who are not obese or diabetic,” claims Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist in New York City and the head of medical affairs at the weight management program Found.

This, according to Kumar, is very troubling.

“The trend of medispas, boutique weight-loss clinics, and illegal telehealth businesses liberally prescribing to people who don’t meet criteria is not only irresponsible prescribing, but it may also prevent the medication from reaching those who need it most,” Kumar claims.

By responding to the following frequently asked questions regarding Ozempic, Kumar and other professionals distinguished fact from fantasy.

What is Ozempic?

Dr. Angela Fitch, FACP, FOMA, president of the Obesity Medicine Association and chief medical officer of knownwell, a weight-inclusive healthcare firm, says that Ozempic is a brand name for the medication recognised as semaglutide.

Ozempic is an injectable medicine for persons with type 2 diabetes, according to Kumar. The FDA first approved it for 0.5 mg or 1 mg dosages. The FDA authorized a higher dose of 2 mg in 2022.

According to Kumar, it helps the pancreas produce insulin, which decreases blood sugar levels.

Adverse effects of semaglutide

All GLP-1 medications, as pharmacological agents, have the potential to have side effects, according to Dr. Jay Shubrook, professor of the Primary Care Department at Touro University in California.

According to Dr. Shubrook, these “are frequently dose-dependent and can be more obvious during dose changes.”

In any case, typical adverse effects of semaglutide “include an excessive loss of appetite, nausea, and less frequently, vomiting or diarrhoea. Most patients only experience temporary adverse effects, he noted.

He pointed out that teaching patients to eat slowly and mindfully, as well as how to control their portions, can lessen the negative effects of semaglutide.

Is Ozempic an FDA-approved weight-loss product?

No. “Ozempic is only approved for diabetes,” claims Dr. Charlie Seltzer, a Philadelphia-based medical professional who is board-certified in both internal medicine and obesity.

But here’s where some of the ambiguity arises. “The active ingredient, semaglutide, is approved for weight loss under the trade name Wegovy,” claims Seltzer.

Elon Musk tweeted about Wegovy’s assistance with his weight loss in October 2022.

Distinction between Wegovy and Olympic

Semaglutide and injectables are both sold under the trade names Ozempic and Wegovy. They aren’t precisely the same, though.

“Wegovy is FDA-approved for the treatment of overweight and obesity,” claims Kumar. “Wegovy was developed specifically for the treatment of overweight and obesity,” according to the manufacturer. “It contains a higher dose of semaglutide, [2.4 mg], than Ozempic.”

Does Ozempic aid in shedding pounds?

Kumar points out that Wegovy’s dosing was employed in the studies on semaglutide and weight loss, including one from 2021 that showed that once-weekly doses of 2.4 mg of semaglutide could lower body weight when paired with dietary and lifestyle modifications.

“[In the] study,] those who took the medication and made lifestyle changes lost almost 15% of their body weight, on average, compared to 3% in the placebo group,” Kumar claims.

So certainly, semaglutide may aid in weight loss, at least at a greater dose of 2.4 mg. Although Seltzer observes that the two medications function similarly, it is uncertain whether the 0.4 mg dosage difference between Ozempic and Wegovy is significant.

As food takes longer to leave the stomach and suppresses hunger, ozempic prolongs satiety, according to Seltzer. “It does nothing magical to the metabolism.”

In addition, Kumar points out that despite what some celebrities and social media influencers may say, these medications are not intended for those who just want to drop a few pounds.

“Normal-weight patients without diabetes might lose weight if they take GLP-1s, but the risks of the medication outweigh the benefit of weight loss just to be thin versus treating a disease,” says Kumar. “GLP-1s have not been studied in this population, and with this type of inappropriate use, we probably will see more side effects.”

Is Ozempic safe?

For adults with type 2 diabetes, ozempic is typically regarded as safe in doses up to 2 mg, however doctors agree that some people shouldn’t take it.

“It should be avoided in many populations, including but not limited to people with a history of pancreatitis, people who have had medullary thyroid cancer, or who are at increased risk for medullary thyroid cancer,” says Seltzer.

If you are a good candidate for Ozempic, your doctor can help you decide. Furthermore, some persons might suffer negative effects. According to Fitch, typical ones include:

  • nausea
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • reduction in appetite
  • diarrhea

Can you regain weight after using semaglutide?

Patients who quit taking 2.4 mg dosages of semaglutide had gained back two-thirds of the weight they had lost one year after stopping, according to a trial of nearly 2,000 patients published in 2022.

The same problems that got the people into difficulty in the first place will still exist once the drug is stopped or loses its effectiveness, according to Seltzer, and the weight will quickly regain.

Fitch concurs,

Whatever you do personally to aid in weight loss, Fitch advises, “You have to keep doing it, or the weight will come back.” “The human body was created in this manner. It is constructed to safeguard its weight at all costs. Care for the elderly is crucial.

“Since obesity is a chronic disease, you must treat it chronically, ongoingly, and in a coordinated, comprehensive way,” adds Fitch. For a comprehensive approach to metabolic health, weight control, and primary care, patients must collaborate with their doctor.

What other therapies are there for obesity?

First, Fitch emphasises the need of being nonjudgmental and emphasising joint decision-making in all obesity treatments.

According to Fitch, “obesity is a lifelong chronic disease and should be treated in a compassionate and thorough patient-centered way, such as shared decision making around taking medication or having surgery with the risks and benefits in mind.”

Although diet and exercise are frequently suggested as first-line therapy, they are not always effective.

“Obesity is a complex disease with many factors,” explains Fitch. “We add in other treatments to help patients live longer, healthier, better quality lives when lifestyle changes are not enough.”

REFERENCES:

For Weight loss medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=20

Once-weekly insulin vs daily injection: Which is better?

Once-weekly insulin vs daily injection: Which is better?

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The effectiveness of once-weekly and once-daily insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes was compared by researchers.

They discovered that the once-weekly medication icodec reduced blood sugar levels more successfully than the conventional once-daily injections.

Further research is required, according to experts, to validate the findings. A novel, once-weekly insulin regimen may revolutionize care for type 2 diabetics, finds a recent study.

In a Phase 3 experiment, researchers compared the effectiveness and safety of once-weekly insulin termed “icodec” with the conventional once-daily injection degludec in adults with type 2 diabetes.

A long-acting insulin medication called Degludec aids in controlling blood sugar levels.

After 26 weeks, they discovered that once-weekly icodec therapy reduced blood sugar levels more than once-daily degludec. The research was released in JAMA.

Icodec may have similar glucose-lowering effects to daily insulin injections, according to a recent study.

Adherence issues with daily insulin injections

In the US, there are more than 37 million diabetics. These persons have type 2 diabetes in 90–95% of cases.

The hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, enables cells to utilise glucose as fuel. When cells no longer react to insulin as they should, type 2 diabetes develops and elevated blood sugar levels follow.

The eyes, kidneys, and heart are just a few of the organs that elevated blood sugar can harm over time. Therefore, either lifestyle changes or the use of drugs that do not lower blood sugar with insulin is required for treatment.

When non-insulin treatments are ineffective, it is currently recommended by guidelines that persons with type 2 diabetes take insulin-based therapies to reduce blood sugar levels.

Currently, type 2 diabetes medications based on insulin necessitate daily injections. However, patients may find it difficult to administer daily injections, which lowers adherence rates.

According to research, weekly injections increase adherence. According to one study, individuals who receive insulin treatments once per week follow their treatment plans for an average of 333 days as opposed to 269 days for patients who receive daily injections.

Insulin therapy non-compliance might have serious repercussions. According to research, persons with diabetes who do not stick to their insulin medication have a higher risk of dying and being admitted to the hospital.

Thus, raising adherence rates is essential to enhancing diabetes patients’ quality of life and health outcomes.

Which is more effective? Once-weekly vs. daily insulin injection.

The researchers gathered 588 participants for the study, with an average age of 58, from 11 nations, including the USA, Argentina, and China.

Over a third of the participants were women, and every participant was on non-insulin glucose-lowering medication.

They were thereafter randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatment plans for a total of 26 weeks during the study:

  • once every week icodec
  • monthly placebo
  • every day degludec
  • a single-dose placebo

In the end, the scientists discovered that icodec more effectively lowered haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) levels than degludec.

A measurement of the average blood sugar levels over the previous three months is called HBA1c. Those with diabetes are advised to maintain levels of 6.5% or lower. People without diabetes typically have HBA1c values of less than 5.7%.

Participants in the icodec group had HBA1c values that dropped from an average of 8.6% to 7% after 26 weeks. HBA1c values in the degludec group decreased from an average of 8.5% to 7.2% over this time.

The study’s authors found no discernible differences in participants’ fasting blood sugar levels or body weight between those taking icodec and those taking degludec.

We enquired about the potential causes of icodec’s superior results in lowering HBA1c readings from Dr. Absalon Gutierrez, associate professor of endocrinology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston who was not engaged in the study.

Although we can’t be certain, it probably has to do with the patient’s compliance with the drug. According to how the trial was set up, it was significantly simpler to forget to administer the degludec injections than the icodec injections. According to Dr. Gutierrez, this is most likely the case in real life as well.

Side effects of icodec weekly insulin

The researchers also reported that from the beginning of the study until week 31, 5.8% of those using Degludec and 8.9% of those taking icodec suffered hypoglycemia. This is characterized by blood sugar levels that are below the normal range.

Additionally, during the duration of the experiment, 167 patients receiving degludec and 177 patients getting icodec both had adverse effects. According to the researchers, 46 and 60 incidents, respectively, were in the degludec group and the icodec group. This may have been caused by the use of insulin.

However, they pointed out that the majority of the incidents were minor, and that these included COVID-19, influenza, and diabetic retinopathy, an eye disorder that can impair vision in people with diabetes.

What are the research’s constraints?

The study’s shortcomings were listed by the researchers in their paper. They pointed out that because the trial only lasted 26 weeks, longer-term consequences are still undetermined.

They also stated that they did not gather information on patient-reported outcomes or data from continuous glucose monitoring.

Dr. Gutierrez stated: “Icodec exhibited higher hypoglycemia even though it worked somewhat better in decreasing HBA1c. Given that it can’t be titrated as regularly, this is to be expected. Additionally, the degludec titrations were not ideal according to the study’s design.

Dr. Lushun Wang, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Medical Director of Arete Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore and a non-participant in the study, was also interviewed by us:

“The trials’ duration can be extended further in order to guarantee dependable long-term efficacy and safety. To comprehend Icodec more fully, rigorous and in-depth testing should be conducted.

Data from continuous glucose monitoring may ensure a more thorough understanding of blood glucose control and its impact on the quality of life of the patient. In addition, the trial’s design used more Icodec injections than would be necessary for a daily regimen, which does not adequately reflect real-world use or any potential advantages for treatment adherence.

Effects of once weekly injection on diabetes

The researchers observed that by lowering the number of injections from at least 365 to 52 annually, icodec may increase treatment adherence and convenience for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

They went on to say that the “small absolute risk of hypoglycemia” should be outweighed by the ease and little additional glycemic advantage of once-weekly dosing.

Icodec’s practical design enables daily injections to be replaced with this once-weekly alternative, according to Dr. Wang. Its main benefit is from its capacity to deliver an insulin release that is steady and continuous over the course of a week. Hence minimizing swings in blood glucose levels. The improved HbA1c reduction seen in the studies is evidence that Icodec’s ability can result in better overall blood glucose control.

Dr. Guitierrez concurred that icodec insulin would be a viable choice for patients who struggle to take once-daily basal insulin as prescribed. To better understand the risk of hypoglycemia associated with using icodec in comparison to once-daily insulin injections, he pointed out that more research is required.

REFERENCES:

For Diabetes medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?therapy=13