Diabetes

Screen All Pregnant Women For Gestational Diabetes: Panel

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The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises that all pregnant women who have not been previously diagnosed with diabetes, regardless of whether they have risk factors or not, should be given a blood test to screen for gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes which occurs during pregnancy. The condition affects 18% of all preganancy and can results in serious complications to the mother and infant if left untreated. The basis for this recommendation to screen all pregnancies came from several large randomized trials that have found substantial reductions in pregnancy-related outcomes in treating gestational diabetes, even in mild forms.

Often, women with gestational diabetes are at higher risk of having diabetes later on in life, after the pregnancy. Evidence also suggests that children born to women with gestational diabetes are at higher risks of having diabetes later on in life as well. Early diagnosis and active intervention is the key to reducing debilitating complications associated with diabetes.

Fad Diet Can Work, But…

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Experts have opined that fad diet can be effective in reducing weight, at least in the short term. This is not a surprising conclusion considering that fad diet often consists of some form of calories restriction, and calories restriction does reduce weight, regardless of the proportion of macronutrients. The concern is whether this weight lost induced by fad dieting can be sustainable. There are also concerns that many fad diets have little consideration that a well-balanced, nutritious diet is critical for our bodies to function properly. Besides, there are really no good evidence to suggest that one fad diet is better than the other in inducing sustained weight loss. So think again before you embark on a certain fad diet. Not that they don’t work. But sometimes a well balanced diet, with some calories restriction and an active lifestyle with adequate exercise are all that it takes.

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Lingonberries Might Prevent Obesity and Diabetes

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Yet another claim of a certain food which might prevent obesity and diabetes. Also to bear in mind some of these studies which are conducted on animal models may not yield similar results in humans. Nonetheless all these scientific work which are aimed to eventually find better treatment for diabetes and obesity, and for the betterment of medical science, should be highly encouraged and applauded.

Wine and Chocolates May Lower Diabetes Risk

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A study found people who have a high intake of flavanoids, compounds found in herbs, berries, red wine and chocolates had lower insulin resistance and better controlled blood sugar levels. While any discovery of compounds that may help diabetes is good news, reports like this still needs to be interpreted cautiously. It is unknown exactly how much of these compounds are necessary to potentially reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It is likely that the extra calories and weight gain from over consumption of chocolates and wine will nullify any beneficial effects it may impose.

1 Million Singaporeans with Diabetes by 2050

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Singapore may have as many as 1 million diabetics by 2050, as we get older and fatter. This trend is worrying of course. However it has to be emphasized that with early detection and good treatment, many diabetics can live very normal, good quality life, free from debilitating complications. The key is early detection and good treatment with regular monitoring and active intervention. So although news like this is worrying, we take comfort in the fact that diabetes still remain a very treatable disease as long as you are motivated to do so and you want to live well and healthy.

Contact Lens Glucometer

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Google is working on a contact lens that’s built to measure glucose levels in the tears. Self monitoring of blood glucose is an important part of diabetes management especially in insulin treated patient. However the only way to do this currently remains via finger prick. If this contact lens technology becomes a reality it will provide an additional helpful option for patients with diabetes to monitor their sugar.