January 05, 2012

Weight Loss Linked to Improved Heart Function for Obese Diabetes Patients

Tracy Breen, MD

Obese patients with Type 2 diabetes eliminated insulin dependence and improved cardiovascular health by following an extremely low-calorie diet plan, according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 

The cornerstone of the Type 2 diabetes treatment is lifestyle modification (improvements in diet, weight management and exercise) with medications added as necessary to control blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure. Increased insulin resistance is a major component of Type 2 diabetes.  Weight loss with Type 2 diabetes, coupled with exercise and certain medications, can all help to improve insulin sensitivity.

In overweight or obese individuals, even a small reduction in weight can lead to significant improvements in insulin sensitivity. Weight loss reduces total body fat--not just the subcutaneous or “visible” fat but also the visceral fat. This is very important, since increased visceral fat, which can surround and even infiltrate such vital organs as the heart and liver, is a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.

I would hesitate to apply the RSNA study’s particular intervention too broadly, since the calorie restriction (500 calories per day) was drastic and would require supervision by a qualified physician. The important message is that a diet plan that causes weight loss in obese individuals with Type 2 diabetes can decrease visceral fat which, according to this study, seemed to be associated with improved heart function.

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November 21, 2011

Tobacco Can Worsen Diabetes Effects

Daniel Jacobsen, NP

If you are a tobacco user and have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or have been told that you are at risk for developing diabetes, there are some alarming facts you need to know.

Tobacco use causes many health problems for everyone who uses it, but when someone with diabetes uses tobacco those negative health effects are magnified.

  • There is a significant relationship between smoking and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
  • You are more likely to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, which, when combined with Type 2 diabetes, leads to metabolic syndrome. 
  • Maintaining glucose control is difficult.
  • Tobacco use causes insulin resistance, which means your body is less able to use the insulin it produces. 
  • Tobacco use results in poor circulation and slows wound healing, things that are already problems for the person with diabetes
  • The risk of damaging your kidneys and your eyes is increased
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November 15, 2011

Sugary Drinks Tied to Heart Disease, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure

Stacey Rosen, MD

Drinking two or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day may expand a woman’s waistline and increase her risk of heart disease and diabetes, researchers said this week at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2011. Women who had two or more sugar-sweetened drinks daily also developed high triglycerides and a high risk for Type 2 diabetes.

The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) surveyed the food frequency surveys in 4,166 African-American, Caucasian, Chinese-Americans and Hispanic adults 45 to 84 years old. The participants had no cardiovascular disease when the study began.

This medical research is more evidence that simple dietary choices can play a critical role in determining risk for cardiovascular disease. As few as two sugar-containing drinks put women at higher risk for heart disease, even when they do not gain weight. Full Post - to Detail View

November 08, 2011

Simple Steps for New Diabetes Patients

Loriann Lomnicki Gross

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel overwhelmed by all there is to learn about caring for yourself. But if you follow these simple steps, you’ll be headed in the right direction:

  • Get informed about the type of diabetes that you have. Ask questions at your medical appointments. Keep notes so you don’t forget.
  • If you are prescribed medicine, know what you are taking. Learn the basics of how it works and any side effects you might expect. Your pharmacist can be a great reference.
  • If hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a possibility, be sure that you, your family and friends can recognize the symptoms. Eat regularly and carry a healthy snack with you just in case.
  • If your healthcare provider wants you to monitor your blood glucose levels, test regularly and keep a log of results. Bring your log to all appointments so your healthcare team can see how your treatment plan is working.
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November 02, 2011

Diabetes: Are You at Risk?

Tracy Breen, MD

November is American Diabetes Awareness Month and over the next several weeks, North Shore-LIJ diabetes specialists will be sharing their expertise with readers.

The US is experiencing a diabetes epidemic that affects about 26 million adults. And the numbers are growing: almost 40 percent of adults in the US already suffer from “pre-diabetes.” People with pre-diabetes have a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes unless they make major lifestyle changes--particularly regarding exercise and weight management.

Diabetes can be costly and debilitating. Its complications include heart attacks, strokes, vascular problems, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. Keeping diabetes under control can help reduce the risk these complications, but the most effective way to prevent diabetes complications is to prevent diabetes in the first place.

A simple blood test, known as a Hemoglobin A1c (or simply A1c), screens for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

The following people should be screened every year with an A1c test:

  • All adults over 45
  • All adults with hypertension (high blood pressure)
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