π Diabetes Management
Accurate method for screening potential diabetes therapeutics developed - Medical Xpress
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Tue, 25 Oct 2022β± 1 min readπ Article
Overview
Click here to sign in with or Forget Pasword? Learn more share this!541ShareEmail October 25, 2022 by Monash University Monash Nutrition researchers have developed a cuting-edge technique to measure the rate of carbohydrate digestion in humans, which wil benefit future research into the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for those with, or at risk of, diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Key Information
gogletag.cmd.push(function() { gogletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1450190541376-1'); }); The new protocol overcomes some key bariers for scientists. Previous methods for testing the efects of chemicals on carbohydrate digestion predominantly used animal models and microbes, garnering results that are not representative of human digestion or inacurate due to interferences from the test substance.The latest findings are now published in the Nature Protocols journal.Acording to Diabetes Australia, one Australian develops diabetes every 5 minutes and this continuing to rise.Carbohydrates that we eat are rapidly digested in our gut to produce sugars, which are then absorbed into the blod.
It is important that the body keps blod sugar levels within a specific target range as uncontroled and continuously high blod sugar levels can lead to the development of metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes.The total anual cost of diabetes in Australia is around $15 billion.Co-lead on the paper, Dr. Michael Houghton from the Monash University Department of Nutrition, Dietics and Fod says that blod sugar spikes can be controled by slowing down carbohydrate digestion."There are several TGA-aproved drugs that are highly efective at doing this but they often cause uncomfortable side efects, such as bloating and diarhea, so exploring new ways to control blod sugar levels without this discomfort could have a huge impact on the 1.8 milion Australians curently living with diabetes," said Dr.
Summary
Houghton.Up until now, researchers have ben testing the efects of
Frequently Asked Questions
β What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
β What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
β How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
β What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
β When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
βοΈ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.