Test predicts diabetes ten years earlier

Researchers have stated that diabetes could be detected very much earlier, about ten years before, with measuring levels of small molecules in the blood.

The researchers said the levels of five amino acids not only indicated increased diabetes risk but also could differentiate, among individuals with traditional risk factors such as obesity.

The researchers say that these findings raises the possibility that the patients at highest risk of developing diabetes could be detected earlier so that early preventive measures could be instituted.

The researchers found the five amino acids — isoleucine, leucine, valine, tyrosine and phenylalanine — were significantly associated with the later development of type 2 diabetes.

Aspirin for diabetic patients at high risk for CVD

Low-dose aspirin therapy is found to be good for preventing myocardial infarction or stroke among patients with diabetes at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

A joint statement released by the American Diabetes Association, American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association disclosed this.

The statement was published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Diabetes Care and Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

It said that the overall data suggested that aspirin moderately reduces the risk. However, it said that more research was needed to better define the specific effects of aspirin on diabetes.

The statement said the use of aspirin therapy depended on the use of other treatments like cholesterol-lowering medications, smoking cessation and blood pressure control.

In 2007, the ADA and AHA had issued a joint recommendation for 75 mg to 162 mg aspirin per day for men and women aged 40 years or older with a major risk factor for CVD.

Low-dose aspirin is not recommended for CV prevention for men younger than 50 years and women younger than 60 years with diabetes.

Diabetes and Feet

Diabetic patients should have to be very careful with their feet or they can get into trouble. There are possibilities that one can come across reduced blood circulation and nerve damage.

In case you feel that the feet is constantly getting cold and legs are becoming sore when walking, then you have to be careful as it could be because of decreased blood circulation. If you feel so, it is better to do some physical activity to improve the blood circulation. It is better to control blood sugar, blood fat and pressure.

Another symptom that diabetic patients come across is that the feet may become numb or you may have a burning sensation on the soles. This may be because of nerve damage. If you feel so, you have to check the feet regularly. Wash and dry in between the toes carefully. If corns or calluses are developed, immediately see the doctor. The nails should be trimmed regularly.

Diabetes patients: some Tips for Travel

A diabetic person when travelling should take plan ahead. This will reduce tension while travelling. Here are some tips for diabetic travel.

Before travelling, it is better to have a check up. Make sure that the glucose levels, cholesterol levels and pressure are ok. If there is any deviation, take some precautions.

Check the baggage for the medical kit. You should also have glucose snacks in your baggage.

The medication, including insulin and syringes should be kept in separate boxes so that no confusion arises.

Another thing that has to be seen is the time difference as this is important for taking medications. In case you re travelling east, the day become shorter and when travelling west, the day becomes longer.

It is good to wear a diabetes medical ID.

Air pollution could increase diabetes risk in women

Does air pollution lead to the risk of type 2 diabetes in women? If a new study has to be believed, then yes air pollution would lead to a risk of developing type 2 diabetes in women.

A group of German researchers have pointed out that low grade inflammation could contribute to higher incidence of type 2 diabetes in women who are exposed to air pollution.

The findings are published in Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP). In the study, women living in highly polluted industrial areas were compared to women living in rural regions with less pollution. After analysing the result of 1,775 women who were 54 or 55 years old, it has been found out that 187 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

They have found that Nitrogen Dioxide and soot in ambient fine particulate matter was closely associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. They also say that living within 100 meters of busy roadways more than doubled the diabetes risk.

Diabetes and Eyes

Diabetes is known as killer disease that can have adverse impact on several organs. This killer disease can play havoc with eyes, heart, kidney, liver and the neuro system.

Some of the problems related to eyes with an impact of diabetes include cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Cataract is often a major problem that is seen in diabetic persons. It is clouding of the lens, which can be treated by surgery. Glaucoma is a condition when the eyes get filled up with fluid and when the pressure of the fluid builds up in the eyes. This condition may lead to damage of the optic nerves.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition when the small blood vessels in the eyes get damaged.

A diabetic person should always take care of the eyes. He or she should go for periodic eye check ups.

Diagnose diabetes early to minimise impact

There is an increase of diabetic patients the world over. Earlier, there was a belief that only old people are liable to diabetes. But the situation has changed and young people are having diabetes. The impact of diabetes is wide ranging as it could affect the eyes, nervous system and kidney.

There is nothing to fear of diabetes. If diabetes is diagnosed earlier, then the impact can be lessened. Most of the time, people fail to diagnose diabetes as they do not frequently do not go for check ups. A person who has crossed 30 should have to go for regular check ups, at least once in six months.

The only thing is that you should have to maintain a healthy life style once you known that you are diabetic. There should not be any compromise in your life style.