Search results for diabetes

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body's ability to properly handle glucose, or sugar, in the blood. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin -- the hormone responsible for ushering sugar from the blood into the cells where it can be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body can make insulin...

Glucose, or sugar, is the body's primary source of fuel. Insulin is responsible for moving this sugar into your cells so it can be used as energy. Not only do people with type 2 diabetes have a limited ability to process glucose, they also often exhibit a resistance to insulin, exacerbating the problem and contributing to uncontrolled higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. Alternatively...

Previous research has demonstrated that deficient levels of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing diabetes. The most recent study on the subject, which was published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, offers support for this significant connection between vitamin D and diabetes. Vitamin D Deficiency Poses a Greater Risk of Developing Diabetes In a recent study carried out by a team...

There was a time when bacteria were seen by the medical community as unwanted invaders and causes of serious disease. While some microbes are dangerous, there are several species that we actually need for optimal health. Our skin, our gastrointestinal tract and many areas of our bodies flourish when colonized in large numbers by certain kinds of bacteria. A new...

Diabetes currently affects about 29 million Americans and nearly 86 million adults, i.e. one in three Americans are prediabetic. Diabetes is on the rise across the world due to rising rates of obesity and sugar consumption, with an estimated 592 million cases in the world by 2035. Preventing diabetes is a top concern for medical professionals and researchers. According to...

Much has been researched and written about the curative properties of turmeric. New studies on turmeric and diabetes suggest that this tasty spice may offer new hope for an all-too-common disease. Turmeric is gaining popularity, both as a spice and as a natural remedy. Not only is this exotic spice an important part of popular foreign cuisines such as East...

Almost 30 million people in the United States suffer from diabetes, a disorder of glucose metabolism. This number is growing at an alarming rate, making this one of the most studied diseases of our times. According to a new study, vitamin A plays an incredibly important role in maintaining insulin production. Could a link between vitamin A and diabetes—namely a...

People in the Western world have more food availability and eat more calories than ever, as evident by our expanding waist lines. However, many of us still are not getting the vitamins and minerals that we need. This can have extremely detrimental health effects, especially when it comes to magnesium. This mineral plays an important role in so many different...

Irregular sleep cycles and melatonin levels can have a detrimental effect on every aspect of health, but their connection to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is especially strong. Recently, scientists looked for a mechanism through which the two seemingly-unrelated health issues might be linked. Their research indicated that the melatonin 1B receptor appears to be the connection, a discovery that opens...

Avocados not only taste delicious, they also offer a number of health benefits, that is the reason why they are considered a superfood. In fact, the green fruit is high in fiber, unsaturated fats, especially monounsaturated fats (healthy fats), and other beneficial components, such as minerals and vitamins, that are associated with good health. The heart, intestines, metabolism and cells...