Menopause means the end of estrogen production in women. One of the changes resulting from that loss is a rise in blood sugar. Other undesirable side-effects include a tendency to overweight and high blood pressure (hypertension). That news comes courtesy of a new study conducted on female rats.

The lead researcher for the study was Dr. Lourdes A. Fortepiani of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. According to Dr. Fortepiani, simulating menopause in rats caused a thirty-five percent rise in blood sugar levels. Other changes included significantly higher blood pressure and weight gain at double the normal rate.

Yikes! Is that what we ladies have to look forward to?? This is certainly something to keep in mind if you have diabetes. But wait. There is a silver lining. Estrogen replacement therapy erases all these nasty hormonal and metabolic side effects, says Dr. F. Could this mean that hormone replacement therapy, which has lately fallen really, really out of favor, might be making a comeback?

The beta-blocker carvedilol does not cause weight gain in diabetic patients, declares a new study just out. Significance? It means the drug does away with a problematic side-effect of other (earlier) beta-blockers, which are medications prescribed to correct high blood pressure. The study has been published in the American Journal of Medicine (July 2007) and was conducted by researchers at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York.

Around eleven hundred patients participated in the study, all of whom have Type 2 diabetes and also suffer from high blood pressure. Some took the new drug carvedilol, while others were given the standard metoprolol. Over the course of five months the patients on metoprolol gained an average of 1.19 kg/2.6 lbs, whereas those on taking carvedilol experienced an average gain of 0.17 kg/0.37 lbs, which is considered insignificant.

Weight gain is an undesirable side-effect of medications in virtually any circumstance. However, it is particularly true for people with Type 2 diabetes or those at risk for T2 because overweight and obesity contributes to insulin resistance. In other words, weight gain will likely increase your chances of developing T2 if you're already predisposed or it will make your T2 worse if you already have it...putting you more at risk for the kinds of heart problems that beta-blockers are prescribed to treat! So it's no surprise that Franz H. Messerli, the lead author of the study, told Reuters that doctors should "avoid traditional beta-blockers such as atenolol and metoprolol in the diabetic hypertensive patient or in the hypertensive patient at risk for diabetes."

Looks like 'shrooms might become a swanky and healthy thing to do! The fungi is affectionately called the Maitake mushroom, and literally means "dancing mushroom. Research has found it lowers blood pressure, abdominal obesity, and lipids in the blood.

Maitake Products plans to target the maitake (grifola frondosa) mushroom to treat metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a common precondition for both coronary disease and type 2 diabetes. The condition is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors including: abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. With the growing number of people affected by these conditions, Maitake claims there is significant market potential for its drug, SX-Fraction.

A preliminary clinical study was conducted among 19 patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients taking 9 tablets of SX-Fraction (per day) for 2 months found that it significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and body weight. The possibility of maitake mushroom as a safe, natural agent for treatment of type 2 diabetes, Syndrome X and insulin resistance has been examined for the past several years and will soon prove to be a therapeutic dancing mushroom in days to come. Yeah man.

Last time I checked -drugs weren't cool, but according to a recent study, within the last 3 years, the number of teens using type 2 diabetes drugs has soared.

Medco, the largest US drug benefits manager, found the number of children taking medicine for type 2 diabetes more than doubled between 2001 and 2005. An analysis of prescription data found a 146% increase over four years in young people aged 10-19 taking type 2 diabetes drugs, and 115 % increase in all children in the survey. Children on diabetes medicines also faced other serious problems. About 17% of the boys and 13% of the girls were on drugs for high blood pressure; 5% of both were taking cholesterol-reducing drugs; and nearly 20% were taking narcotic pain relievers, drugs for respiratory conditions and antidepressants. Medco reviewed over 500,000 children each year. Of those aged 10-19, about 1.47 per 1,000 were taking type 2 diabetes drugs with a clear rising trend.

I'm so glad I'm not a teenager any more. These days it's not about abstaining from drugs. It's about the type of drugs you use. Just because your doctor is the one prescribing it doesn't mean you have to succumb to the peer pressure of drug use. I found an appropriate Chinese proverb for this blog: it is easy to get a thousand prescriptions but hard to get one single remedy. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Yes, that's what it says: curbing the diabetic epidemic with 6 oat waters. CeaProve® is a new test for the early detection of pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance that may help curb the diabetes epidemic. For those of you who have endured a glucose tolerance test - you'll understand the pivotal importance of this new diagnostic test. Ceapro has developed a test that identifies people at risk of type-2 diabetes as early as 5 to 10 years before the disease is diagnosed.

The simple test involves eating 6 oat-wafers and undergoing a finger prick. The test - when repeated at six month intervals - can also show if lifestyle changes are being effective or if more treatment is needed. Ceapro has tested CeaProve in the workplace of several prominent businesses in Edmonton that are interested in helping their employees monitor and preserve their health. Over 90% of tested volunteers were unaware of their risk for diabetes. Of the population studied, 60% were overweight, 56% were over the age of 40, 44 % had a family history of diabetes and over 57% had more than two risk factors for the disease. Although Ceapro is a Canadian-based company, they expect to have Ceaprove available in commercial quantities within the next 45 days. The product will likely be released through regional health initiatives and may also be available through pharmacies and medical laboratories.

Can such a simple test have such a significant impact on the future of one's health? The results tell people, years ahead of time if they are heading down the path to diabetes. With dietary modifications, regular exercise, and an overall improve in lifestyle - wouldn't it be worth it to you?

Any headline that features die is bound to grab your attention. The headline appeared in an article published by The Scotsman. What the title lacks in sensitivity it makes up for in reader feedback. Both, statistically eye-popping and universally alarming, I give you extracts from the article and a few passionate responses from readers. How does it make you feel?

Research from Edinburgh University reveals the number of people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes will soar by 60% within the next ten years. This is mainly due to the obesity crisis, with current estimates showing a quarter of the population is likely to be classed as obese by 2018. Doctors say they are treating an increasing number of teenagers for type-2 diabetes, which traditionally only develops in older people. Being overweight is a strong factor in becoming a type-2 diabetic, which can lead to complications of diabetes like blindness, amputations, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Diabetes and complications therein are estimated to costs the NHS nearly a tenth of its yearly budget. With future expectations of diagnosis -- the strain on the NHS will get worse. Andy Kerr, the health minister, admitted diabetes would prove to be a time bomb if the Executive's healthy eating initiatives failed. But he ruled out screening children for diabetes or rationing healthcare for people diagnosed with type-2 because of their unhealthy lifestyles.

And now for the comments:

Commenter #3 says I daresay the Scottish obesity/diabetes problems predates devolution.
Commenter #9 says, The statistical analysis regarding type 2 diabetes is flawed; the medical profession have been guilty in prescribing drugs and reissuing prescriptions for drugs that are only safe for short periods. One such drug has had its usage limited by the authorities within the past 3 years in Scotland and has only been reclassified in England and Wales in the past 6 months. This drug is now listed as causing type 2 diabetes, how many more are there out there? Hence the statistical analysis is being used to cover a grave error that is to be covered up.
Commenter #20 says, Perhaps we should take a closer look at why our kids are obese. They are marooned in the house for most their lives and when they actually do go out mum or dad are suckered into driving them everywhere. Tackle the fear which causes this situation and you are half way to solving the obesity problem of our youngsters.

All things considered, what if this headline was featured in the New York Times or more revealing - the 5 o'clock news? How would you react to it?

According to scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, interrupting nerve signals to the liver can prevent diabetes and hypertension in mice.

Mice were treated to become diabetic with glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones characterized by an ability to bind with the cortisol receptor. Once diabetes was established, the researchers surgically removed the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the only nerve that starts in the brainstem and extends all the way down to the abdomen. More impressive is the fact that once the nerve was removed from the diabetic mice, insulin resistance and high blood pressure was prevented or reversed. This is an interesting discovery because people with asthma, arthritis, and organ transplants often rely on steroid treatments. It just so happens that many of them go on to develop insulin resistance.

Don't go ripping your vagus nerve out just yet. A fun fact about the vagus nerve is that it's name is taken from the Latin word meaning "wanderer". The vagal nerve pathway can influence seizures, depression and other disorders. Although the research is thoroughly enlightening, it is still very green. Hang on to your vagus nerve while the research continues.

Yes sports fans -- diabetes did make a cameo at the Super Bowl. Did you see her?

The notorious commercials-- costing several million a pop- livened up the intensity of the game. The K-fed commercial had a reputation a long time ago – and passed it, with flying colors! The commercial of diabetic interest was paid for by King Pharmaceuticals. It featured a man dressed as a heart, being chased by different factors that can wear and tear on your little pumper. Of course, the role of "diabetes" was portrayed wonderfully by a woman. Hell hath no fury, people. And the message?

The ad is promoting an educational site that King Pharmaceuticals has partnered with the American Heart Association to launch. The site is named beatyourrisk.com. The chief commercial officer for King Pharmaceuticals said, "The purpose of the ad is to raise awareness for the Web site to any extent possible and educate people that they are at serious risk. This is not toenail fungus. People can die." So true! And after you finish cleaning up the remains of the potato chips, wings, and beer - check out the site and rejoice in preventative education!

In a joint statement, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) agree that lifestyle and medical interventions can help to prevent the development of heart disease in people with diabetes.

The clinical research journal Diabetes Care, outlines joint guidelines that encourage more aggressive prevention and treatment of the risk factors leading to heart disease, the number one killer of people with diabetes. Basic lifestyle changes include weight loss, CVD risk factors, increased physical activity, nutrition therapy, and weight control. In addition, the statement calls for increased medical interventions, such as the use of statins, ACE inhibitors, and other drugs to manage lipids, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. The recommendations apply equally to people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

These joint guidelines are part of a collaborative ongoing effort to strengthen efforts in the fight against cardiovascular disease, which affects two out of three people with diabetes. Once a person with diabetes has a heart attack or stroke, they do much worse than people without diabetes. Increase your chances of preventing an irreconcilable cardiovascular event. Good news for diabetics when it comes to diabetes and heart disease - at least one of them is preventable.

The media kingpins at "O" Magazine have proved their standards of greatness in social policy, once again. The masters of the Oprah universe are posing the question: diabetes - are you at risk?

The public service comes equipped with eye-opening statistics on how to slow down, and even in some cases, prevent the onset of diabetes. According to the article, the trick is to get a blood glucose test every three years starting at age 45. Of course, additional risk factors like high blood pressure, poor triglycerides, hormone imbalances, ethnicity, and siblings or parents with diabetes can increase the need to begin checking earlier than the age of 45. No matter what your age, if you notice excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme and persistent hunger, or unexplained weight loss despite overeating, get your blood glucose measured. You may already be diabetic. Other symptoms include fatigue, recurrent yeast infections, slow-healing sores, and blurry vision.

If your blood sugar indicates that you're headed for diabetes, there's a lot you can do. In a study conducted over several years, prediabetics who exercised at moderate intensity for 30 minutes five times a week and dropped between 5 to 7 percent of their body weight, cut their risk of the disease by 58 percent. This approach was nearly twice as effective as taking medication, which mainly helped participants who were younger than 45 and extremely obese. If half of the Oprah-watching population took heed to the warning are you at risk - Oprah might single-handedly pump the brakes on the diabetes epidemic. She didn't become the most successful female talk show host in American history for nothing!

Our odiferous little friend has been touted for many health benefits. Diabetics should pay close attention because, although it has the dubious distinction of causing dragon breath, let us not allow the immediate social expense to outweigh the long-term health payoff.

Medical research has been underway to assess whether these traditional uses of garlic have scientific validity. Much of the research is showing real promise. Knowing that heart disease is twice as likely to strike diabetics, it would behoove many of us to take a chance with a few cloves of garlic every day. What have you got to lose? Studies suggest that fresh garlic may prevent blood clots and destroy plaque. A little garlic breath never killed anyone. Can't say the same for plaque in your blood now, can we?

In addition, garlic may be beneficial for risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Preliminary studies in rabbits, rats, and limited numbers of people have demonstrated that garlic has some ability to lower blood sugars. A few cloves of garlic can substantially affect some medications. For example, if you are on a sulfonylurea drug, you will want to be extra cautious of the effects garlic will have on your blood sugars. A few popular examples of these drugs are: Dymelor, Diabinese, Tolinase, Orinase, Amaryl, Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL, DiaBeta, Micronase, and Glynase. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I would choose Mother Nature over scientific intervention. This is one of those little dietary adjustments that might be worth a try.

You scientists are awesome! New-fangled drugs developed to treat high blood pressure have been found to also shrink patients' risk of diabetes - by around one-third. Not bad, huh? The finding is a big deal because people with high blood pressure already face an increased risk for diabetes. Whatever can be done to reduce that risk is good news indeed.

Participants in a study of blood pressure drugs and their impact on diabetes risk were given a combination of Norvasc (amlodipine) and Coversyl (perindopril). (These are the two new-fangled drugs.) Their progress was compared with patients taking beta blockers combined with a diuretic, the standard treatment for high blood pressure. The result? Eight percent of people on the newer meds developed diabetes within five years, compared with 11.4 percent of those on the older regimen. In fact, the results were so clearly in favor of the newer drugs that the study, which involved 19,000 participants, was actually halted early. It is thought that beta blockers are the bad guy here. They restrict blood flow and therefore make it trickier for the body to metabolise glucose. Norvasc and Coversyl, on the other hand, have the opposite effect - they dilate the blood vessels.

The trial was paid for by Pfizer, Inc., which owns Norvasc.

You're probably aware by now that many customer service calls for American companies are being handled by employees in other countries, particularly India. Not surprisingly, a study conducted by the Delhi Research Diabetic Center has found that Indian employees of such call centers are suffering from increasingly poor health. Even at relatively young ages, they are becoming especially prone to diabetes and illness associated with high blood pressure.

The reason? They are adopting the lifestyle habits of their American counterparts: drinking soda, eating a lot of processed foods, and their lifestyles are highly sedentary in nature. Of course, all that time spent at a desk taking phone calls is not exactly a recipe for a fit and healthy body. It's also a pretty stressful job environment, working at a call center, and researchers have pointed to job stress as a contributing factor to be taken into account. People in India are becoming increasingly worried about the country's spiraling diabetes problem: unfortunately, the case of the call center workers is just the tip of the iceberg.

Black women need an attitude adjustment when it comes to weight and self-image, says Chicago Tribune writer Kayce T. Ataiyero. In an opinion piece published in the Trib a few days ago, Ataiyero lets loose in a spirited fashion on this topic. The idea that "big is beautiful" is widely accepted amongst black women, writes Ataiyero, but it is to their detriment. Yes, it's good to have a healthy self-image. The problem is that many black women are seriously overweight or obese, yet cling to the "big is beautiful" notion.

According to the latest statistics, eighty percent of black women over the age of forty are overweight or obese. Because they tend not to see overweight as a major health issue, black women put themselves at particular risk for illness, especially heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes.

Ataiyero takes a few good pot shots at the comedian Mo'Nique (pictured), who advances the view that big girls are beautiful and sexy. "Ain't nothing sexy about a stroke," writes Ataiyero. This article is a great read and makes some valid points - check it out.

Even though kids with Type 2 diabetes typically develop the disease at an older age than Type 1 kids, they are more likely to suffer serious complications such as high blood pressure and signs of kidney damage. That is, a youngster who is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age fourteen is at a greater risk for complications than a friend of the same age with Type 1 diabetes who was diagnosed at age five and has been living with the disease all that time. This is according to new research carried out by staff at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney in Australia.

Parents and physicians need to take note of this new information. The implication of the findings is that children need to be screened for such complications immediately upon diagnosis for Type 2. In addition, the researchers suggest it would make sense to screen kids who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, just to be on the safe side. The results of this study have been published in Diabetes Care (June 2006).