Nutraceutical refers to foods claimed to have a medicinal effect on human health. The American Diabetes Association says individuals at risk of developing diabetes can make changes in their diet and increse their level of physical activity to reduce their risk. The following mentions a few foods and supplements that are your friends in the fight against diabetes.

You've probably heard a million times the benefit of soluble fiber. It lends a big helping hand by slowing carbohydrate absorption. Easy sources of soluble fiber include: oat bran, nuts, barley, flax seed, fruits like oranges and apples, and vegetables like carrots. Another nutritional gem is coffee! Well, more specifically chlorogenic acid, the antioxidant found in coffee. It slows the release of glucose into the bloodstream after a meal. Caffeine counteracts this effect, so diabetics are better off drinking decaf. Barley malt has similar blood glucose lowering effects as metformin, without the side effects. Some say barley malt is to beer as grapes are to wine. Barley malt extract (available in powder and liquid forms) is also used medicinally as a bulking agent to promote bowel regularity.

Other honorable mentions include: magnesium, chromium piccolinate, conjugated linoleic acid, bitter melon and our beloved cinnamon. Nutraceuticals would likely have substantial diabetes-preventive efficacy, and presumably could be marketed legally as aids to good glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.

Elixir Pharmaceuticals is a company focused on age-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Elixir released new data on research that ultimately could lead to a treatment for type 2 diabetes.

The research explains the role of ghrelin, a hormone secreted by the stomach. Ghrelin controls appetite by increasing levels before meals and decreasing levels after meals. A lack of sleep produces ghrelin, which stimulates appetite and creates less leptin which, amongst its many other effects, suppresses appetite. Research scientists have developed an anti-obesity vaccine, which is directed against the hormone ghrelin. The vaccine uses the immune system antibodies to prevent ghrelin from reaching the central nervous system, thus producing a desired reduction in weight gain.

The research conducted by Elixir, as well as the obesity vaccination, shows compelling evidence that ghrelin plays a pivotal role in metabolic regulation. Scientists have shown pharmacologic inhibition of the ghrelin receptor results in a reduction in fasting glucose levels, reduction in insulin resistance, and weight loss. This could lead to victorious battle for science in the war on obesity.

Researchers say a new method of replacing unhealthy trans fats by modifying fat in commercial products has been found to raise blood glucose and depress insulin in humans -- both common precursors to diabetes. If that wasn't bad enough -- it still adversely affects the beneficial HDL-cholesterol.

The study demonstrates the process of rearranging molecules in the fat adversely affect human metabolism of fats and glucose. The metabolism of unmodified natural saturated fat is healthier, in comparison. The trans fats are replaced with interesterified fat, which is a modified fat that includes hydrogenation followed by rearrangement of fat molecules by the process called interesterification. The rearranged fats are then enriched with saturated stearic acid. Experts on human lipid metabolism noted this study shows the specific location of individual fatty acids, particularly saturated fatty acids, seems to make a difference on fat and glucose metabolism.

New York City has already outlawed the use of trans fats in restaurants. Several U.S. cities have or are considering banning them as well. However a safe replacement for these fats has not yet been agreed upon. Looks like the Micronutrient Monitors will have to congregate at the kitchen table to chew the fat on this one a little more.

I always find that as soon as you hear one health story, another immediately comes out to complicate the picture. Sigh. Here's an example: One of the big diabetes-related stories in the news this past week has been a study that indicated a vegan (meat and dairy-free) diet could be beneficial for diabetics. Today, however, I read that another study indicates certain compounds in dairy products could be used to fight diabetes. Experiments conducted at Pennsylvania State University showed that fatty acids contained in dairy products were helpful in treating diabetes in mice. The acids - conjugated linoleic acids - are expected to help out human diabetics as well, although more experiments will be necessary to determine this for sure.

The researchers who conducted the experiment say these naturally occurring fatty acids could be used in treatments and have the same beneficial effects as synthetic drugs, which many people wish to avoid taking. On the other hand, they don't recommend switching to a high-dairy diet - balance is still best. Interesting, huh? To read more, check out this story on Penn State's website.