Forget painful needle pricks, our body may cure diabetes itself in future
Researchers have identified cells that can take over functions of damaged or missing insulin-producing cells.
By PTI |
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LONDON: Researchers have identified cells in the human body that can take over functions of damaged or missing insulin-producing cells, an advance that may lead to new treatments for diabetes.
Diabetes is caused by damaged or non-existing insulin cells' inability to produce insulin, a hormone that is necessary in regulating blood sugar levels.
Many diabetes patients take insulin supplements to regulate these levels, said researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway.
They discovered that glucagon producing cells in the pancreas can change identity and adapt so that they do the job for their neighbouring damaged or missing insulin cells.
Want To Keep Diabetes Away? Eat Walnuts, Apples, Carrots
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While being active, staying hydrated, and checking blood glucose levels can work wonders, it is important to stick to a dietary plan that will ward off diabetes in the long run.
A recent study showed that antioxidant-rich walnuts can nearly halve the risk of developing Type-2 diabetes.
For patients, the ideal diabetic diet plan would be to have 1200-1600 calories per day. It is recommended that diabetics should eat good carbs, fats, and healthy proteins, but in small portions.
Doctors and dieticians share ultimate list of foods you must consume to stay healthy.
While being active, staying hydrated, and checking blood glucose levels can work wonders, it is important to stick to a dietary plan that will ward off diabetes in the long run.A recent study showed ..
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After news of walnuts as you new superfood to keep diabetes away, it's time to look at the other superhero nuts and seeds. They have protective effects for people with diabetes. Flaxseeds/linseeds, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, macadamia nuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, chia seeds, etc are the best nuts and seeds for diabetics as they reduce and regulate the insulin levels in the body.
After news of walnuts as you new superfood to keep diabetes away, it's time to look at the other superhero nuts and seeds. They have protective effects for people with diabetes. Flaxseeds/linseeds, ..
Read More
They are a good source of high biological value protein. Eggs have good cholesterol, also called as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for heart health. Studies have shown that it improves insulin sensitivity. They give satiety and improve blood sugar levels.
They are a good source of high biological value protein. Eggs have good cholesterol, also called as High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is good for heart health. Studies have shown that it improve..
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It has an active compound called curcumin which has shown to improve sugar, promote cardiovascular health, and protect against kidney diseases.
It has an active compound called curcumin which has shown to improve sugar, promote cardiovascular health, and protect against kidney diseases.
Salmon have excellent amount of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which is good for diabetics. The patients need good fat in their diet, and fish reduce inflammation and coronary risks which are common in diabetes.
Salmon have excellent amount of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which is good for diabetics. The patients need good fat in their diet, and fish reduce inflammation and coronary risks which are com..
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It improves blood sugars and blood pressure in diabetics. It's a herb with many great health benefits.
It improves blood sugars and blood pressure in diabetics. It's a herb with many great health benefits.
It's a potent antioxidant, and works like a hypoglycaemic drug. One should restrict consumption of cassia cinnamon which is poor variety and has coumarin. It is available in most grocery stores in India. If this variant is consumed in excess, it can have side effects. One should go for the Ceylon variant with less coumarin.
It's a potent antioxidant, and works like a hypoglycaemic drug. One should restrict consumption of cassia cinnamon which is poor variety and has coumarin. It is available in most grocery stores in I..
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An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apart from being great for your overall health, the natural-sugar in the fruit has a relatively low impact on the insulin and blood sugar levels in the body.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apart from being great for your overall health, the natural-sugar in the fruit has a relatively low impact on the insulin and blood sugar levels in the body.
Diabetics can opt for carrots in their daily diet despite its sweet flavour as it can help manage blood glucose levels. Carrot juice may still contain sugar and carbohydrates, it won't spike the blood sugar levels.
Diabetics can opt for carrots in their daily diet despite its sweet flavour as it can help manage blood glucose levels. Carrot juice may still contain sugar and carbohydrates, it won't spike the bloo..
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Whole tomatoes are low in carbohydrates. This fruit has minimal impact on blood sugars and is safe to consume for diabetics. Make sure you consume the fruit, and not the juice.
(Inputs from Dr Tejal Lathia, Consultant Endocrinologist, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi - A Fortis Network Hospital; Dr Rohan Sequeira, Cardiometabolic Physician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre; Dr Mihir Raut, Consultant Physician & Diabetologist, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital; Dietician Jasleen Kaur; and nutritionust Avni Kaul)
Whole tomatoes are low in carbohydrates. This fruit has minimal impact on blood sugars and is safe to consume for diabetics. Make sure you consume the fruit, and not the juice.
(Inputs from Dr Teja..
"We are possibly facing the start of a totally new form of treatment for diabetes, where the body can produce its own insulin, with some start-up help," said Luiza Ghila from the University of Bergen.
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The researchers discovered that only about two per cent of the neighbouring cells in the pancreas could change identity.
However, even that amount makes the researchers optimistic about potential new treatment approaches.
Researchers were able to describe the mechanisms behind the process of cell identity. It turns out that this is not at passive process, but is a result of signals from the surrounding cells.
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In the study, researchers were able to increase the number of insulin producing cells to five per cent, by using a drug that influenced the inter-cell signalling process.
Thus far, the results have only been shown in animal models, researchers said.
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"If we gain more knowledge about the mechanisms behind this cell flexibility, then we could possibly be able to control the process and change more cells' identities so that more insulin can be produced," Ghila said.
According to the researchers, the new discoveries is not only good news for diabetes treatment.
"The cells' ability to change identity and function, may be a decisive discovery in treating other diseases caused by cell death, such as Alzheimer's disease and cellular damage due to heart attacks," said Ghila.
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