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Editor's Note: This is part of a yearlong series, Defy Diabetes. Every quarter, OC Family Magazine has pledged to update readers on news, research and progress related to the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. This issue's update includes information on alcohol consumption and its effect on blood sugar, the ongoing research on caffeine's impact on diabetes risk, and more. Recall, however, that the two most important risk factors related to type 2 diabetes remain obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Related news: • Researchers now believe that the findings in two earlier studies that linked heavy coffee drinking (six or more cups a day) to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes were not complete. The findings are being re-examined because researchers didn't take into account the few subjects who drank decaffeinated coffee. Two more recent studies, which measured the blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics after a meal followed by coffee, found that those subjects who drank decaf had a significantly lower blood glucose level than those who drank regular coffee. It's thought that eliminating caffeine may have a positive effect on blood sugar. • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently released guidelines concerning how the consumption of alcohol affects various conditions. Regarding diabetes, the NIA says that consuming one or two drinks several times a week may lower one's risk of type 2 diabetes. Apparently, low levels of alcohol actually help the body utilize its insulin to move sugar into fat cells and out of the bloodstream. Cow's milk continues to be scrutinized as a risk factor for type 1 diabetes. Australian researchers point to infant formulas that contain cow's milk as a possible cause for the 37 percent rise in cases of type 1 diabetes. A significant rise in cases was noticed during the early 1960s when women were first encouraged to try baby formula. The Trigger study, which is tracking formula-fed infants, is ongoing. Experts praise parents as the greatest influence on children's health habits. Parents must become informed about healthy food selections, appropriate portions, and the difference between good and bad fats. They, in turn, must educate their children in order to avoid the diabetes diagnosis. As always, consult your physician concerning your personal situation. - Kimberly A. Porrazzo |
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