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In This Issue
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Dear Patients,
Two thousand and six is closing as these lines are
being written. Much has happened this year, and as
always, not all was good news. Unfortunately, the
world is still held in the grip of war, with many
innocent people permanently hurt or even killed. One
would think that after so many years of history
behind us, mankind would have learned by now that
violence is a “dead-end street” and that a different
process is necessary in order to reach an acceptable
solution in any dispute. In the westernize part of the
world, were war as an instrument for solving problems
has been demoted to the past, other issues and
problems prevail. Here, the industrial revolution has
set in motion processes which have brought in an era
of plenty unprecedented in scope. Where our
ancestors were subjected to hunger, we are now
subjected to plenty. Where our ancestors were
combating malnutrition, we are currently trying to
dispel obesity, and with it, of course, the epidemic of
diabetes. Not only does it affect us-adults, but it is
affecting our children as well. More and more
children of all ages are developing obesity, and with it
diabetes. In fact, a trim and healthy-looking
individual of any age is becoming a rarity. This is
concerning, because such individuals present a
burden on society. They consume resources that
may have been used for other purposes, and
contribute much less than expected, and there is the
misery and suffering that should and can’t be
ignored. But it should be recognized that the problem
is much larger and more complex than any single
individual or groups may choose to portray. Just as it
started with the industrial revolution and continued
through capitalism and consumerism which are all
social events, so the solution must come from society
as a whole. We are now in the midst of
understanding that the course that we have taken is
flowed, and should be revised.
Let’s all chart a new course for 2007. Let’s all spend
more time and thought with issues that have a
positive impact on our health.
Please count on The Litvin Centers for Diabetes as a
resource that may help you achieve your goals for
the coming year.
With best wishes for the New Year,
Dr. Yair Litvin and Staff
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COD DIET
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A Canadian researcher fed 27 overweight individuals
with an impaired glucose tolerance test (fasting
glucose 110-125) with either a diet containing protein
from cod only or with a diet containing protein from
other sources (meat, dairy, eggs). After one month
both insulin resistance and beta cell function were
measured. The cod-only group showed an increase
of 29% in insulin sensitivity versus a drop of 3% in
the meat/dairy/eggs diet, with an improvement of
beta cell function in the cod group, as well. Again
we are reminded that protein from the sea is far
better for us than protein from land.
Eat your cod!
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CHICAGO STUDY
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The results of the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in
Atherosclerosis Using Pioglitazone trial(Chicago) were
recently presented after being conducted for 18
months. Two hundred thirty two diabetic patients
were randomly assigned to either receive a “TZD”
(Pioglitazone or Actos), or glimepiride (Amaryl), which
is a sulfonylurea. The study lasted 72 weeks and
researchers looked at the regression of the carotid
intima media thickness (CIMT). The carotid artery is
the main artery going into the head, and the intima
media is basically the internal layer of the artery.
The thicker the layer, the more likely it is to occlude.
Measurement was done by ultrasound technology.
The findings showed a significant benefit in the “TZD”
group, suggesting that these drugs can slow down
the progression of atherosclerosis. If it can happen
in the carotids, it can also happen in the coronaries
(heart arteries). The problem with these drugs is
that they do have side effects. It would be
wonderful if we could use them without incurring
these side effects; however, the results of this study
are significant and should be taken into consideration
regardless.
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COFFEE IS GOOD, AT LAST
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A study by Deborah L. Wingard from San Diego
evaluating the effect of coffee consumption on
diabetes frequency in 910 individuals between 1992
and 1996 who were previously interviewed between
1984 and 1987, showed a striking (60%) reduction in
the risk of diabetes in coffee drinkers. Of the entire
group, 660 said they were current coffee drinkers
consuming an average 2.8 cups daily.
I don’t know how seriously we should take this data,
but it’s interesting. Starbucks must be happy.
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ORAL-LYN
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A new product currently being tested in Ecuador,
may prove to be a bonanza! This is an insulin
preparation which is sprayed into the mouth and is
absorbed by the buccal tissues (gums) and appears
to be as good as any rapid-acting injected insulin.
The preparation is made by a Toronto-based
company called Generex Biotechnology, and should be
on its way to Canada and Europe within the next 12-
15 months. Submission to the FDA will follow and we
might see the product in the USA within 18 months.
If you are into the stock-market – this is a good one!
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METFORMIN GUM
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No end to ingenuity! The same company mentioned
above has come up with a preparation of Metformin
(Glucophage), in a chewing gum form. This, they
claim, is reducing the gastrointestinal side effects
which are so often experienced by so many patients,
without reducing the efficacy. I just hope the
enamel of the teeth doesn’t get damaged. Stay
tuned.
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BREATHING TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
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A new device called RESPeRATE made by an Israeli
company, which uses melodic tones to guide the
patient through progressively slower inhalation and
exhalation, has shown improvement of blood pressure
measurements in diabetic patients. Diabetic patients
were directed to use the device for 15 minutes daily
along with their usual medications, and compared
with a group which did not use the device. Drops of
both systolic and diastolic pressures were noted,
compared to controls.
Isn’t this what meditation is all about? Just sit
comfortably with eyes closed thinking of NOTHING for
15 minutes daily, and most likely your blood pressure
will drop as well.
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GADGETS
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Omron HBF-400. This is a sophisticated scale which
in addition to your body weight can also give
information about body mass index (BMI), and
percent fat. It weighs up to 150 kg (about 300 lbs).
More info at www.omron-healthcare.com or
at 1-877-216-1333.
Medwave Fusion. This unit provides continuous blood
pressure, pulse and temperature measurements in a
non-invasive fashion. www.medwave.com or 1-800-894-7601.
Portable Health Profile. A USB flash drive or mini-CD
which can be carried and which can contain the
patient’s medical history, medications, allergies and
all pertinent information and can run on almost any
computer. www.portablehealt
hprofile.com or at 1-877-977-0389.
OneTouch UltraMini Meter. A new “onetouch” which
can fit in any pocket and does not compromise
quality. Looks cute! www.lifescan.com
1-800-227-8862.
Software for understanding “Nutrition Facts” labels.
The FDA has responded to concerns by the public
that more understanding of food labels is necessary
by providing an online tutorial. This can be
downloaded at www.cfsan.fda.gov/labelman.
Soy Yogurt. Fruit-containing soy yogurt has been
found to help control type 2 diabetes and
hypertension. In addition, soy also has high anti-
oxidant levels. I just hope it’s tasty.
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