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A new trial conducted by researchers at Macquarie University found a strong association between poor diet and depression. To conduct this trial, researchers split participants into two groups: one group ate a Mediterranean-style diet while the other control group continued to eat their usual diet.
They found that in the group that had changed their diet to eat healthier, depression levels decreased from moderate to non-depressed. The other group remained in the moderately depressed severity range.
“Highly processed foods increase inflammation,” researcher Heather Francis, a lecturer in clinical neuropsychology at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, told NPR via email. What’s more, “if we don’t consume enough nutrient-dense foods, then this can lead to insufficiencies in nutrients, which also increases inflammation,” she said.
The “healthy group” ate around six more servings of fruits and vegetables than the control group. They were also told to increase their intake of whole grains and healthy proteins and avoid processed foods.
NPR noted that this trial was not a stand alone. In 2017, one study found a link between eating a diet full of refined grains, red meat, and high-fat dairy products and depression.
Although there may be other factors affecting this data, such as the fact that there is no way to “blind” the participants (hence there’s the potential for placebo), this trial could be the first step to lower levels of depression. What this trial truly highlights is how much of one’s life can be affected by the food choices they make.
Read more on this study here.
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I was more than ready for the announcement to board my late-night plane for the long journey home. I had taught my Diabetes Seminar from 8am to 4pm, packed up my stuff, then plodded through two hours of traffic to Dulles Airport and was anxious to get back home to northern California.
Just as I was getting comfy in my airport seat, my feet propped up on my suitcase, cradling a cup of hot tea, a gentleman who could have doubled for Santa Claus, plopped down next to me and asked, “Were you here for business or pleasure?”
I explained that I had taught a seminar on diabetes for the health care professionals at a local hospital.
“I have diabetes, he said as he looked away, but I just got tired of taking my medications, so I stopped taking them.”
I took a sip of my tea and nodded.
He continued, “actually, since I stopped my medications, I have lost over ten pounds. I don’t think those medications work.”
I asked more questions about his self-care and barriers. He wondered if taking care of his diabetes really mattered.
I provided a passionate description of how important it was to keep working on his diabetes and at least continue taking his metformin. I encouraged him to try to monitor blood sugars a few times a week.
I described how elevated blood sugars can cause weight loss as the kidneys try to clear out extra sugar in the urine (he was experiencing polyuria) and that his blood might be looking thick and gooey like honey, slowing down his circulation.
I reassured him that metformin, in addition to helping to lower his blood sugars won’t harm his kidneys, can help lower cholesterol levels and may even have a cancer protective effect.
He got quiet for a few minutes and said,
“Well, maybe I could restart taking the metformin, I just hate taking all those pills.”
“Yeah, it is a lot, I replied. But it’s worth it, and you are worth it. You deserve to live the best life possible with your diabetes.”
When they called our group to board the plane, he patted my shoulder and nodded a thank you.
As a frequent traveler, dozens of complete strangers have opened up their hearts to me and told me stories about their struggles managing diabetes.
Each story touches me in a different way and reminds me of the complexity and permanence of living with a chronic condition.
I consider these stories sweet and fragile gifts. Gifts that make me a better and more compassionate educator.
As educators, people tell us their diabetes stories all the time, in clinics, hospitals and airports. A special thanks to all of you for your careful listening. You are providing a gift of invaluable hope for people living with diabetes.
This compassionate listening is making such a difference in so many people’s lives and I am sincerely grateful for each one of you!
Love, Coach Beverly
This story is from our December Newsletter. Click here to read previous issues or sign up for future newsletters.
Our Diabetes Detective Team scans the diabetes news to discover the most relevant info that Diabetes Educators need in their daily practice. We post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
In honor of Giving Tuesday, we would like to share the story of Shamim Wakhusama, who was able to complete secondary education and move on to Mt. Kenya University due to Just One Person’s scholarship. You can read Shamim’s full story here.
This week we would like to highlight our teaching tool, the Pancreas Pillow. Not only is it a great tool to keep people engaged in learning about their pancreas and diabetes, but also 100% of the proceeds from each purchase go to Just One Person and support women like Shamim. We give 100% of the proceeds to this amazing charity all year.
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This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. You can either view the webinar for free, or to receive 1.0 CE, purchase the webinar below for just $19 (normally $29).
Feedback from a recent participant:
“Beverly never disappoints! Great information presented so nicely. She is interesting and fun.”
“Fabulous webinar!! Great cutting edge information!”
Watch now for free (no CEs):
This webinar is completely free because we love sharing exciting information with our community! However, if you would like CEs you can purchase the individual course or as part of a series.
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
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In this season of gratitude, we want to express our appreciation for our community! We understand the important work you all do every day to support individuals living with and managing diabetes and prediabetes.
We are so thankful for the differences you all make in the world as you address disparities and improve the health of communities locally and across the nation.
We have been so inspired by our students and are so proud of each achievement. If you have a moment, stop by our CDCES Success Stories page to read about the incredible journeys students have taken to become diabetes educators.
At Diabetes Ed Services, we work diligently every day to provide diabetes information that is relevant, compassionate and cutting edge. We believe in the potential of all students, from people living with diabetes to health care professionals striving to enhance their knowledge. Thank you for being a part of our lives and community.
On behalf of the entire Diabetes Education Services Team, Happy Thanksgiving!
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]Our Diabetes Detective Team scans the diabetes news to discover the most relevant info that Diabetes Educators need in their daily practice. We post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]A Touch of Sugar, a documentary on type 2 diabetes, debuted at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival. This documentary highlights the experiences of people with type 2 diabetes.
In particular, the film focuses on stories from African-American and Latino communities, both of which are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes. Narrated by Viola Davis and created in collaboration with Merck as a part of its larger campaign, America’s Diabetes Challenge, the documentary urges people to think about how we can address the stigma associated with diabetes.
Watch the documentary on FYI Television Network:
Saturday, 11/23 at 10:30 a.m EST
Monday, 11/25 at 8:30 a.m. EST
Visit America’s Diabetes Challenge to learn more about the film!
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
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More intestinal mucus is better. Especially if it is microbially diverse and full of A. muciniphila. A healthy thick gut mucus lining environment boasts an abundance of A. muciniphila and is associated with decreased glucose and less inflammation. A thinner mucus layer is associated with increased diabetes risk and inflammation.
A. muciniphila, discovered only a decade ago, has the important and complex job of maintaining the mucus layer that lines the intestines. Hence the name, mucinphila or mucus loving. An intestinal mucus layer full of A. mucinphila seems to be important. This bacterium makes up just 3 to 5 percent of all gut microbes, yet it’s the main microbe floating in the mucus layer and it’s busy.
A. muciniphila prompts cells to increase mucin production which contributes to a healthy intestinal mucus layer and prevents pathogens from escaping the intestine and entering into circulation.
In rodent studies, A. muciniphila nudges the cells that line the intestine to release more endocannabinoids, which reduce inflammation and prompt release of the gut hormones, GLP-1 and GLP-2. Gut hormones lower post meal glucose levels.
A. muciniphila also helps to create small chain fatty acids from the breakdown of microbiota available carbohydrates (MACs). Fatty acids are associated with a healthier gut. They lower the intestinal pH and create a lumen environment that supports healthy bacterial diversity.
Metformin is associated with increased levels of A. muciniphila. Animal studies consistently show that metformin significantly promotes A. muciniphila abundance.
Eating certain whole foods and avoiding high fat diets.
Studies show that polyphenols derived from grapes and cranberries increase the abundance of Akkermansia. This results in enhanced intestinal barrier function and incretin secretion from intestinal endocrine cells. Together, these actions suppress obesity, insulin resistance, and intestinal inflammation.
In another study, apple-derived macromolecular procyanidins induced an increase in the abundance of intestinal Akkermansia leading to anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model with metabolic syndrome.
Research has also shown that avoiding a high-fat diet and heavy alcohol intake can increase A. muciniphila abundance.
Probiotics – studies are being done to see if A. mucinphila supplements can also increase intestinal levels. There is so much more info coming out everyday about this bug superstar.
This one-hour complimentary journey will expand your view of how trillions of bacterial hitchhikers profoundly influence our health. We will discuss how foods, the environment and our medical practices have impacted our gut bacteria over time and strategies we can take to protect these old friends. Join us!
Gut Bacteria Resource Page & Printable Handouts
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post one daily Blog Byte from Monday to Friday. And of course, Tuesday is our Question of the Week. It’s Informative and FREE! Sign up below!
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