Diabetic Digest - August 19, 2015

Readers:

In the last issue I said that I was due to get my A1C checked. I was a bit worried that it might have been higher than normal, but it was a great - it was 6.2, which made me and my doctor very happy.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal A1C level ranges from 4.5 to 6 percent. (My 6.2 is making me feel quite good) But the if you have diabetes a A1C level of 7 percent or less is what you're really want to stick to, but don't get any higher. Higher levels, especially double digits, will lead to serious health problems. So stay in control and keep those levels down.

Today's issue features a brief article about gut bacteria being linked to type 1 diabetes. As someone with type 1 diabetes I'm very intrigued.

Then, let's finish things off with a delicious recipe for a Fresh Fruit Slush. Doesn't that sound good?

Regards,
Steve

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Comments? Questions? Email Steve


*-- Diabetic News --*
Researchers link gut bacteria to type 1 diabetes
PARIS - Researchers have found gut bacteria may play a role in the prevention and regulation of type 1 diabetes.

Researchers at the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) in France saw that antimicrobial peptides called cathelicidins are not produced by beta pancreatic cells, which secrete insulin, in mice with diabetes, but can be found in mice without diabetes. In a first test, they injected the diabetic mice with cathelicidins.

"Injecting cathelicidins inhibits the development of pancreatic inflammation and, as such, suppresses the development of autoimmune disease in these mice," said Julien Diana, a researcher at INSERM, in a press release.

The production of cathelicidins relies on short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria. Taking the test further, researchers transferred gut bacteria from healthy mice to those with diabetes. In the diabetic mice, short-chain fatty acids began to be produced by the gut bacteria and cathelicidin levels returned to normal.

Research has shown this works similarly in humans, which may lead to future therapies for diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.

The study is published in Cell.


*- Diabetic Recipe -*
Fresh Fruit Slush
Servings: 4

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups chopped fresh fruit or unsweetened frozen fruit of your choice
8 ice cubes

Directions
1. Using a food processor or blender, blend the fruit until smooth.
2. While machine is running, add the ice cubes one at a time until the mixture takes on a slushy consistency. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information
Per Serving: 25 calories (6% calories from fat), trace protein, trace total fat (0 saturated fat), 6 g carbohydrate, 1 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 0 sodium
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 carbohydrate (fruit)

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