Diabetic Digest - October 26, 2016

Readers:

We're less than a week away from Halloween. That's right, it's time for my Trick 'r Treat pep-talk.

Look, I don't like being that guy, but I feel I must. Please, stay away from all of the candy, cookies, cupcakes, and the hundreds of other sugar-filled snacks that are creeping about this Halloween. Just a few small pieces of candy can send your blood sugar flying high; it certainly does that for me. That's something that's actually scary.

You can enjoy diabetic conscience treats and those of the sugar free variety, but be sure that you enjoy those in moderation. Too much of those guys and you'll be in a whole different kind of trouble. Trust me.

Halloween can be just as fun as it ever was because we all know what a little treat can do for your spirits.

Just remember to be safe and have a Happy Halloween.

Regards,
Steve

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Comments? Questions? Email Steve



*-- Diabetic News --*
FTO mutations increase risk of obesity and diabetes: Study
NEUHERBERG, Germany - Mutations in fat mass and obesity-associated, or FTO, and dopamine receptor genes can increase the risk of diabetes, an international research team says.

Investigators led by scientists at the German Center for Diabetes Research observed mutations in dopamine receptor and FTO genes alongside colleagues from Sweden and the United States. In a study that examined both gene types in rodents, researchers say they have uncovered new information regarding the onset of a disease that affects almost 30 million people in the United States alone.

"Our studies show that when both genes are mutated, this can have a far-reaching effect on health," researcher Martin Heni said in a press release. "Unfortunately, this unfavorable combination of both gene mutations is present in about one-fifth of the population."

During the study, researchers investigated the effects when both the FTO gene and the D2 receptor gene are mutated. Rodents with altered FTO genes were found to consume more food as a result of elevated dopamine signaling in the brain.

The team also examined several earlier studies including the Tübingen Family Study and the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study, and found 20 percent of the participants carried both mutations, suggesting the mutations observed in the rodents have a similar effect on humans. The research team concluded the effects of a mutated FTO gene depend on the number of dopamine D2 receptors.

Diabetes is a condition characterized by the body's inability to properly process food into energy. It can also lead to other severe health effects including heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness.



*-- Diabetic News --*
PARTY BROCCOLI
INGREDIENTS:
2 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli
1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 pkg. (3 oz.) dehydrated onion soup mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:
Defrost and drain broccoli. Mix butter, soup mix, pecans and water chestnuts. Stir gently through broccoli. Pour into 2 quart microwave casserole. Cook for 4-10 minutes on High power (100%) until very hot. Sprinkle with crumbs before serving.

Category: Side Dishes, Microwave, Potluck, Vegetables

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