Diabetic Digest - August 31, 2016

Readers:

I'm going to be brief today because I want you to read the article that I have selected for you. It deals with a new insulin pill that may take the pain out of diabetes treatment.

I heard about this on the news yesterday morning and it stopped me in my tracks. I knew that I had to share it with you.

Please read this article and search out more information on this new development.

Regards,
Steve

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Comments? Questions? Email Steve



*-- Diabetic News --*
Insulin pill may take the pain out of diabetes treatment
PHILADELPHIA - Many diabetes patients have to inject insulin to manage their blood sugar, but researchers have developed a pill that may take the pain and inconvenience out of managing diabetes.

A pill containing insulin could succeed where other non-injected insulin treatments for diabetes have failed to take hold among doctors and patients, according to a presentation by researchers from Niagara University at the American Chemical Society's fall meeting in Philadelphia Wednesday.

All type 1 diabetes patients have to inject insulin on a daily basis, and many type 2 diabetes patients' condition progresses to a point where they are at least occasionally required to inject insulin.

Previously, an inhalable form of insulin was developed and marketed but sales were disappointing and its future is in doubt. Other researchers have worked on packaging insulin inside a polymer-coated pill to protect it from stomach acids and allow it to reach the bloodstream.

Researchers at Niagara developed and patented vesicles called Cholestosomes, which are made of lipid molecules, normal building blocks of fat, that appear to survive the stomach acids and may be the key to ending diabetes patients' dependence on injections for insulin.

"Most liposomes need to be packaged in a polymer coating for protection," Dr. Lawrence Mielnicki, a researcher at Niagara University, said in a press release. "Here, we're just using simple lipid esters to make vesicles with the drug molecules inside."

In the study presented today, researchers explained computer modeling showing the lipids form neutral particles resistant to attack from stomach acid, allowing the intestines to recognize them as something to be absorbed by the body. The Cholestosomes then pass into the bloodstream, where they are broken down and insulin is released.

After determining the ideal pH and ionic strength to package proper amounts of insulin, the researchers tested Cholestosomes with cells in lab dishes. Those that worked were then tried with rats, and the researchers found certain formulations were more effective than others at delivering insulin to the bloodstream.

Future research will test the method in other animals before planning for human trials, the researchers said.



*-- Diabetic News --*
TANGY CHICKEN SALAD
INGREDIENTS:
1 small head iceberg lettuce, torn into bits
1 small head Romaine lettuce, torn into bits
3 whole cooked boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 small can Mandarin oranges
1 apple, cored, peeped, and cubed
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup toasted almonds
1/2 cup Catalina French dressing

DIRECTIONS:
In a large salad bowl, first add the iceberg lettuce and then the Romaine. Add the chicken to the salad bowl. Next, add the oranges, apple, celery. Lightly toss the ingredients and then place in refrigerator to chill. About 15 minutes before serving, take out of refrigerator and add the almonds. Then pour the dressing and again toss. Add the salad to small salad bowls and serve.

Yield: 4 Servings
Categories: Salads, Picnic

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