Garlic-based Drug can treat Diabetes Types I and II

A tablet-form garlic-based drug can treat diabetes types I and II, according to a new study.The drug is based on vanadium and allaxin, a compound found in garlic. The study has been published in the new Royal Society of Chemistry journal Metallomics. When Hiromu Sakurai and colleagues from the Suzuka University of Medical Science, Japan, gave the drug orally to type I diabetic mice, they found it reduced blood glucose levels .

In previous work they had discovered the vanadium-allaxin compound treated both diabetes types when injected, but this new study shows the drug has promise as an oral treatment for the disease. Type I diabetes (insulin dependent) is currently treated with daily injections of insulin, while type II (non-insulin dependent) is treated with drugs bearing undesirable side-effects - however - the researchers believe neither treatment is ideal. The researchers aim to test the drug in humans in future work.

Source- Medindia.com

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In many developing countries, children with diabetes suffer because insulin and other diabetes supplies are not affordable or sometimes not even available.
The International Diabetes Federation's Life for a Child Program supports the care of close to 1000 children in the following countries: Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Uzbekistan, Bolivia, Mali, Ecuador, Sudan and Cameroon.

Participants in the Life for a Child Program partially-sponsor the neediest children at diabetes centers in these countries. This sponsorship enables the children to receive the clinical care and diabetes education they need to stay alive. The centers provide thorough clinical and financial feedback.

The goals of the Program are to provide:
* Sufficient insulin and syringes
* Blood glucose monitoring facilities
* Appropriate clinical care
* HbA1c testing
* Diabetes education
* Technical support for health professionals (if requested)

Some centers need support for all these areas; others need support for some components.
Many children with diabetes in developing countries die soon after diagnosis. Many others face the burden of complications while still young. Life for a Child encourages governments to establish appropriate care to safeguard the future of children with diabetes.

Funds are donated by the International Diabetes Federation through sale of World Diabetes Day merchandizing, individuals, associations, Rotary International, and companies working in diabetes. Most individual donors contribute a dollar a day. Support is provided to recognized diabetes centers to purchase insulin and syringes, and provide monitoring and education. Financial trails and the health outcomes of the children are carefully monitored.
Our goal is to double the number of children supported by the end of 2008. Help us save children with diabetes. Donate online at http://www.lifeforachild.org/ or through the purchase of World Diabetes Day merchandize.
Source: www.lifeforachild.org
Disclaimer: All opinions and Information published here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. If you are a patient, please see your doctor for evaluation of your individual case. Under no circumstances will the authors be liable to you for any direct or indirect damages arising in connection with use of this website

MV Hospital Promotes Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes

Dr Vijay Viswanathan

Hospital for Diabetes & Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai and the WHO collaborating centre in India, launched a campaign titled ‘Campaign on Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Diabetes’ to address this concern. A manual detailing facts and guidelines on prevention of obesity for children was also launched to help cultivate long-term weight control. The manual, an awareness handbook on the subject in the country— Manual on Prevention of Childhood Obesity—was launched by Thangam Thennarasu, Honorable Minister of Education, Tamil Nadu.

Dr Vijay Viswanathan, Managing Director, MV Hospital for Diabetes, said, "The increase of obesity in children in India especially in the urban areas is quite alarming. Therefore, we decided to concentrate on the food habits of children and assist parents in providing their children with a healthy nutritious diet. The manual also has guidelines on physical activity and routines that would not over-stress the child but help stay fit." He requested the Government of Tamil Nadu to support the Institute in performing an impact assessment in the state. The study would form a base for understanding the need for awareness on prevention of childhood obesity and diabetes not just in the state, but for the entire country, he said. "We are planning to submit a memorandum to the Government in this regard and hope to launch the project soon," Dr Viswanathan added.

EH Bureau

Disclaimer: All opinions and Information published here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. If you are a patient, please see your doctor for evaluation of your individual case. Under no circumstances will the authors be liable to you for any direct or indirect damages arising in connection with use of this website