In Italy 4.5 million people with prediabetes: lifestyles make a difference

More than 4 million already diagnosed, about 1.5 million patients who do not know they are and another 4.5 million people with prediabetes, often without tangible symptoms, and who therefore risk, unknowingly, getting sick: this is the impact estimate of diabetes in Italy. Faced with these figures, November 14, World Diabetes Day, becomes an opportunity not to be wasted to initiate those changes in our lifestyle that can stop or delay the progression of prediabetes to full-blown diabetes, a disease that requires significant changes. in the diet, constant monitoring of blood sugar and often taking medications. Prediabetes, also called impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting blood sugar, is characterized by higher than normal blood glucose levels, and is a condition that precedes almost all cases of diabetes. The good news is that this progression isn’t inevitable, as timely lifestyle and diet changes can make a big difference. Exercising, paying attention to the sugar content of foods and limiting their intake, consuming more fruits and vegetables and increasing your intake of whole grains and fiber are healthy choices in the right direction. Even a simple snack change can make a difference.A recent study funded by the Almond Board of California showed that snacking on almonds helped improve glucose metabolism in Indian teenagers and children. young adults with prediabetes. The first of its kind in people with prediabetes, this randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to determine the effect of almond consumption on metabolic dysfunction factors including blood glucose, lipids, insulin and other selected inflammatory markers in 275 adolescents and young adults ( 59 males, 216 females; ages 16-25 years) with prediabetes. The almond group (n = 107) ate 56 grams of unroasted almonds (340 calories) every day for three months, while the control group (n = 112) ) consumed a salty snack with the same number of calories, equivalent in both cases to 20% of the daily energy requirement. Throughout the study, participants were monitored to make sure they were eating their snacks correctly. At the end of the study, the participants underwent a nutrient assessment and the same measurements and blood tests were performed again at the start of the study. In the almond group, HbA1c (a measure of long-term glycemic control that also serves as a diagnostic criterion for prediabetes and diabetes) significantly decreased compared to the control group. Additionally, consuming almonds significantly reduced total cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol compared to the control group, while maintaining ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels. “Lifestyle changes, such as improved nutrition and exercise , in adolescents and young adults have the potential to halt the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. The results of this study show that no radical changes are necessary: ​​simply including a snack of almonds twice a day can make all the difference. The results of the study are very promising in showing how almonds can improve total cholesterol and LdlL levels and reduce HbA1c levels in just 12 weeks of consumption, “commented Jagmeet Madan PhD, chief researcher, professor and principal of Sir Vithaldis. Thackersey College of Home Science, SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai). This research joins another study funded by the Almond Board of California, which analyzed the potential role of almond consumption in young people. Researchers from the University of California, Merced, have shown that for college students who skip breakfast, an almond-based morning snack can be a smart alternative. 19 years old), having a morning snack – based on almonds or graham crackers – reduced total cholesterol and improved sugar levels in the fasting blood, but the benefits were greater among those who consumed almonds. Those who snacked on almonds had better preserved HDL protective cholesterol levels and improved blood glucose regulation indices over the course of the 8-week study. Results showed that those in the almond group had better measures of several. glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic indicators, including glycemic area under the curve (Auc) at 2 hours less than 13%; 34% lower insulin resistance index (Iri); Matsuda index 82% higher during the oral glucose tolerance test, which is a rough estimate of insulin sensitivity. This index nearly doubled among almond snacks; better protection of HDL cholesterol levels. Both groups saw reductions in HDL cholesterol, but levels in the almond group decreased by 13.5% compared to a 24.5% reduction in the Graham cracker group. “This study, the first among a population of college students, shows that for those skipping breakfast, almonds are a good snack choice, ”says Rudy Ortiz, PhD, lead researcher on the study. “The fact that almonds double the Matsuda index over an 8-week period is important, especially in a young and healthy population, and demonstrates the benefit in insulin sensitivity that almonds can provide. Also, the effect of almonds. on many of the other glucoregulatory and cardiometabolic health parameters it shows their potential as an intelligent snack, particularly in this group “. Overall – concludes the note – the nutritional profile of almonds – with a low glycemic index and capable of ensuring an important variety of nutrients per 30-gram serving, including protein (6g), dietary fiber (4g), good fats, and important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E (7.7mg), magnesium (81mg) and potassium ( 220 mg) – makes them a smart and energizing snack for those with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, easy to include in a healthy meal plan.