Researchers from the University of Massachusetts inform us that tea and red wine may help regulate blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Both contain natural antioxidants that help slow the passage of glucose through the small intestine, eventually getting into the bloodstream and preventing spikes in blood sugar levels.

There is a vaccine that has prevented and reversed type 1 diabetes in mice. It’s scheduled to begin testing on human subjects by the end of next year. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are cautious about this as they are not sure this vaccine will work on humans as well as it did on mice. However, they are excited by the results so far.

There is a link between midlife development of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Doctors doing the study in Sweden suggest that abnormal insulin levels may damage blood vessels in the brain.

Blood testing one day could be replaced by a flash of light instead of the eight to twelve hour fasting and drawing blood. MedStar Research is conducting tests in Washington D.C. Called the VeraLight Scout system, fluorescent light measures the effects of high glucose levels on the forearm’s connective tissue. This takes approximately 3 minutes and won’t require fasting.

You have to understand that carbohydrates are the key to keeping diabetes under control. Carbs in foods raise the blood glucose levels the fastest and highest right after you eat. You can check this diby taking a blood test before eating and then about an hour later. You will see the higher level after you have eaten carbs. The weird thing is you can’t avoid carbs. There are some very healthy foods that you will eat that contain carbs. Packed with energy, vitamins, and minerals they are essential and they don’t contain a lot of fat.

Adults need about four to five carb servings at each meal. Check with your doctor or dietitian to find out how many carbs you should have at each meal. You should eat about the same number of carbs at each meal to help control your blood glucose levels. This should be your first priority. The following are some carbs and the amount to eat for a serving: Grains, pasta, bread, cereal :1 slice bread, 1 oz. dry cereal, 1/2 cup pasta / Rice,beans,starchy veggies: 1/3 cup cooked rice, 1/2 cup beans or starchy veggies (corn, peas, potatoes)/ Nonstarchy veggies each serving (1/2 cup cooked & 1 cup raw)=5 grams carbs/ Fruit and fruit juice : 1 small piece of fruit, 1/2 cup juice Milk, yogurt,other dairy :1 cup fat free milk, 1 cup nonfat yogurt w/fruit w/no cal sweetener/ Sweets (cookies,candy,ice cream) : 1/2 cup ice cream, 2 small cookies (2 inch) /Sugary foods (regular soda,etc): choose water or other no calorie drinks instead

Try to follow as best as possible. It’s not easy when you first get started. I know I have been trying for a long time and there are times when I fall off the wagon, but I pull myself up and start again the next time.