The Young Coconut

DIRT CHEAP and was easy to be gotten. Apart from comfort to pelepas the thirst, the young coconut juice contained isotonic natural, that very important returned stamina and body fluids that were lost. The coconut juice, especially the young coconut juice, since long before had been known as the healthy drink. His location that was most protected by the hard coconut shell and the coconut husk that were thick, caused the coconut juice to be the sterile drink, free from all the forms of contamination (physical, chemistry, and microbiology).

The young coconut juice also was believed had the effect of medical treatment against the kidney and hipretensi (hypertension). Aside from true or not this view, there is good him was studied by us the content of the available nutrient to water and meat the young coconut. The amount of water per the item of the young coconut very varying, depended on the measurement him. Generally the level of him not less than 250 ml per the item.

The young composition of the coconut juice nutrient very varying, depended on the variety of the coconut and the age. Generally, the coconut juice contained 4.7 percent of the total solid matter, 2.6 percent sugar, 0.55 percent protein, 0.74 percent fat, as well as 0.46 percent mineral. The nutritive composition like this good caused the coconut juice to be able to be used as the growth media of the microbe, for example Acetobacter xylinum for the production nata de coco. The coconut juice could be also made use of as the production material of various drink kinds, beautiful, alcohol, dektran, the vinegar, and soy sauce.

The isotonic drink could it was hoped replace the body mineral that was lost through sweat, while the activity played sport or the other hard work. In the level of the industry, the isotonic drink is generally made by mixing water, sugar, various minerals (electrolytes), pencita the feeling and colouring agent. Apparently the coconut juice memilki the big potential to be developed as the isotonic drink natural that was dirt cheap, moreover when fasting. The intense weather during the day and the physical activity that was abundant in the fast month, will drain sweat that enough. On the other hand, liquid revenue was not completely.

Healthy :Black tea reduced the risk of the Heart Disease

The nutritionist from the Institute of Pertanian Bogor (IPB) said the pattern of consumption of black tea routinely minimal 2 cup a day, could press the opportunity of the coronary heart disease emergence that as a result of by the cholesterol dump to 40%.

Quoted results of the Prosenjit research and Sukta in 2003, "Theaflavin had the rate" of the "capture" of the "free radical who was higher than EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), or 36.7%." Moreover theaflavin also increased antioksidan natural that was produced by the body, that is glutation peroksidase and katalase.

Prosenjit and Sukta in fact berkesimpulan theaflavin in black tea had the activity antioksidan that was stronger than vitamin E and vitamin C.

What insomnia ?

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

• medications,
  
  
• psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
  
  
• environmental changes (for example, travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
  
  
• stressful events.

Insomnia can also be caused by faulty sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present.

• Transient insomnia usually is due to situational changes such as travel, extreme climate changes, and stressful events. It lasts for less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved.
  
  
• Short-term insomnia usually is due to ongoing stressful events, medication side effects, medical conditions, and lasts for one to three weeks
  
  
• Chronic insomnia (long-term insomnia) often results from depression or substance abuse and continues for more than three weeks.

Transient insomnia may progress to short-term insomnia and without adequate treatment, short-term insomnia may become chronic insomnia.

Among the medications and substances that can contribute to insomnia are:

• caffeine and coffee,
  
  
• tobacco,
  
  
• alcohol,
  
  
• decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine),
  
  
• diuretics [for example, furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide)] especially if taken in the evening or at bedtime,
  
  
• antidepressants [for example, bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban), fluoxetine (Prozac)],
  
  
• appetite suppressants [for example, sibutramine (Meridia), phentermine (Fastin)], and
  
  
• amphetamines.

Insomnia also may be the result of withdrawal from:

• benzodiazepines [for example, diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan)],
  
  
• alcohol,
  
  
• antihistamines,
  
  
• amphetamines,
  
  
• cocaine,
  
  
• marijuana, and
  
  
• other addicting drugs.

from medicinenet.com

Info About Electromyogram (EMG)

What is an electromyogram?

An electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles. When muscles are active, they produce an electrical current. This current is usually proportional to the level of the muscle activity. An EMG is also referred to as a myogram.

EMGs can be used to detect abnormal electrical activity of muscle that can occur in many diseases and conditions, including muscular dystrophy, inflammation of muscles, pinched nerves, peripheral nerve damage (damage to nerves in the arms and legs), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), myasthenia gravis, disc herniation, and others.

Why is an EMG test done?

An EMG is often performed when patients have unexplained muscle weakness. The EMG helps to distinguish between muscle conditions in which the problem begins in the muscle and muscle weakness due to nerve disorders. The EMG can also be used to detect true weakness, as opposed to weakness from reduced use because of pain or lack of motivation. EMGs can also be used to isolate the level of nerve irritation or injur from medicinenet.com

BRAND NAME: Plaquenil

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Hydroxychloroquine is classified as an anti-malarial drug. It is similar to chloroquine (Aralen) and is useful in treating several forms of malaria as well as lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Its mechanism of action is unknown. Malaria parasites invade human red blood cells. Hydroxychloroquine may prevent malaria parasites from breaking down (metabolizing) hemoglobin in human red blood cells. Hydroxychloroquine is effective against the malarial parasites Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. Hydroxychloroquine prevents inflammation caused by lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. The FDA approved hydroxychloroquine in April 1955.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablet: 200 mg.

STORAGE: Hydroxychloroquine should be stored at room temperature up to 30 C (86 F) in a sealed, light resistant container.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydroxychloroquine is used for the treatment of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus when other therapies have failed. It may prevent relapse and relieve skin inflammation, hair loss, mouth sores, fatigue, and joint pain caused by systemic lupus erythematosus.

DOSING: The usual adult dose for treating malaria is 800 mg initially, followed by 400 mg 6 hours later then 400 mg on days 2 and 3. The dose for malaria prevention is 400 mg every week starting 1 or 2 weeks before exposure and for 4 weeks after leaving the high risk area.

The recommended adult dose for rheumatoid arthritis is 400-600 mg daily for 4-12 weeks followed by 200-400 mg daily.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is treated with 400 mg once or twice daily for several weeks then 200-400 mg daily. Hydroxychloroquine should be taken with food or milk in order to reduce stomach upset.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Administration of hydroxychloroquine with penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) may increase penicillamine levels, increasing the risk of penicillamine side effects. The mechanism is unknown. Combining telbivudine (Tyzeka) and hydroxychloroquine may increase the risk of unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness because both drugs cause such side effects.

PREGNANCY: Hydroxychloroquine should only be used in pregnant women for malaria prophylaxis or treatment.

NURSING MOTHERS: Hydroxychloroquine may be secreted in breast milk and may cause side effects in the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects include irritability, headache, weakness, hair lightening or loss, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, muscle pain, rash and itching. Rarely, hydroxychloroquine can affect the bone marrow leading to reduced white blood cells (leukopenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia) and abnormal red blood cells (anemia). Rare but potentially serious eye toxicity can occur. This toxicity affects a part of the eye called the retina and can lead to color blindness and even loss of vision. An ophthalmologist (eye specialist) often can detect changes in the retina that suggest toxicity before serious damage occurs. Therefore, regular eye examinations, even when there are no symptoms, are mandatory. Patients who are genetically deficient in a certain enzyme, called G6PD, can develop a severe anemia resulting from the rupture of red blood cells. This enzyme deficiency is more common in persons of African descent and can be evaluated by blood testing. Hydroxychloroquine may worsen psoriasis.

this source from medicinenet.com

Info about Insomnia Treatment: Sleep Aids and Stimulants

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

• medications,
  
  
• psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
  
  
• environmental changes (for example, travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
  
  
• stressful events.

Insomnia can also be caused by faulty sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present.

• Transient insomnia usually is due to situational changes such as travel, extreme climate changes, and stressful events. It lasts for less than a week or until the stressful event is resolved.
  
  
• Short-term insomnia usually is due to ongoing stressful events, medication side effects, medical conditions, and lasts for one to three weeks
  
  
• Chronic insomnia (long-term insomnia) often results from depression or substance abuse and continues for more than three weeks.

Transient insomnia may progress to short-term insomnia and without adequate treatment, short-term insomnia may become chronic insomnia.

Among the medications and substances that can contribute to insomnia are:

• caffeine and coffee,
  
  
• tobacco,
  
  
• alcohol,
  
  
• decongestants (for example, pseudoephedrine),
  
  
• diuretics [for example, furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide)] especially if taken in the evening or at bedtime,
  
  
• antidepressants [for example, bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban), fluoxetine (Prozac)],
  
  
• appetite suppressants [for example, sibutramine (Meridia), phentermine (Fastin)], and
  
  
• amphetamines.

Insomnia also may be the result of withdrawal from:

• benzodiazepines [for example, diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan)],
  
  
• alcohol,
  
  
• antihistamines,
  
  
• amphetamines,
  
  
• cocaine,
  
  
• marijuana, and
  
  
• other addicting drugs.
• medicinenet.com
  

BRAND NAME: Omnipen, Polycillin, Principen

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Ampicillin belongs to a class of antibiotics called penicillins that are used for treating bacterial infections. Other members of this class include amoxicillin (Amoxil), piperacillin (Pipracil), ticarcillin (Ticar) and several others. These antibiotics all have a similar mechanism of action. They stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them.

The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall. Penicillins are most effective when bacteria are actively multiplying and forming cell walls. Ampicillin is effective against many bacteria including H. influenzae, N. gonorrhoea, E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, streptococci and certain strains of staphylococci. Ampicillin was approved by the FDA in 1963.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Ampicillin is used for treating infections of the middle ear, sinuses, stomach and intestines, bladder, and kidney caused by susceptible bacteria. It also is used for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis and other serious infections.

DOSING: The usual oral dose range for most infections is 250 to 500 mg 4 times daily for 7-14 days. When used to treat gonorrhea, a single 3.5 gram dose (seven 500 mg capsules) is administered with probenecid (Benemid). The probenecid slows down the elimination of ampicillin so that ampicillin remains in the body longer. Food in the stomach reduces how much and how quickly ampicillin is absorbed. Therefore, ampicillin should be taken either 1 hour prior to or 2 hours following a meal for maximal absorption; however, for persons who experience nausea or stomach distress after taking ampicillin, it may be taken with meals.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Probenecid (Benemid) causes an increase in the amount of ampicillin in the body. Use of ampicillin with allopurinol (Zyloprim) can increase the incidence of drug-related skin rash.

PREGNANCY: Ampicillin is considered safe during pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Ampicillin is excreted in breast milk and may cause diarrhea or allergic responses in nursing infants. If ampicillin is used during pregnancy, the potential benefit of ampicillin for the mother should be weighed against the potential risk of side effects in the infant.

SIDE EFFECTS: Common side effects of ampicillin include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, itching, headache, confusion and dizziness. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to other penicillins should not receive ampicillin. Persons who are allergic to the cephalosporin class of antibiotics, which are related to the penicillins, for example, cefaclor (Ceclor), cephalexin (Keflex), and cefprozil (Cefzil), may or may not be allergic to penicillins. Serious but rare reactions include seizures, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and low platelet or red blood cell count. Ampicillin can alter the normal bacteria in the colon and encourage overgrowth of some bacteria such as Clostridium difficile which causes inflammation of the colon (pseudomembranous colitis). Patients who develop signs of pseudomembranous colitis after starting ampicillin (diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and possibly shock) should contact their physician immediately.

medicinenet.com

Vasectomy Info

Info about vasectomy

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple operation designed to make a man sterile, or unable to father a child. It is used as a means of contraception in many parts of the world. A total of about 50 million men have had a vasectomy -- a number that corresponds to roughly 5% of all married couples of reproductive age. In comparison, about 15% of couples rely on female sterilization for birt control.

Approximately half a million vasectomies are performed in the United States each year. About one out of six men over age 35 has been vasectomized, the prevalence increasing along with education and income. Among married couples in this country, only female sterilization and oral contraception are relied upon more often for family planning.

Vasectomy involves blocking the tubes through which sperm pass into the semen. Sperm are produced in a man's testis and stored in an adjacent structure known as the epididymis. During sexual climax, the sperm move from the epididymis through a tube called the vas deferens and mix with other components of semen to form the ejaculate. All vasectomy techniques involve cutting or otherwise blocking both the left and right vas deferens, so the man's ejaculate will no longer contain sperm, and he will not be able to make a woman pregnant.

What are the different vasectomy techniques?

In the conventional approach, a physician makes one or two small incisions, or cuts, in the skin of the scrotum, which has been numbed with a local anesthetic. The vas is cut, and a small piece may be removed. Next, the doctor ties the cut ends and sews up the scrotal incision. The entire procedure is then repeated on the other side.

An improved method, devised by a Chinese surgeon, has been widely used in China since 1974. This so-called nonsurgical, or no-scalpel, vasectomy was introduced into the United States in 1988, and many doctors are now using the technique here.

In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor feels for the vas under the skin of the scrotum and holds it in place with a small clamp. Then a special instrument is used to make a tiny puncture in the skin and stretch the opening so the vas can be cut and tied. This approach produces very little bleeding, and no stitches are needed to close the punctures, which heal quickly by themselves. The newer method also produces less pain and fewer complications than conventional vasectomy.

Regardless of how it is performed, vasectomy offers many advantages as a method of birth control. Like female sterilization, it is a highly effective one-time procedure that provides permanent contraception. A vasectomy is medically much simpler than female sterilization, has a lower incidence of complications, and is much less expensive.

How effective is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is very effective. It has been estimated that only about 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant during the first year after a vasectomy. Although rare is possible even years after the procedure.

Although some men have been able to have their vasectomies reversed (undone), this process involves expensive, major surgery, and success cannot be guaranteed. Therefore a vasectomy is considered appropriate for those who desire a permanent form of birth control from .medicinenet.com.

Osteoporosis Info

The drugs work well, but a new study shows that they probably don't work in the way experts have thought.

It has been widely believed that bisphosphonates work by targeting and impairing the action of cells known as osteoclasts -- and reducing their number. These cells break down bone in a process known as bone resorption.

But in the new study, many postmenopausal women who took Fosamax showed increases in osteoclast numbers compared to women who took a placebo.

The longer the women were on the drug, the more osteoclasts they tended to have. And many also showed evidence of giant and detached osteoclasts, which have not been previously recognized, researcher Robert Weinstein, MD, of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, tells WebMD.

The study appears in the Jan. 1, 2009, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

"The bisphosphonates do work. They are a mainstay of osteoporosis treatment," he says. "But it is clear that they don't work the way we thought they did."

Fosamax vs. Placebo

Weinstein and colleagues from the University of Arkansas and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System examined 51 bone biopsy specimens obtained following a three-year trial designed to determine the effectiveness of Fosamax for improving bone health.

Some of the women in the study took Fosamax and others took placebo.

The bone biopsies revealed a 260% increase in osteoclasts among women who took 10 milligrams of the bisphosphonate daily for three years, compared to women in the placebo group.

Roughly a third of the osteoclasts were giant and detached, and these giant cells were still present a year after the women stopped taking the drug.

While the cells appeared dysfunctional, Weinstein points out that this may not be the case in women who take osteoporosis drugs for many years.

"We don't really know the long-term consequences of building up a large army of these giant cells," he says. "It appears that they do no direct damage, but we can't say this for sure."

And since most clinicians aren't aware of the link between bisphosphonate use and the giant cells, they may mistake them for some other bone disorder, leading to unnecessary testing and even treatment, he adds.

SOURCES: Weinstein, R.S. New England Journal of Medicine, Jan. 1, 2009; vol 360: pp 53-62. Robert S. Weinstein, MD, professor of medicine; director, Bone Morphology Laboratory, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock. Julie Glowacki, PhD, professor of orthopaedic surgery and oral-maxillofacial surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. Ronald Rogers, spokesman, Merck & Co.

Info Patrick Swayze Opens Up About Pancreatic Cancer

Swayze, who starred in the films Dirty Dancing and Ghost and is filming a new TV show called The Beast, talks about his pancreatic cancer in an exclusive interview with ABC. Swayze tells Barbara Walters that he has stage IV pancreatic cancer that had already spread to his liver when it was diagnosed in March 2008.

"I'm going through hell, and I've only seen the beginning of it," Swayze says in interview excerpts posted by ABC.

Swayze, 56, also says that surviving five years is "wishful thinking," but that living two more years "seems likely, if you're going to believe the statistics." And he defines "winning" as "not giving up.from medicinenet.com"

Swayze didn't have surgery for his pancreatic cancer because the cancer had already spread when it was diagnosed. His treatment included aggressive chemotherapy and an experimental drug called vatalanib.

Here are answers to questions about Swayze's pancreatic cancer.

Eat Less or Weigh More to Woman Info

If you're a 40-something woman, it doesn't matter whether you're thin or overweight -- odds are, you'll gain weight over time if you don't make an effort to cut back on what you eat.

The finding comes from a study of 192 women with an average age of 40 by Brigham Young University researchers Larry A. Tucker, PhD, and Laura Bates. The women were not obese, had not yet reached down, and did not smoke.

At the start of the study the women underwent detailed physical exams, including measures of weight and body fat. They also underwent a seven-day analysis of the food they ate, in which they weighed and recorded every bit of food they put into their mouths.

Three years later, the women underwent another round of physical exams and food-intake analysis. The bottom line was no surprise: Women tend to gain weight and body fat as they age and become less physically active.

But not all women gained weight. Even if they didn't sport more, women who made an effort to eat less were 69% less likely to gain more than 2.2 pounds and were 2.4 times less likely to gain 6.6 pounds or more.

It's never too soon, or too late, to watch what you eat, Tucker and Bates suggest.

"It matters little at what point women are regarding restricted eating. What matters most is that they increase their dietary restraint over time or they will likely gain weight," they conclude.

Women who increased their "emotional" -- that is, eating as a way of coping with feeling depressed, lonely, bored, anxious, worried, or other emotional states -- were also more likely to gain weight than women who did not increase this kind of eating behavior.

"To avoid weight gain, these women have to learn to control their food consumption during emotionally challenging situations," Tucker and Bates note.

Some earlier studies suggested that women who try to eat less actually end up gaining weight because their feelings of deprivation lead them to cycles of bingeing. But Tucker and Bates saw no evidence of this, even though they acknowledge that binge eating usually does occur in people trying to eat less.

"Tight regulation of food intake may lead to bingeing from time to time, but over the long term, fewer calories are consumed and the risk of weight gain is much less in women who practice restricted eating," they suggest. "In fact, women have to increase restraint over time to keep from gaining weight and body fat."

The study appears in the January/February issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion from medicinenet.com.

SOURCES: Tucker, L.A. and Bates, L. American Journal of Health Promotion, January/February 2009; vol 22: manuscript received ahead of print.

Losing the Fight With Type 2 Diabetes

The type 2 diabetes epidemic that continues to sweep across the United States has left an estimated 24 million Americans struggling with the disease, up more than 3 million people since 2005.

And, of course, with the epidemic comes the wave of illnesses and disabilities brought on by diabetes -- heart disease and stroke, blindness, amputations, kidney disease and nervous system damage.

Doctors are trying to reverse the tide in two ways.

First, they're continuing to press the public to adopt healthy lifestyle changes that can head off type 2 diabetes, or, at the very least, help control it if it's already present. And researchers are pushing to develop new drugs to help people manage their diabetes more effectively.

"You have to look at the management of diabetes as a package, really," said Ann Albright, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Division of Diabetes Translation. "You really need to be taking advantage of all the tools in the toolbox."

Unfortunately, much of America continues to be slow in picking up those tools, particularly needed lifestyle changes, despite mounting evidence that they're very effective.

In type 2 diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone insulin or the cells "ignore" the insulin, which is needed for the body to use blood sugar, or glucose, for energy. Lack of exercise and being overweight are key contributors to type 2 diabetes.

Some type 2 diabetes medications have come under scrutiny recently after research found that a leading drug, Avandia, seemed to increase the risk of heart attack.

"That created a fair amount of uproar about drug safety in diabetes," said Dr. John Buse, director of the Diabetes Care Center at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and president of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association.

Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have recommended that drugs designed to control type 2 diabetes be subjected to more thorough safety reviews. The FDA has left Avandia on the market, however, concluding that the risk of heart attack isn't higher than that associated with similar drugs.

The concern now is that worries over heart attack have led many people to leave their diabetes untreated, abandoning their medication without picking up other drugs or other means of controlling the disease, Buse said.

"A lot of people stopped their diabetes drugs and didn't start others," he said. "There's a lot of concern that those people have lost control of their diabetes."

Some excitement has been generated by another drug for type 2 diabetes named Byetta, Buse said. The injectable medication not only controls blood sugar, but has been shown to help diabetics lose weight, he said.

That's important, because studies have shown that if a person loses even a small amount of weight, they can decrease their diabetes risk, Albright said. Dropping just 5% to 7% of body weight can help.

"It's not huge amounts of body weight that people need to lose," she said. "Weight loss is the best way to head off type 2 diabetes."

But Byetta comes with its own concerns. The FDA plans to strengthen its warnings placed on the drug after two users died and four others were hospitalized, all for pancreatitis.

Buse said it's too soon to tell whether the drug's problems outweigh its benefits.

"Most of the excitement revolves around the weight loss on top of blood glucose control," he said. "We don't know whether this disease association with Byetta is really happening, because people with diabetes get more pancreatitis."

The concerns over type 2 diabetes medications make the need to prevent people from getting the disease even more apparent. And the best way to head off diabetes is to treat yourself right, Albright said.

"The best data we have is that lifestyle interventions are most effective in preventing diabetes," she said.

A half hour of physical activity most days of the week, adding up to 150 total minutes per week, combined with a low-calorie healthy diet, have been shown to help stave off the onset of diabetes, she said.

Once a person has diabetes, the fight shifts to managing the disease and preventing complications.

"We have a lot of problems that are connected with diabetes," Albright said. "Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol is essential to prevent those complications."

One new tool that could help people control their blood sugar are glucose sensors now being developed that are placed under the skin, Buse said. The sensors monitor blood sugar levels and transmit the information to a sensor.

"You really have to adjust insulin levels based on physical activity and diet, and it can be very tricky," he said. "This gives patients a more continuous way of monitoring their blood sugar."

Added Albright: "It's critical we work on good management of the disease and preventing new cases. It's a two-sided coin we're working with here."

SOURCES: Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director of the Division of Diabetes Translation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta; John Buse, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine, and director, Diabetes Care Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, and president of medicine and science, American Diabetes Association from medicinenet.com

Info High Blood Sugar Linked to Memory Loss

we age may protect against more than diabetes. It may also help prevent age-related memory loss, a new study shows.

Using high-resolution brain imaging, researchers showed that rising blood sugar levels selectively target a key area of the brain linked to memory decline.

The finding suggests that interventions to improve blood sugar, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet, may help both the body and the brain as it ages.

"We have known that exercise improves blood sugar and that it helps prevent age-related memory loss," says lead researcher Scott Small, MD, of Columbia University Medical Center. "In this study, we were able to show the specific area of the brain that is impacted by rising blood sugar."

Blood Sugar and Memory

Focusing on the hippocampus -- the area of the brain associated with memory and learning -- Small and colleagues previously identified a section that was most associated with age-related memory decline.

In their newly published study, the researchers looked at how this area, known as the dentate gyrus, is affected by changes typically seen with aging, such as rising cholesterol, body weight, and blood sugar.

Human and animal imaging studies confirmed that rising blood sugar was the only change directly associated with decreased activity in the dentate gyrus.

Because blood sugar levels tend to rise with age, the finding suggests that monitoring and taking steps to lower blood sugar as we grow older may be an important strategy for preventing age-related cognitive decline for everyone, not just people with diabetes, Small tells WebMD.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, the American Diabetes Association, and the McKnight Brain Research Foundation. It appears in the December issue of the journal Annals of Neurology.

"Beyond the obvious conclusion that preventing late-life disease would benefit the aging hippocampus, our findings suggest that maintaining blood sugar levels, even in the absence of diabetes, could help maintain aspects of cognitive health," Small says in a news release.

Exercise Lowers Blood Sugar

Because exercise improves the ability of the muscles to process glucose, it makes sense that it helps protect cognitive function as we age, Small says from medicinenet.com.

Linda Nichol, PhD, of the National Institute on Aging, tells WebMD that the research may help explain why diabetic people are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

She says studies are under way to determine if drugs that regulate blood sugar can help slow cognitive declines in people with early evidence of the disease.

It is far too soon to say if people who don't have diabetes might benefit from taking the drugs as they get older, she says.

"We already know that physical exercise can help people stay cognitively sharp as they age," she adds. "This study may help explain why."

SOURCES: Small, S.A. Annals of Neurology, December 2008; online edition. Scott A. Small, MD, associate professor of neurology, Sergievsky Center, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York. Linda Nichols, PhD, program director, Alzheimer's Clinical Trials, Division of Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging.