One of the most recent substantial studies that was published with regards to this topic was an analysis of 22 295 Greek individuals who were followed up for over 11 years. The study provided an interesting analysis of data from a larger study called European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition (EPIC). One finding that was particularly noteworthy was the finding that there was a relationship between low carbohydrate diets and the chance of developing diabetes. According to the lead researcher, individuals on a diet high in carbs were 21% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This was in stark contrast to individuals on a low carbohydrate diet who had 12% risk.

Another area of research that has been emerging over the last ten years is the field that suggests that there is a potential relationship between a diet low in carbohydrates and the development of heart disease. The most famous study, which was published in 2006 in New England Journal of Medicine, indicated that there was a statistically significant relationship between a diet low in carbohydrates and good cardiovascular health for women. Given that the study had followed 82 802 women for nearly 20 years the findings inspired further (albeit somewhat inconsistent) studies.

However, one of the key issues that has been highlighted in many previous studies looking into the effects of diets low in carbohydrates is that they have rarely considered the different types of carbohydrates individuals take in. No study has ever supported that carbohydrates should not form a part of healthy diet, but there have been discussions about the types of carbohydrates that may be better suited to a healthy diet. Harvard School of Public Health Provided a comprehensive review here.

Given that research has looked at two major areas related to individual health, it should not be surprising that supermarkets in the UK have followed with healthier options that have been labelled as lower in carbohydrates. Although many research findings have been encouraging, it is also clear that a lot of research is required before it is seen as a reliable fact. Until it is decided whether diets low in carbohydrates are fact or fiction, perhaps it is best to stick to the common sense idiom of everything in moderation.

More can be read on the subject of low car diets here - http://www.lowcarbdiet.org.uk/low-carb-diets/

The study, which was published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, was a prospective study that incorporated double-blind procedures and compared placebo-control groups. In total, 37 participants took part. Of those, 11 were diagnosed as obese, 11 were diagnosed as type 1 diabetics and 13 were considered lean and otherwise healthy participants. Each of these groups was further split into two groups that received either the treatment (glucagon) or the placebo. The key findings indicated that participants that had type 1 diabetes or were lean felt more satiated if they were in the treatment group, whereas this was not the case for obese individuals who received glucagon. Instead, both groups of obese participants, and the control groups that had type 1 diabetes or were lean felt less satiated after receiving a placebo. Based on this, the researchers suggested that further research should consider whether the release of glucagon could be dysregulated in obese patients, which in turn can affect how satiated a person feels.

There are many aspects of the current study that are promising. We were impressed by how highly controlled the study appeared to be. For example, the measures of how full the participants felt and whether ghrelin (a hormone related to glucagon) increased appeared very reliable. In addition, it is commendable that the study utilised a double blind design, and that the comparison between type 1 diabetes and obesity was explored in the findings and helped exclude explanations relating to glucagon and insulin. Yet, it is understandable that it was not perfect and that more research including larger samples would be needed.

We would be particularly keen to see how future findings would apply to a clinical setting for treatment of obesity. For instance, on a rudimentary level it could be valuable to see whether the use of glucagon in treatment would help or hinder planning of portion sizes. Similarly, it would be valuable to know when the threshold is reached for the potential dysregulation to occur.

Today, answers to these questions remain unknown. However, the role glucagon appears to play in how full individuals feel, especially when it comes to obese individuals and individuals with diabetes is currently being investigated. It is our hope that future studies clarifying whether this is an avenue worth considering for developing treatments for the millions of patients that currently suffer from obesity, diabetes or both.

If you are interested in getting regular obesity related news then we recommend this website that is devoted to this subject – www.obesitycare.co.uk

This might seem an irrelevant detail. However, a recent study, by Dr. Romaguera-Bosh and the InterAct Consortium, has found an association between the chance of getting type 2 diabetes and drinking a can of fizzy drink a day. The 350,000 people (living in 8 different European countries) monitored for this study have helped us understand that the risk of getting diabetes type 2 increases 18% if we have a fizzy drink every day (22% if body mass weight and energy intake is not taken into account). Isn’t it a massive difference with regards to our general health? I think so. Other previous studies have found similar results.

If you are overweight or obese (i.e. if your BMI is over 25) then you should consider drinking mostly water, low-fat milk or unsweetened teas. This will help you not only lose weight, but also prevent you from the risk of having diabetes problems later on. Did you know that approximately a can of coke has got more or less 10 spoons of sugar? Imagine what a shock it is to our bodies.

Alcohol though, in moderation, has been found to help lower the risk of diabetes, especially in overweight individuals. However, it is not a recommendable daily option. It can be considered a healthy alternative for the special occasions, particularly when in company of an old friend –or a new one. Wine has been found out to be the best alcoholic drink out of all that lowers the risk of diabetes type 2. This is definitely good to know, but it is important to remind ourselves that the word ‘moderation’ is key here.

So if you have made the decision of cutting back, consider doing it for all aspects of your life. If you are really serious about eating healthily and caring about your body, these studies can help you pinpoint what you might be doing wrong. After all, knowing is half the battle.