Exercise, diet best for cutting diabetes risk

Getting more exercise, eating a low-fat diet and losing some weight can prevent diabetes and may be more effective than medicinal drugs, according to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers found that when people at risk for diabetes changed their lifestyles, their chances of developing the disease dropped by 58 percent compared with people who did little except to take a placebo.

Another similar study conducted in the US found a link between lifestyle changes and adult-onset diabetes. Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the study suggested that a diet rich in red meat, high-fat dairy products and baked goods made with refined sugar increases the likelihood of developing adult-onset diabetes.

On the other hand, a diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry cuts the chances of getting diabetes. Type 2 or adult-onset diabetes accounts for 90 percent of the estimated 16 million diabetes cases in the United States.

The US study complements the campaign of the Department of Health, which is promoting locally cultivated plants with medicinal properties, such as ampalaya (Makiling variety) as one of the 10 plants for public consumption.

Initial laboratory and clinical studies have revealed that ampalaya (Makiling variety) can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics. Currently, the National Research Program on Medicinal Plants, based at UP-PGH, is still conducting a Phase III clinical trial on the Makiling variety.

Altermed Corp., marketer of Amargozin ampalaya capsule, uses only organically grown and properly processed ampalaya.