November 2016 - Diabetes Research Connection

Diabetes Research News
November 28, 2016

Imbalance of Bacteriome Profiles Within the Finnish Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study

Original article published by Wiley Online Library on August 22, 2016. Click here to read the original article.

Abstract

Background

We set out to explore associations between the stool bacteriome profiles and early-onset islet autoimmunity, taking into account the interactions with the virus component of the microbiome.

Methods

Serial stool samples were longitudinally collected from 18 infants and toddlers with early-onset islet autoimmunity (median age 17.4 months) followed by type 1 diabetes, and 18 tightly matched controls from the Finnish Diabetes Prediction and Prevention (DIPP) cohort. Three stool samples were analyzed, taken 3, 6, and 9 months before the first detection of serum autoantibodies in the case child. The risk of islet autoimmunity was evaluated in relation to the composition of the bacteriome 16S rDNA profiles assessed by mass sequencing, and to the composition of DNA and RNA viromes.

Results

Four operational taxonomic units were significantly less abundant in children who later on developed islet autoimmunity as compared to controls—most markedly the species of Bacteroides vulgatus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The alpha or beta diversity, or the taxonomic levels of bacterial phyla, classes or genera, showed no differences between cases and controls. A correlation analysis suggested a possible relation between CrAssphage signals and quantities of Bacteroides dorei. No apparent associations were seen between development of islet autoimmunity and sequences of yet unknown origin.

Conclusions

The results confirm previous findings that an imbalance within the prevalent Bacteroidesgenus is associated with islet autoimmunity. The detected quantitative relation of the novel “orphan” bacteriophage CrAssphage with a prevalent species of the Bacteroides genus may exemplify possible modifiers of the bacteriome.

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Diabetes Resources
November 16, 2016

A Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving

Food-heavy holidays, such as Thanksgiving, can be particularly hard for those with type 1 diabetes. Between carb-heavy foods, meals served at odd times to accommodate everyone’s schedules and perhaps even multiple meals with different sides of the family or groups of friends, keeping your blood sugar in check on Thanksgiving day is no easy task.

However, with careful planning and some support from your family and friends, enjoying Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be difficult!

As you’re celebrating, keep the following in mind:

Keep fat content of the foods you are eating in mind. For example, make your mashed potatoes with low-fat milk and margarine instead of butter.
Choose white meat turkey over dark meat, and skip the skin.
Opt for steamed vegetables over casseroles. For example, serve seasoned steamed green beans with salt, pepper and garlic powder instead of green bean casserole.

Thanksgiving Recipes for Diabetes

If you’re responsible for preparing a dish for a potluck or an entire Thanksgiving meal, consider these T1D-friendly takes on traditional Thanksgiving favorites.

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

Recipe from Diabetic Living Online.

The addition of pumpkin makes for a flavorful, low-calorie twist on traditional mashed potatoes.

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Makes 4 servings.

1 pound medium baking potatoes, peeled and quartered

2 cloves garlic, peeled

1 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)

1 tablespoon butter or tub-style vegetable oil spread

1/8 teaspoon ground sage

1/4 cup fat-free milk

1.In a covered large saucepan, cook potatoes and garlic in enough boiling water to cover for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain.

2. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed until nearly smooth.

3. Beat in canned pumpkin, cream cheese, butter, ground sage, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.

4. Gradually add milk, beating until light and fluffy.

5. Return to saucepan; heat through.

Nutrition (per serving): 159 calories, 5 g fat, 3 g saturated fat, 13 mg cholesterol, 206 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 4 g sugars, 4 g protein

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Sweet Raisin-Apple Strudel

Recipe from Prevention.

Whole-wheat phyllo dough makes this dessert a slightly healthier replacement for apple pie.

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Makes 12 servings.

2 granny smith or golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 3 c)

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tablespoons golden raisins

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

12 sheets (17″ x 11″ each) frozen whole wheat phyllo dough, thawed

1/2 cup apricot all-fruit preserves, warmed

1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the apples, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

3. Mix the breadcrumbs and granulated sugar in a small bowl.

4. Place the phyllo on a dry kitchen counter and cover with plastic wrap and a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Remove 1 sheet, spread it flat, and mist with butter-flavored cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1 scant tablespoon of the crumb mixture. Repeat layering to use 4 more of the remaining phyllo sheets and about half of the crumb mixture. Top with 1 phyllo sheet and mist with the cooking spray.

5. Spread with 1/4 cup of the preserves to within 1″ of the edges. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the preserves. Fold 1″ of each long edge over the apple mixture. Starting with the short edge, roll up as tightly as possible. Gently place the strudel, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Mist the top with cooking spray.

6. Repeat to make a second strudel.

7. Using a sharp knife, make several slashes in the top of each strudel.

8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Sprinkle with the confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm.

Nutrition (per serving) 153 calories, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 18 g sugar, 1 g fiber, 121 mg sodium

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DRC & Research News
November 11, 2016

How to Honor National Diabetes Month

Diabetes affects more than 29 million Americans and is the 7th leading cause of death in the US today. While Diabetes Research Connection fights to find a cure for type 1 diabetes every month, we give an extra push during the month of November for National Diabetes Month. There are many ways you can contribute during National Diabetes Month, including our Double Your Dollars campaign, shopping with AmazonSmile, volunteering at a hospital or research center or participating in a walk/run benefiting diabetes. Read below for more details on how you can get involved.

Make Your Donation Count Twice As Much With Double Your Dollars

In honor of National Diabetes Month, DRC is matching every dollar donated to the General Fund (up to $50,000) between now and November 30 through our Double Your Dollars campaign. It is the perfect time to make a difference in the T1D community by donating to our campaign and making your charitable act go twice as far.

Every donation helps early-career scientists launch their ideas and allows 100% of funds directed for T1D research to go directly to the researcher’s laboratory. Donations are critical for us to operate our innovative platform, even though DRC’s operating costs are kept less than 10% of gross revenue.

Make a Difference While Shopping on Amazon

November is the month where most of us start our holiday shopping- the excitement of the good deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are almost too much to bear. If the crowds and late hours of Black Friday intimidate and overwhelm you and Cyber Monday is more your speed, try using AmazonSmile to accommodate all your holiday shopping needs. AmazonSmile is Amazon’s nonprofit charitable support arm and allows the shopper to choose from a variety of charities who will benefit monetarily from their purchases, without any additional cost to the shopper.

To honor National Diabetes Month, you can do your holiday shopping through AmazonSmile and select Diabetes Research Connection as your charity of choice so that a portion of your purchase goes to finding a cure for those with T1D. Visit smile.amazon.com to get started.

Participate in a Walk or Run

A great way to get involved with the fight to find a cure for T1D and honor National Diabetes Month is to participate in a walk/run benefiting diabetes. Not only would it be benefitting a great cause, but doing a walk/run is a great way to be active with a big group of people. There are many options available depending on what area you live, so it helps to do some research to find one that suits your fitness level needs.

Volunteer at a Hospital or Research Center

It’s very easy to find places that need volunteers, such as hospitals or research centers. Not only is it a good time of year to donate your time because of the holiday giving season, but also because of National Diabetes Month- you can opt for a research center or a hospital that specializes in T1D. This is the perfect way to give back for those who can’t donate money.

For more information on how you can get involved in the fight to find a cure for T1D, and to receive frequent updates about DRC, sign up for our newsletter!

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Diabetes Research News
November 8, 2016

Presidential Proclamation — National Diabetes Month, 2016

Original article published by The President of the United States of America on October 28, 2016. Click here to read the original article.

More than 29 million Americans have diabetes — a disease in which the glucose levels in one’s blood are higher than normal. Although the rate of new cases is falling, the numbers are still alarming. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and results in staggering health and financial costs for Americans. With a concentrated effort to reduce the number of new diagnoses and improve treatment and care for those living with this disease, we must continue making progress in the battle against this epidemic. Each year during National Diabetes Month, we resolve to support everyone battling this chronic disease, and we recommit to fighting it so that more Americans can lead a healthy life.

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