Diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic issues are on the rise worldwide and are strongly associated with obesity. A growing body of research indicates that the ketogenic diet and keto-adaptation may play a role in mitigating metabolic dysfunction and related chronic disease concerns. In this talk, ketogenic diet researcher and expert Jeff Volek, PhD, RD emphasizes a case method approach for managing chronic health issues—specifically, via carbohydrate restriction and ketosis. Dr. Volek is a Professor in the Department of Human…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  One-year results from a new long-term clinical trial demonstrate that, compared with the usual guideline-based care, a more aggressive weight management program implemented at primary care practices can effectively help patients achieve type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission [1]. Researchers from Newcastle University (Newcastle City, UK) and University of Glasgow (City of Glasgow, UK) conducted a cluster-randomized trial (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, or DiRECT) at 49 primary care practices in Scotland and Northeast region of England. A total of…

by Ashley Jordan Ferira, PhD, RDN With over 70% of US adults overweight or obese,1 weight loss methods that are effective and sustainable over the long-term are critically needed. A National Institutes of Health (NIH) study led by Kevin D. Hall, PhD investigated how physical activity (PA) and energy intake (EI) impacted long-term weight loss in participants from “The Biggest Loser” TV competition.2 “The Biggest Loser” is a televised weight loss competition involving an intensive diet and exercise program (30…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  Increased blood ketone levels following consumption of a ketone ester drink delayed the onset of hunger in conjunction with a delayed rise in plasma ghrelin levels, a human study found.1 Ketogenic diets are linked to decreased appetite and altered gut hormone levels; however, it is less clear whether elevated blood levels of ketone body (as opposed to other dietary ingredients) were responsible for the observed changes. Researchers from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at…

Hypertension (HTN) affects more than a third (32.6%) of Americans and is a major risk factor for heart disease and mortality.1 Unfortunately, the exact mechanisms as to development and maintenance of this condition are yet to be understood. It has been suggested that HTN is associated with a fundamental defect in the ability for the kidneys to excrete sodium.2 Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP) is a measurable, physiological, trait where an increase in dietary sodium intake leads to an increase in…

During periods of over-nutrition, excess energy is stored in white adipose tissue (WAT); continuing expansion of WAT may lead to obesity. Obesity alters the cellular physiology of adipocytes, the cells of WAT. In the context of obesity, adipocytes secrete elevated levels of free fatty acids and adipokines, but decreased levels of adiponectin. These pathophysiologic changes have many effects. Elevated free fatty acids contribute to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired arterial flow regulation Download the PDF

The clinical results of a randomized controlled research study that showed a diabetes-specific nutrition formula for glucose control in combination with a structured dietary plan resulted in significant reduction in HbA1c levels and body weight in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to an individualized dietary plan alone. The study, conducted by the Joslin Diabetes Center, was presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 76th Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, Louisiana. "Effective management of A1c levels, while challenging, is…

Type 2 diabetes is an increasing global health issue, which benefits from ongoing research in medical nutrition therapy. All attempts to introduce a modified diet, reduced caloric intake and physical activity have been shown to assistance patients experiencing glucose toxicity. Impaired glucose tolerance causes many health issues, including cardiovascular disease. This review covers the criteria for diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes research completed by Osama Hamdy, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Obesity Clinical Program, at the Joslin Diabetes Center.…

by Bianca Garilli, ND, IFMCP A common concern in peri- and postmenopausal years is weight gain, typically 1.5 pounds per year during the fifth and sixth decades of life and shown to be independent of a woman’s initial body size or race/ethnicity. It was previously believed that the increase in weight coincided with the onset of menopause most likely due to the drop in estrogen levels. Although declining estrogen levels has, in fact, been shown to lead to an increase…