by Bianca Garilli, ND Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, leads to pain and loss of feeling in the hands, arms, feet and legs. The incidence of neuropathy is approximately 45% for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and is responsible for more hospital admissions than all other diabetic complications combined; as well as accounting for 50-75% of non-traumatic amputations.1-2 The most common pharmaceutical treatments utilized in DPN cases include analgesics and anti-depressants along with physical therapy,…

A meta-analysis including 12 studies that included > 280,000 participants found that both obesity and underweight are associated with an increased risk for migraines.1 Prior research had indicated an association between higher weight and migraines and while exact mechanisms are not known, it has been postulated that overweight individuals may have increased adipose tissue secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased adipocytokines, and increased circulating sex hormones all of which may play a role in migraine development and severity. Studies have also shown patients…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  An editorial perspective, recently published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) obesity-themed issue, helps to explain the growing interest in the ketogenic diet for weight and type 2 diabetes (T2D) management [1]. Many people successfully lose weight via diet over the short haul; however, because of physiological adaptations, it becomes much more difficult to maintain that weight loss in the long run. As a result, a majority of people regain their weight—and sometimes more. Interestingly, accumulating evidence suggests…

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released their latest National Diabetes Statistics Report— and the news is not optimistic. The report indicates that one in 10 (30.3 million) US adults has diabetes, while more than one in three–or 84.1 million–has prediabetes. What is even more disconcerting is that 90% of those with prediabetes are not aware of their condition!  As the CDC report notes, most people with prediabetes do not know that they are at high risk to progress to…

A recent article  published in a recent edition of Preventing Chronic Disease: Public Health Research, Practice and Policy proposes a shift from discussing BMI and weight loss with patients in the provider’s office, to focusing on the topics of awareness and education surrounding healthy life habits, physical activity in particular.  Authors Emily Dollar and team encourage an emphasis on cardiorespiratory fitness over body size to minimize the risk of stigma associated with overweight and obesity and increase collaboration between patient and provider.…

In Part 2 of this 2-part series, ketogenic diet expert Jeff Volek, PhD, RD, reviews the critical need for nutritionally based management options in obesity treatment. Dr. Volek discusses the ketogenic diet and its safety, efficacy, and outcomes in patients with obesity. In this presentation you will learn how to personalize and implement a safe and effective ketogenic diet in a real-world clinical practice. Dr. Volek is a Professor in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University. For…

by Milene Brownlow, PhD The metabolism of exogenous ketones, in ester vs. salt forms, are explored. Highlights Ketone ester (KE) drinks elevated blood βHB to a greater extent (>50%) than Ketone salt (KS) drinks, while KS drinks increased blood levels of L-βHB, which was metabolized more slowly Both drinks had similar effects on FFA, TG, glucose and electrolyte concentrations, although only KE significantly decreased blood pH below normal range Consumption of a meal prior to KE intake decreased total blood…