Promising effects of beta-glucans on glyceamic control in diabetes

Diabetes is a global burden and a significant public health problem all over the world with an increasing incidence. One of the important factors to prevent and treat diabetes is nutritional therapy. Epidemiological and short-term interventional studies emphasise the association between higher fibre intake and improvements in lipid profile as well as fasting and postprandial glycaemic control. Soluble fibres are more effective for management of diabetes, obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and different cancers when compared with insoluble fibres. The interest in beta (beta)-glucans, soluble fibres has increased due to their multi-functional and bioactive characteristics. They are readiliy available from oat and barley grains. Fermentability and creation of high viscosity solutions in the human intestine constitute the basis of health benefits of beta-glucans. beta-glucans are important compounds for achieving decreased postprandial glucose and insulin responses, and different mechanisms that would explain glucose and insulin reducing effects have been suggested. The effects of beta-glucans on glycaemic control depend on dose, consumption duration, physicochemical features, processing methods, and food form. A significant consideration focuses on consumption of beta-glucans and beta-glucan-included products that could play an important role in management of diabetes by reducing the risk of diabetes-associated complications

Effect of Telehealth System on Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

A close diabetes team-patient relationship is required for establishing satisfactory metabolic control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a telehealth system on diabetes control

Effect of Telehealth System on Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: A close diabetes team-patient relationship is required for establishing satisfactory metabolic control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a telehealth system on diabetes control. Methods: The study was carried out between June 2015 and January 2016 at the Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology Department. The telehealth system was developed by the diabetes team. The demographic characteristics, frequency of use and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes of type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients using this communication network were analysed. Results: Eighty two patients {[}43 (52.4\%) females, mean (+/- standard deviation) age 10.89 +/- 4 years] used the telehealth system. Fourteen (17.1 \%) of the cases were on pump therapy and 59 (72.0 \%) were counting carbohydrates. The individuals with diabetes or their families preferred WhatsApp communication. Whatsapp provided a means for instant messaging in most instances (57.3 \%), contact with diabetes education nurse (32.9\%) and consultation with the diabetes team about insulin doses and blood glucose regulation (42.7 \%). HbA1c values after six months were significantly lower in patients/parents calling frequently (p <0.001) compared with HbA1c values recorded at the beginning of the study. Conclusion: Increase in frequency of counselling by the diabetes team led to improved blood glucose control in T1DM patients. A telehealth system is useful for early detection of the need for changes in treatment and for intervention. It also promoted better self care