DIABETES
WALKING COMPARED WITH VIGOROUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RISK
OF TYPE 2 DIABETES IN WOMEN
Strong epidemiologic evidence suggests that physical activity
is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. However,
the role of moderate-intensity activity such as walking
is not well understood. Therefore, a study was carried out
to examine the relationship of total physical activity and
incidence of type 2 diabetes in women and to compare the
benefits of walking versus vigorous activity as predictors
of subsequent risk of developing the disease. The study
group consisted of 70,102 women aged 40 to 65 years who
did not have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer
at baseline. During 8 years of follow-up there were 1,419
incident cases of type 2 diabetes. After adjusting for age,
smoking, alcohol use, history of hypertension, history of
high cholesterol, and other covariates, the relative risks
(RRs) of developing type 2 diabetes across quintiles of
physical activity (least to most) were 1.0, 0.77, 0.75,
0.62, and 0.54. After adjusting for body mass index (BMI),
RRs were 1.0, 0.84, 0.87, 0.77, and 0.74. Among women who
did not perform vigorous activity, multivariate RRs of type
2 diabetes across quintiles of MET score for walking were
1.0, 0.91, 0.73, 0.69, and 0.58. After adjusting for BMI,
the trend remained statistically significant. Faster walking
pace was independently associated with decreased risk. Equivalent
energy expenditures from walking and vigorous activity resulted
in comparable magnitudes of risk reduction.
Hu, F.B. et al
J.A.M.A. 1999, 282 (15) 1433-39
MAGNESIUM - A VITAL MINERAL
Magnesium is a mineral that is abundant both in nature
and in the human body, where it is involved in the activation
of more than 300 enzymes and body chemicals. The Department
of Health has set the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for
magnesium at 300mg per day. However, many nutritionists
now feel that the average world RNI should be set at 450mg
per day. A survey in 1994 showed that 72% of women and 42%
of men aged between 19 and 50, and 89% of females aged 16-18
years do not achieve the RNI for magnesium. Low levels of
magnesium in the diet and in our bodies increase susceptibility
to a variety of diseases, including heart disease, high
blood pressure, kidney stones, cancer, insomnia, PMS, and
menstrual cramps. Signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency
are fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, heart
disturbance, problems in nervous conduction and muscle contraction,
muscle cramps, loss of appetite, insomnia and predisposition
to stress. Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning
of the entire cardiovascular system. Because magnesium contributes
greatly to the strength of contraction by heart muscle,
magnesium supplementation has been found to be helpful in
the management of angina, atherosclerosis, intermittent
claudication and high blood pressure.
One of the most important components of any osteoporosis
programme is magnesium. As much as 60% of all magnesium
in the body is found in the bones. A defect of bone crystal
formation in magnesium-deficiency women is thought to be
one of the factors that increase fracture risk.
Magnesium works in many ways to preserve the health of
the nervous system. During times of stress, magnesium stores
are depleted and large amounts of this mineral are lost
in the urine. With its ability to exert a calming effect
on the nervous system together with its muscle relaxing
role, magnesium, taken 30-40 minutes before retiring, may
help those suffering stress or insomnia.
Studies have shown a low intracellular magnesium content
in patients with bronchial asthma. Magnesium deficiency
can also increase the release of histamine into the bloodstream.
Thereby increasing allergic reactivity in general.
Magnesium also plays a central role in the secretion and
action of insulin. Without adequate magnesium levels within
the body’s cells, control over blood sugar levels
is impossible.
Magnesium has also been found to play a role in the aetiology
of migraines, fibromyalgia, PMS, kidney stones and attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Williams, E.
NUTRIT. PRACT. 1999,1 (3) 27-9
TIGHT BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL REDUCES RISKS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
Many patients with type 2 diabetes have hypertension. In
three reports the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study
Group shows that in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes
tight control of blood pressure (mean 144/82 mmHg over nine
years, compared with 154/87 mmHg in controls) resulted in
a 24% reduction in any diabetic complications (macrovascular
and microvascular) and a 32% reduction in death related
to diabetes (mostly from myocardial infarction and strokes).
Another report shows that tight control of blood pressure
is cost effective and comparable with other widely supported
preventative strategies.
Another study comparing the use of an ACE inhibitor and
a beta-blocker found that both were equally effective in
reducing blood pressure and incidence of diabetic complications.
UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group
BMJ no.7160, 703-713, 713-720, 720-726
