DiabetesDiabetes Alert:Alert: Breaking News on the Latest Diabetes Research

San Mateo County Employee Health & Fitness Program June/July 2005 The beverage that contained the highest level of Can an Herb Replace Diabetes Meds? salacia oblonga (1,000 mg vs. 0mg, 400mg and 700mg) provided the most dramatic reduction in This is a question researchers are trying to answer and their first, just published, study shows promise for the future use of salacia insulin and blood glucose levels. Insulin levels oblonga in controlling blood glucose levels. were 29% lower and blood glucose levels were This issue of Diabetes Alert highlights a recent 23% lower when compared to the control (0mg) research study published in the January 2005 drink. The 500mg and 700mg doses did not issue of the American Dietetic Association. cause a significant reduction in blood insulin  What is salacia oblonga ? and glucose levels. Breath hydrogen excretion Salacia oblonga is an herb native to the regions did increase with each increasing dose of of India and Sri Lanka. It has been used in salacia oblonga but the reports of gastro- traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes. It intestinal discomfort were minimal. is not widely available in the United States but is known as an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. Alpha-glucosidases are the enzymes in the small Comments on the Study intestine that help to break carbohydrates into This research is a great step in learning more sugar. Therefore the theory is that if salacia about how this herb may affect blood glucose oblonga can bind these enzymes, then less and other markers of diabetes health but it’s not carbohydrate will be broken down into sugar yet time to buy salacia oblonga for your own and less sugar absorbed into the blood. use. Keep in mind these considerations:  How was the study done? Study size and participants ~ There were only Thirty-nine non-diabetics were given four 39 subjects in this study, hardly enough for us to different concentrations of salacia oblonga in a know how most people respond to salacia beverage as part of a meal. Their blood insulin oblonga. Furthermore, the participants were and blood glucose levels were tested fasting and non-diabetics. two hours after each of the test meals. A breath Safety ~ Because this herb has not been studied hydrogen and methane excretion test was also extensively, we do not know how safe it is for performed as a way of measuring intestinal gas long term use. Of particular interest for future since gastrointestinal discomfort is one of the studies is the herb’s effect on kidney and liver potential side effects of this herb. function.  What were the results? Side effects ~ Although participants reported minimal gastro-intestinal discomfort, common side effects of salacia oblonga are nausea and abdominal cramping, distention and gas. Reference – Lack of herbal supplement regulation ~ Below is the complete reference for the study Salacia oblonga is not widely available and highlighted in this issue of Diabetes Alert. certainly not available in the beverage format that was tested in this study. Because the Heacock, P.M, Hertzler, S. R, Williams, J.A. supplement industry has very few safety and and Wolf, B.W. (2005) Effects of a purity standards required of them, it is a “buyer medical food containing an herbal alpha- beware” type of transaction. glucosidase inhibitor on postprandial hypoglycemia and insulinemia in healthy Bottom Line for You adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Although the use of salacia oblonga may be Association, 105, 65-71. recommended in the future, right now the safe way to lower your blood glucose is to follow the guidelines of your health care team including: Diabetes Cooking Demo ~ July ‘05 Moderating your carbohydrate intake ~ Get some summertime healthy eating ideas by Approximately 40 to 55% of your day’s intake attending this cooking demonstration led by should be carbohydrate foods including fruits, dietitian and diabetes educator Carolyn McCune. vegetables, grains (cereal and bread products) She’ll be sharing tips for quick and healthy and dairy foods. Remember, spreading your diabetes meal preparation and offering you carbohydrate intake over the course of the day, samples of recipes prepared in class. rather than in one or two main meals, helps keep blood glucose lower. San Mateo: Exercise most days of the week ~ Any form of Wednesday, July 20th activity you do, whether it’s walking or a 12noon – 1:30pm th workout at the gym, lowers blood glucose. Not 222 W. 39 Ave, Classroom 1 only is increased activity a safe way to lower Class is limited to 30 people and pre- your blood glucose but it improves other blood registration is required; call (408) 808-1333 or levels (eg. cholesterol, pressure) too! email [email protected]. Class is conducted Test your blood glucose daily ~ Most people on County time with your supervisor’s approval. with diabetes should be checking their blood glucose one to four times a day (the frequency depends upon how well your diabetes is Diabetes Support Group ~ Monthly controlled). Fasting and two-hour post-meal As the result of employee interest, we are numbers are the most useful information for launching a monthly Diabetes Support Group your healthcare team to review. offered to County employees and family members who are looking for support, inspiration and ideas. The meetings in 2005 will be facilitated by registered dietitian, Toni Bloom, MS, RD. All meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 12noon- 1pm in Redwood City at 455 County Center. The dates and locations are:

July 13 Room 501 August 10 Room 501 Sept 14 Room 401 Oct 12 Room 401 Nov 9 Room 501 Dec 14 Room 501 Diabetes Management ~ December ‘05 This class consists of two information-packed sessions, each 4 ½ hours long, taught by Registered Dietitian, Toni Bloom, MS, RD. The first class covers the types of Diabetes, complications, medications and lab tests. The second class is devoted to nutrition management, meal planning and carbohydrate counting. Redwood City: San Mateo: Dec. 8 & 15 Dec. 1 & 7 8am – 12:30pm 8am – 12:30pm 455 County Ctr 222 W. 39th Ave Room 501 Classroom 1 Pre-registration required; call (408) 808-1333 or email [email protected]. Class is conducted on County time with your supervisor’s approval.

For more information: Employee Health & Fitness Program www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/eps/hf