The widely used anti-diabetic drug Metformin is able to boost the immune system and increase the potency of vaccines and cancer treatments, says a new study¹ published in the June 3 2009 issue of Nature. Researchers at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania made the discovery that metformin increases the efficiency of the immune system's T-cells.

A Medical College of Georgia study has shown that individuals with schizophrenia are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.

In the study, 50 people newly-diagnosed with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders with no other known risk factors were looked at. 16 percent either had diabetes or an abnormal rate of glucose metabolism, says Dr. Brian Kirkpatrick, MCG Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior.

Researchers at University of Texas School of Public Health have found evidence that patients with Type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis. The cause is compromised immune systems, leading to difficult to treat lung infections.

It was reported previously that Type 2 diabetes was the leading risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) in the United States/Mexico border area and multiple other studies in Asia and elsewhere have confirmed this observation. The UT School of Public Health team has now led three new studies that revealed key findings:

Your doctor will tell you how to monitor your blood glucose level and how often to do this. Monitoring your glucose level is an important tool in managing your diabetes.

Food, activity levels, stress, medications can all affect your glucose level in your blood. You can stay healthy if you monitor your blood glucose level when instructed.

In order to self-monitor your blood glucose level you will need a glucose meter, alcohol pads, sterile finger lancets and test strips. Check with your insurance plan to see if these supplies are covered.

Glucose Meter Systems

Today there are advances being made in glucose meter systems that are less painful and quicker. What follows is the basic information for a typical meter.

It is important to wash your hands and to dry them well before testing your blood.

Use an alcohol pad to clean the area that you will be pricking to draw the blood.

We all want to be healthy and most try to do what needs to be done in order to achieve maximum health. Diabetics seem to face more obstacles when it comes to controlling their health due to having to monitor blood glucose levels.

Unfortunately it is those glucose levels that affect the status of their health so much. The disease diabetes can even have an impact on your gums and teeth. Diabetics can take action to have healthy teeth and gums.

High blood glucose aids germs, called bacteria to grow, even on your teeth and gums. Gums can become red, sore, and swollen and can bleed when bacteria has gathered on the gums. High blood glucose can cause tooth and gum problems for the individual with diabetes. This can even lead to tooth loss.

It Is Important For your Health