Summary of Effects of Encapsulated Propolis on Blood Glycemic Control, Lipid Metabolism, and Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Rats

The research article EFFECTS OF ENCAPSULATED PROPOLIS ON BLOOD GLYCEMIC CONTROL, LIPID METABOLISM, AND INSULIN RESISTANCE IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELITUS RATS writen by Yangjing Li(from Zhejiang Univesity), examines the effects that ncapsulated propolis has on blood glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. (Propolis is a safe natural products which is a resinous hive material collected by honeybees from various plant sources. It is a popular folk medicine possessing a broad spectrum of biological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory)

In the method, the dependent variable is Male Sprague-Dawley rats of about 270~370g. The independent variable is Propolis, which was obtained from colonies of honeybees. During experimental session, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and injected with low-dose STZ 4 times every 6 days to induce the animal emerge T2DM symptom. For the grouping part, T2DM rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups via fasting glucose and fasting body weight: model control group, low-, middle- and high-dose encapsulated propolis group, and positive control group. These 5 groups were continued on their HFD for the duration of the study. 

The results show that at the beginning of drug administration, there were no differences in body weight. At the following 10 weeks period of drug administration, the body weight of each group increased gradually. Three weeks after drug administration, the body weight of model control group increased significantly than normal control group contemporary, and body weight of encapsulated propolis treated groups increased at equal pace with model control group; however, the body weight of T2DM rats treated with positive drug increased quicker than model control group, and had significant difference on 7th and 10th week of drug administration.

In conclusion, this research displays that encapsulated propolis exert multiple beneficial effects in fat-fed, streptozotocin-treated type 2 diabetes. Improvement of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidaemia is associated with a marked increase of insulin sensitivity. This study brings new light on innovational ways in treating type 2 diabetes. Further experiments are expected to gain more information and supports on clinical applications.  

The original study is retrieved from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118452/?tool=pubmed

Diabetes and physical activity

Diabetes and physical activity

Chronic diseases, just as its name implies, is related to some long-term habit which can influence our body gradually. In fact, by merely changing our daily routine a bit, we can make a big difference in reducing the occurrence of diseases. As known, for keeping away from unhealthy life and diseases, physical activity is undoubtedly the best way to follow. In this blog, I’ll mainly talk about the relationship between diabetes and physical activity.  

(health information, 2010)

Diabetes is a chronic disease marked by high levels of sugar in the

blood. (PubMed health, 2010)  High blood pressure, family history, and obesity are all hidden causes of it. Fortunately, regular exercise helps with blood sugar control, weight loss, and high blood pressure. People with diabetes who exercise are less likely to experience a heart attack or stroke than those who do not exercise regularly.(PubMed health, 2010) We can also see it clearly from the diagram above that those who keep doing exercise have obvious decreased risk of developing diabetes.

Additionally, medical research is also found to be supportive. Early in 1991, a research carried out using questionnaires to examine patterns of physical activity and other personal characteristics in relation to the subsequent development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in 5990 male alumni of the University of Pennsylvania. The results display that increased physical activity is effective in preventing NIDDM, and the protective benefit is especially pronounced in persons at the highest risk for the disease. (Helmrich, 1991)

what type of exercise should we choose?

According to Canadian diabetes association, both aerobic and resistance exercise are important for people living with diabetes. For aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, running, swimming, dancing, and hockey, work your heart and lungs and carry oxygen to your muscles.  For resistance exercises such as weight training, increase muscle strength and complement the benefits of aerobic exercise. If you decide to begin resistance exercise, you should first get some instruction from a qualified exercise specialist and start slowly. (Canadian diabetes association, 2011)

How much is enough?

Your goal should be to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous- intensity aerobic exercise each week, (e.g. 30 minutes, 5 days a week).You may have to start slowly, with as little as 5 to 10 minutes of exercise per day, gradually building up to your goal. (Canadian diabetes association, 2011)

Finally, do keep in mind that whenever you are prepared to have exercise, it must be under instruction. Because inappropriate exercise may not only not helping  but can increase the danger risks.  

References:

Helmrich (1991), physical activity and reduced occurrence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Retrieved from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2052059

PubMed health (2011)

Retrieved from:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002194/

Canadian diabetes association (2011). Physical activity and diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.ca/files/PhysicalActivity.pdf

Health information (2010)

Retrieved from:

http://www.casavis.org/2010/06/diabetes-exercise-questions-answered/