Healthy RGV Issue 113

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · APRIL 2018
drinking can’t kill brain cells as previously believed,
but it does damage the dendrites. These are
the branch-like ends of the brain cells. They
are key components in passing messages from
one neuron to another. Any degradation of
the dendrites may cause significant cognitive
impairment.
The research also suggests that any
dendrite damage may be reverse
with specific, targeted therapies and
training, but there are no guarantees
that those treatments will work in every
case. Differing levels have damage can
result in different outcomes.
FIVE NEW TYPES OF DIABETES
Could Mean Targeted Treatment
for Thousands of Patients
For decades, diabetes has been classified as either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, but recently
Swedish researchers have identified five distinct types of the disease and offers the
possibility of targeted treatments for patients. Some of these five types can be more
dangerous than the types of diabetes we’ve long known about. The study dug deeper to
look for specific characteristics.
Together, researchers have created a new
classification system to help medical professionals
identify those who would be at most risk for
complications and may one day allow medical
professionals to treat patients on a more
personalized scale with much more effective
treatments.
From the researchers’ analysis, they were able
to identify five distinct clusters of diabetes that
have distinct characteristics. SIRD, Severe Insulin-
Resistant Diabetes, involved the highest levels
of insulin resistance and offered the highest risk
of diabetic kidney disease. MOD, Mild Obesity-
Related Diabetes, is the most benign of the new
classifications of diabetes. MARD, Mild Age-Related
Diabetes, is another benign form of diabetes.
SIDD, Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes solely
effects young adults with poor metabolic control.
Finally, Severe Autoimmune Diabetes overlaps
with what we currently know as Type 1 Diabetes.
What these new classifications tell us is that it is
possible to help identify those people at higher
risk of complication and will give doctors a
better guide for their treatment choice for their
patients, especially for those suffering from the
most severe forms of this disease – SIDD, Severe
Insulin Deficient Diabetes, and SIRD, Severe
Insulin-Resistant Diabetes. The risk of kidney
complications is substantially increased with SIRD.
With SIDD, the risk of diabetic retinopathy is
higher. With this new-found knowledge, doctors
could target individuals who fall into these
categories and intensify their treatment regimes.
In addition to those who meet the criteria for
these classifications, a new classification system
could benefit those who’ve suffered with diabetes
1 or 2 for many years. It would allow doctors
to specifically target certain segments of their
disease and could give them a clearer path
forward.
This new classification system promotes the
combination of different measurements to form
a much more specific diagnosis and a targeted
treatment plan by going beyond the simple
glucose levels and looking at other factors. It is a
precision oriented finding that could have lasting
results for thousands of people around the world.
In their opinion, this new system could represent
a bold, new step in identifying and managing this
deadly disease. The potential benefits for patients
could be life-changing for patients worldwide.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN DRINKING
HEAVILY AND BRAIN HEALTH (ALCOHOL
AWARENESS MONTH):
For years, research scientists and the medical
community have known that there are negative
long-term effects of heavy alcohol consumption,
but until recently, they’d not yet studied with
overconsumption of alcohol does to the brain
long-term. Recent studies have pointed to
significant brain damage as a result of heavy
alcohol consumption. They’ve found that heavy
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is another brain
disorder that alcoholics could suffer from. In
this condition, memory impairment, significant
confusion, eye paralysis, and decreasing levels
of muscle coordination significantly lessens the
quality of life for those affected. In contrast to
the previously discussed condition, this syndrome
does not lead to brain cell death because it isn’t
the result of the alcohol specifically. It occurs due
to a thiamine deficiency.
Thiamine, an important B vitamin, is crucial
to neuron health. Consuming large quantities
of alcohol leads to a thiamine deficiency
by disrupting the body’s ability to absorb
it. Alcoholics tend to drink more of their
calories, thus, making them malnourished. That
malnourishment adds to the depletion of thiamine
reserves in the body.
For years, we’ve been led to believe that brain cells
are destroyed with high alcohol consumption.
That’s a myth. There’s no evidence that moderate
alcohol consumption kills brain cells or damages
them in any way. In order to actually kill brain
cells, one would have to consume a fatal amount
of alcohol, thus, killing themselves in the process.
While it’s now noted that there can be significant
brain damage, none of the current evidence points
to any actual brain cell damage. However, as noted
previously, there is a strong correlation between
consuming large quantities of alcohol and major
impairments. There is also strong evidence that
heavy consumption of alcohol leads to a vast array
of social and socioeconomic problems.
As with any potential harmful substance, there
are risks that need to be considered. Follow the
healthcare guidelines to avoid these complications.
If you believe you might have an alcohol problem,
seek help before it’s too late. Much of the damage
done as a result of heavy drinking cannot be
reversed. Be proactive in your healthcare and seek
help when needed. Rampant alcohol consumption
may be seen as a harmless norm, but healthcare
professionals and those struck with significant
impairments know all too well just how life-altering
the seemingly harmless substance can be. For
more information about alcohol and how it can
affect you, seek counsel from your healthcare
provider and get the answers and resources you
need to live a long, full life.
26 HEALTHY MAGAZINE