Frequently, when a scientific study sets out to look at a relationship or causative effect between two things, researchers wind up baffled but surprised at what track the study takes, which is where many of the most amazing discoveries happen.
A good example is a study recently released out of Stanford University, in which a professor there examined his own body for a period of almost 2 years.
He looked at almost everything possible, from blood chemistry, immune system, and even DNA- and discovered along the way a completely unexpected cause of type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Mike Snyder out of Stanford University may have unlocked the hidden answers to why some people develop type 2 diabetes with seemingly no warning at all.
Generally, people who develop type 2 diabetes are on a progressive path that usually includes obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and other symptoms and conditions that make up what is called Metabolic Disorder.
Then, they progress on to becoming pre-diabetic, an actual diagnosis that is given when fasting blood glucose levels rise to between 100-125. Once levels are over 125 consistently, the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is given.
Much of the time this process takes months- even years- to roll out.
But some people wind up with type 2 diabetes and have seemingly no warning at all that they were headed for it. Their weight is normal, blood glucose levels unremarkable, nothing to warn the health care provider that danger is on its way- until now.
Enter Dr. Snyder. In his study, among the many measurements and recordings he looked at blood glucose levels. At about day 289 of the study, Dr. Snyder developed a respiratory syncytial viral infection, or RSV infection.
Within 6 weeks, his formerly normal glucose levels skyrocketed to 150.
Why the sudden change?
RSV and many other viruses have a tendency to “tinker” with genetic code once they invade a host. Even though the main symptoms of an RSV infection are all respiratory, widespread inflammation and damage can occur in many organs and systems throughout the body.
Not all people that have RSV develop diabetes, though. However, doctors don’t always look at fasting glucose levels following a respiratory illness- leading researchers and others to conclude that it could be happening with much frequency, but the connection just isn’t being made.
As well, some people may just be more genetically predisposed to developing certain conditions following a viral infection.
While the study on its own isn’t enough to compel doctors to routinely check blood sugar levels after every RSV diagnosis, it is certainly enough to warrant much more research, and the team in Dr. Snyder’s study reportedly would like to expand the next study from 1 participant to 50.
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Interesting study of dedicated scientist. I wonder if more extended research would confirm the study results in a future.. We’ll find out. Keep us posted Blueheron !
That is surprising that respiratory viral infection can trigger sugar levels to rise. It seems that one has nothing to do with another. Well, I will show this article to my doc next time I am doing my check up. It never hurts to have more information.
It sounds like it is the inflammation that may be causing the additional problems, so maybe not unrelated.
Numerous doctors believe inflammation is THE primary cause of other diseases as well.
amazing yet I have always looked at diseases like diabetes as an inflammatory disease…as most of the diseases we "contract"….best approach is anti-inflammatory dieteating organics with appropriate supps…stay away from OTCs and antibiotics that destroy the natural response to viruses, etc.
No one in my famly had diabetesType II, nor Type 1, that I know of. I developed Type II, quickly, and did not respond to pills; began Lantus, insulin using 1 injection daily. I have had often and many infections since being very young. High blood suger came along after a year or so of HBP. Had very much inflamation; ate according to what would help with much inflmation. My inflamation levels are normal now. Stuck with hard to medicate HBP, and Type II Diabetes. Still changing eating habits; still doing all I can for HBP and the Diabetes. Both spike high often regardless what I am doing. I need a break. Have also now, something resembling an immune difficiency such as RA, or Lupus. !st great physician researched; and came up with Behcets, I believe he is correct. MS was proven not to be my problem; as a rumatologist had thought. I have a need to shake all thought out of my head, for a while. I do regularly eat rice bran, oat bran and a few other cholesteral lower natural foods, mostly added to my chicken salad, or to homemade soups. Also take lots of tiny gels of vitamin D. Have brough those levels up to 26, from 7. Yes, 7.
I read Blue Heron news ravenously; I appreciate their concern, and their research, their darling writers, as well as the men researcher/writers. Just not grumpy georgia; )
I have been losing weight, w/o trying! I cough all the time! Weak! No energy! Can’t find out what’s wrong with me!!
I will follow-up on these, as I am a bit skeptical Hope you understand.,
love and appreciate this information!!!
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