Common Pathogenetic Pathways of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two cardinal manifestations of the metabolic syndrome, which is becoming a growing global pandemic and a health care burden. They constitute a pathogenetic duo, with complex interplay through interrelated, but still partly understood, pathophysiological pathways, which mainly involve lipid toxicity (expressed through increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis, hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance, upregulated lipolysis, lipoprotein abnormalities, hyperinsulinemia), impaired autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, adipose tissue dysfunction with a consequent latent inflammatory state, inflammasome activation, genetic and epigenetic factors, altered gut microbiota and finally dietary factors. In this review, based on data from recent studies and focusing mainly on common molecular mechanisms, we will highlight the common pathophysiological grounds and the interplay between NAFLD and T2DM.

Tahini consumption affects blood pressure and endothelial function in healthy males.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamin E, and lignans. Recent studies have highlighted the antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and appetite-control properties of sesame seeds and sesame oil.

Low-Glycemic-Index/Load Desserts Decrease Glycemic and Insulinemic Response in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease whose prevalence is growing worldwide. Consumption of desserts with low glycemic index (GI) and low glycemic load (GL) in a balanced hypocaloric diet has a positive impact on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the glycemic and insulinemic response after consumption of desserts with low GI/GL in patients with T2DM.

Steroid-induced diabetes in rheumatologic patients.

Glucocorticoids are widely used to suppress inflammation - especially in the acute phase - in several inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatologic diseases. Despite their efficacy, their long-term use or at high doses is associated with numerous well-characterised side effects. Hyperglycaemia or frank diabetes is one of the most common, as its prevalence is estimated between 10-20%.

A study of glycemic response to Corinthian raisins in healthy subjects and in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

This study was designed to evaluate the metabolic response to Corinthian raisins in healthy and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Healthy subjects (n = 15) and diabetic patients (n = 15) received 74 g raisins or 50 g glucose as reference food. Blood samples were collected at time 0 (before the consumption) and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after raisin or glucose consumption.