#Diabetes

Aspartame, the popular calorie-free artificial sweetener featured in thousands of food and drink products across Thailand and the globe, is under renewed scrutiny after recent research highlighted its potential health risks despite decades of widespread use. While aspartame has long been promoted as a guilt-free alternative to sugar—especially for those managing weight or diabetes—nutrition experts caution that its effects may not be entirely benign, prompting Thai consumers to reconsider their dietary choices in light of emerging evidence.

Psyllium husk—known for its ability to transform into a gel after contact with water—has gained increasing popularity among health-conscious consumers in Thailand and beyond. Sourced from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, this gentle bulk-forming fiber is frequently touted as a remedy for constipation, blood sugar control, weight management, and even heart health. But as trendy as it may seem, understanding both its benefits and drawbacks is essential for anyone considering its use, especially within Thailand’s unique dietary and cultural context.

A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that semaglutide, a drug already in use for managing diabetes and obesity, is poised to transform treatment for a widespread and potentially deadly liver condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This discovery is seen as a potential game-changer in the medical field, offering hope to millions of patients in Thailand and worldwide who currently face limited therapeutic options for this silent, progressive disease.

NASH is a severe type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by liver inflammation, fat buildup, and tissue damage not caused by alcohol. If untreated, NASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even lead to liver failure requiring transplantation. In Thailand, the prevalence of NAFLD, which often precedes NASH, is climbing in parallel with rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes, mirroring a global pattern seen in recent years (biomedcentral.com, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The latest study, as reported by ScienceAlert, demonstrates that semaglutide can lead to marked improvements in liver health and may soon provide a much-needed treatment option for millions.

Scientists have uncovered a potential natural alternative to Ozempic, the popular diabetes and weight-loss medication, by tapping into the power of gut microbes that can regulate blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings. The latest research, led by a team from Jiangnan University in China and published in Nature Microbiology, points to the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and its metabolites as key players in stimulating the body’s natural production of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar and satiety. While initial results are based on animal studies, this discovery raises fresh hope for safer, more accessible strategies to treat diabetes—potentially transforming the landscape for millions of people in Thailand and around the globe who struggle with blood sugar management and sugar cravings [ScienceAlert].

A new wave of scientific research has reinvigorated the debate over brown versus white rice, sparking interest among health enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand, where rice is deeply woven into daily life. Recent findings reported by The Washington Post explore the distinct health profiles of brown and white rice, a topic of high relevance for Thai consumers who rely on rice as a dietary staple. The research not only highlights the nutritional advantages of brown rice but also examines how daily rice choices may influence aging and chronic disease risk.

A sweeping new review of recent medical research offers fresh insights into the effects of diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle choices on health — with practical lessons that are especially relevant to Thai readers navigating modern wellness challenges. Drawing from studies published in the past year and synthesised by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the investigation examines topics ranging from the “addictiveness” of ultra-processed foods to the importance of plant oils, the benefits of yoga for knee pain, and the role of healthy habits in brain health. This collective evidence serves as timely guidance for households across Thailand looking to make informed decisions amid changing food environments and health concerns.

Diabetes deaths in the United States have dropped to their lowest levels in recent years, according to early figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signalling pivotal progress against one of the world’s most persistent chronic diseases. The preliminary data, released this week, show a significant decline in diabetes-related mortality, prompting cautious optimism among healthcare professionals and patients alike CBS News.

For Thailand, where diabetes is one of the top three leading causes of death and a major public health concern, this trend is particularly relevant. Thai health officials and specialists regularly reference global best practices to inform local strategies. The dramatic reduction in diabetes deaths seen in the US, if proven durable, could offer valuable insights for policymakers at the Ministry of Public Health and clinicians across the country.

A recent surge of interest in the intersection of hydration and blood sugar management has driven nutrition experts to develop recipes aimed at achieving both goals simultaneously, according to the latest report by EatingWell. The new recommendations, unveiled in an article titled “26 Hydrating Recipes for Better Blood Sugar,” highlight how thoughtfully combining fluid-rich foods with low glycaemic ingredients can support stable glucose levels — a matter of growing concern among Thai readers and the global community alike.

A newly viral claim that eating raisins could help you live longer has captured the public’s imagination, with many headlines suggesting these humble dried grapes might boost your lifespan—though not without caveats and tongue-in-cheek warnings about side effects such as “making your leg drop off.” With such bold claims circulating, Thai readers are left wondering: is there real science behind eating raisins for health and longevity, and what should we take from these sensational reports?

Recent scientific developments are rewriting the dietary narrative around carbohydrates, raising key questions for health-conscious Thais: are bread, pasta, and rice truly bad for you, or have we misunderstood these staples? Drawing on emerging global and local research, nutrition experts are dispelling myths and clarifying that the context in which we eat carbohydrates matters as much as their quantity or type, according to a detailed report in The Sunday Times Magazine.

For decades, the nutrition spotlight has shone on protein—essential for muscle building and widely marketed as the hero of health. But a wave of new research and expert commentary is propelling dietary fiber into the foreground, suggesting that many people should prioritize fiber as much—or even more—than protein for overall well-being. This shift carries crucial lessons for Thai diets dominated by white rice, noodles, and increasingly processed foods, underscoring a potential public health opportunity with national significance.

A growing body of global research is spotlighting an increasingly simple, yet potentially transformative, dietary strategy: meal sequencing—eating your foods in a specific order, starting with protein and fiber-rich vegetables and ending with carbohydrates. Recent studies reveal that not only what you eat, but the order in which you eat it, can have powerful effects on blood sugar, appetite, and long-term health, especially for Thai people seeking practical ways to prevent diabetes and manage weight.

As diet sodas, low-calorie snacks, and “sugar-free” treats line supermarket shelves across Thailand, consumers are turning in increasing numbers to artificial sweeteners in hopes of enjoying sweet flavors without the adverse health effects of sugar. However, a growing wave of scientific research is challenging the widespread belief that artificial sweeteners are a healthier choice, suggesting instead that these calorie-free sugar substitutes may bring their own health risks — including increased appetite, fat accumulation, and potentially heightened risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, according to a recent exposé published by The Independent and corroborated by the latest global studies (The Independent).

Imagine if simply changing the order you eat your food could help control blood sugar, manage your weight, and even combat cravings. That’s the promise behind the latest buzz in nutritional science: meal sequencing, specifically, eating protein first, then fiber, before carbohydrates. A surge of recent international research, now gaining attention in Thai media and public health circles, suggests this simple trick might make a big difference for people trying to prevent diabetes and obesity, two major health concerns in Thailand.

As the hot season in Thailand ushers in brighter mornings, many Thais might wonder whether a simple stroll through Lumpini Park or their local soi really counts as exercise. According to the latest research and guidance from fitness experts, not only does walking qualify as real exercise, but this humble activity brings a surprising range of physical and mental health benefits—prompting experts here and abroad to call on more Thais to make regular walking part of daily life (CNET).

A new study is putting the simple act of walking in the spotlight, revealing that just five minutes of walking for every 30 minutes of sitting can drastically reduce blood sugar spikes—by up to 58 percent. This accessible “exercise snack” approach not only highlights a low-barrier way for Thais to improve metabolic health, but may also help offset the growing public health concerns around diabetes and sedentary lifestyles common in modern Thai society. The findings, which have gone viral in international health media and have sparked notable discussions on social platforms, carry direct real-world implications for Thailand, where office culture and urban living habits often lead to prolonged sitting throughout the day.

A wave of new research is highlighting the powerful benefits of the Mediterranean diet—particularly its effectiveness at supporting healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Inspired by the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean region, this diet’s health credentials are being reinforced by both nutrition science and practical, easy-to-prepare recipes such as those recently featured in EatingWell’s article “19 Easy Mediterranean Diet Lunches To Support Healthy Blood Sugar” (source). With diabetes and metabolic syndrome growing concerns in Thailand, these new findings offer fresh hope and actionable guidance for Thais looking to adopt healthier eating habits.

As Easter season draws crowds to chocolate aisles and Thai shoppers reach for imported indulgences, many wonder: is dark chocolate truly a healthier choice, or another sweet myth? The answer paints a nuanced portrait of Thailand’s growing appetite for cocoa—balancing pleasure, health, and tradition in a global context.

With the British Retail Consortium reporting some 80 million Easter eggs sold annually in the UK alone, questions about chocolate’s health effects surge each April. But the issue isn’t just seasonal—it’s increasingly relevant in Thailand, where chocolate consumption is rising and premium dark chocolate is taking center stage. According to Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a UK-based dietitian interviewed in The Times’ recent analysis, “Dark chocolate can be a nutritious addition to the diet in moderation. It contains polyphenols, especially flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have been linked to benefits such as improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and potentially improved heart heath” (original article, The Times, 2025-04-19).

Berberine, a plant compound gaining global popularity and recently dubbed “nature’s Ozempic,” is capturing the attention of health-conscious Thais and practitioners alike. Marketed as a supplement for everything from weight loss and diabetes to cholesterol reduction, this herbal extract is now backed by a wave of recent scientific studies. But does the hype stand up to clinical scrutiny, and what should Thai consumers and healthcare providers know before jumping on the trend? Drawing on the latest research and expert opinions, we untangle the facts, the risks, and the promise of berberine for Thailand’s growing health-supplement market.

In India, the “pot belly” was once seen as a mark of affluence and success. Considered synonymous with aging gracefully or living a life of ease, it was a common archetype reflected in novels, films, and even cartoons. However, what was once a cultural depiction of prosperity has transformed into a major health concern. With India ranking second globally in obesity rates as of 2021, according to a Lancet study, an alarming 180 million Indians were categorized as overweight or obese. This number is projected to skyrocket to 450 million by 2050, nearly enveloping a third of the nation’s estimated population.

For centuries, the shimmering grey seeds and medicinal leaves of Savad—also known in Thai as ป่าขี้แฮด or หวาด—have played a quiet but consequential role in traditional healing across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Emerging from the branches of its thorny shrub (Caesalpinia bonduc), this ancient remedy is more than just folklore; it represents a fascinating nexus where spiritual belief, cultural tradition, and the frontiers of pharmaceutical science meet. As modern research peels back layers of inherited knowledge, Savad’s story exemplifies both the promise and the complexity of traditional medicine in a contemporary world, offering hope and inspiration for those seeking holistic health solutions.

As Thailand grapples with the increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease, a new wave of information brings attention to the early symptoms that diabetics cannot afford to overlook. According to a recent article originally published by the Hindustan Times source, symptoms such as swollen feet and persistent nausea are being highlighted as potential warning signs of kidney failure, especially in individuals managing diabetes. Recognizing these symptoms early could be pivotal in averting dire health outcomes like dialysis or kidney transplants.

Across the villages and forests of Thailand, a modest tree with glossy leaves and orange-tinged wood has played an unassuming yet vital role in local healing for generations. Known in central Thai as “ma kang daeng” and by various regional names like “mui daeng” or “taloompok daeng,” this botanical treasure—identified by scientists as Gardenia erythroclada Kurz—is a pivotal piece in the living mosaic of Thai herbal medicine. While ancient healers prized its woody heart and fragrant bark, today’s researchers are probing its secrets, uncovering scientific clues that may explain the enduring respect for this woodland remedy.

The rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, known scientifically as semaglutide, has sparked global interest due to their impressive ability to assist in weight loss. However, recent discussions raise alarms regarding their impact on patients with eating disorders. This concern is especially poignant in the context of Thai society, where body image issues and dietary habits are influenced by unique cultural and social dynamics.

Ozempic acts by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates insulin and slows stomach emptying, enhancing the feeling of fullness. It is celebrated as a “miracle drug” for weight management, yet its appetite-suppressant properties may pose risks to individuals prone to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. According to Dr. Kimberly Dennis, a U.S. psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders, such medications could act as “rocket fuel” for these disorders, potentially exacerbating unhealthy eating behaviors in vulnerable patients. This sentiment is echoed by Pamela Keel, a psychologist with expertise in eating disorders, who warns against prescribing these drugs to malnourished individuals.