#Diabetes

Among Thailand’s lush forests, hidden beneath the embrace of tangled vines and sturdy trunks, grows a climbing shrub with a storied past and promising future: กำแพงเจ็ดชั้น, or Salacia chinensis. Known by myriad regional names such as ตะลุ่มนก, ตาไก้, ขอบกระด้ง, and หลุมนก, this plant has been treasured in traditional Thai and Southeast Asian medicine for centuries. Today, as researchers peel back the layers of its traditional use, they’re uncovering scientific evidence that validates (and in some cases, challenges) the age-old practices of herbalists and healers.

A groundbreaking new study has highlighted a surprising and troubling effect of regularly consuming sugary beverages like soda. Conducted by researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, the research found that sweet drinks provoke an alarming adaptation in the body, prioritizing the absorption of sugar over essential nutrients. This “molecular addiction,” as dubbed by researchers, suggests our dietary habits could be reshaping our metabolisms, with significant implications for our health.

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, a deeper understanding has emerged concerning the consumption of sugary drinks like soda, revealing how these beverages can fundamentally alter our metabolism at a cellular level. The research, which introduces the term “molecular addiction,” demonstrates how regular soda drinking can cause the body to rewire itself, prioritizing sugar absorption over other essential nutrients. These fascinating findings, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, highlight a significant public health issue that extends far beyond mere calorie counting.

As Diabetes Alert Day shines a spotlight on the widespread but underrecognized condition of prediabetes, recent findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and early detection. Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to properly regulate sugar, potentially leading to severe complications like heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage over time. Despite the critical role of prediabetes as a precursor to diabetes, about 80% of individuals with prediabetes remain unaware of their condition, greatly hindering preventive efforts.