STEM CELLS - Stem cells have the ability to change into other types of cells. Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer. Stem cells are already being used to treat leukemia and some joint repairs. Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body that can be described as "shape shifters." These cells have the ability to change into other types of cells. Stem cells are at the center of a new field of science called regenerative medicine. Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer. They may also be used to regenerate organs, reducing the need for organ transplants and related surgeries. Stem cells are like little kids who, when they grow up, can enter a variety of professions. A child might become a fireman, a doctor or a plumber, depending on the influences in their life -- or environment. In the same way, these stem cells can become many tissues by making certain changes in their environment. Embryonic and fetal stem cells have the potential to morph into a greater variety of cells than adult stem cells do. Stem cells from fat have the ability to mature into other types of specific cells, including muscle, bone and cartilage.

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Stem Cells

What are stem cells and what are they used for?

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Stem cells have the ability to change into other types of cells. Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer. Stem cells are already being used to treat leukemia and some joint repairs.

HowStuffWorks

  

Stem cells are unprogrammed cells in the human body that can be described as "shape shifters."

These cells have the ability to change into other types of cells.

Stem cells are at the center of a new field of science called regenerative medicine.

Because stem cells can become bone, muscle, cartilage and other specialized types of cells, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes and cancer.

Eventually, they may also be used to regenerate organs, reducing the need for organ transplants and related surgeries.

"Stem cells are like little kids who, when they grow up, can enter a variety of professions," Dr. Marc Hedrick of the UCLA School of Medicine says.

"A child might become a fireman, a doctor or a plumber, depending on the influences in their life -- or environment. In the same way, these stem cells can become many tissues by making certain changes in their environment."

Stem cells can typically be broken into four types:

·      Embryonic stem cells - Stem cells taken from human embryos

·      Fetal stem cells- Stem cells taken from aborted fetal tissue

·      Umbilical stem cells - Stem cells take from umbilical cords

·      Adult stem cells - Stem cells taken from adult tissue

Embryonic and fetal stem cells have the potential to morph into a greater variety of cells than adult stem cells do.

In April 2001, researchers at UCLA and the University of Pittsburgh found stem cells in fat sucked out of liposuction patients. Previously, stem cells were found only in bone marrow, brain tissue and fetal tissue -- sources that have caused both logistical and ethical problems.

Stem cells from fat have the ability to mature into other types of specific cells, including muscle, bone and cartilage, but how many other types is still unknown.

Prior to being transplanted into a person's tissue to begin regeneration of that tissue, stem cells have to go through differentiation.

Differentiation is the process by which scientists pre-specialize the stem cells, almost like preprogramming the stem cells to become specific cells.

These cells are then injected into the area of the body being targeted for tissue regeneration.

When stem cells come into contact with growth chemicals in the body, the chemicals program the stem cells to grow into the tissue surrounding it.

Stem cells are already being used to treat leukemia and some joint repairs.

For example, a bone-marrow transplant is accomplished by injecting stem cells from a donor into the bloodstream of the patient.

Stem cells from bone marrow also have the ability to repair the liver. Researchers are studying stem cells to find out if they could correct brain damage resulting from Parkinson's disease.

The next step will be to learn what influences stem cells to change into particular types of cells.

Once that's known, it will be possible to grow cells that perfectly match those of the patients.

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UNDERSTANDING INSULIN RESISTANCE - When the body blocks insulin from doing its job - The bodies of many people with diabetes are fighting a quiet war against the essential hormone insulin. This conflict is called insulin resistance, and while it's a hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, it can also affect those with type 1. Just why a person fails to respond properly to insulin is something of a mystery. In people who have neither diabetes nor insulin resistance, eating a typical meal will cause blood glucose levels to rise, triggering the pancreas to produce insulin. The hormone travels through the body and induces fat and muscle cells to absorb excess glucose from the blood for use as energy. As the cells take up glucose, blood glucose levels fall and flatten out to a normal range. Insulin also signals the liver — the body's glucose repository — to hold on to its glucose stores for later use. However, people with insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, have built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective. As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it. In response to the body's insulin resistance, the pancreas deploys greater amounts of the hormone to keep cells energized and blood glucose levels under control. (This is why people with type 2 diabetes tend to have elevated levels of circulating insulin.) The ability of the pancreas to increase insulin production means that insulin resistance alone won't have any symptoms at first. Over time, though, insulin resistance tends to get worse, and the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin can wear out.

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Understanding Insulin Resistance

When the body blocks insulin from doing its job

By Erika Gebel, PhD

The bodies of many people with diabetes are fighting a quiet war against the essential hormone insulin.

This conflict is called insulin resistance, and while it's a hallmark of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, it can also affect those with type 1.

Just why a person fails to respond properly to insulin is something of a mystery.

But there are ways to make the body more receptive to insulin, which can help prevent or ameliorate diabetes.

Building Up Resistance

In people who have neither diabetes nor insulin resistance, eating a typical meal will cause blood glucose levels to rise, triggering the pancreas to produce insulin.

The hormone travels through the body and induces fat and muscle cells to absorb excess glucose from the blood for use as energy.

As the cells take up glucose, blood glucose levels fall and flatten out to a normal range.

Insulin also signals the liver — the body's glucose repository — to hold on to its glucose stores for later use.

However, people with insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, have built up a tolerance to insulin, making the hormone less effective.

As a result, more insulin is needed to persuade fat and muscle cells to take up glucose and the liver to continue to store it.

In response to the body's insulin resistance, the pancreas deploys greater amounts of the hormone to keep cells energized and blood glucose levels under control. (This is why people with type 2 diabetes tend to have elevated levels of circulating insulin.)

The ability of the pancreas to increase insulin production means that insulin resistance alone won't have any symptoms at first.

Over time, though, insulin resistance tends to get worse, and the pancreatic beta cells that make insulin can wear out.

Eventually, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin to overcome the cells' resistance. The result is higher blood glucose levels (prediabetes) and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes.

Insulin has other roles in the body besides regulating glucose metabolism, and the health effects of insulin resistance are thought to go beyond diabetes.

For example, some research has shown that insulin resistance, independent of diabetes, is associated with heart disease.

Behind the Battle

Scientists are beginning to get a better understanding of how insulin resistance develops.

For starters, several genes have been identified that make a person more or less likely to develop the condition.

It's also known that older people are more prone to insulin resistance.

Lifestyle can play a role, too; being sedentary, overweight, or obese increases the risk for insulin resistance.

Why? It's not clear, but some researchers theorize that extra fat tissue may cause inflammation, physiological stress, or other changes in the cells that contribute to insulin resistance.

There may even be some undiscovered factor produced by fat tissue, perhaps a hormone, that signals the body to become insulin resistant.

Doctors don't usually test for insulin resistance as a part of standard care.

In clinical research, however, scientists may look specifically at measures of insulin resistance, often in an effort to study potential treatments for insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

They typically administer a large amount of insulin to a subject while at the same time delivering glucose to the blood to keep levels from dipping too low.

The less glucose needed to maintain normal blood glucose levels, the greater the insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance comes in degrees, with important health implications for people with diabetes.

The more insulin resistant a person with type 2 is, the harder it will be to manage the disease because more medication is needed to get enough insulin in the body to achieve target blood glucose levels.

Insulin resistance isn't a cause of type 1 diabetes, but people with type 1 who are insulin resistant will need higher insulin doses to keep their blood glucose under control than those who are more sensitive to insulin.

As with type 2, people with type 1 may be genetically predisposed to become insulin resistant. 

Or they may develop resistance due to overweight. 

Some research indicates that insulin resistance is a factor in cardiovascular disease and other complications in people with type 1.

Counterattack

While it may not be possible to defeat insulin resistance entirely, there are ways to make the body cells more receptive to insulin.

Getting active is probably the best way; exercise can dramatically reduce insulin resistance, in both the short and long terms.

In addition to making the body more sensitive to insulin and building muscle that can absorb blood glucose, physical activity opens up an alternate gateway for glucose to enter muscle cells without insulin acting as an intermediary.

This reduces the cells' dependence on insulin for energy.

This mechanism doesn't reduce insulin resistance itself, but it can help people who are insulin resistant improve their blood glucose control.

Weight loss can also cut down on insulin resistance. 

No one diet has been proved to be the most effective.

Some evidence suggests, though, that eating foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates can worsen insulin resistance.

Research has also shown that people who undergo weight-loss surgery are likely to become significantly more sensitive to insulin.

No medications are specifically approved to treat insulin resistance.

Yet diabetes medications like metformin and thiazolidinediones, or TZDs, are insulin sensitizers that lower blood glucose, at least in part, by reducing insulin resistance.

While fighting an invisible foe may seem daunting, there are effective tactics to combat insulin resistance.

Losing weight, exercising more, or taking an insulin-sensitizing medication may get the body to bend once again to insulin's will, bringing about good blood glucose control and better health.

The Diabetes Forecast brand provides accurate, timely, and friendly information about all aspects of living with diabetes or prediabetes, including food, fitness, weight loss, medications, research, and well-being for the entire family. Hope and inspiration, including real-life stories and reader-submitted content are other key ingredients in the editorial mix. Diabetes Forecast content address the broad spectrum of people living with diabetes— from those newly diagnosed with diabetes to people who have been living with the condition for decades.
In 2013, Diabetes Forecast magazine was awarded the Best Publication Redesign Gold award from the American Society of Healthcare Publication Editors. Diabetes Forecast is also included in the National Diabetes Education Program’s Diabetes HealthSense website.

http://www.diabetesforecast.org/2011/jun/understanding-insulin-resistance.html

DEHYDRATION - Dehydration occurs when your body does not contain the amount of water it needs in order to function properly. While mild dehydration can be rectified by quenching your thirst, at its most severe, dehydration can be life threatening. It’s completely normal to lose water through your body each day, through sweat, breath, urine, faeces, saliva and tears. However, if you don’t replace this water, by drinking or eating foods with a high water content, you will likely become dehydrated. If you're thirsty, chances are you know to reach for a glass of water. But for small children and the elderly, it's not always apparent. Common signs of dehydration include dry skin, dizziness, increased thirst, a dry mouth, tiredness, lethargy and dark urine. There are several signs of dehydration, but it can vary from person-to-person, depending on how severe the dehydration is. Young children and the elderly may not recognise when they are thirsty so it's important to look out for the key signs. Young babies, toddlers and the elderly are most prone to getting dehydrated. If your child has a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, it’s important that you do not stop them drinking. Dehydration in older people can cause serious risks if it gets severe, including kidney stones, fainting and low blood pressure. Mobility issues can increase an elderly person’s chance of suffering from dehydration.

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Dehydration

Are you dehydrated? Here’s how to tell

The telltale signs you're not hitting your daily water quota

By Claire Chamberlain

With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees in England this week, staying hydrated and hitting your daily water quota is essential to avoid dehydration.

But what is dehydration exactly, and how do you know if you’re dehydrated?

Dehydration occurs when your body does not contain the amount of water it needs in order to function properly.

While mild dehydration can be rectified by quenching your thirst, at its most severe, dehydration can be life threatening.

We speak to Dr Andrew Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient, about the symptoms of dehydration and the telltale signs you're not hitting your daily water quota.

Causes of dehydration

It’s completely normal to lose water through your body each day, through sweat, breath, urine, faeces, saliva and tears.

However, if you don’t replace this water, by drinking or eating foods with a high water content, you will likely become dehydrated.

Other risk factors of dehydration include:

·     You have been vomiting or have diarrhoea.

·     You have a high fever.

·     You have a sore throat (meaning you may not want to drink or eat much).

·     You have done vigorous exercise.

·     You have heatstroke.

·     You have drunk lots of alcohol.

·     You are on diuretic medication (which makes you need to wee more frequently).

·     You have diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration

If you're thirsty, chances are you know to reach for a glass of water. But for small children and the elderly, it's not always apparent.

Fortunately, there are a number of signs to look out for which indicate you may need to hydrate.

Common signs of dehydration include dry skin, dizziness, increased thirst, a dry mouth, tiredness, lethargy and dark urine.

‘There are several signs of dehydration, but it can vary from person-to-person, depending on how severe the dehydration is,’ says Dr Thornber.

‘However, the most common signs include dry skin, dizziness, increased thirst, a dry mouth, tiredness and lethargy, lack of energy, very dark urine (or not peeing enough), a rapid heartbeat and – in the worst cases – fainting.’

Dehydration in babies and children

Young children and the elderly may not recognise when they are thirsty so it's important to look out for the key signs.

‘Young babies, toddlers and the elderly are most prone to getting dehydrated,’ says Dr Thornber.

If your baby or young child is dehydrated, you may notice these additional symptoms, as well as the symptoms listed above:

·     Playing less and seeming subdued or irritable.

·     No wet nappies for three hours or more.

·     A sunken fontanel (the soft spot on top of your baby’s head).

·     A lack of actual tears when they cry.

Treating dehydration in babies and young children

As soon as you notice your baby or young child may be dehydrated, offer them water to drink (babies under one year should be given the chance to breastfeed as often as they wish, or offered formula milk).

Young children may refuse plain water, in which case you could try the following:

• Offer them milk or very diluted squash.

• Spoon-feed them small amounts of water – little and often is best.

• Offer them slices of melon, strawberries or grapes (cut in half lengthways).

• Offer them an ice lolly.

If your child has a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, it’s important that you do not stop them drinking.

Encourage them to take regular small sips of water. You should also offer them a rehydration solution – speak to your pharmacist about which is the best choice for your child.

If your child refuses all offers of drink or food, and you are in any way concerned about their level of dehydration, call 111 for advice.

You may be advised to visit your local A&E department, where (in serious cases) your child may be rehydrated using an IV drip.

Dehydration in the elderly

Dehydration in older people can cause serious risks if it gets severe, including kidney stones, fainting and low blood pressure.

Mobility issues can increase an elderly person’s chance of suffering from dehydration: if they are unable to easily stand and move around independently, they will be far less likely to regularly get up to fetch themselves a glass of water.

Treating dehydration in the elderly

The best way for all of us to rehydrate and avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place is to drink plenty of water.

'Coffee, tea, fruit juice, sweetened beverages, fruits and vegetables all contain water, so if someone you know does not like drinking plain water, try to encourage them to up their intake of these other drinks or foods containing water,’ says Dr Thornber.

The best way to rehydrate and avoid becoming dehydrated in the first place is to drink plenty of water.

'Jellies, ice lollies and melons are all good alternatives, especially when encouraging an elderly person to increase their fluid intake,' adds Dr Thornber.

'Encourage them to keep a water jug or bottle close by, so they’re more inclined to drink more often.’

Make sure the water container isn’t too big though, as they may struggle to lift and pour it.

Instead, it’s better to use a smaller jug that you can refill regularly for them.

‘You can also try using an app or set an alarm to remind them to drink at regular intervals, especially at mealtimes,’ advises Dr Thornber.

Treating dehydration during a sickness bug

If you have been unwell with a sickness or diarrhoea bug, you will likely have lost water, as well as other vital nutrients.

‘It can sometimes be hard to keep drinking and to keep fluids down, but try to sip small amounts of fluid on a regular basis, to keep hydrated and replenish what you have lost,’ advises Dr Thornber.

'It would also be good to try to drink a rehydration solution (added to water), as these contain sugars and salts, which your body will have also lost.’

Speak to your pharmacist to help you decide which rehydration solution may be best for you.

CLAIRE CHAMBERLAIN Contributor

Claire is a freelance writer specialising in health, fitness and wellbeing.

NetDoctor, part of the Hearst UK wellbeing networkNetdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a27414/symptoms-of-dehydration/