The use of low-carbohydrate diet in type 2 diabetes - benefits and risks.

The pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes is increasingly being supported by the recommendation of an appropriate diet. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential benefits and risks arising from the use of one of the modern models of low-carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. Research shows that diet can favourably affect the health of diabetic patients. It has been shown that diet affects positively the concentration of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, and also contributes to the reduction of insulin taken in the course of drug therapy. At the same time, short-term studies have demonstrated a positive relationship of nutrition with reduction in body weight, as well as favourable changes in lipid profile of HDL cholesterol and levels of triglyceride. Attention is also drawn to the negative health effects of a low-carbohydrate diet; these include an increased risk of mineral deficiency, hypovitaminosis and reduced intake of dietary fibres. This diet may be associated with very high levels of protein which, in turn, raises the risk of renal dysfunction and the appearance of irregularities in the water and electrolyte balance. The impact of changes in the skeletal system and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis is also observed. Besides the positive impact of this model of diet on the lipid profile parameters, its use significantly increases the risk of adverse changes in other markers predisposing to atherosclerosis occurring in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In composing a nutrition model for diabetes patients, both the benefits and potential risks of a low-carbohydrate diet should therefore take into account. At the same time, it is important to individualize the diet used, based on the current state of health, used pharmacological treatments, as well as taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient.

Benefits and risks associated with genetically modified food products.

Scientists employing methods of genetic engineering have developed a new group of living organisms, termed 'modified organisms', which found application in, among others, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and food distribution. The introduction of transgenic products to the food market resulted in them becoming a controversial topic, with their proponents and contestants. The presented study aims to systematize objective data on the potential benefits and risks resulting from the consumption of transgenic food. Genetic modifications of plants and animals are justified by the potential for improvement of the food situation worldwide, an increase in yield crops, an increase in the nutritional value of food, and the development of pharmaceutical preparations of proven clinical significance. In the opinions of critics, however, transgenic food may unfavourably affect the health of consumers. Therefore, particular attention was devoted to the short- and long-lasting undesirable effects, such as alimentary allergies, synthesis of toxic agents or resistance to antibiotics. Examples arguing for the justified character of genetic modifications and cases proving that their use can be dangerous are innumerable. In view of the presented facts, however, complex studies are indispensable which, in a reliable way, evaluate effects linked to the consumption of food produced with the application of genetic engineering techniques. Whether one backs up or negates transgenic products, the choice between traditional and non-conventional food remains to be decided exclusively by the consumers.

Influence of prednisolone on glucose and uric acid transport across peritoneal membrane in vitro.

Prednisolone and other glucocorticosteroids are used by some peritoneal dialysis patients because of underlying diseases such as peritonitis. Although corticosteroids are potent inhibitors of various processes during inflammation, their influence on the transport properties of peritoneum is little known. Our study investigated the influence of prednisolone (0.001 g/dL) on glucose (1.8 g/dL) and uric acid (0.02 g/dL) transfer across isolated parietal peritoneum taken from the anterior abdominal wall of white Hyplus 59 rabbits and placed inside a modified Ussing-type chamber. Values for transfer from the interstitial (I) to the mesothelial (M) side of membrane (I-->M) and in the opposite direction (M-->I) were calculated using the mathematical model of mass transport and are expressed as a coefficient of diffusive permeability [P (in centimeters per second)]. Four separate series of experiments were done. In the first and second series, we respectively examined glucose transport under control conditions (for 120 minutes) and then before (15-60 minutes) and after (75-120 minutes) introduction of prednisolone on the M side of the membrane. In the third and fourth series, similar studies of uric acid transfer were done. In the control (first and third) series, the stability of bidirectional transport for solute of interest was observed. The values of P +/- standard error of the mean (all x0.0001) for I-->M and M-->I transfer of glucose were, respectively, 2.489 +/- 0.329 cm/s and 2.259 +/- 0.493 cm/s. In the case of uric acid, the transport values were lower and amounted 1.936 +/- 0.324 cm/s and 1.895 +/- 0.596 cm/s for I-->M and M-->I respectively. Application of prednisolone on the M side of membrane lowered bidirectional transfer of glucose across peritoneal membrane by a mean of 73% (p < 0.02) and transport of uric acid by a mean of 19% (p < 0.003). These results show that, in vitro, prednisolone lowers glucose and uric acid transport across the peritoneal membrane, modifying the transfer dynamics of glucose to a greater extent. These observations may have clinical importance, especially in patients with disorders of peritoneal permeability, diabetes, and hyperuricemia.