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High blood sugar, especially after meals, poses significant health risks for individuals with type 2 diabetes. This condition is often worsened by insulin resistance, which reduces the effectiveness of insulin in muscles and the liver. Chronic high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, affect the peripheral nervous system, and increase the risk of severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and reduced sensation in extremities.

Prof. Amir Tirosh from Sheba Medical Center, along with Dr. Gal Tsaban and Prof. Iris Shai from Ben-Gurion University, investigated the effects of Mankai on post-meal blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Mankai is known for its high protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidant content. The study, published in Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolism earlier this month, found that drinking a Mankai beverage after dinner led to an approximate 20% reduction in post-meal blood sugar levels, lower peak sugar levels, and a faster return to baseline levels. This effect was observed in about two-thirds of the participants.

The trial involved 45 participants with diabetes and glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) levels between 6.5% and 8.5%. Participants were randomly assigned to consume either a 300 ml Mankai drink or an equivalent volume of water after dinner for two weeks, followed by a switch in interventions for another two weeks. Blood sugar levels were monitored continuously using glucose sensors and standard laboratory tests throughout the study.

Mankai, which grows naturally in water and is now cultivated under controlled conditions, has shown promise in previous research for improving vascular and brain health, reducing abdominal and liver fat, and positively influencing the microbiome. Early studies also suggest that Mankai may help lower post-meal blood sugar levels even in individuals without diabetes.

Dr. Gal Tsaban remarked, “The study demonstrates that consuming Mankai after meals can lead to significant reductions in blood sugar levels. This finding introduces a promising new option for managing diabetes and reducing associated complications.”

Prof. Iris Shai added, “These results highlight the potential of Mankai as a valuable tool for diabetes management and warrant further investigation.”

Prof. Amir Tirosh concluded, “Nutrition plays a crucial role in both the development and management of diabetes. Incorporating Mankai into the diet can enhance blood sugar control and provide beneficial nutrients that support overall health.”

Reference:

Gal Tsaban et al, The effect of Mankai plant consumption on postprandial glycaemic response among patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized crossover trial, Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism (2024). DOI: 10.1111/dom.15840

The Vector Control Unit will conduct its fogging programme in several Christ Church and St George districts this week, in its fight against mosquito-borne illnesses.

On Monday the team will spray Briar Hall Gardens Nos 1 to 3, Warners Terrace, Warners Park, Warners Park North, Vauxhall No 2, Vauxhall Gardens, Barracks Road, and surrounding areas.

The following day the Unit will target Adams Castle, Vauxhall, Sheraton Park, Elizabeth Park, and Regency Park.

It will be turn of Bartletts Tenantry, Sargeant’s Village, Browne’s Road, Garners Garden, Warners Garden, and Tino Terrace on Wednesday.

On Thursday Fort George Heights, South Ridge, Upton Terrace, Kent Ridge, Little Kent, The Grove, St David’s, and Staple Grove will be fogged.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude in St George and Christ Church, on Friday in Hanson Crescent Drive, South District, Watts Village, Boarded Hall, Lower Greys, Dayrells Hill, Valley Vista, and Frere Pilgrim.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray. Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time.

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Santo Domingo – No active cases of monkeypox have been reported in the country at the moment; however, the Ministry of Public Health has informed that it is carrying out the corresponding studies to rule out some reports.
The information was released by the Minister of Health, Victor Atallah, who stated this Saturday that, despite the many reports, no specific case has been proven.

“All those that are reported to us we are informing them and doing the appropriate work,” said Atallah, while making the caveat that the oropouche is not found in Dominican territory and is a disease that is treated like any other vector-borne disease.

According to the minister, there is no need to travel to treat Oropouche, and the same measures will be followed against dengue.

“Oropouche is a disease that is current in many countries. We detected it because we did investigations in cases that were negative to dengue, and we searched, right now we do not have active cases, but we continue monitoring and falling back to the diseases,” he said.

Santo Domingo – According to epidemiological reports from the Ministry of Public Health, the circulation of influenza A (H3N2) is the only respiratory virus detected this week during the sentinel surveillance in the country’s health facilities.

In its epidemiological bulletin 33, released yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health also reported a low incidence of dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis cases. It highlights that from 2023 to 2024, 1,724 new cases of hepatitis were reported to the surveillance system.

The report, which records cases up to August 17, reports that only one case of dengue was reported in the last week and that, to date, 1,032 confirmed cases of the disease have been registered. The provinces of Santiago, Puerto Plata, and Duarte account for 49% of those infected.
Dengue is a disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and affects people of all ages. Symptoms range from mild to incapacitating fever, accompanied by intense headache, pain behind the eyes, pain in muscles and joints, and erythema.

Regarding malaria, the epidemiological report indicates that no new cases were reported in the last week and that 31,176 suspected cases have been reported so far this year, of which 718 have been confirmed. It indicates that the onset of symptoms has significantly decreased in the last three weeks compared to the previous three weeks.
The report also indicates that during the last week, only one suspected case of rosis was reported in a 15-year-old male resident of Santo Domingo. To date, 355 suspected cases have been reported, of which 31 have been confirmed. It notes that the most significant decrease in cases reported this year was recorded last week.

Hepatitis B and C
The Ministry of Public Health dedicated the edition of the epidemiological bulletin for week 33 to the topic “Advances of the HIV, STI, and Hepatitis Program in the Dominican Republic.””
It reports that from 2023 to 2024, 1,724 new cases of hepatitis have been reported to the surveillance system, with the most affected age group being female, aged 60 years or older.
This indicates that the five liver units report having approximately 650 patients treated with Hepatitis B.

The report states that in the Dominican Republic 2023, 1,724 cases of Hepatitis B and 1,001 cases of Hepatitis C were reported. Likewise, 557 births to mothers with Hepatitis B were reported.
It emphasizes that vaccination against hepatitis B is part of the Division of Immunopreventable by Vaccines (DIV) and is administered to all newborns, following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations. It also highlights the actions aimed at prevention and guaranteeing the treatment of patients that the country maintains.