A new study has found that taking a daily aspirin can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
The study found that those over the age of 65 who took low-dose (100 mg per day) aspirin were 15 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Experts believe the common pain reliever reduces inflammation, which is a major driver of the disease.
But they warn of an increased risk of bleeding in the elderly from aspirin, which means it should only be taken regularly after a doctor's advice, as is the case after a heart attack.
The researchers wanted to test the effect of aspirin on diabetes and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels — blood sugar levels after a period of not eating — among older adults.
The team studied the data of more than 16,000 participants who were in good health at the beginning of the study period, half of whom were given 100 mg of aspirin daily, while the others were given a placebo.
At follow-up nearly five years later, there were 995 people diagnosed with diabetes - 459 of whom were taking aspirin compared to 536 in the placebo group - a decrease of 15%.
They were also found to have a slower rate of increase in fasting plasma glucose levels, according to findings due to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Hamburg next month.
Professor Sophia Zongas, of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, said the findings show that anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin require further study in relation to their role in preventing diabetes.
She added: “Aspirin treatment reduced the incidence of diabetes and slowed the increase in fasting plasma glucose over time among initially healthy elderly people. Given the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes among the elderly, the protective ability of anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin of type 2 diabetes or improving glucose levels need further study."
Professor Zongas noted: “Major prescribing guidelines now recommend that older people take a daily aspirin only when there is a medical reason to do so, such as after a heart attack. Although these new findings are interesting, they do not change the clinical advice about the use of aspirin in older people.” age at this time.
Healthy life : Three foods during the day prevent sleep at night
If you're having trouble sleeping at night, it may be helpful to think about what you eat during the day.
“To improve sleep patterns, it's important to review what and when we eat,” explains Sheryl Lythgoe, of Benenden Health, an award-winning, master's degree nursing consultant with more than two decades of experience. It's because you're eating the wrong foods."
And one of the worst foods you can eat if you have trouble sleeping is chocolate, and even dark chocolate, which is a fairly healthy option.
There is a lot of sugar in white chocolate and milk chocolate, which may lead to high blood sugar levels, and thus disrupt sleep.
Dark chocolate also contains cocoa and, often, caffeine, which is a known stimulant.
Another food worth cutting back on if you have trouble sleeping is cheese. Strong or aged cheese contains high levels of the amino acid tyramine, which helps create alertness.
A possible contributor to lack of sleep is potato chips, which are usually high in salt, which dehydrates the body and increases water retention.
And those who crave sweet foods, such as milk chocolate, may be better off eating cherries instead.
Cherries contain a high level of melatonin, which helps promote sleepiness.
Almonds are also a good choice because they contain a high percentage of magnesium, which helps regulate blood sugar levels so as not to keep you awake.
"A regular routine allows the body to recognize 'bedtime' cues that can help promote a restful night," Lythgoe noted.
Additional tips include not eating too late in the evening, watching portion sizes, and staying away from sugar and caffeine before bed.
For anyone who has had trouble sleeping for a while, they should seek support from a doctor.
There can be many factors contributing to insomnia, which may not be related to the foods you eat.