DREAM Team Newsletter
September 2023 | Issue 6.1
By Sara Hubl, CPH-provisional, PA-S
You may have heard of getting a little R&R, or Rest and Relaxation but have you heard of D&D? Dancing & Diabetes! We all know that physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that dance is a great way to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine? Whether it’s an organized class or grooving while you’re putting away the dishes, this movement can positively impact your health.
One study looked at the effect of dance on a cellular level in people with type 2 diabetes. A type of white blood cell, called neutrophils that help our body fight off infections can be affected by Type 2 diabetes. The longevity and function of these cells is not quite as effective in those with diabetes, which can lead to increased rates of infection. Researchers had study participants engage in a moderate intensity dance program for four months and found that dance had a positive effect in improving the number, function and longevity of neutrophils (1). Keep moving to keep your white blood cells strong and healthy.
Dancing with your friends has also been shown to have good health benefits. In a study of African American women with Type 2 diabetes, participating in low impact dancing to gospel music in a group setting for two hours per week for three months decreased A1c, weight, percent body fat, and blood pressure. The most significant effect was on percent body fat and blood pressure. This is a notable finding because percent body fat and blood pressure are two very important influences on overall health and managing risk factors associated with diabetes (2).
A third study reviewed 50 articles about the effects of dance on aging. Sixteen of those studies focused their research on the impact of dancing on metabolic outcomes like cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure and body composition. These factors all play a role in the health of someone with diabetes. Of the studies that used those metabolic outcomes as a measure of success in their studies, about half found significant improvements in at least one of the metabolic outcomes. Their review also determined that all types of dance as physical activity improves function and balance in adults of older age (3).
Dancing supports your general health which can have subsequent positive effects on those with diabetes. Dancing as a regular form of physical activity may help your circulation and your lungs stay healthy and strong. Using dance to get you moving is not only enjoyable, but it can positively impact your health. So, let’s dance!
References:
Borges, L., Passos, M. E. P., Silva, M. B. B., Santos, V. C., Momesso, C. M., Pithon-Curi, T. C., Gorjão, R., Gray, S. R., Lima, K. C. A., de Freitas, P. B., & Hatanaka, E. (2019). Dance Training Improves Cytokine Secretion and Viability of Neutrophils in Diabetic Patients. Mediators of Inflammation, 2019, 2924818. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2924818
Murrock, C. J., Higgins, P. A., & Killion, C. (2009). Dance and peer support to improve diabetes outcomes in African American women. The Diabetes Educator, 35(6), 995–1003. https://doi.org/10.1177/0145721709343322
Rodrigues-Krause, J., Krause, M., & Reischak-Oliveira, A. (2019). Dancing for Healthy Aging: Functional and Metabolic Perspectives. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 25(1), 44–63.
FROM ACQUIRING THE KNOWLEDGE TO APPLYING THE KNOWLEDGE IN DIABETES MANAGEMENT
By Clipper Young, PharmD, MPH
Our very own Dr. Jay Shubrook recently published a book focusing on diabetes management in the primary care setting, entitled Everyday Diabetes in Primary Care: A Case-Based Approach. After over a decade of practicing family medicine, Dr. Shubrook found a renewed and more focused passion – serving those living with diabetes and guiding them to solve their everyday problems in their journeys, thus leading to healthy lives coexisting with this condition. With almost two decades of practicing in the diabetes field as a diabetologist, he has acquired not only a wealth of knowledge but also an abundance of experience in patient care and professional education, specifically educating practitioners and clinicians in the primary care setting. This book is truly a reflection of his passion, knowledge, wisdom, experience, and dedication in the field of diabetes. To share his insights into patient care, Dr. Shubrook designed his book from a case-based approach, demonstrating critical concepts in each diabetes type or case scenario through the lens of a patient. This approach is not only an effective way to capture readers’ attention but also a meaningful way to model empathy. This book consists of eight chapters:
1. Clinical Presentation
2. Initial Approach to the Patient
3. Key Aspects of Treatment
4. Navigating Diabetes Treatment
5. Hypoglycemia
6. Anticipating and Responding to Major Life Changes
7. Technology in Diabetes
8. Diabetes Potpourri
Various cases are included within each chapter. At the end of each case, the readers can expect to see a few take-home messages, which serve as some anchor points for us to enhance our own practices in diabetes management.
Thank you, Dr. Shubrook, for all that you do for your patients and your colleagues – and the field of diabetes. On a personal note, thank you for guiding me to explore the world of diabetes and being my role model!
TO GOOD HEALTH
Anne Lee, RD, CDCES
Sweet Potato Noodles with Vegetables
Sweet potato noodles are easy to find in most Asian markets. A variety of vegetables and proteins can be used to add to the noodles to make a quick meal. Any leftovers can be packed to bring to school or work the next day for lunch.
6 ounces Dried Sweet Potato Noodles or 6 ounces Spaghetti whole wheat, thin
2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
4 cups Napa Cabbage sliced thinly
1 Carrot large, cut into matchsticks
1 Red Bell Pepper sliced thinly
8 Shiitake Mushrooms sliced thinly
10 ounces Spinach Leaves
3 Green Onions cut into 2-inch lengths
4 cloves Garlic minced
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Honey
2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Seeds
Black Pepper Freshly ground
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Break or cut noodles into 6-inch lengths. Cook according to package directions, be careful not to overcook. Strain in a colander. Toss with sesame oil and set aside. Heat the same pot over high heat. Add oil, carrots, and napa cabbage. Stir and cook until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook, stirring a few times, until wilted. Add spinach, green onions, and garlic. Stir carefully. Cook just until spinach wilts. Reduce heat to low, and add the cooked noodles. Let the noodles soak up some of the moisture from the vegetables. Then, drizzle in soy sauce and honey. Sprinkle in sesame seeds and black pepper. Mix gently to combine vegetables and noodles well. Garnish with sesame seeds just before serving.
Makes 6 servings.
This recipe does not adhere to Kosher guidelines
Source: https://eatfresh.org/recipe/main-dish/sweet-potato-noodles-vegetables-inspired-japchae
DREAM TEAM NEW MEMBERS
ITZEL MALDONADO
Clinical Research Assistant
Itzel Maldonado graduated from the 2023 Master of Science in Medical Health Sciences program here at Touro University California. During the master's program, she worked with Dr. Pena and Dr. Shubrook on the research study Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) on Diabetic Gastroparesis. This experience sparked an interest to continue to learn and work in the field of research. She is excited to start as a new Research Assistant in the Metabolic Research Center and work with the amazing faculty and staff. Itzel, originally from Seaside, CA, moved to Davis during her undergraduate education, where she studied Human Development and Chicano Studies. She moved home during the COVID-19 pandemic to work in the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula as an Emergency Room Technician. Itzel's hobbies include reading and hiking or anything that involves time outside.
BORIS STAR
Pharmacy Resident
Boris Star comes from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. Boris began his academic career at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, before spending a year studying Judaic studies at the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies where he realized his two passions, his faith, and medicine. This steered him to pursue a career in pharmacy. Boris then completed his PharmD at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in Chicago, Illinois. He brings with him close to 19 years of personal experience managing his own type 1 diabetes as well as a holistic approach to medical care. It brings great joy to Boris in representing a Jewish institution in medicine.
SARAH PERRIN
Diabetology Fellow
Sarah Perrin graduated from Touro University California in 2017 and did her family medicine residency at East Pierce Family Medicine in Western, WA. She practiced medicine in Tacoma, WA and Kapa'a, HI before returning to her home state to pursue the fellowship in diabetology.
She says: "I love caring for patients with diabetes and pre-diabetes because it is the ultimate preventative medicine. I get to support patients on their journey from a scary diagnosis to self-efficacy, and the inter-professional community who takes care of these patients is just incredibly collaborative and a pleasure to work with."
When she is not busy at work, she enjoys being outdoors with her family and friends—biking, camping, hiking, paddle-boarding or kayaking, swimming and learning about the natural world with her two little boys.
Newsletter Credits
Editor: Sumera Ahmed, MD
Designer: Maryelli Ray
Sponsor by: Sutter Health and The California Department of Public Health