Why healthy blood glucose levels matter to our immunity

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The pandemic has made people around the world more concerned about having a strong immunity to fight possible infections. Asia is no different, with nearly two-thirds (65%)[1] of consumers in the region indicating that they are now more conscious about their immune health. It is clear that the importance of having a strong immunity has never been higher.

However, some may not realise that having a healthy blood glucose level is equally important, as high blood glucose levels (even for a short time) can harm our immunity[2]. Recent research has shown that the inverse might also be true, as healthy blood glucose levels have been linked to a reduction in the impact of COVID-19 for patients.

A recent study conducted with more than 7,000 patients admitted to 19 hospitals in China for COVID-19 found that those with diabetes not only needed more medical treatment, but they also had a higher risk of death[3]. The study also found that patients with good blood glucose levels did not require as much medical treatment, as their cases were less severe, and their risk of death was also lower.

These findings also align with research done in the UK of more than 20,000 patients infected with COVID-19[4], which show that patients who already suffer from health implications like diabetes, as well as obesity, had a higher risk for death from COVID-19. These studies have shown that maintaining a healthy blood glucose level is now more important than ever.

 

The link to immunity

It has been shown that high blood sugar levels weaken our immunity system, which then may lead to the fact that a virus (like in the case of COVID-19) is harder to fight — thus taking longer to recover. It might also be, that the virus thrives in an environment of elevated blood glucose [5]. This is particularly relevant to Asia Pacific, as the region has more than 251[6] million diabetics and this number is expected to grow to more than 365 million by 2045. So, what could we do to achieve better blood glucose levels?

The good news is improved blood glucose levels can be achieved by choosing the right type of carbohydrates (i.e. high-quality carbohydrates[7]). Carbohydrates are important nutrients in our diet as they are the preferred source of energy for the body and brain. However, many of the carbohydrates that we usually eat in Asia are of poor physiological quality, as they are rapidly digested in the body and raise our blood glucose levels to high levels very quickly (e.g. white rice and its products, white bread, foods made from wheat flour and starches, glucose, maltodextrin, sucrose). Currently, in the market there are only some carbohydrates that are of high quality — meaning those that are slowly yet fully digested, leading to a slower and lower blood glucose response.

 

Quality carbohydrate for balanced blood glucose levels

One example of a high-quality carbohydrate is Palatinose™ (also called isomaltulose). It is a slowly, yet fully digestible low glycaemic carbohydrate that delivers energy in a slow and sustained way[8].

Palatinose™ naturally occurs in small amounts in sugar cane juice and honey and is manufactured on a large scale from sugar beets. Its brand name, Palatinose™, comes from the region Palatinate in Germany, where these sugar beets are grown.

The beneficial effect of Palatinose™ on blood glucose levels and its corresponding insulin response have been demonstrated in various human clinical studies and in all groups of people, including those who are healthy, people with diabetes, during pregnancy, and those who have a normal weight or are overweight. One study also found that Asians seem to benefit even more from Palatinose™ as it led to an even lower blood glucose response as compared to Caucasians[9].

Another study done showed a lower blood glucose response over 24 hours after meals when Palatinose™ was eaten as part of a low glycaemic diet as compared to the group who consumed a high glycaemic diet with sucrose[10]. The results demonstrated that overall, the blood glucose levels over the day were lower and more balanced in the group with the low glycaemic diet who consumed Palatinose™ as compared to the group with the high glycaemic diet.

Recently, a study showed that one simple and innovative way to improve the nutritional quality of food products is by using low glycaemic carbohydrates to substitute high glycaemic carbohydrates such as sucrose or maltodextrin  Even though the original food product was already low glycaemic, substituting part of the sucrose with a low glycaemic carbohydrate resulted in an even lower blood glucose and insulin response[11].

 

Smart choice

 

These days, taking good care of our blood glucose levels — in all stages of life — is more important than ever as it influences how well our body’s immunity system is functioning. Choosing food and drinks containing high quality carbohydrates such as Palatinose™ can help consumers to achieve an overall lower blood glucose response. This is a step in the right direction for now, and beyond the pandemic.

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[1] FMCG Gurus survey (2020)

 

[2] Jafar N, Edriss H, Nugent K (2016) The Effect of Short-Term Hyperglycemia on the Innate Immune System. Am J Med Sci 351(2):201–211. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26897277/

 

[3] Zhu et al. (2020) For people with diabetes and COVID-19, blood sugar control is key

 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200501120102.htm

 

[4] Docherty AB, (2020) Features of 20 133 UK patients in hospital with covid-19 using the ISARIC WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol: Prospective observational cohort study. BMJ 369:m1985. https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1985

 

[5] International Diabetes Federation (2020) COVID-19 and diabetes

https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/covid-19-and-diabetes/1-covid-19-and-diabetes.html

 

[6] International Diabetes Federation (2019) IDF Diabetes Atlas: Ninth edition. https://www.diabetesatlas.org/en/resources/

 

[7] Salvatore, Incretin Hormones: The Link between Glycemic Index and Cardiometabolic Diseases. Nutrients 11(8). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6724226/

 

[8] Maresch CC, Petry SF, Theis S, Bosy-Westphal A, Linn T (2017) Low glycemic index prototype isomaltulose - update of clinical trials. Nutrients 9(4):381. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409720/

 

[9] Tan WSK, Tan S-Y, Henry CJ (2017) Ethnic Variability in Glycemic Response to Sucrose and Isomaltulose. Nutrients 9(4):347. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28368311/

 

[10] Henry CJ, Kaur B, Quek RYC, Camps SG (2017) A low glycaemic index diet incorporating isomaltulose is associated with lower glycaemic response and variability, and promotes fat oxidation in Asians. Nutrients 9(5):473. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452203/pdf

 

[11] Kaur B, Koh M, Ponnalagu S, Henry CJ (2020) Postprandial blood glucose response: Does the glycaemic index (GI) value matter even in the low GI range? Nutr Diabetes 10(1):1–8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41387-020-0118-5

 

Anke Sentko

Vice President Regulatory and Nutrition Communication, BENEO Institute

 

Goh Peen Ern

Manager Nutrition Communication, BENEO Institute

More vibrant programmes as public arts festival ARTWALK Little India returns in 2021

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In spite of the pandemic, popular public arts festival ARTWALK Little India (ARTWALK) returns to celebrate the rich heritage of the precinct from 22 January to 6 February 2021, demonstrating how art continues to fuel and inspire even in challenging times. Held in conjunction with Singapore Art Week, this year’s festival will be presented in a hybrid format for the first time, featuring both digital and on-site programmes.

“As our country moves into a gradual reopening, the vibrant stories, sights and sounds of the festival will be uplifting for many after close to a year of isolation. We hope that through this shared experience of ARTWALK, people can find comfort, understanding and remain connected to one another as a community,” said Milenko Prvački, Senior Fellow, LASALLE College of the Arts. He was the impetus for the festival’s inaugural showing in 2015 and has seen the festival through many editions. Together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), with the support of Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, they guide a group of 12 BA(Hons) Arts Management students in organising the festival.

Ms Serene Tan, Director, Arts & Cultural Precincts, Singapore Tourism Board said: “We are pleased to welcome ARTWALK Little India for the seventh year running, this time with a new hybrid format. Aptly themed ‘In Spite Of’, this year’s festival will continue to enliven Little India through rich storytelling and vibrant artwork, and allow locals to rediscover Little India. There is something for everyone, and we encourage visitors to explore the festival’s diverse offerings.” 

Kicking things off for ARTWALK 2021 is pioneering Bhangra company Jigri Yaar Bhangra, which commemorates its 35th year in the industry with a special performance. Filmed around iconic spots in Little India, viewers will witness the powerful energy of this dance reverberating through their screens when they tune in via Facebook. Carrying this same vitality is Bollywood Zumba with Theeya, a live Zoom class that promises an intense workout to popular Bollywood tunes. For child-friendly fun, a workshop not to be missed is Spiced Up Motifs. Through an activity kit that includes stencils and cooking spices, families will create motifs used in Indian textiles in this sensory play.

Other online offerings include festival favourites such as master storyteller Kamini Ramachandran who will recount tales tied to the old cattle industry at Serangoon Road and the Thaipusam procession of Little India, and Monster Day Tours who will take audiences on a virtual walk to discover the many murals and places of interest in the precinct.

For those who prefer to stretch their legs, visitors can take a walk to view six new artworks in the heritage precinct, including a community wall along Upper Dickson Road. Artist Khairulddin Wahab weaves reflections submitted by residents and migrant workers who frequent the area into a large-scale mural. Also on display along Clive Street are several life-sized frames in the shape of human figures. This fixed installation by Milenko Prvački invites visitors to take photos while engaging with the socially distanced frames.

This year also sees ARTWALK’s first international collaboration between Indian artist Bhajju Shyam, a recipient of the Padma Shri (one of India’s highest civilian awards), and Singaporean urban artist Sam Lo. Brought together by the St+art India Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in India that works on public art projects, this fusion of traditional Indian art form Gond with contemporary lines stands boldly at seven storeys tall on the façade of Broadway Hotel (195 Serangoon Road).

Full details of programmes and on-site artworks can be found at http://artwalklittleindia.sg, which also includes a retrospective showcase of all past festivals, capturing the scale of which the festival has grown over the years since its first edition in 2015.

Tugade, Bello donate fiber glass fishing boats to Cagayan residents affected by ‘Ulysses’

Wazzup Pilipinas!


To fulfill the promise of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of a restored economy and livelihood for the people of typhoon-affected Cagayan, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade joined Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III in the awarding of fiber glass fishing boats to fishermen severely affected by the series of typhoons, especially Typhoon Ulysses.

At the awarding ceremony for the 100 fishing boats to beneficiaries in Claveria, Cagayan on Saturday, 16 January 2021, Secretaries Tugade and Bello emphasized the goal of the government to help the fishermen in the municipality in their recovery, and the rebuilding of their livelihood that was devasted by the floods due to typhoon Ulysses in November 2020, amid the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Immay (Pumunta) kami rito, kasi napangako ng ating Pangulo noon, ‘Bello, Tugade, tulungan n'yo 'yung Cagayan.’ Sabi ng ating Pangulo, ‘Ibangon n'yo ang ekonomiya ng Cagayan. Tulungan n'yo sila.’ Kaya nga ba’t nandidito kami ngayon, upang tuparin ang pangako ng ating Pangulo,” Secretary Tugade emphasized.

The DOTr Chief, however, highlighted the importance of taking care and using these government donations to the fullest.

“Tinupad ng ating Pangulo ang kanyang pangako na tulungan ang Cagayan. 'Yung munting tulong na binibigay sa inyo ngayong araw na ito. Hingi at dalangin ng ating Pangulo na inyong alagaan lang. Gamitin sa tamang pamamaraan upang ang inyong personal na pamumuhay ay umunlad. Upang ‘yung pamumuhay ng inyong pamilya at sambayanan ay umunlad. In that case, when you take care of the blessings which this government is giving to you, it will never get tired of giving you more and more blessings and support,” he stressed.

For his part, Secretary Bello also announced that aside from the fiber glass fishing boats, DOLE will soon award ‘Nego-Kart’ franchises to provide additional livelihood to deserving recipients identified by the provincial and local governments.

“Ananusan niyo ti maintid me. Basta’t importante, agtitinullong tayo” (“Pagpasensyahan n'yo na 'yung maibibigay namin. Ang importante ay nagtutulungan tayo”), Secretary Bello said.

During the event, Secretary Tugade encouraged Secretary Bello to award ‘Nego-Karts’ to deserving recipients in all municipalities of Cagayan, and to increase the number of recipients to help boost economic activities in the province. Inspired by this, Secretary Bello agreed to donate 15 ‘Nego-Karts’ per municipality of Cagayan.

DOLE’s ‘Nego-Kart ‘ (Negosyo sa Kariton) is a project for ambulant vendors in major cities of the country. It enables beneficiaries to increase, upgrade, and/or diversity their products or services, and market these to a greater number of buyers or customers. Through the project, the vendors’ existing livelihood undertaking will be able to grow into a profitable and sustainable business.

Before the awarding ceremonies, Secretary Tugade saw the rehabilitation being made at the Claveria Port. The Transportation Chief ordered the immediate repair of the Claveria Port to continue and enhance its service to the people of Cagayan. To build back a better port, one of the recommendations of PPA is the construction of a breakwater starting this March, to serve as additional protection of the port during strong typhoons.

“Uumpisahan namin ‘yung pagtatayo ng breakwater. ‘Pag tinayo namin ‘yung breakwater sa Marso, maski anong bagyo ang dumaan dito, hindi na masisira ang puerto ninyo ‘pagkat lalagyan ng breakwater,” Secretary Tugade revealed.

Secretary Tugade added that the DOTr, through the PPA, will start the massive rehabilitation and repair of Aparri Port before the third quarter of 2021, as it was one of the identified needs of Cagayan as expressed by Governor Manuel Mamba.

In the aviation sector, Secretary Tugade mentioned that last week, the CAAP and the LGU of Tuguegarao signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA ), wherein the Tuguegarao Airport will be made wider and longer, and will operate 24/7.

Also present in the Cagayan event were DOTr Chief-of-Staff and Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Captain Jim Sydiongco.

To recall, on 15 November 2020, Secretary Tugade joined President Duterte and other Cabinet members in a situation briefing during their visit in Tuguegarao City, and discussed the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses in the Cagayan Valley. During the visit, Secretary Tugade was tasked by the President to personally manage and monitor the rehabilitation of Cagayan.