Orlando, U.S.A. — A cross-disciplinary team of international researchers gathered in Orlando, July 6-7 to present emerging research on the role glucose transporters and glucose metabolism may have in the management of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cancer treatment, heart disease, epilepsy Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome and Alzheimer’s. The conference represents the first time researchers and healthcare professionals from different specialties have gathered to present research on the topic.

The organization of the conference is all in a day’s work for the mother of two, Samra Savioz. In 2010, she worked with her husband to start a foundation, the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for their daughter Remi’s rare neurometabolic brain disease, Glut1 Deficiency.

But with many cases still going undiagnosed because of the lack of information available and the rarity of their daughter’s condition, the Savioz’s started to leverage their own medical backgrounds to help others impacted by the disease.

The Foundation has become a valued asset for parents needing support and guidance on treatment options, like the ketogenic diet, which has been identified as an integral part of disease treatment. Now, Samra provides one-on-one diet training and hopes to expand the understanding of how ketones can impact other diseases.

Sponsored by the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation, The Glucose Transporter Conference brought together several medical disciplines including pediatrics, neuro-oncology and endocrinology.

Eighteen abstracts were presented on the role of glucose transporters:

Topics for the conference included:

• The link between glucose starvation in shrinking cancerous tumors or slowing down the progression of cognitive diseases.
• Insights into the structural basis of Glut1 transporters in the brain to expand the clinical spectrum.
• Alternative therapies like ketone esters, which can have broader applications, like restoring cognitive function to Alzheimer’s patients or preventing seizures.
• Applying knowledge about glucose metabolism in the brain for obesity and diabetes treatment.
• Among the highlights of the research will be exploring the role of ketone esters.

“The conference will provide an important platform for us to share research focused on exploiting the anti-seizure and neuroprotective effects of therapeutic ketosis. Ketone esters may offer great hope for patients with drug-resistant seizure disorders and neurodegenerative diseases,” stated Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida before the conference. “Our recent studies have demonstrated that specific ketone esters mimic the anti-seizure effect of fasting and the ketogenic diet.”

Glut1 is a glucose transporter protein, which is directly or indirectly involved in a host of diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Novel therapeutic agents aimed at altering glucose transport activity may have a broad impact on human health. There are four types of glucose transporters with Glut1 being responsible for moving glucose from the bloodstream into all of the cells in the body, especially the brain.

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Bronx, N.Y. – Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in collaboration with Nurses’ Health Study investigators have shown that levels of certain related proteins found in blood are associated with a greatly reduced risk for developing type 2 diabetes up to a decade or more later. The findings, published Thursday, May 3, in the online edition of Diabetes, could open a new front in the war against diabetes.

These proteins are part of what is called the IGF axis. This axis was named for insulin-like growth factor-1, (IGF-1), so called because it has biological effects similar to those of insulin (the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels) but has a greater effect on cell growth than insulin. The researchers also looked at levels of several proteins known as IGF binding proteins, or IGFBPs, that may have strong effects independent of IGF-1.

Researchers have hypothesized that the IGF axis may influence risk for developing diabetes – an idea supported by laboratory and mouse studies, and a few initial studies in humans. However, the current study  is the first large, prospective investigation of several components of the IGF-axis and the risk for developing diabetes, according to co-senior author Howard Strickler, M.D., M.P.H., professor of epidemiology & population health at Einstein.

In the current study, the researchers analyzed levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 in blood taken from 742 women in the Nurses’ Health Study who years later developed type 2 diabetes as well as a similar number of women in the study who did not develop diabetes. None of the women had any signs or symptoms of the disease at the time their blood samples were taken. The median time between the taking of blood samples and diabetes onset was nine years.

Each component of the IGF axis (IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, -2, and -3) had a significant independent association with diabetes risk – most notably IGFBP-1 and -2. Compared with women in the bottom 20 percent with respect to their levels of IGFBP-1, having high levels of IGFBP-1 (top 20 percent) was associated with a three-fold reduction in risk for diabetes, while high levels of IGFBP-2 were associated with a more than five-fold reduction in diabetes risk.

“Our data provide important new evidence that circulating IGF-axis proteins may have a role in the development of type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Strickler.

The findings have potential clinical implications. First of all, IGF-axis proteins could help in stratifying people at risk for diabetes. “For example,” said Dr. Strickler, “we know that obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. But some overweight individuals don’t develop diabetes, while some thin people do. If our findings are confirmed, they could help doctors more precisely determine who is actually at risk for the disease.”

The proteins may also prove useful as targets for novel therapies to prevent or treat diabetes. But Dr. Strickler cautions that it’s too early to apply these findings to clinical practice. “IGF-axis proteins have other effects, some beneficial and some not,” he notes. “We need to learn more about the connection between the IGF-axis and diabetes before we recommend that people get tested for these substances, and before deciding how we can exploit the IGF-1 axis to help address diabetes.”

The Diabetes paper is titled, “The Insulin-Like Growth Factor Axis and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women.” The first author was Swapnil Rajpathak (who was at Einstein at the time this work was conducted). The other senior author is Frank B. Hu, M.D., Ph.D, of Harvard School of Public Health,Boston, MA.

Additional contributors include Meian He, M.D., Ph.D., (Harvard and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China); Qi Sun M.D., Sc.D., (Harvard); Jeannette Beasley, Ph.D., R.D., M.P.H., (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA);  Michael Pollak, M.D., (McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada); and Robert Kaplan, Ph.D., Radhika Muzumdar M.D., M.B.B.S., Thomas Rohan, M.D., Ph.D., Mimi Kim, Sci.D.,  Jeffrey Pessin, Ph.D., and Judith Wylie-Rosett, Ed.D., all of Einstein. Co-author Marc Gunter, Ph.D., contributed to the paper while at Einstein.

The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health. Laboratory testing and data analysis were supported in part by NIDDK 5-R01-DK-080792.

The NHS is supported by grants CA-87969, DK-58845, and DK-58785 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Q.S. was supported by a career development award (K99HL098459) from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu  and follow on Twitter @EinsteinMed.

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Hollywood, U.S.A. – Brenda Novak masterfully infuses suspense, mystery and romance into her bestselling novels, but it’s her real-life passions and endeavors that make for the best page-turners.

Throughout the month of May in honor of Mother’s Day, thousands of concerned individuals will become part of her story by participating in her annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research, which takes place at BrendaNovak.com and benefits the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute. A heroine in her own right, Novak manages to raise five kids and have a successful career and marriage, all while battling her son’s type 1 diabetes for the past 10 years and raising $1.3 million to help find a cure.

“I owe so much to my readers and other literary fans who support this effort every year, and to my colleagues who donate their time and more to help find a cure for my son, Thad, and millions of others,” said Novak, a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author who has penned more than 40 books.  Her latest small town contemporary romance series will debut in September 2012.

But it’s her role as a mother that drives her success with the auction.  Thad, 15, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 5. “I have a reason to believe that the Diabetes Research Institute is on the right path to a cure,” said Novak, who traveled to Miami with her husband, Ted, to tour the DRI’s state-of-the-art facility. “I will do everything I can to make sure that it happens as soon as possible,” she said.

Attracting more than 5,000 bidders throughout the country and beyond, the auction boasts an array of one-of-a-kind items due to Novak’s close connections in the literary world, such as lunches and private meetings with prominent authors like Steve Berry, Barry Eisler , Eloisa James and Janet Evonovich.

Famed romance novelist Nicholas Sparks has even donated his entire backlist, including 17 autographed books.  As always, the auction has a variety of must-have gadgets like Nook tablets, Kindles and iPads, plus world-class getaways, jewelry, popular theme baskets and more. The bidding starts at $2 for all items; participants can literally end up with bargains beyond their dreams!

“It’s truly remarkable what Brenda has been able to accomplish with her Online Auction in just eight years,” said Robert A. Pearlman , president and CEO of the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. “Her dedication is inspiring.”

To participate in Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research, which benefits the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute, go to BrendaNovak.com to register, view items and bid. The auction closes on May 31, 2012.

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The Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced the awardees of 15 new grants on March 5.

Selected following a nationwide call for proposals, the grantees will conduct health impact assessments (HIAs), a type of study that looks at potential health impacts of policies and projects in other sectors. HIAs help policy makers and communities take a broad look at the impacts of a decision, which can help avoid unintended consequences, maximize benefits, and balance trade-offs.

“The conditions in the places where we live and work affect our health even more than access to health care,” said Aaron Wernham, M.D., director of the Health Impact Project. “Decisions in housing, agriculture, transportation, or energy policy, for example, may raise or lower our risks for heart disease, asthma, diabetes, traumatic injuries, and some cancers.

These new grantees will be using health impact assessments to inform important decisions for which the health implications might otherwise be missed. Capitalizing on investments in other sectors to prevent disease is one of the most important opportunities to improve Americans’ health.”

Three additional foundations—The Kresge Foundation, The California Endowment, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation—contributed funding toward these HIAs. The grant recipients and their respective projects are listed below:

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Are statin drugs leading to more problems than just diabetes and memory loss as the FDA says?

Following on the heels of the FDA announcing changes to the safety information on statin labels (e.g. Pfizer Inc’s Lipitor, AstraZeneca’s Crestor and Merck & Co’s Zocor) concerning blood sugar and memory problems, a collection of consumer health groups, such as Natural Society, are raising public awareness about the hundreds of additional adverse health effects associated with their use as indicated by the published research from the National Library of Medicine.

A growing body of clinical research now indicates that this cholesterol-lowering class of drugs is associated with an alarming number of serious medical conditions – research boldly flying in the face of national health policy, medical insurance premium guidelines, statin drug manufacturer advertising claims, and the general sentiment of the public, with approximately 1 in every 4 adult Americans over 45 currently using these drugs to “prevent heart disease.”

Fundamentally, the research indicates that statin drugs damage the muscles and nerves in the body. There are well over 100 studies demonstrating the myotoxic, or muscle-harming effects of these drugs, and over 80 demonstrating the nerve-damaging effects.

Since the heart is such a vital muscle innervated by a complex network of nerves, many healthcare providers now seriously question whether the unintended, unwanted side effects of statins are worse than the purported “cardiovascular” benefits they provide. Therefore, these peer reviewed research studies may also explain why rates of heart failure may be increasing in the general population who are given these drugs.

While the discovery that statin drugs, instead of preventing heart disease likely contributes to it, might be surprising; it should not distract from the more disturbing discovery that they contribute to over 300 disease and/or adverse health effects. Fortunately research has found that many of the statin-linked diseases, like diabetes, can be combated with natural substances like vitamin D.

In light of these findings many health professionals are now asking: Are those who are party to the manufacture, promotion, administration and/or prescribing of this chemical class of drugs, in violation of the medical ethical principle of informed consent?

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In her advocacy for effective disease prevention and health promotion programs, U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., joined the Southeast Michigan Beacon Community (SEMBC) on February 22, 2012 to launch the “Fighting D in the D” campaign during a kickoff event, attended by over 225 guests, at the Westin Book Cadillac in downtown Detroit.

The event brought together state and local governments, health care systems, insurers, providers and consumer groups, along with major business and community leaders.

The “Fighting D in the D” campaign introduces txt4health, a personalized 14-week mobile health program, which will inform people about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. SEMBC hosted a community roundtable, involving more than 35 health care and government leaders and the U.S. Surgeon General. Roundtable participants engaged in an open dialogue addressing the burden of diabetes in Detroit with a unified course.

“The diverse group of leaders gathered on February 22, 2012 speaks volumes about the shared desire to reduce the burden of diabetes through public health partnerships that strive to protect, preserve, and promote the health of the people of Michigan,” said Terrisca Des Jardins, director of SEMBC.

“The importance of prevention programs such as txt4health is underscored by the fact that diabetes continues to be a major public health challenge in the United States and Michigan.” According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, an estimated 700,000 Michigan adults have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 365,000 have undiagnosed diabetes.

This means more than 1 million adults in Michigan are directly affected by this ever-growing epidemic. “There is so much that can be done to care for and prevent type 2 diabetes. The task before all of us is to take action and become involved,” said Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation. “Fighting D in the D provides a rally cry for Detroiters to make progress in combating this serious, yet preventable disease.”

This campaign is part of the Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program, an Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) grant program for communities to help build and strengthen health information technology infrastructure that supports clinical quality improvement and population health goals.

Voxiva, a global pioneer in interactive mobile health services, provides the technology behind txt4health. Txt4health is a free service, part of a pilot program that is only available in the greater Detroit, New Orleans, and Cincinnati areas.

“Txt4health is a powerful tool that can be used to educate people about health risks and help instill new, healthy habits in their daily routine,” said Scott Turske, communications manager at SEMBC. “Txt4health is one example of how we’re reaching out to Southeast Michigan, which in many cases has limited access to healthcare. If we can educate people to take preventive health measures, we can keep them healthier and also keep health care costs down.”

SEMBC is deploying a major media-awareness campaign with a micro-targeted component that includes unique, engaging grassroots marketing efforts in at-risk areas of the city. The “Fighting D in the D” campaign will feature a radio and television PSA takeover in addition to high-profile marketing street teams that will hit the streets of Metro Detroit communities.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/us-mission/

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Adults aren’t the only ones who should be thinking heart smart this February, as heart disease is a concern for an increasing number of children too. Research shows that overweight kids are more likely to develop heart disease as adults. And many overweight children already have conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which puts them at risk for heart disease now.

The good news is that most kids can address these risks with changes in diet and exercise. Throughout February, which is American Heart Month, BeSmartBeWell.com highlights the heart risks facing overweight kids and provides advice for how to manage them.

At BeSmartBeWell.com, real-life kids, like Maya, share their stories. Maya was only 5 years old when her family learned she had dangerously high triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood; having too much increases the risk for heart disease. By making changes to her diet and encouraging her to be active, Maya’s family helped her lower her triglycerides and improve her heart health.

“Fatness hurts your heart. If your heart is hurt, you won’t live that long,” says Maya in a video on the site. “I don’t want to be unhealthy and I’d rather have this diet than get those high triglycerides again.”

The alarming numbers

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated one out of every three kids in the United States is overweight or obese. It’s not that hard to understand how they got there. Kids can be picky eaters. Like most kids her age, Maya preferred pizza and chicken nuggets to fruits and vegetables, and her parents didn’t realize the health risks of this kind of diet.

But the consequences of an unhealthy diet can be significant. A recent study published in the journal Obesity showed that overweight kids are more likely to have high cholesterol, which is associated with higher heart-disease risk in adulthood.

“Type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides, high cholesterol–these used to be considered old people problems and we are seeing them in little kids,” says David Thoele, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist and one of the experts featured on BeSmartBeWell.com.

What can I do about it?

BeSmartBeWell.com/Childhood-Obesity provides practical information to help parents understand the health risks of childhood obesity. Produced by the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer, in collaboration with medical experts and national health organizations, BeSmartBeWell.com features:

• Life stories of real kids who are managing weight issues
• Interviews with parents who provide practical tips for getting kids to eat healthy
• Practical videos featuring leading health experts
• Reputable resources and links for more information
• Childhood obesity news and updates
• Health quizzes

At the site, visitors can also register for the monthly Spotlight Newsletter and News Alerts for in-depth articles and breaking news on childhood obesity and other important health topics.

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Entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is hosting the ‘one’ party that everyone will be vying to attend right after the Grammy’s, Sunday February 12, 2012. This event serves as a charity fundraiser for and will be held on the grounds of the prestigious Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles starting at 8:00PM. The event is produced by iDonate Charity, a Los Angeles based company that coordinates events for charities.

The first ever “Fame at the Mansion” event will be a delightful party, catering to a guest’s every need. Hailed by some as “The World’s most sought after venue and party destination,” the exclusivity and charitable theme of this event make it appealing to guests on several different levels of interest.

Guests will be welcomed with a cocktail reception when they arrive onto the grounds of the Mansion. Attendees will be treated to an open bar and dinner all night long. Entertainment will include a live performance by a Grammy nominated artist (tba), DJ Award, fashion show, and many surprise guest celebrity appearances.

Several Playmates will be on hand to hostess the event and give tours of the grounds of the Playboy Mansion including the Grotto, Game Room, Tennis Courts, Zoo, & Aviary to those special guests that have contributed VIP admission. On music’s biggest night, the biggest stars will be out in force, and a great number of celebrities will join the guest list at Hollywood’s most lavish party!

Angelwish, the beneficiary of the event, is most pleased to be included in the largest event ever offered to help raise funds for their cause. Created in 1999, the organization is dedicated to providing the public with an easy way to grant wishes to millions of children living with chronic illnesses such as Asthma, Diabetes, and HIV/AIDS around the world. The charity works on 6 continents with over 110 Hospitals and Care Centers in the United States and an additional 15 Care Centers in 9 other countries.

In appreciation of his exemplary support to Angelwish and many other charitable organizations in his lifetime, Angelwish will be presenting Hugh Hefner with their “Humanitarian of the Year” award at the event.

Derrick Salters / Shutterstock.com

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According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health conducted by doctors at the University of Michigan, one in two women of childbearing age in the United States is considered overweight or obese.

Weight-related complications during pregnancy are commonplace and healthcare providers are trying to dismiss the idea that pregnant women need to “eat for two” by doubling their caloric intake. Working with a healthcare provider, overweight women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant can find a strategy to a healthy weight gain that works for them.

Increased risk of developing gestational diabetes is a crucial reason for overweight women to closely monitor how much weight they gain during pregnancy. Gestation diabetes causes the hormones released from the placenta, the baby’s support system, to be blocked by the woman’s body.

The result is that her body is unable to process insulin. High blood glucose levels build in the mother’s system and stream to the baby through the placenta causing the baby to grow rapidly and gain unnecessary weight.

Overweight pregnant women are also at risk of developing high blood pressure. This condition tightens the blood vessels in the uterus that supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients. It also puts the mother at risk for having a heart attack or stroke resulting in a greater likelihood that she will deliver her baby early.

Having regular checkups before becoming pregnant may help prevent obesity related complication during pregnancy. The March of Dimes recommends, “If you’re overweight or obese, your health care provider or a registered dietitian can help you lose pounds so that you reach a healthier weight before trying to get pregnant. They will talk with you about exercise and eating healthy.”

What is the correct amount of weight gain? The amount a woman’s health care provider recommends will depend on her pre-pregnancy weight. If she has a normal weight and a body mass index (BMI) in the normal range (between 18.5 and 25) then she should gain between 25 and 35 pounds.

Underweight women, with a BMI less than 18.5, should try to gain between 28 to 40 pounds. Overweight women, with a BMI between 25 and 29.9, should gain between 15 to 25 pounds and obese women, those with a BMI greater than 30, should limit their weight gain to between 11 and 20 pounds.

Women who are overweight or obese should not intentionally try to lose weight while they are pregnant however it is not uncommon for plus-sized women to lose weight while pregnant without dieting. Morning sickness can contribute to weight loss because its diminished affect on appetite and associated vomiting can cause a loss of calories.

Even so, a developing baby will still get nourishment if a mother is not dieting because overweight women have an extra reserve of calories stored in fat.

Healthy eating should be a goal of every pregnant woman, regardless of her pre-pregnancy weight. Setting a goal for how much weigh to gain with a health care provider is the key to ensuring a successful, healthy pregnancy.

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Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that the stroke rate among pregnant women and new mothers is dramatically rising. According to hospital-discharge data between 1994 and 1995 and 2006 and 2007, the rate of stroke hospitalizations rose 47 percent for expectant mothers and 83 percent for women who had recently given birth.

Despite the fact that other important factors for suffering a stroke still remain, such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, this increase is worrisome according to the study authors. As Olajide Williams, a neurologist at Columbia University and an American Stroke Association spokesman, told USA Today, “that is a very, very alarm-raising statistic that we need to take extremely seriously.  We need to be more aggressive in screening these women for these risk factors.”

The researchers suggested that high blood pressure and heart disease explained almost all of the increase in stroke after birth.  Dr. Elena Kuklina, lead researcher from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said, “it is so important for woman wanting to start a family to understand the risks associated with pregnancy and to take steps to make sure they are as healthy as possible before they become pregnant.”

Every pregnancy has some risk of complications. The causes can be conditions women had previously, or conditions developed during the pregnancy. Causes also also include being pregnant with more than one baby, previous problematic pregnancie, or being over the age of 35. Concerning this issue Kuklina also said, “since pregnancy by itself is a risk factor, if you have one of these other stroke risk factors, it doubles the risk.”

Stroke can present itself with different symptoms, but the consistent factor is that it comes on unexpectedly. The American Stroke Association reminds people to call 9-11 immediately if someone experiences any weakness on one side of the body, face, arm or leg. They also suggest asking the person that could be suffering the stroke to smile, lift both arms, or move both legs. “If one side of the body doesn’t respond, it may be a sign of stroke”, they said.

Don´t go for the “diet”

Diet soda fans that drink the beverage every day also might be boosting their risk of stroke. According to a study made by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, there is a 61 percent risk of stroke among those who drank diet soda daily and not regular soda.

While the study found a possible correlation between diet soda and stroke risk, it did not demonstrate a cause and effect.  As Hannah Gardener, an epidemiologist that participated in this study said, “the link is unknown at this point.”

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and cancer, in the United States. More than 137,000 people a year die from stroke, according to the American Stroke Association.

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The research on the positive impact of human-canine relationships on health is extensive. For nearly 25 years, research had indicated that living with pets can have a positive influence on a person’s health.  Although all pets to some degree improve an individual’s health, dogs in particular have been studied.

Dogs allow improved independence and mobility for the blind.  They are used as service dogs with people that suffer from epilepsy because they are able to detect seizures before they come.  Dogs lower their owner’s blood pressure, significantly reduce anxiety, and boost immunity.

A growing number of studies suggest that children who grow up with animals will have less risk of asthma and allergies.  In a recent study, researcher James E. Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, analyzed the blood of babies immediately after birth and one year later. He was looking for evidence of an allergic reaction, immunity changes, and for reactions to bacteria in the environment.   The results may surprise you.  If a dog lived in the home, infants were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies – 19 percent vs. 33 percent. They also were less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals — a sign of stronger immune system activation.

Studies have also shown that people with Alzheimer’s disease have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home.  Walking a dog or just caring for a pet — for elderly people who are able — can provide exercise and companionship.  Elderly that have a pet are less likely to feel depressed and are more likely to have fewer hospital stays than their petless counterparts.

Although, not as studied as some other areas, research also suggests that owning a dog can help prevent diabetes.  According to research by exercise scientist Cindy Lentino, dog owners who regularly walk their dogs had about one-third of the risk of diabetes in comparison to non-dog walkers. Dog owners also had additional signs of good health not seen in the non-dog walking group, like lower rates of depression.

Pet owners are likely to have better mental health than those who don’t own a pet.  In one study, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did people without pets.

Studies show a link between these stressful chemicals, Cortisol and norepinephrine, and plaque buildup in arteries, the red flag for heart disease, says Blair Justice, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health and author of Who Gets Sick: How Beliefs, Moods, and Thoughts Affect Your Health.

Like any enjoyable activity, playing with a dog can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine — nerve transmitters that are known to have pleasurable and calming properties, Justice said.  “People take drugs like heroin and cocaine to raise serotonin and dopamine, but the healthy way to do it is to pet your dog, or hug your spouse, watch sunsets, or get around something beautiful in nature,” says Justice, who recently hiked the Colorado Rockies with his wife and two dogs.

Heart attack patients who have pets survive longer than those without, according to several studies. Male pet owners have less sign of heart disease — lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels — than non-owners, researchers say.  According to preventive cardiologist Barry Franklin, Ph.D., of William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, patients with heart disease who have dogs and walk them have a better prognosis.

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