Dr Somi Igbene is a biomedical scientist and registered associate nutritionist with the association for nutrition. She holds a bachelor’s degree (first-class honours) in Biomedical Science from Kings College London, a master’s degree (distinction) in Human Nutrition from St Mary’s University Twickenham, and a PhD in cell and molecular immunology from Imperial College London. Somi is passionate about promoting health and wellness in the Black community. She has a keen interest in type 2 diabetes, sickle cell anaemia, and weight management.
-
5 Best Probiotic Yoghurts to Add to Your Diet (Vegan Option Included)
Read moreDairy products are certainly off the menu if you have life-threatening milk allergies, but if you don’t have a milk allergy or severe intolerance, it can be confusing whether to eat or avoid them. Early research suggested that dairy products, including yoghurt, increased the risk of cardiovascular disease because of their saturated fat content (Baspinar and Güldaş, 2020). However, recent studies discredit those claims and show that yoghurt is a…
-
Achieving Diabetes Treatment Goals May Increase Lifespan by at least 10 years, New Research Says
Read moreObesity, high blood sugar, blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, ‘bad’) cholesterol are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) – the leading cause of premature death in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Numerous research shows that the most effective way to lower CVD risk, prevent diabetes-related complications and improve life quality is to maintain tight control of these risk factors. A new modelling study has further shown that people…
-
High Intake of This Essential Nutrient Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adolescents with NAFLD
Read moreA high omega-3 and low omega-6 essential fatty acid diet improves insulin sensitivity in obese children and adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recent studies report. Remarkably, the high omega-3, low omega-6 fat diet reduced liver fat by 25.8% and improved insulin sensitivity without causing weight loss. Insulin sensitivity was increased due to the increased removal of excess insulin. These studies suggest that dietary changes may be more effective…
-
How Probiotics Help Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Read moreScientists have known that the types of bacteria present in the gut influence overall health for a long time. One of the first indications of this association came from a French microbiologist, Henri Tissier. He noticed that breastfed babies had large quantities of bifidobacteria in their guts, whereas formula-fed babies lacked these bacteria and struggled with repeated episodes of diarrhoea. Since then, numerous studies have been done supporting the link…
-
Early, Stable Blood Sugar Control Linked to Lower Heart Disease Risk
Read moreAchieving and maintaining blood sugar control soon after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis is linked to a lower risk of severe heart disease, a new study reveals. Notably, poor blood sugar control in the first year after diagnosis with frequent blood sugar fluctuations is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. “The conventional wisdom has been to slowly and steadily treat type 2 diabetes with diet and medicine dose-escalation…