10/09/25 - #496

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Good morning. In today’s edition:

  • Daily Mango Can Improve Blood Glucose Indices, Body Composition in Individuals With Prediabetes

  • Weight Loss Hack

  • Louisiana’s Deadly Whooping Cough Outbreak is Now Its Worst in 35 Years

  • For People Without Diabetes, Continuous Glucose Monitors May Not Accurately Reflect Blood Sugar Control

…and lots more. Have a great day!

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FOOD & NUTRITION

Daily Mango Can Improve Blood Glucose Indices, Body Composition in Individuals With Prediabetes

Eating one fresh mango every day could help people with prediabetes manage their blood sugar and improve body fat, according to a new study.

Researchers followed adults with prediabetes for 24 weeks. One group ate a fresh mango each day. The other group ate a low-sugar granola bar. At the end of the study, the mango group had better blood sugar control, improved insulin response, and lower body fat—even though mangoes have more sugar than the granola bar.

Experts say this shows the whole food matters more than the sugar number alone. Mangoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural compounds that may help the body use insulin better and reduce inflammation. These benefits can’t be found in processed foods—even ones labeled “low sugar.”

Prediabetes affects around 98 million U.S. adults. Without lifestyle changes, many will develop type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. But healthy habits like eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent that.

Dr. Raedeh Basiri, one of the study authors, says it’s not just about avoiding sugar—it's about choosing foods that work with your body. “Mango is more than just its sugar content,” she said. “It’s a whole package.”

This study offers hope that simple, natural changes—like adding a mango to your daily routine—may support better health.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.

WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Hack

Tried many diets and nothing worked? This weight loss plan may help, especially if you want to lose fat but keep your muscles strong.

It’s called the carnivore diet, and it works by lowering a hormone called insulin—which stores fat—and raising growth hormone, which protects muscle and bones.

Here’s how to do it:

What to Eat (as much as you want):

  • Beef (any kind: ground beef, steak, ribs)

  • Lamb or goat

  • Eggs (keep the yolks!)

  • Butter (grass-fed is best)

  • Liver or other organ meats

  • Bacon

What to Drink:

  • Water (still or sparkling)

  • Coffee (no sugar or cream)

  • Tea (plain only)

Eat one or two big meals a day within a 6-hour window. Don’t snack outside that window. During the other 18 hours, drink only water, coffee, or tea. Eat until you feel full. No need to count calories.

Avoid:

  • Sugar

  • Breaded foods

  • Sweeteners

  • Carbs of any kind

  • Packaged or processed food

You might feel tired or have headaches the first week. This is normal and should pass. Make sure to get enough salt, potassium, and magnesium—found in the foods listed or from supplements.

You can do this for 1 to 3 months, or longer if it feels right for you. Many people notice weight loss, better blood sugar, and more energy.

Disclaimer: Talk to your doctor before starting any diet, especially if you have health problems.

HEALTH

Louisiana’s Deadly Whooping Cough Outbreak is Now Its Worst in 35 Years

Louisiana is facing its most serious whooping cough outbreak in 35 years. As of late August 2025, 368 cases have been reported—far more than the previous record of 214 in 2013. Most worrying, two babies have died, and many others have been hospitalized.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a very contagious illness that affects the lungs. It is especially dangerous for babies under one year old, who are the most likely to end up in the hospital.

The outbreak began in September 2024 and has spread quickly. Over the past 21 years, Louisiana usually had about 77 cases per year. But this year’s numbers are nearly five times that.

Since the outbreak started, at least 63 people have been hospitalized. About two-thirds of those are babies. Health officials also found that 75% of people hospitalized had not gotten all their whooping cough shots.

Doctors and health leaders are urging everyone, especially pregnant women and parents of young children, to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations. The vaccine helps protect against serious illness and death.

Theresa Sokol, the state’s top disease expert, warned that the illness can have deadly effects, especially for babies and children who haven’t had their full set of vaccines.

Health officials also worry that false information about vaccines is making the outbreak worse. They are asking the public to trust the science and take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not offer medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider.

For People Without Diabetes, Continuous Glucose Monitors May Not Accurately Reflect Blood Sugar Control

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are small devices that track your blood sugar in real time. They’re often used by people with type 2 diabetes to manage their condition. In 2024, the FDA approved CGMs for over-the-counter use—even for people without diabetes.

But a new study shows that CGMs may not be useful for everyone.

Researchers from Mass General Brigham looked at nearly 1,000 adults aged 40 and up, including people with diabetes, prediabetes, and normal blood sugar. All participants wore a CGM device for up to 10 days. The researchers then compared the CGM data to a standard lab test called HbA1c, which shows average blood sugar levels over a few months.

Here’s what they found:

  • In people with diabetes, CGM results matched well with HbA1c.

  • In those with prediabetes, the link was weaker.

  • In people without diabetes, CGM results didn’t match the HbA1c at all.

This means CGMs may not give reliable long-term blood sugar information for people without diabetes.

However, CGMs could still help some people understand how their meals, exercise, or stress affect blood sugar levels day to day. But they are not a replacement for regular lab tests like HbA1c.

Doctors say more long-term research is needed. For now, if you don’t have diabetes, be cautious when using CGMs to judge your health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making health decisions.

✢ A Note From Hem Hero

The information in this health newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. The publishers are not responsible for any actions taken by the reader based on the information provided.