Using the Dead Sea to Cure Diabetes?

According to a new Israeli study, taking a dip in the Dead Sea may help diabetics lower their blood sugar levels. The team of researchers, led by Professor Shaul Sukenik from Ben Gurion University in the Negev believe that “In the event that the findings are confirmed in further studies, a drop in blood glucose levels will allow diabetics who bathe in the Dead Sea to use less medication.”

The experiment consisted of 14 individuals with Type 2 diabetes, and a control group of 6 healthy individuals.  Glucose levels dropped on average from 163 to 151 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl), or 13.5 percent.

For those who stayed in the water even longer, for an hour, blood sugar levels dropped to 141.3 mg/dl. Interestingly, the control group showed no changes in blood sugar levels, suggesting that there is a serious link to be uncovered here.

The Dead Sea is one of the world’s most amazing treasures. And over the past year, an international competition has been going on to name the New 7 Wonders of the World. Here’s some fun facts brought to you by the site votedeadsea.com:

1. The Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Lake Assal in Djibouti, Africa.
2. The salt concentration in the Dead Sea is 33.7%, compared with the salt concentration in the Mediterranean Sea, which is between 3.5% and 3.9%.
3. The high salt content is what makes possible the unique floating experience enjoyed by bathers in the Dead Sea.

While the researchers are currently raising money to create a large-scale study to figure out just what it is about the Dead Sea that can aid diabetics. Their findings are going to be published in the Israel Medical Association’s journal, HaRefua
For now, make sure to go on over to new7wonders.com and vote for the Dead Sea!