From
an article in the NY Times
an article in the NY Times
Nearly 29.1 million Americans have
diabetes. This year alone, almost 2 million American adults and more than 5,000
children and adolescents will learn they also have type 2 diabetes. This
largely preventable disease claims nearly 200,000 lives a year. The fatality
rate among affected adults is 50% higher than among similar people without
diabetes.
diabetes. This year alone, almost 2 million American adults and more than 5,000
children and adolescents will learn they also have type 2 diabetes. This
largely preventable disease claims nearly 200,000 lives a year. The fatality
rate among affected adults is 50% higher than among similar people without
diabetes.
Recent studies have linked diabetes to
an increased risk in other diseases such as Alzheimer’s and have also shown an
increased risk of dementia. The same is true for those who do not yet have
diabetes but have above average blood glucose levels.
an increased risk in other diseases such as Alzheimer’s and have also shown an
increased risk of dementia. The same is true for those who do not yet have
diabetes but have above average blood glucose levels.
Excess weight, the primary risk factor,
can run in families. There are ways to combat this disease with proper
nutrition, weight loss and activity. Though the numbers are daunting and it can
be difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible. It is however, easier and more effective to avoid the risks of getting
type 2 diabetes in the first place.
can run in families. There are ways to combat this disease with proper
nutrition, weight loss and activity. Though the numbers are daunting and it can
be difficult to lose weight, it is not impossible. It is however, easier and more effective to avoid the risks of getting
type 2 diabetes in the first place.
Here are some tips on diet and exercise
to keep you healthy, active and living a longer more productive life:
to keep you healthy, active and living a longer more productive life:
- Avoid drastic measures. Making gradual changes to
your diet in what and how you eat allows your body time to adjust. One
study showed that people with pre-diabetes who had moderate weight loss
(avg, of 12 lbs), reduced their odds of progressing to diabetes by nearly
50 percent.
- Concentrate on food choices and gradually reduce
portion sizes. You don’t have to count calories but it can be helpful to
keep a food journal for each day.
- Carbohydrates- breads, grains, cereals, sugary
drinks, and sweets. Carbs are metabolized to glucose, which raises the
body’s demand for insulin. Try consuming less of them in general and
choose whole grain when possible.
- Fruit juice vs. Soda- Fruit juice is not
necessarily safer than soda. All drinks with fructose (table sugar, high
fructose corn syrup, honey or agave) may increase body weight, insulin
resistance and belly fat.
- More Coffee- two or three cups of coffee a day
have been consistently linked to a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. Take
your coffee black or artificially sweetened. Be cautious with specialty
coffee drinks- they can be loaded with sugar and calories.
Blog post by Farran Jalbert.
