Diabetes The Sugar Pandemic
The Sugar Pandemic
A recent report based on data from 33 states determined that the rate of diabetes cases in the U.S. soared by about 90% over that past decade alone. This trend is believed due to diet and sedentary lifestyle. An estimated 90-95% of the new cases are type 2. Type 2 diabetes has not plateaued yet and is not expected to for quite some time. Experts 
believe that by simply engaging in a diet and exercise program for 6 years people at high risk can actually delay their onset by 14 years. The report was released three days after U.S. researchers found that while doctors are using a wider array of newer, more expensive drugs to treat diabetes, there is little long term proof they work better than older cheaper medications. There is no better way to positively affect the type 2 diabetes numbers in our population than to better educate the nation dietarily.
We must remember that all high glycemic (sugar) foods trigger insulin. The insulin then causes an additional demand of approximately 200 calories per meal. Over time this will drive up the body weight and increase the fat stores including rising lipid levels. The liver can only tolerate 50 grams of total sugar per day, or 120 pounds per year max! The average American is presently consuming nearly 160 grams of sugar per year, 73% of which are described as ‘hidden.’ This overload is placing an undue insulin burden on the liver and pancreas.
When we consistently overload the body with sugar we develop insulin and leptin resistance. The body essentially becomes too overworked to manage our sugar (insulin) and fat (leptin) metabolism. This drives up weight, cholesterol, triglycerides and increases the risk for diabetes and heart disease. In addition, insulin is an inflammatory hormone that drives up the inflammatory response. This increases the risk factors for virtually all inflammatory conditions: heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc.
Those high glycemic foods that place us at high risk (index of 70 plus)) for type 2 adult onset diabetes are:
Waffles, Doughnuts, Wafer Biscuits, Rice Cakes (processed), White Bread, White Rolls, Baguette, Golden Grahams, Puffed Wheat, Wheetabix, Rice Crispies, Corn Flakes, Millet, Watermelon, Chips, Potato (instant), Baked Potato (skinless), Parsnips, Corn Chips, Jelly Beans, Pretzels, Dates, Broad Beans, all processed Sugars and Desserts.
The solution as always is to increase: vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, pure water and exercise.
