Help for Diabetes

Over 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. An estimated 13 million have been diagnosed while another 5 million are unaware that they have the disease. Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Tommy G. Thompson announced findings from the Diabetes Prevention Program's clinical trial that show at least 10 million Americans at high risk for type II diabetes could significantly lower their risk through diet and exercise. In a separate study Dr. Mark Pereira at Harvard Medical School analyzed the eating habits of 2,831 participants and found "breakfast may play an important role in reducing the risk of type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease."

Diabetes mellitus is the most common of any serious metabolic disease in humans, and perhaps more than any other disease, is closely associated with diet. Moreover, diabetic population is significantly higher where western lifestyle and diet habits dominate rather than those cultures consuming a more "primitive" diet. Four percent of America now suffers with diabetes; 90% of these are type II and the remaining 10% are type I. The prevalence of diabetes is rising. It's now the 6th major cause of death in the U.S. and it's thought that this will double every 10-15 years, with an estimated 6-10% increase per year.

"In view of the rapidly rising rates of obesity and diabetes in America, this good news couldn't come at a better time. So many of our health problems can be avoided through diet, exercise and making sure we take care of ourselves. By promoting healthy lifestyles, we can improve the quality of life for all Americans, and reduce health care costs dramatically," states Thompson.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin or when cells stop responding to the insulin produced by the body. Without insulin glucose cannot be absorbed into our cells.

Type I diabetes can occur at any age, but usually develops in children and young adults under the age of 30. Treatment for this type of diabetes includes insulin shots or using insulin pumps choosing the proper foods, exercising regularly in addition to controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.

In type II diabetes is when the body produces plenty of insulin but the cells become insensitive to it. The insulin resistance is a condition in which fat, muscle and liver cells do not use insulin properly. Initially the pancreas continues to release insulin as demanded. In time the pancreas is less responsive to the insulin demands and begins to secrete less. Risk factors such as obesity and inactivity increase chances of developing type II diabetes.

Additional risk factors include: