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The Diabetes Epidemic?
Health Message from Wagoner Community Hospital
(November 5, 2007) Childhood obesity, sedentary adults and our ever-increasing waistlines have generated an almost epidemic increase in the incidence of diabetes. Today, more than 20 million Americans are thought to have diabetes, and the numbers continue to rise. November is recognized as American Diabetes Month in an attempt to educate people about the very real threats posed by diabetes.
"Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and accounts for up to 95% of the population with diabetes," said Chriss Roberts, D.O. "Type 1 diabetes results from the body's inability to produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by either insufficient insulin production or ineffective use of insulin. We used to consider type 1 diabetes the childhood version and type 2 the adult version. But, now we're seeing more and more type 2 diabetes among children. Many doctors recommend screening for type 2 diabetes by age 30 for people who are overweight or have a family history of the disease.
"And, women now have an extra reason to work with their physicians to control high blood pressure," Dr. Roberts continued. "Nearly a third of the U.S. population has high blood pressure which can raise the risks of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other serious illnesses. As we age, our blood pressure typically increases. A new study reported a significant increase in the risks for type 2 diabetes among women whose blood pressure rose unchecked over a period of years. It's important for women in particular to monitor their blood pressure and work with their doctors to maintain readings at 120/80 or less."
While diabetes risk factors like family history, age, and ethnicity cannot be changed, there are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes that can be reduced. Lifestyle changes geared at weight loss and improving physical activity levels cut the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 50%.
Before their blood sugar levels reach diabetic levels, many people go through a stage - that can last for years - of pre-diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. Studies have shown that recommended lifestyle changes alone or in combination with diabetes medications can often delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially non-starchy choices such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans.
- Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products.
- Include dried beans or lentils in your meals.
- Eat fish 2-3 times a week.
- Choose lean meats like beef and pork that end in "loin" such as pork loin and sirloin.
- Remove skin from chicken and turkey before eating.
- Choose non-fat dairy products such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
- Choose water and calorie-free drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet teas and other sweet drinks.
- Cook with liquid oils rather than solids. Read labels and avoid trans fats.
- Cut back on high calorie snacks and desserts.
- Watch your portion sizes, even with healthy foods.
"About 40% of all adults age 40 to 74 have abnormal blood glucose levels," Dr. Roberts concluded. "Many will develop diabetes in the next 10 years. Don't wait for a diagnosis. Talk to your doctor now about lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risks for diabetes and heart disease."
