There are many devastating effects of diabetes II, “Mother of All Diseases.” We now know that over 90 per cent of cases of diabetes II are caused by lifestyle choices—how we eat and how we move—we can prevent, disarm and even reverse this condition.
The findings of Harvard Study of 80,000 nurses showed that the risk of developing diabetes was up to 40 times higher in those who were obese. Yet we treat this disease with insulin and pills that increase the appetite, which leads to more weight. A vicious cycle. There must be a better way.
Studies at Harvard on 200,000 enrollees followed for one decade showed that just four ounces of unprocessed red meat—steak, pork, hamburger—would increase the risk by 20 per cent and only two ounces of processed meat—bacon, hot dogs, sausage—could do the same. Yet even just one serving of a vegetarian dish containing whole grains could decrease the risk by 35 per cent. Amazing!
The St. Louis Valley Study with 134 pre-diabetic subjects followed over three years showed that sugar intake was not the main culprit but that a daily increase of 40 grams of fat in the diet (about the amount in a bag of potato chips) could result in a six-fold increased risk of getting full blown diabetes. So fighting the enemy, fat intake and its resulting obesity, is the strategy to decrease our risk.
But now—more good news! Even if one already has diabetes, it can be reversed. In 1955, Dr. Singh dropped the fat intake to 11 per cent of the total calorie intake of 80 diabetics and within six weeks 50 were off insulin and another 18 were off in 18 weeks, giving a success rate of 85 per cent!
Studies in Austalia, the Pritikin Longevity Center in Florida, studies by Dr. Anderson at the Kentucky Diabetic Center and by Dr. Neal Barnard (founding president of the Physicians’ Committee of Responsible Medicine) came up with similar results and the same recommendations. We need to decrease our intake of fat, refined foods and animal products (meat, eggs, dairy, cheese) drastically and instead enjoy the optimal diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes with their high nutritional value and high fiber content.
We need to increase our exercise.
Work closely with your doctor to decrease or even stop your medications—but don’t do this on your own. Enjoy watching your weight, blood sugars and disabilities decrease while your energy and zest for life returns!
Dr. Sid Kettner be coming to Rock Creek on April 18 and 19 and will be giving a series of lectures on healthy living including diabetes II at the Kettle Wildlife Association Club House. Watch for further notices on this event.