Thursday, April 23, 2009

Diabetes: How to Avoid the Odds

By James B. LaValle

The rate of Type II diabetes has almost doubled in the past 10 years, according to the results of a recent survey by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Alarmingly, the actual number of people with diabetes is probably higher, because the survey relied on people to self-report - and many are diabetic and don't even know it!

These results should not surprise us. The rate of Type II diabetes is bound to increase as Americans continue to gain weight and tip the scales toward obesity.

The scary truth is that by the time you reach age 60, you have a 1 in 3 chance of being diabetic. But you can avoid becoming a statistic by being aware of the warning signs and taking preventive action.

Take a look at your belly.

If your waist is bigger than your hips, you are insulin resistant and at increased risk, whether you are overweight or not. Losing weight is critical. But many times, stress is the biggest culprit in weight that is gained in the abdomen. So learn how to reduce or counteract the stress in your life.

Get your fasting blood sugar level checked.

Even levels below 100 mg/dL, once thought harmless, can forecast diabetes. For years, I have noticed that as blood sugar levels start to rise and no action is taken, it is usually a matter of WHEN, not IF, the person reaches the diabetic glucose level. Recent scientific research validates this observation. According to a landmark Kaiser-Permanente health plan study, blood glucose levels of 86 to 90 indicate an increased diabetes risk, levels of 90 to 94 indicate a 49 percent increased risk, and people with levels between 95 and 99 are 233 percent more likely to develop diabetes.

If your blood sugar is in an increased risk range, and especially if your waistline is growing, switch to a healthy low-carb diet.

Reduce sweets, grains, and other starches. And increase high-antioxidant, non-starchy vegetables, along with adequate protein and healthy fats.
Increase your intake of zinc, chromium, and magnesium.
These minerals can improve the effectiveness of insulin.
Start exercising.

[Ed. Note: Keeping your stress under control is one key to good health. For expert advice on how to stay stress-free, what to eat to stay fit, how to lose weight, and much more, sign up for ETR's free natural health e-newsletter.

It truly is possible to improve your health just by making wise choices when it comes to diet and lifestyle. James B. LaValle, RPh, ND, CCN - founder of the LaValle Metabolic Institute and a nationally recognized expert on natural therapies - can give you easy-to-understand directions for living the healthy life you've always wanted. Learn how to feel better and live longer right here.]

Larry Potter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkJCsIMAiNY
www.ATicketToWealth.com

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