Turn on any TV news, or pick up any newspaper and you will see stories about America being obese and having an explosive increase in diabetes. And the sad thing is that it is true. The U.S. Surgeon General has said the number of overweight adults and children is 50% higher than it was only 10 years ago. It's truly becoming an epidemic. It should come as no surprise to anyone that obesity also leads to other serious health problems. And one of the worst being diabetes. Due to the growing obesity problem in America, type 2 diabetes has simply exploded. While this use to be an adult onset issue it has now spread to our children. Sadly, over one third of all children born today will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Why is this happening? What is going on here? Unfortunately, the answer is quite simple, it's our eating and exercise habits. Think about how many times you eat fast food every week? For some it's every day. If you're like the average person, you eat fast food 2-3 times a week at a minimum. Fast food is literally killing us. It's loaded with fats, calories, sodium, and sky high amounts of carbohydrates. This is exactly what diabetes thrives on. It's like fertilizer. If you have doubts, take a look at the content labels on fast food, if you can find them. You will be shocked! Another problem that is creating more diabetics is the intake of soda. Everywhere you go, be it the gas station, store, fast food restaurant, etc., the sizes of sodas being sold are enormous. 10-20 years ago a large soda was considered to be 12-16oz. These days, that's a small drink at best. You're now seeing 48-64oz super big gulps, or hugos. The sugars and carbs that these sodas contain are off the charts, yet our children are drinking them up on a daily basis. The result? A dramatic increase in the number of children under 12 with diabetes. Thankfully, some of the school systems around the country are getting the message and banning soda and snack machines from schools. The other big reason for the massive increase in type 2 diabetes is from our total lack of any form of exercise. Few people follow any kind of fitness routine, and it seems you hardly see people even go for walks in their own neighborhood. The remote control doesn't qualify as getting physical exercise. Get off the couch and at least begin walking. Exercise is proven to reduce diabetes, as well as so many other health issues. Even if you can only exercise 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes, do it. You will reap the benefits from it quickly. Diabetes is a serious issue. Left alone it can cause blindness, stroke, kidney failure, heart disease, and death. We can't continue to eat triple whoppers, a pound of greasy fries, and wash it all down with a gallon size Coke. If you will educate yourself on diabetes, not only will you help improve your own health, but you may be able to help those closest to you as well. Together we can reduce the diabetes epidemic. |
