A quick glance at the numbers is all it takes to understand the scope of the problem. Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes and another 57 million adults over the age of 20 have pre-diabetes, which means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal, increasing their risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. According to current projections, about 48 million people in the United States will have diabetes by 2050.
It’s important to note, however, that there are two conditions called diabetes—type 1 and type 2—and they have some very significant differences:
Type 1, formally juvenile-onset or insulin dependent diabetes, effects the pancreas' ability to produce insulin. Affected individuals must be treated with insulin for life.
Type 2 is a national epidemic in this country. It develops because the body fails to use insulin properly and occurs in people who are overweight (including children). Other risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, older age, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes (diabetes that occurs during pregnancy), impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity.
The same lifestyle changes that can manage type 2 diabetes can also prevent it or at least delay the onset of the disease. Since obesity is the major contributing factor, the key to prevention is losing weight (5 to 7 percent of body weight) by eating healthier and exercising 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
How can you balance blood sugar (glucose) levels?
* Eat smaller amounts more often
* Add some type of protein to each meal or snack
* Consume complex carbs ( whole grain products, vegetables, etc. )
* Avoid sugar, simple carbs ( sweets, bread, muffins, white flour products, pasta, etc. )
* Avoid commercial fruit juices, soda pop, alcohol, etc. ( all high in sugar )
Something to think about: " In 1970, Americans spent about $6 billion on fast food; in 2001, we spent more than $110 billion. Americans now spend more money on fast food than on higher education, personal computers, computer software, or new cars. They spend more on fast food than on movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos, and recorded music~ combined" (Schlosser). "The typical American now consumes approximately three hamburgers and four orders of french fries" (Schlosser).
Retaining normal blood sugar levels is essential to long term health and wellness. That process begins with achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Step 1
Shaklee's Cinch Inch Loss Plan: achieving a healthy weight helps retain healthy blood-glucose levels.
Step 2
Glucose Regulation Complex: helps retain normal blood sugar levels.
Other essential Shaklee products for maintaining blood sugar levels: Protein,B-Complex, Alfalfa, Optiflora, DTX, multivitamin/multimineral supplement. For more information on these products please click on LQ-Wellness in the right column of this blog or contact me personally.
To your health naturally,
Lisa
