Diabetes becoming alarmingly common worldwide, new study finds Continued at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...ew-study-finds/2011/06/24/AGMkaFlH_story.html
Heh, funny picture. This diabetes pandemic does affect the whole planet we live on, so that's why I thought it was important to post. The intent of the thread is addressed to everyone.
I remember reading a newspaper article that covered an explosion of obesity and diabetes in an Indian town in India. The theory offered by those afflicted was due to the emergence of McDonalds in the region and their eating it regularly. They said before the restaurants began popping up, diabetes and obesity were an anomaly. Wonder if their is a connection with the influx of fast food establishments in the countries mentioned in the story. I know McDonalds and KFC are hugely in China. When I was growing up in Australia, the only fast food joint were independently owned fish and chips shops and pizza joints. Every corporate Fast food CHAIN I was ever exposed too were American: KFC, McDONALDS and of course Burger King (Hungry Jacks). We never had fast food chains before they arrived, nor had ever tasted food like theirs, either.
For a long time, I too thought there was a connection between diabetes and fast food. But recently I visited some rural areas in Eastern Europe where American fast food companies have yet to venture and diabetes rates there are thru the roof as well, alarming the country's health ministry... In fact, it seems like diabetes is becoming a global health threat. I do believe the cause is due to something we humans introduced into our food chain though I am constantly told that a key factor is genetics.
Yes, I think the fast food chains are at least one reason. Another reason is a sense of increased laziness within people too, in many things which require effort to do. You and Noc appear to be in good shape anyway, so just hit the gym often and you won't have to worry. Yeah, I remember reading something a while ago that said this was global. From reading some of the threads on here about diabetes, obesity, etc, it was marginalized and focused specifically only about BM, WW, or BW. In this case, I don't think race matters, because everyone's in the same boat in regards to health problems and diabetes.
Now that's interesting Nocturnal.. particularly since we probably couldn't say its chemicals or cornfeed in livestock - I doubt they have huge farming slaughterhouses in Eastern Europe where meat would not be abundantly available in the diet. This article then is truly baffling. What could be causing this global explosion?
I'm not as active as Id like to be, but I eat as organically as possible and if it isn't in its natural or almost natural state, I don't or rarely eat it. So I eat butter not marg, olive oil, not lard, bison, or grass fed meat (but that's rare I eat meat) free range veg fed eggs (rare again) same for chicken, no chemicals in my food, on genetically modified food, berries from the Himalayas, nuts in their raw form, fermented soy, tamari, Paul Bragg vinegar and liquid amino, spring water, seas salt, green tea, wheat-grass juice, chick peas, lentils, fruit and veggies, salads...full cream or half or half&half with coffee is my daily weakness, rarely eat sugar, use natural body products, ie: Dr Bronners, Neapolitan Organic and Sugar Kiss Soufflé Body Scrubs/Oils, etc....basically I hate chemical-laden foods and beauty products. I also take fish oil, Okinawa coral calcium, vitamins, etc
There is no doubt that there exists a genetic component for diabetes. However, there is much stronger correlation for obesity and diabetes with the increase in processed foods, whether fast foods or the explosive growth of "snack foods". The addition of sugar, as a taste enhancement in many foods, should be recognized as well. If you look at most foods, even frozen or canned vegetables, you can find added sugar, at least here in the states, ketchup, peanut butter and scores of other foods. Many Americans consume significant amounts of additional sugar through the consumption of soft drinks. I note, for example, rice cakes. This was a great snack when it first entered the market and I loved them. Then, to appeal to more people who didn't like the healthy food, they added lots more flavors, especially sugar. Another example would Gatorade and related products. Studies among children and adults have found that the glucose level of Americans is significantly higher than it was 40 years ago. While sugar alone does not cause diabetes, when combined with the sedentary life style most live at this juncture, and a diet that consists increasing on processed foods, it's understandable that diabetes is rising among everyone. For the first time in history diabetes is now commonplace as a childhood disease. Many people ignore significant weight gain, the lack of exercise and diet because they don't "feel' the effect of these problems. However, scientists continue to sound the warning that it's only a matter of time, that there are consequences to the lack of inaction. Coincidentally, Asian Indians have a higher level of fat, genetically, that other races.
Good posts, Swirl and Kuno. Several things need to be developed in the near future which includes: - Revisions with the ingredients within our food - Additional means of body detoxification and weight loss - Implementing safe, convenient exercise regimes - Prevention of a "lazy, bailout" generation/culture
