Prediabetes

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Stop prediabetes Now: The Ultimate Plan to Lose Weight and Prevent Diabetes Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

That's right—we, too, had signs of prediabetes until we changed our eating habits. JACK'S STORY Ten years ago, I had a potbelly that seemed to grow another inch with each passing year. I felt tired all the time. And then a simple blood test told me what I didn't want to hear: I was prediabetic. Today, I'm trim, my blood-sugar level is normal, and I feel absolutely great. Most people assume that I'm ten years younger than I actually am. I turned my life around without taking drugs or following fad diets.

All of these improvements showed my health to be normal, although I must remain vigilant because of my risk of redeveloping prediabetes. DR. RON'S STORY Ten years ago, I met Jack for the first time when he visited the Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International, the nonprofit nutritional medicine center where I work in Wichita, Kansas. As one of the center's physicians, I often focused more on the health of my patients than on my own. After lunch, I would usually "brown out"—I had difficulty concentrating and wanted to take a nap.

Others recommended diets that were high in refined carbohydrates (breads, pastas, muffins, bagels), which make both prediabetes and weight problems worse, not better. Some authors gave vague advice and not enough practical information. Others wrote in such excruciating detail that their plans were nearly impossible to follow. For example, just when people got the hang of counting calories or carbs, a slew of new books asked them to start tracking the glycemic index of foods. Most people don't need more numbers to calculate and another hoop to jump through!

To help you understand exactly how we—as individuals and as a society—make ourselves sick, let's review some basic principles of nutrition: the different types of nutrients in foods, how our society's eating habits have changed, and the foods that predispose you to developing prediabetes and becoming overweight. What Exactly Are Nutrients? What you eat (or don't eat) has the greatest bearing on your risk of becoming prediabetic, diabetic, and overweight. Eating habits are even more important than your genes, because your genes also depend on good nutrition.

His %B was 320 percent, indicating very high beta-cell secretion of insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. His high level of insulin secretion will eventually wear out, leading to elevated glucose and diabetes. A recent calculation of Jack's fasting glucose (82 mg/dl) and fasting insulin (4.9 mcIU/ml) found his HOMA-IR to be 0.6 and his %B to be 84. His below-normal HOMA-IR is exceptionally good (you could say better than normal), and his low %B indicates that he is not stressing his pancreas. C-Reactive Protein C-reactive protein (CRP) is both a marker and a promoter of inflammation.

If your ratio is 0.96 to 1.0 (men) or 0.81 to 0.85 (women), you have a moderate risk. • If your ratio is 1.1 (men) or 0.86 (women) or higher, you have a high risk. Are You Prediabetic or Overweight? Take the Quiz We would like you to take a few minutes to answer the questions on the following quizzes, which assess your risk of being prediabetic or overweight. The first two quizzes are for women, and the second two are for men. (Some questions are identical, but others differ.) Be honest in your answers. No one except you has to see them.

Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease Ann M. Coulston and Carol J. Boushey See book keywords and concepts

The classification also includes prediabetes, a term used for impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose, which place people at risk of developing diabetes and its complications [59]. Although diabetes is characterized by alterations of fat [60] and of protein metabolism [61, 62], glucose impairment remains the hallmark of diabetes diagnosis and control. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus [63] are summarized in Table 2 and those for prediabetes in Table 3. Criteria for the metabolic syndrome are given in Table 4.

FDA refuses to pull dangerous diabetes drug Avandia, even knowing it will kill thousands Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts

I personally overcame prediabetes and hypoglycemia using the same strategy outlined in this book, and thousands of readers have already cured their diabetes using this same information. (You can now see my health statistics, including fasting blood glucose numbers, at www.HealthRanger.org ) Why the FDA pushes diabetes drugs, not diabetes prevention The FDA and drug companies don't want consumers to find out the truth about how simple it is to cure diabetes because such information would substantially reduce the sales of highly profitable drugs like Avandia.

Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life-- and How YouCan Get Back on Track Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Excess Quickie Carbs Can Lead to Several Blood Sugar Disorders As people have been carb gorging and gaining weight in the United States and around the world, we've been witnessing an unparalleled explosion of glucose-metabolism disorders, including hypoglycemia, prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or glucose intolerance and impaired fasting glucose), hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome (originally known as Syndrome X and now increasingly called insulin resistance syndrome), and type 2 diabetes.

More horrifying, 2 million adolescents between 12 and 19—or one in six overweight kids—have prediabetes, according to the Journal of Pediatrics. One in three children born in 2000 is likely to develop type 2 diabetes unless he or she starts eating less and more healthily and exercising more. The odds are worse for black and Hispanic children, with nearly one half expected to develop the disease. Increasingly, overweight and obese children are developing metabolic syndrome—especially if they continue to gain weight.

Indeed, new research theorizes that anyone with poor or impaired blood sugar control is at risk for memory woes and that blood sugar issues such as diabetes, prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia could be caused or exacerbated by eating too many sweets and refined-flour products, as well as by not exercising. Brain Basics Weighing in at a mere three pounds, our brain is the seat of our intelligence. It helps us remember things, controls our behavior and movement, and helps us interpret information provided by our five senses.

The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems--and Feel Good Again Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

The product may be of particular benefit to people with prediabetes and diabetes. Follow the label directions for use. (See ordering information in the appendix.) Chromium. This essential mineral is needed for the normal functioning of insulin, and studies have found that it can lower blood sugar levels. Take 400 to 1,000 meg of chromium picolinate daily by itself, and about 400 to 500 mg daily if you combine it with other supplements described here. Cinnamon. Consuming small amounts of cinnamon, in foods or supplements, can greatly improve blood sugar levels.

People with fat around the middle (belly fat) and prediabetes are more likely to suffer from vital exhaustion. In fact, the larger a person's belly, the more likely that he or she will develop vital exhaustion. People are more likely to feel fatigued if they don't eat regular meals and they tend to consume junk foods, such as soft drinks, sweets, and fast foods. To increase energy levels, reduce or eliminate these foods from your diet and eat more protein. Simply eating a couple of slices of deli turkey will improve your energy level and mood.

Best Choices From the People's Pharmacy Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

It is estimated that as many as 40 million Americans might have prediabetes. Their fasting blood sugar is between the cutoff for definite diabetes of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) and high normal (110 mg/dl). Some diabetes experts believe that prediabetes should be diagnosed when fasting blood sugar runs at or above 100 mg/dl.205 People at risk for diabetes may also be overweight and have high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. When these conditions occur together, they are labeled metabolic syndrome.

The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems--and Feel Good Again Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

Because Syndrome X is a form of prediabetes, it frequently includes mood changes, such as impatience, irritability, anger, hostility, and fuzzy thinking. The ideal solution is not to self-medicate with foods that promote mood swings or heart disease, but rather to reduce or eliminate the source of stress, a topic that I'll address later in this book. In the next chapter, I will explain more about neurotransmitters and will describe some of the nutrients needed to make them.

Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life-- and How YouCan Get Back on Track Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

I first approached Ellen, had begun to reverse his prediabetes condition simply by removing desserts and breads, losing weight, and exercising regularly. Coincidentally, he inadvertently demonstrated to my soon-to-be agent the almost miraculous, rejuvenating powers of identifying and escaping SUGAR SHOCK!

The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems--and Feel Good Again Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

Lynn's physician diagnosed her with prediabetes, and he recommended that she follow a high-protein, high-vegetable, low-carb diet. Instead of skipping breakfast, as she usually did, she ate two scrambled or boiled eggs. Within three days of adopting the diet, her energy levels improved—and so did her moods. foods that are higher in sugars and fats. That's why the incidence of obesity and diabetes has increased rapidly—and part of the reason why I believe mood problems are also on the rise.

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto Michael Pollan See book keywords and concepts

When you consider that two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, that fully a quarter of us have metabolic syndrome, that fifty-four million have prediabetes, and that the incidence of type 2 diabetes has risen 5 percent annually since 1990, going from 4 percent to 7.7 percent of the adult population (that's more than twenty million Americans), the question is not nearly as silly as it sounds.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Diabetes: An Innovative Program to Prevent, Treat, and Beat This Controllable Disease Steven V. Joyal See book keywords and concepts

Measurement of this factor in the blood is very helpful in monitoring the level of glycation damage in prediabetes and diabetes. We discuss several surprising facts about Hb A in chapter 4. An important strategy to reduce the level of glycation damage to your tissues is to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range (below 100 mg/dL premeal or after a fast, although we know from our extensive research in this area that fasting blood sugar readings in the 70 to 85 mg/dL range appear optimal). We talk about how you can achieve this goal throughout part II of this book.

Sugar Shock!: How Sweets and Simple Carbs Can Derail Your Life-- and How YouCan Get Back on Track Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

In particular, experts say, those with either low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high blood sugar (diabetes and prediabetes) are at risk for wreaking havoc on their relationships. (You'll learn more about both of these conditions in the next two chapters.) In fact, Roberta Ruggiero, founder and president of the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation, Inc., whose website (www.hypoglycemia.

Your kid's behavioral and physical ailments could provide clues indicating that he or she has hypoglycemia, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes, particularly if diabetes runs in your family. If you think your kid is too young to have diabetes, bear in mind that diabetes is now striking our nation's youth with increasing prevalence. As a parent, you owe it to your kid to do whatever you can to help your child be healthy.

The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts

High blood sugar is the first step down a road that can easily lead to metabolic syndrome (a kind of prediabetes that puts you at considerable risk for heart disease) or even diabetes itself. When your blood sugar is high, all kinds of metabolic events occur, none of them good. Foremost among them is an overproduction of the "sugar-clearing" hormone insulin. One of the jobs of insulin is to clear the bloodstream of excess sugar. The more sugar in your bloodstream, the more insulin the pancreas has to send out to get the job done.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

To determine whether you have prediabetes, ask your doctor for a fasting glucose test—especially if you are at increased risk due to... •Excess body weight. •Family history of diabetes (parent, brother or sister). •Diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). •Asian, African-American or Hispanic ethnicity. If any of these risk factors applies to you, have your blood sugar checked at your next physical. After age 45, you should have it checked at least every three years. Given the high rates of diabetes today, everyone older than 45 should consider getting tested.

The Food-Mood Solution: All-Natural Ways to Banish Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Stress, Overeating, and Alcohol and Drug Problems--and Feel Good Again Jack Challem See book keywords and concepts

Belly fat is a telltale sign of abnormal fluctuations of blood sugar and insulin levels, prediabetes, and full-blown type-2 diabetes, all of which can negatively affect thinking processes, concentration, mood, behavior, and energy levels. Chronically high levels of Cortisol also lower levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone that helps us to maintain youthfulness and sexuality and resist stress, and protects us against depression. Are You Stressed? For many people, that's an easy question to answer. If you feel like you're stressed, you probably are.

Bottom Line's Health Breakthroughs 2007 Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts

Now: You can stop diabetes in its tracks if you recognize and take action against "prediabetes," which affects more than 40 million people between the ages of 40 and 74. Here's how... WHEN SUGAR ISN'T SWEET Glucose, a simple sugar molecule that is metabolized from the food you eat, is basic fuel for your body. It is broken down in cells to produce energy that powers your muscles, lets you think and keeps your heart pumping and your lungs breathing. The hormone insulin, which is produced by your pancreas, plays a key role in this process, escorting glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.

Importantfinding: In a New Englandfour-nal of Medicine study, 3,234 men and women who had prediabetes were randomly assigned to a lifestyle program or to the drug metformin. After three years, weight loss and exercise reduced diabetes incidence by 58%, while drug treatment reduced diabetes incidence by only 31%. Diabetes Improves After Weight-Loss Surgery In a study, 84% of obese diabetics who underwent gastric bypass surgery had normal blood sugar (glucose) levels after surgery. Most of these patients were able to discontinue their diabetes medication shortly after surgery.

Starting drug treatment during the prediabetes stage greatly reduces the risk for future diabetes-related complications. Recommendation: In most cases, if you don't achieve normal glucose levels after trying lifestyle changes (improving your diet, losing weight, exercising, etc.) for three months, ask your doctor about starting medication. Examples... •Metformin (Glucophage) is an oral drug that inhibits the release of glucose from the liver and reduces the body's need for insulin. In a six-year study, prediabetics who took metformin reduced their risk of diabetes by 31%.

Some research also suggests that reducing saturated fat (most beef and some dairy products), and the resulting weight loss that can occur, helps reverse prediabetes, allowing your body to use insulin more efficiently. A diet that is rich in complex carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, will meet these goals—and is best for everyone's general health. •Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps control your weight and improves your body's ability to use insulin. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five or more days a week.

Too Profitable to Cure Brent Hoadley, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

If both doctors and FDA can be "convinced" that lowering Ale and blood glucose standards is necessary, the market for "prediabetes" and depression explode. This recognition by Lilly, coupled with recent health news reports, is certainly business as usual — transacted at the patients' ever increasing expense. Patrick Lustman, a psychologist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, stated (regarding symptoms of depression in diabetics), "If you've got both (conditions) and you treat both, then both will improve."7 This does not answer the question regarding tight control.

Supplement Your Prescription: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know About Nutrition Hyla Cass, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes: The Definitive Guide to Managing Diabetes and prediabetes Using the Glycemic Index. New York, NY: Marlowe & Company, 2007. DVDs Raw for 30 Days by Mark Perlmutter. A moving documentary film about six advanced diabetics on a vegan, organic, raw food diet for a month, supervised by medical staff at the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, AZ, with excellent results. Release date: Spring 2008. A compendium DVD is also being produced about the program to reverse diabetes; for more information, see www.Rawfor30Days.com.

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