According to the American Diabetic Association (ADA), a person is diagnosed with Diabetes "every 20 seconds" (2009).
Obesity is a rising problem in the United States. According to the US department of health and human services, 2 out of every 3 Americans are overweight or obese (2003).
The consequences of obesity include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and respiratory complications. One of the most harmful, but preventable diseases caused by obesity is diabetes. Diabetes is a disease of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism in which there is an imbalance between the amount of insulin required by the body and the amount of insulin available. With diabetes the pancreas is either physically unable to make insulin as the beta cells are being destroyed, as with Type 1, or the pancreas cannot keep up with the increasing demand for insulin due to the person’s increasing body mass, as in Type 2. In a healthy, well functioning body insulin is responsible for glucose transport into the cells to be used for energy. When insulin is not available in a sufficient amount, glucose cannot enter the cells and accumulates in the circulatory system. This causes an increase in blood glucose often above the recommended level of 120 mg/dL at any given time. This high level of glucose in the blood can lead to neuropathy, poor wound healing, necessary amputation, renal failure, coronary artery disease and possibly multiple organ failure and death. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by living healthy lifestyle, including consuming a low fat diet and adopting a regular exercise routine to maintain a healthy body weight.
This website provides additional links and information to guide you on your journey towards a healthy lifestyle.
