Understanding Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus comes from the Greek word “diabetes,” meaning siphon to pass through, and “mellitus,” meaning honeyed or sweet. In a healthy body, cells allow blood sugar to pass through with the help of insulin released from the pancreas. This sugar (glucose) is released into your bloodstream when your body breaks down most of the food you eat, and insulin helps the glucose get into cells to be used for energy.
When this process breaks down due to too much blood sugar or insulin resistance, Diabetes can develop over time.
The Global Spread of Diabetes
Gary Taubes, in his book “The Case Against Sugar,” says, “When sugar and sugar-rich products spread around the globe, so did Diabetes. When peasant farmers throughout Africa, India, Asia, and Central and South America migrated to towns and cities to become wage earners, and changed their dietary habits accordingly – no longer eating locally grown cereals, starches, and fruits, but instead buying sugary drinks and sugar-laden treats in shops and markets – diabetes made its inevitable appearance.”
In her book “Reverse Your Diabetes,” Dr. Eva Orsmond notes, “The truth is that Type 2 diabetes starts with insulin resistance and only with time and an unchanged lifestyle does it eventually lead to insulin exhaustion.”
Personal Responsibility and Prevention
Taking personal control, as Dr. Eva suggests, should be part of our daily routine. Keep in mind that while you may not have diabetes today, you could easily develop prediabetes if your blood sugar levels remain high over time.
Tips for Reducing Your Sugar Intake
- Read “The Case Against Sugar” and “Reverse Your Diabetes,” and make up your own mind.
- Decide to cut down by 50% on all sugar foods.
- Regular exercise will help burn off excess fat.
- Visit us at Get Back Health Clinic this week and get your spine and nervous system adjusted. This will help you focus on your health and wellness.
Yours in Health,
John Keane, Spinologist