There are two types of diabetes: Type I and Type II. They used to be called juvenile diabetes (now called Type I) and adult onset diabetes (now called Type II). The names had to be changed because it's not just adults that get Type II diabetes anymore. Our children are being diagnosed, too. But, why? Type II diabetes is when your body no longer responds to the insulin that is secreted. When we eat carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, grains, cereal, bread, pasta, rice, cake, cookies, sugar, candy) our pancreas releases insulin to help break down the carbohydrates to then use it as immediate energy (if needed now) or store it as fat (to use later). Before 100 years ago, this was really important because you might have not known when you would have access to food again. We didn't have fast food chains, grocery stores and donuts in our offices every day. We now live in a time when we have easy access to empty calories (processed carbohydrates) and we don't move very much. We've created the perfect storm.
According to Diabetes Canada, there are currently 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes. Every 3 minutes, someone is diagnosed with diabetes in Canada. And guess what? There is no pharmaceutical cure. You know how you cure it? Through diet and lifestyle.
What affects your insulin? Carbohydrates. What doesn't? Protein and fat. Seem too simple? It's not. But, it's not easy. What foods are easy? Cereal, bread, pasta, fast food, granola bars, cakes, cookies, slurpies, soda and candy. Keep eating these foods every day and you're well on your way to Type II diabetes. It's time to start eating real, whole foods. Look at the food you eat throughout the day. Start reading labels. What are you actually eating? What are you feeding your children? I would challenge you to eat more protein and fat then you do carbohydrates. Make more meals at home. Need help? I have a website FULL of recipes that fit the bill. Not everyone who eats too many processed carbohydrates will be diagnosed with diabetes. But, do you know other chronic diseases are affected by insulin disregulation? Here they are:
Gestational Diabetes (putting your child at risk of all of the above plus malformation and developmental disabilities)
Every time you eat, your body has to respond through a hormonal response. What kind of information are you giving your body? Are you at risk for diabetes?