I was told 6 months ago that I was borderline diabetic. That got my attention. I started a regular exercise program. (I am not really overweight, but led a sedentary life), started watching what I ate, leaning heavily on veggies, proteins, along with carbs in moderation. I bought a meter and began trying out different foods and then checking to see what these foods did to my blood sugar. I am happy to say that I am now WELL under the threshhold to be classified as borderline diabetic. (A1C is 5.5).

The key is to get busy! Be active and eat right. That doesn't mean you can't have sweets now and then. Just not all day, every day!!

The real problem is that most Americans are lazy slobs who are hoping for a magic pill rather than taking responsibility for their own health. That is why obesity is called a disease. That way people can place the blame on something other than their own inability to stop stuffing their faces and learning to eat correctly.

Type II Diabeties also is in my family. At the fine age of 58 I was finally told that I was going to be on a prescription med soon. Well I changed some things in my life and so far am not on a med. I don't think we should have the mindset that we can take a pill and be done with it. We need to try to make some changes first and if that dosen't work then we have tried. Now I am aware so I do know what I need to do.

Higher % of lean protein and healthy fats (like olive oil) and no simple sugars, fruit juices or anything with sugar in it makes a difference. Carbs should come from low glycemic whole fruits (in moderation) low glycemic veggies (i.e. avoid the potatoes), and some whole grain foods, but a smaller percentage than what the USDA suggests.

Fiber is important, but I still think health professionals discount the amount of hidden sugar in our diet, especially in the form of corn syrup and corn syrup solids. Amounts sometimes seem insignificant on an individual unit but when you add all of these things up it must be noted by our body chemistry. If you eat a lot of prepared foods, read the label. Almost everything has either sugar or corn syrup or corn syrup solids in it. Yes, there needs to be some focus on the heavy hitters but people need to realize there is a hidden danger too. Finally they realized the danger of transfats (and they still sneak those in, make no mistake -- even if it says 0% and it says hydrolyzed anything it contains transfats ... just less than 1/2 a percent allows them to say 0%). They need to start thinking about the sugar additives too.

The problem with many diabetics is that they are told their condition is lifelong. Diabetes has to be "sold" as a chronic condition that can be MANAGED with the appropriate lifestyle changes. The current medical model says that a diabetic should be prescribed medication along with lifestyle changes. But for many, being put on medication says to them "I've got it under control". The model should be changed to empower people in their ability to manage THEIR condition. That means personalizing interventions and treatment to their lifestyle and eating habits. The cookie-cutter way for improving health must change because everyone's metabolism is not the same.

Just my opinion.

Don't eat so much...that helps!

The fiber study is ongoing at Duke. If anyone is interested in learning more about the study they can conact Jeanne Kimpel at 919-681-4453 or visit the Duke website at http://www.dukehealth.org/clinicaltrials/20120705141110437?subject=Diabetes

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