Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lerts™ Newsletter

May  2003
(Volume II, Issue 4)
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A CURE FOR DIABETES?
That's what we keep hearing about. So far there is no known CURE for Diabetes, but in our readings we do come upon Treatments On The Horizon. Starting in this issue of E-Lerts™ we will highlight some of the latest and most promising nutritional approaches for prevention as well as for cures.

Many of these are supplements that have much anecdotal support, such as ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid) for neuropathy, but they are not yet approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Some are undergoing substantial trials. Others are common sense like our mothers told us to eat our breakfast or eat whole grains. We will not endorse specific products or treatments until there is FDA approval, but check Latest News to follow the progress of those and other new developments.

Follow the progress of Mr. Diabetes^®. He is now in Crescent City, California having completed 3448.3 miles on his epic Wake Up and Walk^® Tour.

Our readers are challenging us with their questions. Check our  Readers' Forum for the latest questions and our responses. We welcome your comments.

With summertime soon approaching we have some great tasting recipes on the grill from Jyl Steinback that everyone will love.

WE NEED YOUR HELP to continue our highly recognized and well received programs, but we would like to do more. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Our web site is secure and all donations are tax-deductible.  

Good Health,
Lisa M. Rasolt
Program Director
lrasolt@DefeatDiabetes.org

Awareness + Action = Prevention™
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Did you know?
Every two hours a day spent watching television was associated with a 14 percent increase in the risk of diabetes and a 23 percent increase in obesity.   April 9 issue  Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Latest News
Nutritional Approaches for Combating Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Diet, stress reduction and physical activity go a long way toward promoting healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. However, nutrient supplements can further enhance blood sugar and insulin function and provide health benefits far beyond simply preventing nutrient deficiencies in those with prediabetes and diabetes.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) Improves Neuropathy Mayo clinic study finds alpha lipoic acid decreases burning pain and numbness of neuropathy. Although regulating patients' blood-sugar levels is the ideal way to prevent diabetic neuropathy, physicians have recognized that not all patients can or will control their blood sugars to the needed degree. ALA produced no unfavorable side effects in the patients taking this substance.
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Mr. Diabetes^® Says
The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others.
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Chromium Supplementation Enhances Insulin Action Human studies of supplemental chromium (as chromium picolinate) up to 1000 micrograms (mcg) per day showed no adverse effects and should be considered safe. Recent research suggests that chromium enhances insulin action which may help lower some risk factors for diseases associated with insulin resistance, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and atypical depression.

Coffee Reduces the Risk For Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease  Coffee is a complex brew, containing antioxidants and other chemicals that have health benefits. Researchers at Harvard say coffee lowers the risk of Parkinson's disease and might prevent gallstones in women. Additionally, European researchers say coffee might reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Whole Grains Fight Diabetes  Men with a high consumption of whole grains reduces their risk of type 2 diabetes. Compared with simple carbohydrates, fiber-rich carbohydrates are slowly digested and absorbed, leading to less insulin demand. Insoluble fiber passes through the intestines more rapidly, leaving less time for carbohydrates to be absorbed. 
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With no Government funding, Defeat Diabetes Foundation relies on the generosity of "We the People" to help keep our programs going and growing.   We can't do it alone ... We need your financial support!
Make a "Tribute", "Memorial", or "General" donation.
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Breakfast Reduces Chances of Obesity and Diabetes  People who eat breakfast are up to 50% less likely to be obese and diabetic than those who usually do not. "We have started looking at what people are eating when they eat breakfast, which led to our finding that eating wholegrain cereal each day was associated with a 15 per cent reduction in risk for the insulin resistance syndrome."
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Did you know?
A UCLA study found that by age 65, one in four Hispanics is diagnosed with diabetes. That compares to 15% of Asians and only about 12% of whites.
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Good Advice From Our Friends In The U.K.  Many serious illnesses are a consequence of the way we live and research now shows how much we can do to prevent them. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found eating nuts cuts diabetes risk. Those who ate 5 oz. or a small handful a day were 27 per cent less likely to develop diabetes. Exercise three times a week: This will reduce your diabetes risk by more than 70 per cent. Scientists believe two or three cups of coffee daily can act as protection.
Preventing Type 1 Diabetes In recent years, conflicting studies linked cow's milk to diabetes in young children. A study of 200 newborns found those who had formula without cow's milk were 50 percent less likely to develop diabetes.
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Readers' Forum
Q - My husband has chronic neuropathy in his hands and feet. We have heard a lot about Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in the treatment for his condition. His exercise is limited because of his condition, walking bothers him. The only relief he gets is to put an ice pack on his feet. - Nancy  -  for our answer

Q - My dad who is diabetic recently had bypass surgery. We are interested in finding literature on this matter. My dad is worried. - Ray - for our answer
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Did you know?
The Average Dinner Plate Size in 1956 was 8" The Average Dinner Plate Size in 2003 is 10.5" .
The Large Drink at McDonald's in 1961 was 12 oz. The Large Drink at McDonald's in 2003 is 44 oz.
The Average Restaurant Spaghetti Serving in 1969 was 11 oz The Average Restaurant Spaghetti Serving in 2003 is 21 oz.
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Diabetic Recipes
Summertime is time for grilling and here are some great recipes from Jyl Steinback, America's Healthiest Mom, and her cookbook The Fat Free Living Super Cookbook:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
Scallops Kabobs
Grilled Potatoes
Honey-Mustard Grilled Onions and Peppers
Pineapple Ginger Marinade
Barbecued Banana Splits
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This concludes the Defeat Diabetes^® E-Lerts™ Newsletter.

If there are specific questions you have, you may reach us at info@DefeatDiabetes.org.

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The Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Our web site is secure and all donations are tax-deductible.