A New Prescription For Type 2 Diabetes: A Low-fat Vegan Diet

A new prescription for type 2 diabetes: A low-fat vegan diet

Diabetes rates are on the rise and Washington is no exception: One in three adults has elevated blood sugar and a third of children are on their way to full-blown diabetes, which, at $85,000 or more over the course of a lifetime, is expensive to treat. Our medical systems aren’t equipped for this influx and our bodies can’t handle it.
The question isn’t “How did we get here?” but “How can we fix it?” and fast.
One solution, regardless of your health insurance plan, is already available: A plant-based vegan diet—centered around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes—combats insulin resistance and significantly improves blood sugar control. This approach, funded by the National Institutes of Health in a landmark study in 2003, lowers A1c by 1.2 percentage points, an amount better than metformin. More recently, a vegan diet was shown to treat the symptoms of diabetic nerve pain, the pain or tingling sensation in your feet and hands.
The “side effects” of a low-fat vegan diet are all positive:weight loss, low blood pressure, and healthy cholesterol. In a five-month study in the workplace, participants even saw gains in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and alleviation of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
The best part is it’s easy to follow. So how do you get started?
Build your meals around the new four food groups: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Vegetables: All vegetables, especially the dark leafy green, red, and orange varieties. Swap sweet potatoes for white potatoes.
Fruits: Favor apples, pears, and fresh cantaloupe over var Continue reading

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Avocado and Diabetes Prevention and Treatment

Diabetes is a massive health problem with approximately 19 million Americans diagnosed with the disease. There are also believed to be a further 7 million people who are undiagnosed sufferers, according to the National Institute of Diabetes.
That’s over 8% of the US population affected by a disease that is the leading cause of kidney failure, new cases of blindness in adults and non-trauma lower limb amputations.
Diabetes is also a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke and now the seventh highest cause of death in the United States.
The primary symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include significantly increased thirst and hunger and the need to urinate more often. Vision problems, a dry mouth, rapid weight loss and leg pain can also be symptoms. If you exhibit any of these, please see a healthcare professional to have a simple check.
Around half a million people in America lose their lives through diabetes each year. Millions more have to deal with the debilitating effects of the disease every day. Even worse, if the current upward trend of newly diagnosed cases continues, it has been predicted that more than half of all American adults will develop diabetes or prediabetes by 2020.
This alone would likely collapse our health system, yet conventional medicine does not seem to be making significant inroads into beating the disease. Perhaps this is because it is not some new wonder drug that is needed, but rather a serious change in many of our lifestyles, particularly in the type of foods we eat.
If you are already living with the condition, you would b Continue reading

Patrick Peterson Reveals He Has Diabetes

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been described as a physical specimen, capable of dominating on the field, but the four-time Pro Bowler revealed he was limited at times last season due to diabetes.
According to Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic, the 24-year-old defensive back admitted to being diabetic but claimed the Cards' medical staff was able to treat it and get his blood sugar under control.
"Coach Arians said in February that you had a blood sugar problem early in the season and that really affected you," Somers said. The 2011 first-round pick out of LSU replied, "Yeah, it did. I'd rather not go into deep detail about that. It was a situation that it occurred during the season. The team docs found it and got it all under wraps."
Peterson provided further clarification via Twitter:
I want to take a moment to address the media reports this morning regarding my health. While I did have abnormal sugar levels, I've been working with doctors on a strategic meal plan and workout routine that are reversing these symptoms. I’m grateful that this has been reversible for me and my health is back to normal. Thanks everyone for their concern and well wishes! Now back to my workouts and getting ready for the upcoming season!
Although Peterson was selected to the Pro Bowl after registering 48 tackles and three interceptions, he struggled to contain top receivers at times, which wasn't the case in previous years.
Vincent Frank of Forbes.com speculates that Peterson's diabetes may have had an adverse effect on his play in 2014:
"No question it made a big differe Continue reading

Starbucks Serves Man Beverage With Label 'Diabetes Here I Come'

One Starbucks really got the name wrong on one customer’s order label last Friday. A man who ordered a Grande White Chocolate Mocha at a St. Augustine, Florida Starbucks reported receiving the drink with a printed label that read, "DIABETES HERE I COME."
The customer, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared the photo on Facebook with local news station WJAX-TV in Jacksonville, Florida. He said he works near the Starbucks and another employee picked up coffees for the staff, according to their report. When the customer got his cup he noticed the unusual message on his label.
Apparently, he did not find the label very humorous, particularly since he said he has family members afflicted with the disorder. He wrote underneath the label, "2 of my sisters are diabetic, so...not funny.”
Starbucks corporate headquarters told ABC News in a statement that, “Starbucks strives to provide an inclusive and positive experience for our customers, and were disappointed to learn of this incident. We are working directly with the customer to apologize for his experience, and with our partners (employees) to ensure this does not happen again.” Continue reading

Houston Cardiologist Has Amazing Success Treating Type 2 Diabetes with Nutrition

Houston Cardiologist Dr. Baxter Montgomery puts his patients on a plant-based diet to treat their chronic conditions, and they see amazing results. The news story below features two of his recent patients who saw dramatic health improvements.
Rosalee Iles was overweight and suffered from type 2 diabetes and heart disease. She had been taking insulin for over 20 years. After adopting a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, she got off insulin, lost 35 pounds, and reversed her heart disease.
Victor Fuller turned to Dr. Montgomery for help after his second open heart surgery. After following his advice, Victor reversed his type 2 diabetes, lost 50 pounds, and got his heart disease under control. He also went from thirteen medications to four.
About Dr. Baxter Montgomery
Dr. Montgomery recommends a whole-food, plant-based diet with a focus on minimally processed food. He is a clinical assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Texas in Houston, a fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC), and the founder and president of the Houston Cardiac Association (HCA). Continue reading