NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - New research suggests that excess belly fat combined with high stress levels may boost the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in black women, a group disproportionately affected by the disease.

"Much attention has been given to the role of obesity in the development of type 2 diabetes, but stress may be as important in this at-risk population," said Dr. Anastasia Georgiades, of Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

"There is a new mini-lifestyle making the rounds, as follows:

1. Eat whenever you are hungry.
2. Eat whatever you want.
3. Savor every bite.
4. Quit when you are full.
5. Exercise regularly.
We are not at all sure that this will work for type-2 diabetics. Your editor tried for five days, beginning 2-17-09 and gained 4 pounds and 35 points on his fasting bloodsugar.

Reprinted from NYTimes.com: Letter to the Editor

 

“Diabetes Epidemic Signals an Increase in Blindness, Too” (The New York Times on the Web, Dec. 10) underscores what the Jewish Guild for the Blind has been seeing for years: the number of people with diabetes and accompanying vision loss has been growing rapidly, and perhaps even more tragically, millions more have diabetes but don’t know it.

My Grandma Betty had Type 2 Diabetes.  She was so weak and ill, when she began losing her sight, her doctor insisted she lose weight.

The thought of my frail grandmother on a diet seemed ridiculous, but only at first.  Soon she was taking walks around the duck pond again.  Next thing we knew, she was healthy enough for Lasik.  

Grandma got a snazzy new wardrobe, but more importantly, we all had extra years together.

Now, my husband and I always try to eat healthy and get a little good exercise now and again.

 I know it'll pay off.