So, it was announced today that diagnosis of diabetes is up, in England, by a huge amount. But, is this because more people are becoming diabetic? Or is it because more people are now being diagnosed? I know that this might sound like the same things, but they're not. Someone could, in theory, have been suffering from this life affecting, and changing, disease for months, or even decades, without knowing it (believe me, I was one of them!). But they get diagnosed as a result of a separate side issue, completely unrelated. Or, something in the news, or social media, will raise a "flag" in their mind and they voluntarily go and see their doctor. And so the change to their life begins.
If you're unsure about diabetes, but say it's obviously those that suffer are fat, lazy wasters then please - do yourself a favour. Get educated! Those with diabetes are not all the same. There are differences between Type 1, Type 2, pre- and Juvenile Diabetes. And the differences are huge. Go to www.diabetes.co.uk or www.diabetes.org, these sites are not the only ones out there, but they are probably a couple of the best.
Now, what are the sources of some of the causes of diabetes? I can only speak from my point of view, through experiences I gained from post Type 2 diagnosis. My life up until diagnosis turns out not to have been conducive to living well. I can agree that I had a bit of a lazy take on life and health. But then I always had. Easy life - that's what we all want isn't it? Eating the wrong food (white bread, white pasta, white rice, fast food, chocolate, "full fat" sodas etc), no exercise (save walking to and from bars / fast food joints / cake aisle etc!!) and a negative attitude to life. What led me to this? Where had my lack of self-ambition come from? Why was I so mentally lazy? No idea. And - over four years later I still don't know. I guess I won't ever know, and should I think back on it and drive myself mad doing so? No. Here I am, and here I go! I have to look forward and not back. The problem is that the sources of sugar, and fat, are all around. And the sugar is not always obvious. Take a look at a loaf of "wholemeal" bread next time you're in your favourite supermarket. See the added sugar in there. Why? Why? Why? It doesn't need to be in there. And don't get me started on the in-store bakery products. No ingredients on the packaging. Why? What are they afraid of revealing? And then there's the current desire to put sugar in pizza base mixes. Why? It doesn't need it! Even TV chefs are putting it into their recipes now. Read the original Italian recipes and you won't find sugar in there - it was too expensive a product to add when pizza was first made in Italy. I have a horrible feeling that this is more of an American import than anything else (with all due respect to the brilliant people of America). There's something to be said for trying to eat "seasonally". But it's not so easy as the nutrition idealists would have us believe. But, going back to the "hidden" sugars I mentioned earlier, it's often overlooked the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbs act as sugar hiders. That's why white carb sources (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes) can be a nightmare for a diabetic. Although, through trial and error, I have discovered that a baked potato, eaten skin and all, has a minor impact compared to mashed, or boiled, potato. No idea why.
Just remember - all the above is based upon my own thoughts, experiences and results from trial and error. They are not for everyone else. If you are unsure then speak to a trusted medical person - don't think that the web can answer it for you.
