Diabetes Mellitus Type lI or NIDDM

[Guest guest]

An article I just wrote for lectures and publications in Taiwan.

 

Diabetes in Taiwan

 

Daniel C. Luthi

Nutrition Educator & Chinese Herbalist

Taichung, Taiwan

 

Asians eat so much healthier than Westerners, right? Well, that

previously correct statement surely has lost its validity here in

Taiwan. With the increasing popularity of fast foods, fried foods,

instant noodles, and sweets, we are now facing an enormous threat: It

is estimated that close to a million people in Taiwan (190 million

worldwide) have Diabetes Mellitus Type II also known as

Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), and around 350'000

people don't know they have it!

 

Causes of NIDDM

Even though genetic factors increase susceptibility to NIDDM, diet and

lifestyle factors must be present to trigger it. The most important

factor is what is known as SAD or Standard American Diet which is rich

in refined carbohydrates, fat and animal products, and very low in

dietary fiber. Refined carbohydrates are the primary component of

white rice, white bread, noodles, cakes, chips, cookies, crackers, and

sweets.

 

These refined carbohydrates, bad fats, and animal products can cause

inadequate insulin production by the pancreas or resistance to insulin

by the body's cells. This condition will lead to high levels of sugar

in the bloodstream and not enough sugar entering the cells which

significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney

disease, loss of vision, decreased blood circulation as well as

impotence in men.

 

Obesity is another contributing factor to NIDDM, and therefore weight

loss, in particular fat loss, in conjunction with a healthful diet

improves all aspects of diabetes and may result in curing NIDDM.

 

Treatment of NIDDM

The dietary changes preventing or treating NIDDM are complex and

require a new way of looking at food. Weight loss and regular exercise

should be part of any treatment plan.

 

Protein

Every meal should include some protein such as beans, nuts, seeds,

meat, poultry, and fish. Whenever possible animal protein should be

hormone-free, antibiotic-free, range–fed meat, poultry and eggs, and

at least three times a week should include deep-sea, cold-water fish

such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, and herring.

 

Fats

Moderate consumption of good fats are essential for good health and

they include butter and pure olive oil for cooking as well as flaxseed

oil and extra virgin olive oil for salads, dips, and cold sauces. Fats

found in nuts and seeds are good fats especially if they are

organically grown and properly stored.

 

Reduce consumption of animal fats and avoid hydrogenated vegetable

oils found in instant noodles, cookies, cakes, potato chips, ice

cream, milk powder, French fries, onion rings, salad dressings, and

virtually all fast foods.

 

Non-starchy vegetables

These vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and fiber and are

therefore essential for a healthy, functional digestive system.

Non-starchy vegetables have a low Glycemic Index (slower and more even

absorption into the blood) and can be consumed as desired. They should

include bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, raw carrots, garlic, green

beans, all dark-green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes,

and others.

 

Starchy vegetables

Starchy vegetables have a high Glycemic Index and are therefore

absorbed more rapidly into the blood. If NIDDM has been diagnosed or

is suspected, starchy vegetables (cooked carrots, corn, potatoes and

yams), legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), fresh fruits and whole

grains should always be consumed together with protein and good fats

to avoid a rapid increase in blood sugar.

 

Nutritional Supplements

The general consensus among leading nutritionists is that in addition

to a health-promoting diet everyone should daily take a high-potency,

high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral. These supplements should be

derived from natural sources and should include blood sugar regulating

nutrients such as chromium, vitamin C, inositol hexaniacinate (a safe

form of niacin), biotin, B6, B12, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese,

zinc, carnitine as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids

(EFAs).

 

Consult with your nutritionist for dosages and with your physician for

interactions with current medications.

 

Contact Daniel: solothurner