A Common Misconception about Type 2 Diabetes

Each November, organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and other organizations raise awareness about diabetes risk factors, treatment options, and where diabetics can find support for 'managing' the disease. Diabetes can cause blindness, nerve damage, and kidney diseases; plus it increases the risk for heart attacks and stroke.

Now one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States, nearly one quarter of the people in the U.S. who have diabetes don't even realize it. According the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 84 million people have pre-diabetes, and 90% of them don't know they're at risk.

The ADA's theme for the 2019 campaign is "Count Me In." They're challenging everyone to be counted in by getting involved in assessing their risk and making healthier changes. That sounds encouraging, right?

Yet when I look at the ADA's website regarding dietary advice, it's less than impressive. Featured recipes include Chicken Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dressing, Meat Lovers Breakfast Cups, Beef Stroganoff, and Cheddar Cheese Soup. All of these high-fat, animal-based products are contributing to the problem!

We know that FAT is the culprit behind Type 2 Diabetes, not sugar. The ADA even agrees with that statement on their website(1) which makes one wonder why they promote the foods they do. (Please note, I am NOT suggesting that it's OK to consume lots of sugar, but rather pointing out that FAT is the root cause behind elevated blood sugar.)

Click here to learn more about the connection between fat and Type 2 Diabetes, and what you can do to prevent and/or reverse this ever-growing disease.

(1) American Diabetes Association, "Diabetes Myths." Accessed Sept. 7, 2018. http://diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/myths/