Fact is, type-2 diabetes is almost entirely caused by poor diet and a lack of exercise, indicating millions of Americans bring it on themselves. What's worse, according to a report, about two-thirds of the Americans diagnosed with the disease don't even have their condition under control, making them vulnerable to blindness and limb loss, as well as early death caused by:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Kidney failure

A Survey Reveals the Truth

In a survey of 157,000 people with type-2 diabetes, researchers looked at a blood sugar reading called A1C, which signifies average blood sugar levels over the previous two months or so by measuring how much glucose is attached to red blood cells. And the survey said:

• Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed didn't have an adequate A1C blood sugar reading. (A separate Harris poll found 60 percent of the respondents didn't even know what A1C meant.)

• In a state-by-state comparison, no more than half of the patients in any state managed to control their blood sugar at all.

Moreover, blood sugar should be below 110 before eating and no more than 140 after eating; when glucose levels get too high, they can damage the insides of the blood vessels and lead to heart attacks and stroke. They can also damage the tiny capillaries inside the eyes and kidneys, which lead to blindness and kidney failure.

So what can the 40 percent of Americans aged 40-74 who have pre-diabetes do to stop the disease in its tracks? They can begin by exercising and eating better; however, once complications of type-2 diabetes have set in, there's no going back.

Reuters May 18, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

If poorly managed, diabetes can result in devastating consequences. At the same time, if properly treated, diabetes does not have to impair or damage your health.. Of course, genetics may play a role in your susceptibility to this condition, but your family history does not actually dictate whether or not you get it. That is almost entirely up to you. This is what is so unfortunate about the above statistics. Diabetes, at nearly any stage, is a very treatable condition. While it will take some work on your part, the benefits far outweigh the negatives. I am not exactly certain why so many people are having such a difficult time managing this disease, but I suspect that, in large part, it is due to a combination of lack of motivation and lack of treatment knowledge. Fortunately, this site provides you with many tools to help with both of these challenges. You can start by reading Dr. Rosedale's article on insulin. (I was also able to have him comment on updates, which appear in his most recent article, found in this issue.) Then, follow this simple, three-step plan which should help you gain control over your diabetes if you have it, and protect you from getting it if you don't: Eat foods that are right for your metabolic type Exercise Get enough sleep Related Articles: One in Five of You Reading This Have Diabetes or Pre-Diabetes Diabetes to Double by 2030