Dr. Mercola October 09 2004 3,156 views
High blood sugar may not just be a problem for diabetics anymore. According to two studies, elevated blood sugar increases the risk of heart disease for both diabetics and non-diabetics with high-normal readings.
Though high blood sugar is usually associated with health problems such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, the studies suggest the core of the problem exists with high blood sugar itself.
Diabetes is already known to be bad for the heart:
The risk of cardiovascular disease is doubled in patients with diabetes
70-80 percent of diabetics die from heart attacks, strokes and artery disease
Researchers recommend diabetics pay doubly close attention to their diet, weight loss, exercise and medication. Even non-diabetics with high-normal readings are urged to lower their blood sugars by eating healthier and exercising more.
In the first study, researchers reviewed over 10,000 people, including several hundred with diabetes, ranging from age 45 to 79. The subjects were monitored over a time span of six years. With just one reading, researchers were able to find the subjects' average blood sugar over the previous two to three months.
The study concluded:
A reading below 7 percent was considered normal, whereas a reading higher usually indicated diabetes.
Most people tested had a reading of 5 percent of more.
For every percent increase over a reading of 5 percent, the risk of cardiovascular problems and death increased.
Risks from sugar were still evident even after researchers accounted for blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, smoking and previous heart attacks or strokes.
The blood sugar readings posed the question that "normal" blood sugar may be too high.
In the second study, researchers analyzed 13 previous studies. Ten of the studies focused on the most common form of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as adult onset diabetes. They discovered an increase in glycosylated hemoglobin meant an increase in the risk of heart disease, stroke and artery disease in the legs.
The other three studies analyzed focused on Type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs during childhood. Results were similar in these studies, though not statistically significant. Overall, the second study indicated that even a one percent decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin would benefit people with diabetes.
New York Times September 21, 2004
I've seen problems like the ones highlighted in the studies in patients whose diets include sugar and grains. You will increase your risk of diabetes if your blood sugar levels remain elevated, even mildly. And, if you end up with diabetes, your risk of cancer increases as well.
The best way to start improving your health right away is to learn how to optimize your health, weight and energy based on your personal nutritional type.
It is important that you understand what insulin is. It is something all humans must have, because without it we would go into a hyperglycemic coma and die. The problem is that many of us have insulin levels that are too high.
The pancreas releases insulin -- produced by beta cells -- after you eat carbohydrates, which causes a rise in blood sugar. Insulin ensures your cells receive some blood sugar necessary for life, and increases glycogen storage. However, it also drives your body to use more carbohydrate, and less fat, as fuel.
Making these changes in your lifestyle will help to optimize your insulin levels. Once insulin levels are stabilized, it is common for the blood sugar to come back to normal levels.
In addition to your diet, exercise plays a large role in regulating your body's whole health. Exercise will increase the sensitivity of insulin receptors so the insulin that is present works much more effectively and your body doesn't need to produce as much.
You can learn more about incorporating the right exercise program into your life by reading Paul Chek's newest book, How to Eat, Move and Be Healthy!, a perfect complement to my nutritional plan.
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