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"Diana, just a quick heads up to let you know we are still using your cookbook and the guys will often be heard saying what would Diana say about this or that....really good feed back... I made your potato salad and the oriental coleslaw on Sat. for a family luncheon and had rave reviews so thanks again."
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Diabetes Research
Diabetes and Current Research
Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. People develop Type 2 diabetes when their bodies become resistant to the hormone insulin, which carries sugar from the blood to cells.
Low Carb Diets and Diabetes
Current research on dietary recommendations for people with Type II diabetes continues to point to the importance of a low carbohydrate diet as the first line of attack for treatment. A review of medical literature by researches From the University of Alabama at Birmingham clearly shows that carbohydrate restriction has the greatest effect on decreasing blood glucose levels. Research also points to the benefits of a low carbohydrate diet for weight loss. Replacement of carbohydrates with protein is beneficial. Dietary carbohydrate restriction is the most effective means for lowering triglycerides and increasing HDL cholesterol. Moreover, carbohydrate restriction for Type II diabetics can assist in reducing or eliminating medication.
Artificial Sweeteners and Glucose Intolerance
For years scientists have been puzzled over the fact that non-caloric artificial sweeteners do not seem to assist in weight loss. Research published in Sept 2014 Nature found that artificial sweeteners could actually worsen glucose intolerance and metabolic disease by changing the composition and function of the gut microflora (the bacteria living in our gut). Glucose intolerance is when the body cannot properly process large amounts of sugar in the diet. This can lead to Type II Diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Researchers believe that certain bacteria, in the guts of those who consumed artificial sweeteners and developed glucose intolerance, reacted by secreting substances that then provoked an inflammatory response affecting the body’s ability to use sugar. Researchers are calling for a reassessment of the consumption of artificial sweeteners in today’s society.
Sodium and Diabetes
Research published in Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2014 found that Diabetics who consumed high levels of sodium (avg 5900 mg/day) were twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who consumed less sodium (avg 2800mg). Note: recommended sodium intake is 2300mg/day.
The Bottom Line: If you have Type II Diabetes, follow a carbohydrate restricted diet, avoid artificial sweeteners and limit sodium.