But this is the old way of thinking. Diabetes can be managed well without you stopping your enjoyment of life. With proper exercise, creative diet plans and more activities that help you get healthy, you can live normally like anyone else, enjoying pretty much the same things as people who do not have diabetes. It’s really all in the mind sometimes.

For those prone to the most common type of diabetes, type 2 diabetes, should note that prevention is a big deal.

According to statistics from the American Diabetes Association and the International Diabetes Federation, “almost 21 million Americans and 230 million people all over the world, are affected with type 2 diabetes. Experts of the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that diabetes would affect more than 48 million people by 2050.”

They urge the patients not to be scared, rather, they should improve their lifestyle, as a big step toward preventing diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association suggests five tips, which are:

- Lose the extra weight.
- Turn away from fad diets.
- Take plenty of fiber.
- Go for whole grains.
- Increase physical activity.

It has always been a known by many that diabetes is for life. Also, one needs to take medication the whole life through. Those diagnosed with adult-onset, or type 2 diabetes are told this fallacy. It is interesting to note that 25% of people over 40 now are victims of this life-threatening condition.

You will be surprised to note that more and more reports are received on a complete reversal–no need for medication. These reports come from former diabetics, by those who follow a low ‘glycemic load’ diet, combining a mineral supplement and the spice cinnamon.

Fedon Lindberg from Norway, world renown diabetes doctor has reported a complete reversal of the most common form, type 2 diabetes, and even in those injecting insulin, by this radical non-drug approach. ‘A balanced low glycemic load (GL) diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, can also achieve non-diabetic sugar levels without the need for medication – therefore ‘reversing’ the disease,’ he says. He has challenged the Norwegian Diabetes Association to change its advice.

Despite 15 controlled studies on chromium, 13 of which show benefit for stabilising blood sugar, most diabetics are still being told ‘you get all the nutrients you need in a well-balanced diet’.

This is simply untrue for chromium. A really good, wholefood diet might give you 50mcg a day. You need 500mcg a day if you are diabetic. (It is very safe to take this much as the toxic level is above 10,000mcg.)

Laurie Basloe was a volunteer as as a camp counselor for the first time this summer. As early as when she was 24 years old, she had diabetes, but has never been to a diabetes camp until Campo Amigo Ecuador. She as shocked at how a lot of diabetics were not properly educated. There were a lot of misconceptions about diabetes that the campers had, especially the fear of many that that they were doomed to become blind and fat.

“I was baffled by a girl who ate only apples, cucumbers, and broccoli for fear of not being in control if she ate other foods,” Laurie said. “As each day passed, it was incredible to see how much the girls grew and how eager they were to continue learning more about their health. I was proud to be at Campo Amigo as a counselor, role model, friend and camper in my own way.”

Laurie would like to join the Belize camp in 2008, in a country where 12% of the population have diabetes and where healthcare professionals on diabetes are practically unknown. AYUDA would also like to bring camps to Bermuda and Eastern Europe. A lot of help is needed. Volunteers do their best, bt of course, funding is needed.

Prevention of diabetes may depend on weight loss if you are overweight. You will be surprised how much every pound lost can help improve your health. It was observed in one study that overweight adults who lost about 5% to 10% of initial body weight, fairly a modest amount of weight, and at the same time exercised regularly were able to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by about 58% over a period of three years.

Try to focus to getting permanent changes–both in your eating and exercise habits. Involving other family members helps, as well. Think about the benefits of weight loss, like having a healthier heart, being more energetic and improving your self esteem.

According to a new study, there is a slight risk for women who drink more than a bottle of soft drinks a day to develop diabetes than women who drink less than a bottle a month.  Critics of the study however say that the eating habits of these women be studied also, particularly those who take junk food as part of their diet.  The extra calories taken from soda could account for at least some of the slight increase in risk of having type 2 diabetes, the most common between the 2 types of diabetes, as some of the researchers i Harvard University say.  According to them, there is more to it than soft drinks–there should be a link in the the individual bodies react to soft drinks, or soda as they are called in other countries.

Why exercise?

* Exercise burns calories, which will help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

* Regular exercise can help your body respond to insulin and is known to be effective in managing blood glucose. Exercise can lower blood glucose and possibly reduce the amount of medication you need to treat diabetes, or even eliminate the need for medication.

* Exercise can improve your circulation, especially in your arms and legs, where people with diabetes can have problems.

* Exercise can help reduce your cholesterol and high blood pressure. High cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

* Exercise helps reduce stress, which can raise your glucose level.

* It can lower your risk for heart disease, reduce your cholesterol levels and your blood pressure.

* In some people, exercise combined with a meal plan, can control Type 2 Diabetes without the need for medications.

Source: LifeClinic

(1.5 mile) are enjoining everyone to join the Fun Run on Saturday, July 12, 2008, in Como Lake, St Paul.

Please plan to be with us again where you may even compete to set new All Time Challenge Diabetes Division Records

2008 Challenge Diabetes Promotional Poster

2008 Challenge Diabetes 5k registration form

Previous Event Results

8 AM – 5k Run, Race Walk, or Fitness Walk around beautiful Como Lake or the simultaneous 1.5 Mile Fun Family & Friends Fitness �Walk By My Side�. This is a remarkable occasion to inspire, and be inspired, by our family and friends who are walking or running through their diabetes challenges to optimal diabetes management and a better quality of life every day.

Entry Fee: $20 pre-registered/$25 race day.
You�re invited to donate more than your race registration fee in support of CC Challenge Rx Exercise programs. Net event proceeds benefit Charities Challenge Rx Exercise Events, Programs and Services. CC is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Come celebrate people with diabetes who say, �I�m Moving My Feet to Defeat Diabetes”

Info: 612-245-9160;

90% of diabetes (NIDDM) is preventable & more manageable with Rx Exercise!

From CharitiesChallenge