DIABETES: FACTS & MYTHS



Celebrity Chef Paula Deen

 This week, celebrity Chef Paula Deen revealed that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. She's certainly not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association there are appoximately 25.8 million adults and children living with the disease.

The ADA recently surveyed the American public to find out how much people know about diabetes. The results show that there are still many misconceptions about the disease.

Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease.

When asked to rank which disease (diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS) was responsible for the greatest number of U.S. deaths each year, not even half of respondents chose diabetes (42%).

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS    combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes.

According to the survey, approximately one third of respondents knew this myth was false (32%).

Fact: No, it cannot. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

According the survey, approximately three in five respondents (59%) did not know that this is a false statement. In addition, more than half (53%) of respondents did not know that risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Take this test to see your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

LIVING HEALTHY AT THE Y: TRACEY WILSON

Small changes can make a huge difference. Don't put your life on hold while you wait for a number on the scale.” -- Tracey Wilson

At 252 pounds when she first joined the Finley Y, Tracey was so overweight that she had to hold her breath to tie her shoes and couldn’t walk non-stop for 15 minutes. When she got diagnosed with Celiac disease, she had to be very careful about what she ate. After two years of a gluten-free/milk-free diet, and losing slowly, 10 pounds at a time, her whole outlook has changed.

“It’s made an AMAZING difference in my life; I’m so thankful that I don't miss any of the foods I can no longer eat. I've also had a blast reworking my favorite recipes to meet my new diet needs.”

Tracey 100 Pounds ago

AN ONLINE MOTIVATOR
Tracey started her journey 100 pounds ago by joining Sparkpeople.com, a free online resource that focuses on healthy life changes. Through the virtual resources, weekly weigh-ins and support she was been able to write and post her experiences, make new friends, and motivate others to stay on track. She’s even become a champion on the Sparkpeople.com website, posting retrofitted recipes and challenging other users to make life changes.

A SELF-DESCRIBED ‘KITCHEN SCIENTIST’
Tracey has re-engineered versions of once forbidden recipes and given them a healthy spin. After developing a menu of dishes, she’s cooked for kids at camps with similar food allergies.
“I’ve come up with my own recipe for coconut milk cheese for pizza, macaroni and cheese, etc. To see a child so excited to get a gluten and dairy-free pizza on pizza day at camp is so rewarding!”

Tracey Today

FROM 15 MINUTES TO 5K
Healthy eating combined with exercise has brought her weight down even quicker. After competing in a couple of 5K races, Tracey currently walks/runs 2 – 6 miles 5 days a week. She has discovered the joy of riding her bike “for miles and miles with a smile.” She’s also added the gym, pool and strength training three times a week.

With her newfound energy, Tracey is enjoying more quality time with her children, Jana, 15, Gillian, 13 and Nathan, 12 and likes that she’s setting a healthy example.

“I want to be a healthier mom, reminding my kids every day that I am so thankful for them and so blessed to be their mom…they are the best kids ever!”

A strong advocate of taking weight loss slowly, Tracey has successfully followed through on small life changes. “I no longer let my weight define who I am. I’m taking it 10 pounds at a time, one day at a time…all the while focusing on living life!”