Six million Americans with undiagnosed diabetes could be in for a rude shock as they commence the holiday ritual of hearty feasting and indolence, according to UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers. Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder linked to obesity, but the disorder has an extra sting in its tail because the slow accumulation of symptoms can often go unnoticed. Left unchecked by an unwitting sufferer, a gradual build up of diabetes symptoms - excessive thirst or hunger, frequent urination, blurry vision and fatigue - can have deadly results.
"The obesity epidemic is surging and people don't realize they're setting themselves up to develop diabetes. They're like ticking time bombs," says Dr. Manisha Chandalia, an endocrinologist at UT Southwestern. "Without treatment, high levels of blood sugars in the body can damage blood vessels and nerves over time, leading to high cholesterol, hypertension, stroke, kidney disease and amputations." Dr. Chandalia stresses that anyone who is aged 40 and over, sedentary, or with a family history of diabetes really should visit their doctor for a diabetes test.
And if you think avoiding diabetes is just a matter of avoiding sugary treats, think again. "Diabetes doesn't occur just because of eating sugar. Sugar, as any other food, provides excess calories that can lead to obesity and a predisposition to diabetes," says Dr. Chandalia. "If you don't eat sugar, and continue to eat extra calories from other foods, you may still develop diabetes."
Eating skinless chicken or turkey, using low-calorie ingredients for treats, avoiding fast food, and eating smaller portions of food are a great way to approach the festive season, says Chandalia. Long-term goals might include going for 30-minute walks each day, losing 5 to 7 percent of your current body weight, reducing intake of high-calorie foods, and eating high-fiber and whole grain foods.
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center
