The Killer Inside

"      Diabetes has been recognized as a distinct medical condition for at least 3,500 years, but its cause was a mystery until early this century. In the early 1920s, researchers strongly suspected that diabetes was caused by a malfunction in the digestive system related to the pancreas gland, a small organ that sits on top of the liver.
At that time, the only way to "control" diabetes was through a diet low in carbohydrate and sugar, and high in fat and protein. Instead of dying shortly after diagnosis, this diet allowed diabetics to live - but only for about a year.    "  Follow this link for an Insulin history source.

But why would people with Diabetes die so soon after diagnosis before a human-safe insulin was created? Probably because by the time a doctor could diagnose someone, it was far, too late. Diabetes is a very quiet, consistent killer. 

Think of a meticulous psychopath who plans his moves and covers his tracks extremely well. He appears friendly, even charismatic, and you feel comfortable in his presence. Little do you know he is prone to rage and can comfortably, swiftly take as hostage any victim who looks appealing to him. He is tough to pin down. He can kill for years before anyone even knows it's him - assuming anyone ever does.

Now name this psychopath "Sugar." Sugar is so good at taking lives that it can escape formal diagnosis (in cases like heart attacks, strokes). It comes in many forms which can confuse or trick people into thinking they are safe. What's worse is nobody wants to believe it. And, finally, Sugar has an addictive personality. No matter how you try you just can't seem to get rid of him. He can charm his way back to you. 

How can something/someone be so sweet and feel so good yet be so malicious and deadly? You can dwell on that mystery or you can equip yourself with awareness and protect yourself from harm.

Yeah, we're all going to die. Why not live long and relatively healthy, much less painful, lives until that happens?

I am not a doctor. I'm taking part in a Glycemic Load, Exercise and Blood Glucose study through the University of Virginia. Feel free to ask me any questions about what I am learning and doing.