Diabetes and It's Relationship to Obesity

Type II diabetes is at epidemic levels in the United States. It is at even higher levels among certain ethnic groups. Living on the edge of the Navajo Indian reservation, I was shocked to learn that nearly half the people my age have type II diabetes. A visit to the local dialysis center was even more shocking.

Type II diabetes is increasing among juvenilse at such a rate that a recent news report recommended that children as young as six be tested and if any predisposition is found, preventative actions be taken.

Type II diabetes is the result of the body being unable to effectively utilize insulin in the processing of blood sugar. As we age, the cells are
less able to absorb the insulin. Fat in the bloodstream greatly increases the resistance to insulin. The fat can come from the diet, or from the body's converting food to fat.

Excess sugar in the blood stream causes a number of problems. It causes stress on the kidneys trying to remove the sugar from the system. It encourages the formation of plaque in the arteries and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It reduces blood flow through the capillaries, increasing the risk of starvation of extremities, and hinders the immune system. Most diabetics do not die of the diabetes itself, but from other diseases that it contributes to.

Risk of developing diabetes can be reduced by 30% by simply losing twenty pounds, according to several studies. Diabetes prevention and treatment programs usually focus on weight reduction and dietary changes to reduce the fat in the blood system, reducing insulin resistance. Exercise programs are encouraged to aid in weight loss. Exercise also enables the body to process blood sugar directly, without needing insulin.

Weight gain is usually the result of poor diet and over eating. Other factors sometimes come into play , however. The thyroid gland instrumental in the regulation of body fat. In recent years. there has been a surge in thyroid problems, especially among the ethnic groups most affected by diabetes.

The thyroid is dramatically affected by certain toxins in the diet. Many people do not realize that stannous flouride is a very toxic compound. Young children occasionally die from ingesting the a part of a single tube of toothpaste. It is especially harmful to the thyroid gland.

Stasnnous flouride is added to toothpast in the belief that it hardens the enamel of the teeth, increasing their resistance to cavities. Many public water systems add it to the water for the same purpose. Dentists sometimes recommend flouride treatments as well.

The amount of flouride added to toothpaste when not swallowed is not considered to be a risk. The amount added to water is considered safe. Since none is supposed to be swallowed, flouride treatments should not expose on to uneccessary risk.

Unfortunately, there is no way to be sure how much will be swallowed. In addition, stress has been placed on brushing three or more times per day, increasing the level of exposure. I am unaware of any studies of how much a person might be ingesting over a period of time, but it is several times the amount expected when the standards were written.

Adequate studies of the long term effects of ingesting low levels of flouride are not readily available. The increase in thyroid problems indicates that study is needed.

Until studies are done, no one can be sure how much of the current epidemic in obesity, and a corresponding rise in diabetes may be the result of malfunctioning thyroids caused by the ingestion of toxins such as flouride.

I believe the use of a nonflouridated toothpaste, especially in areas where flouride is routinely added to water, would be a wise decision, at least until such studies ore done. It would be especially wise for those who brush teir teeth several times per day. Since some schools insist on kindergarten teachers assisting all children to brush their teeth after each mael or snack, it would be wise to get the teachers cooperation. An extra benefit, for those with very young children is the elimination of a poisoning hazard.

Avoiding flouride treatments would also appear to be a good choice.

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