Diabetes: Problem for Young and Old

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar, can be recognized in three main forms: Type I, Type II, and gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy). Ultimately, diabetes is the result of pancreatic cells being unable to produce sufficient insulin to prevent high blood sugar. While Type I is designated by autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic insulin-producing cells, Type II and gestational are characterized by tissue-wide insulin resistance (gestational typically resolves with delivery). Types I and II are incurable, but manageable, chronic conditions.

Diabetes is a prevalent disease escalating in frequency, with 7% of the U.S. population suffering from the disease from 1997 through 2004, the number of new cases of diagnosed diabetes increased by 54%. It’s rapidly rising incidence follows the trend of urbanization and lifestyle changes, most significant being a lack of physical exercise and a diet high in sugar and fat. Clinically based reports suggest that Type II diabetes generally thought to be seen in overweight adults, is being diagnosed more frequently in children and adolescents due to their increasingly sedentary lifestyle and junk-food-filled diet.

Diabetes can cause many acute and long-term complications. Despite the availability of treatment, illness due to complications of diabetes has remained a major cause of death in the U.S. Some illness can be postponed and prevented through diet management and regular physical activity. Intake of functional foods (foods that promote health and fight disease) such as whole grains and fruits and vegetables can help combat the effects of diabetes. Nutrients commonly found in those super foods, antioxidants and flavonoids, are also found in a surprising choice - chocolate