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PREVENTION OF DIABETES
Diabetes damages cells by causing blood sugar levels to rise too high after meals. Moderate elevations in blood sugar don't cause much damage. The diabetes drug, metformin (Glucophage), helps prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high after meals. It is extremely safe except for people with kidney damage, and can sometimes cause diarrhea.
A 2002 study from George Washington University showed that Glucophage and a diet low in refined carbohydrates can prevent diabetes in many people who would otherwise become diabetic.
You can also prevent diabetes by avoiding foods that cause high rises in blood sugar. All people who store fat primarily in their bellies, have high blood triglycerides or low levels of the good HDL cholesterol, have a strong family history of diabetes, or women who have cysts on their ovaries, should eat a diet that restricts bakery products, pastas, fruit juices, and sugar-added foods. Many will also benefit from taking Glucophage. Check with your doctor. See report #D222.
Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin. New England Journal of Medicine, 2002, Vol 346, Iss 6, pp 393-403. WC Knowler, E BarrettConnor, SE Fowler, RF Hamman, JM Lachin, EA Walker, DM Nathan. Knowler WC, George Washington Univ, Ctr Biostat, Diabet Prevent Progarm Coordinating Ctr, 6110 Execut Blvd, Suite 750, Rockville,MD 20852 USA
Checked 10/9/09