From Your Health Journal…..”A fascinating article from The New Zealand Herald by Abby Gillies entitled Pre-diabetes numbers ‘alarming’ – about a new finding that suggests nearly one in five New Zealanders over the age of 15 have a blood disorder that precedes Type 2 diabetes. Over the past couple weeks, I have pointed out how the United States has been labeled the ‘fat capital’ of the world. Yes, I agree there is a problem here, but my contention, it is a worldwide epidemic. I have produced articles from over a dozen countries pointing to the fact there is a problem with obesity in other countries. Today’s article review shows a problem in New Zealand with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot control its blood sugar levels properly either because it doesn’t make enough insulin or because cells have become resistant to insulin. In most cases, type 2 diabetes is connected to obesity. Please visit the New Zealand Herald (link provided below) to view the complete article.”

From the article…..

University blood sampling shows grimmer future for those leaning towards disorder

Nearly one in five New Zealanders over the age of 15 have a blood disorder that precedes Type 2 diabetes, a finding described as “alarming” by experts.

The finding came from a University of Otago study involving blood sampling of 4721 Kiwis aged 15 years and older, which showed 19 per cent had glucose metabolism disorder. The pre-diabetes disorder typically leads to the disease.

Lead researcher Dr Kirsten Coppell from the university’s Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research said she was shocked at the high prevalence of pre-diabetes.

“These data, when compared with the first measurements taken in 1967, provide convincing evidence that the prevalence of diabetes in New Zealand has increased over time. This is consistent with observations worldwide.”

Diabetes New Zealand national president Chris Baty agreed.

“It probably confirms our worst fears that have been collectively held in the diabetes community. The incidence and the increase in New Zealand is completely and utterly alarming,” she said.

More than 200,000 Kiwis have diabetes, mostly Type 2, which is linked to obesity.

The blood samples came from the 2008/2009 NZ Adult Nutrition Survey, conducted by Otago University researchers for the Ministry of Health. The study also found that the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes also continued to rise with age, increasing from almost 20 per cent of those aged 35-44 to more than 25 per cent for those aged 45-54 and almost 45 per cent for those aged 55-64 years.

Diabetes is most common among Pacific Islanders and Maori, who are three times as likely to get it as other New Zealanders. The prevalence is also higher among those who are obese.

To read the complete article…..Click here