Diabetes: An Energy Imbalance
November 12, 2007
Our world is out of energy balance. I'm not talking about all the electricity and gasoline we use. I'm thinking of another kind of energy. Worldwide, rates of obesity are rising as we take in more calories than we need and don't spend enough energy to work those calories off.
One result of that energy imbalance is diabetes. The most common kind of diabetes, type 2, is caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle. More than 246 million people around the world now have this dangerous disease. Diabetes puts you at risk of heart attack, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and more.
To draw attention to the dangerous consequences of diabetes, the United Nations has designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day. It's a way to get governments, big companies, and non-profit organizations to take notice and to provide help to people who can't afford diabetes care. It's also a reminder to the rest of us: if your body's out of energy balance, it's time to think about making some changes. A healthy diet and exercise can reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
Not that changing your lifestyle is easy! Here in the U.S., when we think about losing weight and getting in shape, we think of strict diets and long hours at the gym. But that's not for everyone. In honor of World Diabetes Day, I've been searching the globe for other ways to get in shape.
If you lived in Brazil, your favorite exercise might be dancing. Samba's still hot in Brazil, the social scene often centers around music, and people of all ages take part. Check your neighborhood for a dance class and learn to move to a tropical beat.
If you lived in The Netherlands, there's a good chance you'd commute to work by bicycle. In Amsterdam, much of the rush hour traffic is on two wheels. Too far to bike to work? Consider your bike instead of your car for short trips after work or on weekends.
If you were Italian, you might have grown up playing soccer in the park, when you weren't cheering for your team on TV. People say soccer is like a national religion in Italy! To find a local soccer league or classes, try your city's parks and recreation department or check the web.
In Austria, you might spend the winter on skis. Alpine skiing is hugely popular in Austria, where over 60% of the country is covered by mountains. Can't afford skiing? Hiking is another way to get in shape while enjoying the great outdoors.
Even if you hate to exercise, somewhere in the world there's a sport for you. On November 14, how about observing World Diabetes Day by getting started with an activity you'll enjoy?
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Being a diabetic and experiencing high blood sugars, the way to regulate your sugar levels is to exercise regularly, even if it's just to take a twenty minute brisk walk on a daily basis. It really makes a huge difference.
Posted by: Ajlouny | June 16, 2009 at 12:40 AM
Many Health problems are caused by insufficient blood flow to various parts of the body.
A simple solution was found for this almost 200 years ago, but has been ignored.
See:
http://enochutah.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=1151
Posted by: Dave Crosby | November 13, 2008 at 08:13 AM
HEY JOHN
I JUST NEED TO ASK YOU THIS OK MY HEAD AND MY STOME HAVE BEEB HURTING ME AND I HAVE BEEN GOING TO THE DOCTOR AND THE CANT DO ANYTHING?? WOULD YOU SAY IT IS???? THANKS
THANKS TAKISHA TAYLOR
Posted by: Takisha | December 02, 2007 at 03:27 PM