The prominence of Type 2 Diabetes—and the dramatic, negative effects this disease has on the health of both children and adults—was recently discussed in two press releases from The American Society of Bariatric Physicians (ASBP) (Bariatric physicians have expertise in the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity).
Titled, “Physician Experts in Weight Management Fear That, Without Intervention, Diabetes Will Alter Family Systems in America”, one press release addressed the effects of type 2 Diabetes as it relates to childhood obesity. The ASBP writes, “One day, due to this rise in obesity and related illnesses, children may not outlive their parents.”
Childhood obesity is now considered an epidemic in the United States. According to the American Obesity Association, one child out of six is obese. Eight to 45 % of all new type 2 Diabetes cases are now children.
According to the ASBP, there are solutions to childhood obesity (and its related health conditions, such as type 2 Diabetes). “Trained bariatricians know how to help their patients improve metabolic control,” the ASBP writes. “The treatment of metabolic problems related to obesity, such as metabolic syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes, requires skill, expertise and experience. This includes helping patients halt their progress towards diabetes and helping diabetic patients use the least medication possible.”
The other recently-published ASBP press release, titled “Growing Prevalence of Diabetes Can Effectively Be Stemmed with Bariatric Medicine”, says, “An estimated 70 percent of diabetes risk in the U.S. can be attributed to excess weight, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).”
Mary C. Vernon, MD, FAAFP, CMD, Lawrence, Kansas, says, “What we want people to know is that, despite the futility many have experienced with commercial weight loss programs, over-the-counter weight loss aids and individual efforts to lose excess weight, bariatric physicians have the tools to help patients be successful in improving their health.”
Vernon went on to say, “Bariatrics is an important and often neglected field of medicine, but it is innovative science. Bariatricians have the advanced training to help patients on an individual basis for effective treatment.”
Dr. Marshall Stamper, the founder of Lindora, is a pioneer in the study of obesity. Losing his mother to obesity-related health complications, Dr. Stamper developed a special interest in treating obesity, going on to become one of the first bariatric physicians and opening the first Lindora clinic in 1971. Lindora’s medical staff are members of the ASBP.
Team Lindora has strived to stay on the pulse of the latest in bariatric medicine for over 35 years. Medically based, our program focuses on the individual health needs of each patient. Our doctors evaluate each patient’s health carefully, including assessing their risk for many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 Diabetes.
Lindora has treated many type 2 Diabetes patients with great success. Through the course of our programs (and a subsequent adaptation to a healthier lifestyle), patients often find that their symptoms dissipate, or even that they no longer need medication to control their type 2 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes and the Lean for Life® Program
What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 1 Diabetes?
Weight loss, when combined with exercise and reduction of stress in one’s life, is the cornerstone to controlling diabetes. It may also prevent the long-term diseases associated with Type 2 Diabetes.
What is the definition of type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes can be simply defined or diagnosed by a blood sugar test. The American Diabetes Association’s criteria for diabetes are as follows.
• A fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 100-125 mgdl is considered to be pre-diabetic
• An FBS greater than 126 is considered to be diabetic
Another useful test is called hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1C); this is the “footprints” to diabetes, which averages blood sugar levels over a 90-day period.
What causes Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is caused by a combination of insulin resistance (reduced sensitivity of the body’s tissues—primarily the liver and muscles—to the action of insulin) and an inadequate amount of insulin being secreted by the pancreas. This leads to the body’s inability to drive glucose into the cell to be utilized as energy, thereby raising blood sugar levels.
What increases one’s risk of developing type 2 Diabetes?
Obesity and inactivity often lead to type 2 Diabetes. Also, a family history and/or a history of diabetes while pregnant are strong predictors of acquiring type 2 Diabetes later in life. Blood sugar levels that remain elevated and poorly controlled can lead to heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, loss of limbs because of poor circulation, and early death. Having elevated blood sugar levels has an “oxidizing” effect on the lining of the blood vessels, making them vulnerable to bacteria and viruses, which can lead to disease.
How can weight loss help control elevated blood sugar levels?
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a proper diet, getting adequate exercise and reducing stress in one’s life are the keys to controlling diabetes. Studies have shown that insulin resistance can be reversed within 2 weeks of following a diet moderate in protein, low in carbohydrates and low in fat. This—in combination with aerobic exercise—allows your body to use its own insulin more efficiently, thereby reducing blood sugar levels and sometimes even eliminating the need for diabetic medication. Reducing one’s stress lowers a hormone called cortisol, which contributes to high blood sugars.
How can the Lean for Life Program® help me control my Diabetes?
With 35 years of experience, the Lean for life Program has helped thousands of patients suffering from diabetes. Experienced medical staff will evaluate a patient’s daily blood sugars, amount of exercise and diet. Patient education focuses on Eating Better, Moving More, and Stressing Less. Often, a patient’s diabetic medication is reduced or eliminated. Upon request, your primary provider will be given a progress report of your success.