What is causing the current epidemic of diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset diabetes) is occurring at an epidemic rate in the United States. Currently, more than 16 million Americans have type 2 diabetes. Is it possible that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is leading to this epidemic? The evidence suggests that it is. Carbohydrate may be a major player. Carbohydrate sources in our diets include grain products like bread, cereal, pasta, and rice; fruits and vegetables; milk; and sugar from candy, desserts, and soft drinks. Between 1909 and 1963, carbohydrate consumption decreased in the United States, mainly because we weren't eating as many whole grains. Since 1963, carbohydrate consumption has increased back to 1909 levels, not because we're eating more whole grains but because we're eating a lot of sugar.

We're also eating more calories. In the past 20 years, the average caloric intake in the U.S. has increased by 500 calories per day, mainly because of an increase in carbohydrates, especially carbohydrates from refined sweeteners like corn syrup. In those same 20 years, the prevalence of diabetes and obesity has also markedly increased. Is there a connection? It seems likely that there is. Risk of type 2 diabetes may be reduced by replacing refined carbohydrates (sugar and corn syrup) with whole grains and other high fiber sources of carbohydrate.

Gross LS, Li L, Ford ES, Liu S. 2004. Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: an ecologic assessment. Am J Clin Nutr 79:774-79.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Vegetarian Resource Group
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group