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IQ: Interesting Questions on prediabetes, exercise, weight loss
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Diabetes Focus Fall 2009
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Caitlin Van Zandt, a star of Guiding Light: After years of ineffective dieting, I found out my cholesterol level was dangerously high—so I opted to try the Lap-Band AP System. I used to be unquenchably hungry, but now I’ve lost 90 pounds and I eat for fuel, not solace.
Barbara, her mom: I’ve struggled with my weight too, so I had the same procedure. I lost 72 pounds! The other day I got a couple of winks on the street!”
Caitlin: “It changed the way people treat me. Maybe I exude more confidence and demand more respect. I am having a whole lot more fun!
Caitlin Van Zandt, 23, a star of Guiding Light, and her mom, Barbara, 59.
Kathy Smith, healthy living guru: The main ingredient in any fitness plan is patience. It took years to develop the physical condition you are in now. It won’t take you that long to become healthier, but it does take time. So, as you begin, it is important to set realistic goals and have meetable expectations.
There are three main steps you can take right away to get results:
• Walk more, walk often. Take every available opportunity to move.
• Avoid white foods (except cauliflower!). They add empty calories and extra carbs.
• Eat five times a day. That way you never get hungry and overeat.
Smith is creator, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, of Kathy Smith’s Project You! Type 2.
Gerald Bernstein, M.D.: Too many people still believe this myth. Type 2 diabetes can produce destructively high blood glucose levels if not kept under control—causing blindness and heart disease. It’s often better to start insulin early rather than waiting to use it as a last resort.
Dr. Bernstein is director of the Diabetes Management Program at New York’s Friedman Diabetes Institute at Beth Israel medical Center
James Gavin III, M.D.: Prediabetes—slightly elevated glucose levels—is itself a health risk and may cause cardiovascular disease. It also increases the risk of diabetes and al its devastating consequences by three- to ten-fold. The CDC predicts that without intervention, one in three kids born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes.
Dr. Gavin is a Diabetes Focus Medical Advisory Board member and participant in the Diagnosis and Management of Pre-diabetes Task Force
The Weight-control Information Network: If you eat a variety of foods that are low in fat and sugar and high in fiber, your children learn to like these foods as well. And you can set a good example by going for a walk or bike ride after dinner instead of watching TV.
WIN is part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
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