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[maineman]

A very large international look at the causes and treatments of diabetes around the world. Just finished ahead of "International Diabetes Day" coming in November. Really fascinating findings. As you know I tend to get a little hot under the collar when I see "simplistic" answers and explanations.... Maybe some of the findings here might help explain: In Africa, being thin is a stigma associated with AIDS. As soon as people get a little money they overeat to reduce the stigmata of AIDS. Diabetes is on the rise in Africa. In India poverty was a way of life for so long that Obesity is now considered a status symbol. Obesity (and wealth) are on the rise. Diabetes is on the rise. In Brazil, people hate going to the gym. A pilot study showed that if you encourage diabetics to dance, they do, as dancing is a national passtime there. Going to the gym is not. In Finland, a small country with a lousy diet (meat and cheese) the heart attack rate was so high they started a program in the 1970s to reduce meat and cheese consumption. There has been a dramatic drop in heart attacks. (75% reduction since the program was initiated). The diet remains in flux. They are now going to try a similar "diabetic" diet reduction program. So, not always just "eat less and exercise more" for everyone. Just thought I'd pass it along. mm