Is there a light at the end of the diabetes tunnel?

Despite all that the nation is doing to promote healthy lifestyles and all the efforts going into preventative health, it was troubling to read this morning on CNN Health that the number of those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes rose from 17.5 million in 2007 to 22.3 million in 2012. During the last couple of years, we have seen an upward trend in many people making healthy lifestyle changes, but this begs the question, are we doing enough?
The total cost of those diagnosed with diabetes in the United States in 2012 was $245 Billion up 41% from 2007. This cost, according to Dr. John Anderson, president of medicine and science of the American Diabetes Association, isn’t due to rise in health costs, but simply due to the sheer number of Americans living with diabetes and he doesn’t know of any other disease increasing that significantly. Additionally, 23% of total US healthcare costs are attributed to diabetes, that’s about 1 in 5 healthcare dollars.
The high costs and the rise of those newly diagnosed with diabetes are due to many factors. One is aging. The risk of developing diabetes gets higher as you get older. Another is an on-going problem in the US, with excess weight and obesity. Genetics also play a part in the development of diabetes, especially in African Americans, American Indians, and Asian Americans. Still, there is much research being done to find treatments to reduce and/or prevent the prevalence of this disease.
Recently, the Molecular Nutrition & Food Research journal published a study on the use of Cocoa to help manage diabetes. The research found that a diet rich epicatechin, a main flavanol in cocoa which is abundant in dark chocolate, improved insulin pathways and receptors, helping in the management of diabetes. This study also noted that current medications to maintain long-term glycemic control in many people with diabetes were inadequate and the use of cocoa for treatment could be the answer.
Preventing terrible, sometimes deadly, diseases such as diabetes can only be done by living a healthy lifestyle. But as research has shown, consuming foods such as dark chocolate may also help. Youngevity offers several Healthy Chocolate choices such as CocoGevity Plus, Triple Treat or Triple Truffle. CocoGevity Plus combines smooth and velvety rich dark chocolate with exotic fruits and botanicals to deliver powerful bioactive nutrients which may support heart health, immune function, and many other aspects of health. There are many benefits to consuming dark chocolate; helping with diabetes is just another one.
So, the lesson here is to eat more dark chocolate! Who doesn’t love hearing that advice?

Rocio Ramos
Contributing Writer
Youngevity Marketing Team