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11/04/2015

Diabetes - Is South Beach Diet Effective Over It?

Diabetes is a fast -spreading epidemic. It is afflicting people irrespective of their cast, creed or age. Statistics published by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse reveals that almost 20.8 million [roughly 7% of the population] suffer from diabetes.

Research has shown that diabetes is a life-style disease. Most people, living in the twenty-first century, live a fast paced life. The daily pressure of deadlines, stress, the consumption of processed foods and the lack of wholesome meal has meant that more and more people are now falling victims to diseases like obesity and diabetes.

The medical fraternity on its part is trying to find out ways to find a cure and prevent the occurrence of such diseases. Doctors have realized that diet can prove an important ally in fighting diabetes and obesity. Large minor changes and a few major changes can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of life-style related diseases. In fact, a few doctors have come out with their own diet plans. The South Beach diet is one of them. This phenomenally successful diet is formulated by Dr. Arthur Agatston. According to Dr. Agatston, the South Beach Diet can truly become a lifestyle. Weight loss can be sustained and the manifestations of pre-diabetes and, often, of type 2 diabetes can be reversed.

South Beach diet clearly demarcates the entire gamut of food products based on good and bad carbohydrates.

Glycemic index is used to categorize carbohydrates as good or bad. The glycemic index is a dietary index that's used to rank carbohydrate-based foods. The Glycemic Index predicts the rate at which the ingested food will increase blood sugar levels.

According to South Beach diet, the consumption of bad carbohydrates to be avoided as it causes an upsurge in the release of insulin as well as makes one feel hungrier. This leads to over eating and subsequent weight gain. Weight gain makes one more vulnerable to diabetes. Hence, South Beach diet suggests that to remain healthy avoid bad carbohydrates from reaching your food plate.

However, many are skeptic about the South Beach diet's ability to control diabetes. The American Diabetes Association does not approve of glycemic index. It is of the opinion of that glycemic index plays a little role in weight -control. Rather it is the amount of carbohydrates that directly affects weight.

Others are of the opinion that whole grain breads and fruits do not contain god carbohydrates. According to Dr. Mercola, those sensitive to carbohydrates, subclinical gluten, or find it difficult to control their insulin levels, should view the intake of fruits and grains as a recipe for disaster. He also criticizes the recommendation of artificial sweeteners by Dr. Agatston. Dr. Mercola says that past studies have shown that artificial sweeteners increase the incidence of diabetes, cancer etc.

Thus, as far as diabetes is concerned some are of the opinion that South Beach diet does aid in control and prevention of diabetes whereas others remain skeptical.
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