Nutrition & Metabolism article on Diabetes 4/8/08

[Enomarb]

http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/5/1/9

[ReginaW]

Dietary carbohydrate restriction in type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: time for a critical appraisal

Current nutritional approaches to metabolism syndrome and type 2 diabetes generally rely on reductions in dietary fat. The success of such approaches has been limited and therapy more generally relies on pharmacology. The argument is made that a re-evaluation of the role of carbohydrate restriction, the historical and intuitive approach to the problem, may provide an alternative and possibly superior dietary strategy. The rationale is based on the accepted idea that carbohydrate restriction improves glycemic control and reduces insulin fluctuations which are primary targets. Experiments are summarized showing that carbohydrate-restricted diets are at least as effective for weight loss as low-fat diets and that substitution of fat for carbohydrate is generally beneficial for risk of cardiovascular disease. These positive effects of carbohydrate restriction do not require weight loss. Finally, the point is re-iterated that carbohydrate restriction improves all of the features of metabolic syndrome.

Anthony Accurso
Richard K Bernstein
Annika Dahlqvist
Boris Draznin
Richard D Feinman
Eugene J Fine
Amy Gleed
David B Jacobs
Gabriel Larson
Robert H Lustig
Anssi H Manninen
Samy I McFarlane
Katharine Morrison
Jorgen VESTI Nielsen
Uffe Ravnskov
Karl S Roth
Ricardo Silvestre
James R Sowers
Ralph Sundberg
Jeff S Volek
Eric C Westman
Richard J Wood
Jay Wortman
Mary C Vernon

Full-Text PDF (http://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/pdf/1743-7075-5-9.pdf)

[mrfreddy]

When are we gonna haul these bonehead ADA types before congress to explain why they've ignored the obvious solution to the exploding diabetes epidemic all these years? If congress isn't too busy investigating baseball players, that is...

[ReginaW]

When are we gonna haul these bonehead ADA types before congress to explain why they've ignored the obvious solution to the exploding diabetes epidemic all these years? If they're not too busy investigating baseball players, that is...

NMS (http://www.nmsociety.org) is trying too....they need more members to have a greater "voice" though.

[Wyvrn]

I think we need to stop begging the ADA, AHA etc to change their tune, because they won't. Contrary to what some people may believe these are not government organizations, they are run for and by Big Pharma and Big Ag - the promotion of nutritional ignorance and pharmaceutical dependence is central to their mission. They may make cosmetic changes but that's it.

We need to go around them. Quit promoting them, quit running in their charity races, quit sending them money and quit letting them tell us how to take care of ourselves. NMS is the perfect replacement for them. Beyond buying tshirts and memberships, those of us whose workplaces and communities have promotions for ADA and AHA need to get NMS links and promotions on the websites and employee health directories. I think links too... how many of us have blogs/websites, even email sigs that could contain a link?

[glennette]

Perhaps they should/could have different levels of membership?

I don't need any of the books and I can't afford a $100 for a membership at this time. I will show this to my Doc and anyone else that I feel might be receptive.

[ReginaW]

Perhaps they should/could have different levels of membership?

I don't need any of the books and I can't afford a $100 for a membership at this time. I will show this to my Doc and anyone else that I feel might be receptive.

There is a consumer membership - $25 for the year.

https://secure.stardonor.com/giveto/HHS/20-0731059.html

Drop-down menu, "Consumer Membership" - $25

HTH

[glennette]

There is a consumer membership - $25 for the year.

https://secure.stardonor.com/giveto/HHS/20-0731059.html

Drop-down menu, "Consumer Membership" - $25

HTH

Thanks Regina! That price I can manage. :D

[Feinman]

Thanks for the posting. I would add that the authors include directors of major endocrinology centers and we tried to have a number of people with different interests and credentials.

I think it is reasonable to bring any of the content you think is right and, most of all, bring your personal experience to the attention of congress and to the ADA. What we want is representation of people who understand the potential of carbohydrate restriction on the NIH and even ADA boards. ADA is a private organization but is directly and indirectly tied to the NIH and your tax dollars are involved. It is reasonable to ask congress for hearings in which the minority (low carb) voice is heard. NMS is working on this but you can personally talk to your congressmen. If you write, you can send us a copy (our director is Lauri Cagnassola: lauricags~gmail.com ).

I would urge, of course, that you be constructive and collegial and not assume that any particular person is opposed to your point of view. These are big organizations and there are traditional, conservative people who, in my opinion have an undue influence on policy, but many people are very serious and want to hear your input. Also, modern medicine is a tough business and many practitioners simply don't have the relevant information.

We are already grateful to members of the forum. Our study, http://www.nutritionj.com/content/pdf/1475-2891-5-26.pdf is one of the few scientific papers on what people actually do on low carb diets. We further ask for your help by joining NMS and actually providing your point of view to your elected officials -- the epidemic of obesity and diabetes is such that it is reasonable to ask for hearings on the problem and hearings where all opinions are represented.
Richard Feinman.

[Enomarb]

Richard- thanks for the work you are doing. I give your links to people who want to learn about LC and the health consequences. I have also been taking the articles to my MDs- my favorite comment so far is from the one who said "if this stuff is true I have to change my entire way of practicing medicine"- now she just has to do it.
Thanks again-
E