ESCANABA — The numbers regarding the global incidence of diabetes are terrifying. This disease of excessive sugar in the bloodstream is well known for the many complications occurring too frequently. Some of them are well recognized and generally common knowledge, like the heart problems and blindness. Amputation of a limb is another concern, performed too often, but is a consequence that is preventable 85% of the time.

Pre-diabetes, in which the body is starting to experience problems with glucose management, will be present in 2 out of every 5 Americans within the next ten years. There are no obvious signs of prediabetes except for mildly elevated blood sugar, although some will develop some of the nerve changes. But the most disturbing fact is that the clear majority of those individuals with prediabetes will go on to have the disease within approximately five years.

This is a diagnosis “not to be sneezed at,” accompanied as it is by numerous associated conditions, health problems, and varied illnesses. Typically, a diagnosis of prediabetes is met with little fanfare and less information by healthcare providers in the U.S. But it should since the data leads to some startling conclusions. The diagnosis of prediabetes should be an invitation. It is an opportunity to “cure” yourself of a potentially deadly disease.

Sufficient analysis of this development, the increase in blood sugars consistent with a diagnosis of prediabetes, reveals it to be a landmark event. How often do you have the opportunity to cure yourself of some dreadful ailment? How might this be accomplished, many should be asking. Although extraordinarily difficult, it turns out the answer is extremely simple: cut out almost all sugars and carbs (same thing) from your diet. Easy, right?!

Minimal efforts are typically made to educate these individuals about the potential for preventing diabetes, with its varied consequences. Lip service is given to the need to control blood sugars, but beyond some gentle encouragement, nothing concrete is discussed, no instructions dispensed, no prescription written for better nutrition.

Exercise is important, but a significant increase in activity levels, following a dedicated fitness routine, cannot overcome the deleterious consequences of a diet high in sugar (in all its varied forms, dissolved in massive quantities in our beverages, inserted into nearly every foodstuff imaginable). Regardless, improved physical fitness is beneficial for nearly every malady known.

Recent studies have provided a clearer picture than ever before. It is possible for an individual to cure themselves of prediabetes or recently diagnosed type 2 adult onset. Some of the research has concentrated on diet and, indeed, that seems to be the single most effective method. But exercise has also been looked at and can enable someone to go into remission of their diabetes, when combined with weight loss.

When a U.S. primary care provider discusses options for treating diabetes in a newly diagnosed patient, they generally do not provide a whole food, plant-based diet as a potential strategy to achieve remission without medications. Instead, it is easier and faster to generate a prescription, in effect treating the consequences of the disease, as opposed to attacking it at its source. This is not only an inefficient approach, it’s also costly, since caring for an individual with diabetes is an extraordinarily expensive process on average, with the ulcer care and heart disease that frequently accompanies this ubiquitous condition.

Remission of diabetes should be the goal of every medical practitioner (unless it is longstanding or uncontrolled disease). The latest data demonstrates clearly it’s possible through a dramatic change in nutrition. This should seem appropriate since it is, by and large, a disease of lifestyle. And diet is the single biggest factor driving the worldwide epidemic of diabetes and prediabetes, and therefore the death and disease associated.

Your health is too important to leave to someone else; learn about the consequences of your diet: strive for improved wellness by cutting out sugar. It may be delicious, but it’s deadly and dangerous. It is not a material conducive to wellness…..and it is in EVERYTHING. Change your diet and take charge of your health.

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Dr. Conway McLean is a physician practicing foot and ankle medicine in the Upper Peninsula, with offices in Escanaba, Marquette, and L’Anse. McLean has lectured internationally on wound care and surgery, being board certified in surgery, orthotic therapy and wound care. His articles on health and wellness appear in multiple local and national publications. Dr. McLean welcomes subject requests for future articles at drcmclean@outlook.com.