The Diabetes-Alzheimer's Connection

Insulin resistance is an all-too-common medical condition whereby insulin fails to metabolize glucose effectively. This, in turn, leads to higher blood sugar, which signals the body to produce more insulin. When this happens, glucose cannot be effectively metabolized and turns to fat instead.

But how do you know if you're insulin-resistant? A telltale sign is fat around the abdomen that makes you look like an apple. That's right! That big "tire" around your middle probably means high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood sugar, and possibly even high blood pressure.

A newer definition of insulin resistance includes excess protein in the urine. Doctors call this microalbuminuria, which is a known marker for early microscopic renal (kidney) damage and a serious predictor of diabetic renal disease. And to make matters worse, insulin resistance doesn't stop with heart disease...it also contributes to Alzheimer's disease.

A study in The Journal of Neurology reported that Alzheimer's patients had lower insulin levels in their cerebral spinal fluid, which nourishes your brain and spinal cord. Although further research is needed to determine whether ideal glucose metabolism will actually prevent Alzheimer's disease, the fact remains that insulin resistance is higher in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Decrease Insulin Levels

Follow my PAMM diet and avoid carbohydrates, particularly processed carbohydrates or carbohydrates, that can cause your blood sugar to soar. Some of the worst offenders are beer (maltose), bread, rice, bagels, crackers, pasta, potatoes, corn, and processed cereals.

Higher-carb fruits that you should eat in moderation include raisins, bananas, and watermelon. And remember, refined sugar, molasses, honey, maple syrup and commercial fruit juices (especially concentrates) have a high glycemic index, resulting in higher blood sugar.

If you must have some of these foods, make sure your portions are small and combine them with low-sugar foods like nuts, beans, plain yogurt, skim milk, soy products, flax, salads, and other green leafy vegetables.

By reducing your daily intake of sugar, you'll not only lower your cholesterol and triglycerides, you'll lose weight, have more energy, and prevent the major degenerative diseases afflicting 20th century man, including diabetes, heart disease, and possibly even Alzheimer's.

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