You have probably heard that obesity can lead to a number of health complications. However, what you may not know is that obesity is the most significant risk factor for the development of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). NIDDM, also referred to as type 2 diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is five times more common among obese people.¹

The prevalence of obesity in Canada has more than doubled between 1985 and 1998.² Of the many factors contributing to obesity, a poor diet and inactivity are the leading causes.³ What and how much you eat can not only affect your weight, but also your overall health, including the likelihood of developing diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Over 2 million Canadians have diabetes, 90% of whom suffer from type 2 diabetes. The sudden increase in type 2 diabetes mirrors the similar increase in obesity suggesting there is a common link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. Not everyone with type 2 diabetes is overweight; however, if you are overweight your chances of getting type 2 diabetes are greater. The risk is so high that scientists have coined the term "diabesity", meaning diabetes caused by obesity. Obesity and type 2 diabetes is a growing epidemic, which healthcare professionals agree has to be reversed.

Healthy eating should be made an important part of your daily routine. Making simple, gradual changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference that can result in beneficial weight loss over the course of the year, as well as a reduction in risk factors for diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The key is to follow a healthy, well-balanced diet. In this way, not only will you lose weight, you are more likely to keep the weight off.

Research has shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented in high-risk individuals through weight reduction, controlling fat intake, increasing fibre and exercise. By making these simple lifestyle modifications, people were able to decrease the rate of diabetes by 58%. ⁴

Dietary measures offer the most practical and effective solution to preventing the onset of diabetes. That's where Nutribar can help. The Nutribar line of products offer nutritionally balanced meal replacements providing calorie and portion control. Clinical studies have shown that Nutribar is a safe and effective method for weight reduction and it satisfies hunger for more than 5 hours, making it easier to stick to your diet. With the basics of nutrition, sensible meal planning, and an exercise regime you can lose those unwanted pounds and inches, while at the same time minimizing the chances of any health complications. All of this can be made simpler with Nutribar.

Ultimately, education and prevention provide the answer to this growing problem. However, if you have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes you should still modify your lifestyle to achieve a healthy weight, start an exercise regime, include regular balanced meals from all four food groups, and limit your intake of fat, sugars and alcohol. Type 2 Brand nutrition bars, by the makers of Nutribar, can offer a healthier alternative to other high-in-sugar snacks.

¹ http://www.obesitycanada.com.

² Katzmarzyk, Peter T, The Canadian obesity epidemic, 1985-1998, CMAJ, April 16, 2002; 166 (8).

³ Klein, S, Sheard, N, Pi-Sunyer, X, Daly, A et al; Weight Management Through Lifestyle Modification for the Prevention and Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Rationale and Strategies, Diabetes Care, Volume 27, Number 8, August 2004.

⁴ Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, Eriksson J, et al; Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Changes in Lifestyle among Subjects with Impaired Glucose Tolerance, New England Journal of Medicine, Volume:344:1343-1350, Number 18, May 3, 2001.