Diabetes and Obesity Rates among Pima

[Bodica]

I have heard that of all the U.S. Native American nations, that the Pima have by far, the highst rates of diabetes, as well as obescity.
Apparently, the problem is that the Pima have "Thrifty" gene that makes their bodies store a higher amount of fat than most people's bodies do.
This was an advantage, in ancient times, when drought and famine in the desert were not un-commmon.
But on a modern diet, it's killing them.
Apparently, like a lot of NA peoples, the Pima have a high poverty rate.
Which means they often can't afford to buy the best food.
Instead of fruit juice, they often have to give their kids Kool-aid, or soda.
Instead of fresh meat & poultry, they often have to make do with a cheeseburger.
The government doesn't exactly make it easy to buy nutricious foods.
I've heard that because of this epidemic, that a growing number of Pima are going back to a traditional diet, and among those who do, it seems to be working.
What are your thoughts?

Obesity Associated with High Rates of Diabetes in the Pima Indians

[ugidali]

Exercise

I quote from an elder, "If its white, it ain't right." White rice, white, bread, white all purpose flour,white sugar, etc. Pure sugar cane sugar is best. Once man touches it...
Of course going back to the traditional diet is best! This mess that we eat today is full of chemicals and unnatural stuff.
For frybread use organic white flour. Or half white flour and half wheat flour. I know things are bad money wise with the recession and all but where there's a will, there's always a way.And of course exercise. I feel so great when I exercise. I don't do it enough but you have to start from the bottom and work your way up.

[sherryh1014]

diabetes

I wish that that scientist would do a study on seasonal eating as well. what you body need vs what is in season. I think it could be very interesting. Native people are a nomdic and need to keep moving to feel good. I have diabetes and i know when i walk it really show up on my blood work.

[wyo_rose]

I don't believe in the thrifty gene. But I do think that the famine - not in the past millenia - but brought about after disruption of their traditional way of life has a lot to do with it. Specifically what happens in utero and the breastfeeding link as well. Studies have shown that the difference in genetically related Pimas above and below the border is FIBER intake.

Yep, this low-cost American diet (and commodities) is killing us, along with the luxury of being couch and computer potatoes.

NO sugar is any good for you. Or flour. What flour was made traditionally is nothing like the glue-producing flour of today. And fruit juice is no better than Koolaid for diabetes.

And I have to vehemently disagree that "fat" is making us fat. Fats are essential for proper function of body systems, while carbohydrates are not essential at all. Please see "the Eskimo diet". As well as "the Cure for Diabetes" put out by Mens Health magazine.

The ADA and medical community are FINALLY getting on board. Too late for my dad - who suffered and finally succombed to the many devastating complications of diabetes. And pretty much too late for the rest of my family who have diabetes and are beyond getting it under control with proper diet and exercise.

My brother in law is only 36, suffering with diabetes for about 5 years now, and FINALLY being told by medical professions (wouldn't listen to me ) to avoid carbohydrates. His physical symptoms from diabetes are diminishing now.

For too long the medical community has been telling people to watch their fat intake (Oh brother!) otherwise keep eating all the potatoes, rice and pasta but then take this medicine.

Traditionally in this area the native people's diet was the basic high protein, low carb. Mostly meat and fish, and what low-carb veggies and berries are in the area. I know around the country many native people harvested grains, but I'm sure their fiber intake was much higher than in modern times. And as any low-carber knows you don't count the carb fiber towards your total carbs.

Ok, now to get off my soapbox and go walk a mile cuz I had tortillas with my dinner. And I only got them cuz they were ON SALE!!

[sherryh1014]

diabetes

I have had diabetes now for 15 years and only last year i found a doc. that is on the carb ban wagon. She has me on 110-120 carbs a day with walking a mile everyday. When i do it all right everything is great but when i slip it really shows up and she isn't happy and she is the kind of doc that will set you free if you don't comply. she believes that why should she help you when you won't help yourself. It makes me try harder, because with me i get sick of it! and don't want diabetes anymore, don't want to think about it, don't want to test my blood 7x a day and on, and on. But knowing that i will see her every 3 months, i've got to try. I have the insulin pump and i love it. Ok i'm done (giggle)

[wyo_rose]

Wow, a real no-nonsense doc!

Keep up the good work. Please check out this link about limiting carbs and diabetes:The Cure For Diabetes - Men's Health

Good luck!