Sedentary men face nearly four times the risk of developing diabetes compared with physically active men, according to researchers from the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas. Looking at more than 8,600 men, researchers compared fitness data with measurements of fasting blood-sugar levels -- a marker for diabetes. The results? The least fit men had almost twice the risk for impaired fasting glucose (a precursor to diabetes). Over the course of the study, 149 of the men developed type 2 (adult- onset) diabetes. The researchers suggest that an inactive lifestyle may exacerbate a condition of impaired fasting glucose and ultimately lead to diabetes. (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, January 1999) Type 2 diabetes sufferers and those 'at risk' are now being urged to increase their intake of vitamin E. Studies suggest vitamin E enhances the action of insulin and affects cell membranes to improve control of blood sugar.'

Patients with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent) can improve their blood sugar using a low carbohydrate diet even when drug treatment has failed. A standard diabetic diet contains 55% carbohydrates. In this study of 28 patients on a diet with 25% of calories from carbohydrates there was a significant drop in blood sugar. Prior to the study 9 patients were on a standard diet and 19 were on diabetic medications, but none was able to have good sugar control. As an added benefit, most patients also lost weight.