By Jim Turnage
New research has revealed changes in the medical approach to type II diabetes. Previously it was believed that carbohydrates were the ultimate villain. Now scientists believe that added fructose is the greater culprit.
The dietary guideline for diabetics allows 25 percent added sugars. This will change. As the number of type II diabetes cases continues to grow, sugar intake, particularly fructose, will need to be reduced.
They determined that fructose found naturally in fruits and vegetables is beneficial in the fight against diabetes. Sufferers are encouraged to consume these, and eliminate added fructose such as table sugars, specifically fructose, which can result in insulin resistance.
Cooperation of the food industry is needed to reduce or eliminate the addition of sugars, primarily fructose, to their products. Of primary interest is the consumption of ‘cola-type’ products. The high levels of added fructose in both ‘diet’ and ‘regular’ beverages creates great danger for the consumer related to the acquisition of type II diabetes. The last recorded information showed that in 1950 approximately 10.8 gallons of beverages with added sugar were consumed annually by each individual; by 2000, the number had risen to 49.3 gallons.
Besides being one of the primary reasons for the epidemic of type II diabetes, fructose is also responsible for higher cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.
Only one organ in the body can metabolize fructose; the liver. Over absorption of fructose by the liver results in an increased production of fat, leading to obesity.
Medical and dietary professionals estimate the daily consumption of fructose by an individual to be 83.1 grams. This estimate is likely to be much higher because fructose is not required on the labels of processed food items, and they now know that the quantities are far greater than previously reported.
WHO, the World Health Organization, recommends that no more than 10 percent of a person’s daily diet contain added sugars; especially fructose.
By James Turnage
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Photo Courtesy of Michael Whyte
Tre'vell Hill 
Jeanette Smith