Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when cells cannot obtain the glucose (blood sugar) they need in order to survive. Normally, glucose is produced when the body breaks down complex carbohydrates. Cells need insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, to absorb glucose. In diabetics, natural insulin may be present, but cells do not recognize it as such and so cannot absorb glucose. Carrying extra body weight and body fat go hand and hand with the development of type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes in the US today. Being overweight puts added pressure on the body's ability to properly control blood sugar using insulin and makes it much more likely for you to develop diabetes. Almost 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Research into soy's effect on diabetes found less glucose in the urine of diabetics who consumed soybeans. This could indicate that their cells were able to absorb more glucose. Soluble fiber, found in soy, may also help to regulate glucose levels. Scientists also believe that a high-fiber, high-carbohydrate diet may actually help enable cells to recognize the insulin in the bloodstream. It is important to note, however, that the fiber content in soy foods can vary significantly and that research is still being conducted to give weight to this claim. For more information on diabetes, click here to go to the American Diabetes Association Internet site.
Additional Resources SANA - www.soyfoods.org USB - www.soybean.org ASA - www.soygrowers.com Soyfoods Directory - www.talksoy.com |
