Today I would like to talk about a serious health condition which is rapidly reaching epidemic proportions in our country called diabetes. Not the form of diabetes which can be inherited, but the type that develops as a result of  of  improper eating and living habits. Looking  for  reasons  for the tremendous increase in cases of diabetes in  our country , I believe can be summed up in one short sentence. Lack of physical activity and too much sugar intake. In the year 1700 Americans ate approximately 4 pounds of sugar a year. By the year 2010 we are eating approximately 180 poundsof sugar. On the whole, children growing up today are less physically active and consume more processed foods ( which are quickly converted to sugar in our bloodstream )  then ever before.  The fact of the matter is that throughout human history, as a species, we consumed very little sugar. And when we did, it was primarily in the form of fruit. Certainly not in the form of processed foods which we eat in overabundance today. Human beings are designed to be physically active and to eat nonprocessed foods. This is how we thrive. So how do we do this ?  Eat as much nonprocessed food as possible. I’m talking about fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats and eggs from grass feed animals and drink good clean water. Be physically active. Walk run, bike, hike and be out in the fresh air as much as possible. I reccomend to  a lot of my patients who are fearful of this condition to begin a weight lifting program.  I am not talking  about turning into the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, but light to moderate weight lifting, especially for the upper body has been shown to burn off excess blood sugar in rapid fashion. In many cases, treatment or prevention of this condition is more involved and complex, but just by making these basic lifestyle changes I mentioned above can help alleviate or possibly prevent this disorder known as diabetes.