I was watching the 5:00 news last night when my ears perked up to the intro line of: "The latest new cure for type 2 diabetes". However, I was soon let down by the information following this. The new 'cure' for type 2 diabetes is now gastric bypass surgery!
Um, what?!
The report went on to say that "studies have shown better results than diet and exercise alone".
Well I'm sorry, but, NO KIDDING! If everyone's stomachs were reduced to the size of a couple of ounces rather than liters I doubt we would ever see a case of obesity again!
Now, I am fully aware that this type of surgery has truly helped many people, and in some cases this drastic measure is necessary to save a life. I am just not keen on the idea of advertising something so serious (and possibly life threatening!) as a way to 'cure' type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes has also been known as 'adult onset diabetes'. This is because it is primarily found in overweight/obese adults. Sadly, this is no longer the case because with the childhood obesity epidemic on the rise, more and more children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Therefore, we must begin from the ground up and instill the knowledge and skills in our youth about how to eat and cook healthy, how to stay active and how important all of these aspects of life are. If these types of steps were taken in the first place, there would be much less incidence of obesity along with type 2 diabetes and then there would be no need to push the idea of gastric bypass surgery as the 'quick fix' to these problems.
Along with the fact that this type of surgery can have many complications occur, it effects the way a person will eat for the rest of their lives! With a stomach so small, there is no way to absorb as many nutrients as your body needs from the foods we eat. Going out to dinner with friends, or big family dinners will now become a struggle instead of a joyful experience, which is something everyone deserves!
Another point that has me confused is the fact that many people reach a point where they are in fact too overweight to even have the surgery, so what do the doctors tell them they must do before the procedure can be performed? Diet and exercise to reach the appropriate weight! Yes, in these cases people have over 100lbs to lose, but no one said it would be easy! And I am the first to agree that having one surgery vs. years of dedication sounds so much easier, but if you have to begin a diet and exercise plan anyway, just go for it!
I completely understand that every individual and their situation is different, but if you take anything away from this, it is the idea of PREVENTION! Starting out healthy life practices will reduce the incidence of so many different health issues it would take me a whole other blog to write about!
Instilling healthy behaviors is our way to a healthier future!
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