Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes
Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes By C. Devin Hastings
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"Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may soon be a real headline.
This article will explain what you need to know before you or
someone you know are unpleasantly surprised.
Though the debate still continues as to the exact cause, Type 1
diabetes (having to use insulin) is thought to be the result of
an inappropriate autoimmune response in the body. What
apparently happens is that the body attacks the Beta cells of
the pancreas believing them to be invaders. These
insulin-producing cells are therefore destroyed to a significant
degree and "Hey Presto! Instant Diabetes".
Type 2 diabetes (not needing insulin) is caused by insulin
resistance which is generally the result of obesity though now
there is a blurring of boundaries between Type 1 and 2.
Now, with the above in mind, the question is, how the heck could
a hurricane cause diabetes? Well, regarding Type 1 diabetes a
theory that may prove correct or incorrect is that an autoimmune
response may be precipitated by on going stress of such
intensity that the inflammation caused by chronically high
levels of cortisol leads to an immune system malfunction.
However, regarding Type 2 diabetes I think there is a very clear
and direct connection. For the sake of brevity I will not cover
all pertinent details because the purpose of this article is to
convey an idea that may be worth considering.
So, "Hurricane Katrina Causes Diabetes" may be a reality when
you look at two groups of persons. First, are those directly
affected. Many people, when stressed sufficiently, will eat more
than they need. I am willing to bet that over the next 5 years,
if the direct victims are tracked, many of them will become
obese and get diabetes; even those without a genetic
predisposition.
The second group are those who, though not directly involved
with the disaster, are vicariously involved to the point where
they begin to gain significant amounts of weight due to poorly
managed stress.
Both groups may also, to some degree, be affected by a type of
hyper-vigilance that creates an on going 'fight or flight'
response that can lead to insulin resistance. Untreated insulin
resistance not only can lead to diabetes but, to its corollary,
hyperinsulinemia which is also very dangerous.
So, what is an answer? For both groups, effective stress
management tools are a must. I believe that being taught
self-hypnosis is the best, most cost-effective answer. If
insurance companies want to save a lot of money over the next
decade then it is definitely in their best interests to somehow
get their insured clients strongly involved in stress reduction
classes.
Stress reduction may also mitigate some of the potential
harmful, autoimmune responses that Katrina may induce in those
who are susceptible.
If these ideas are taken to heart, maybe the headlines might
read: "Katrina Almost Caused Diabetes".
Thanks for taking time to read this article.
Warm Regards,
Devin Hastings "Speak well to yourself because your deep mind is
always listening."