Oct 15, 2003 12:00 PM,
by Joe Vansickle, Senior Editor (952) 851-4670; jvansickle@primediabusiness.com
By 2050, the prevalence of diabetes will have skyrocketed by 165%, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
A new program from the Pork Information Bureau (PIB) of the National Pork Board is addressing this growing health issue by showing Americans how pork can play a role in preventing diabetes.
“The checkoff-funded program emphasizes the importance of high-quality protein to stabilize blood glucose levels during weight loss,” says Howardstown, KY, pork producer Mark Reding.
Recent research shows that a combination of weight loss and physical activity can dramatically reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Lean, high-quality pork can contribute to an eating plan that promotes weight loss.
A PIB survey found that although two-thirds of Americans are overweight and therefore at risk for developing diabetes, they are unaware of that risk to their health.
PIB partnered with registered dietitian and diabetes expert Anne Daly to develop physical activities and nutrition tips to reduce the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.
Resource materials can be viewed on www.porkandhealth.org under Nutrition Resources.
There was a lot to be positive about in the pork industry the last week of October. I realize it is difficult to be optimistic when you are still losing $25 to $30/head. I also realize that positive news at this point could be as dangerous as it is welcome. But facts are facts, and we must recognize them.
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As I begin this week's column, I"m reminded of two different "flip side" statements that may help characterize the topic at hand. The first is the old Archie Campbell schtick - "That's good - no that’s bad," which I have used before. The second reflects President Truman's frustration with economists' incessant use of the qualifier - "on the other hand" - to introduce the contrary opinion on a given topic. President Truman once demanded in his usual colorful language: "Will someone please find me a *!&%$*?>
