Type 2 diabetes, which impairs the body’s ability to properly use the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin, is the fastest growing disease in America. About 20 million Americans have diabetes, and at least 40 million have pre-diabetes.

Government data suggests that roughly 2 million U.S. children ages 12 to 19 have a pre-diabetic condition linked to obesity and inactivity that puts them at risk for full-blown diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Among the overweight adolescents, it was one in six with pre-diabetes. Amazingly, it’s now estimated that 1 in 3 children will be diabetic in their lifetimes.

It’s also estimated that 25% of non-diabetic Americans have Syndrome X, also called Metabolic Syndrome. It is usually associated with being overweight or inactive, and this condition may increase the risk of developing diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

So get out your most recent blood work results and look at the numbers. A fasting blood glucose of greater than 99 is diagnosed as pre-diabetic, while a number of 125 or greater is diagnosed as diabetic. However, a person with a high fasting blood glucose number should also get a glycohemoglobin (gly-hgb) test to confirm a diabetes diagnosis. Unfortunately, many people are told that “everything is normal” when they are in a pre-diabetic range.

Even though a fasting blood sugar under 99 is considered normal, an optimal level is 90 or lower. Many people in the range of 90-99 have Syndrome X, or Metabolic Syndrome, or what I call simply “carbohydrate intolerance” because of poor processing of carbohydrates in their bodies. The following are other symptoms associated with this syndrome:

•Excess weight around the waist (apple-shaped) – for men, a waist bigger than 40 inches, and for women, a waist bigger than 35 inches
•Blood pressure readings greater than 130/85 mmHg
•Blood Triglyceride levels above 100
•High blood C-reactive protein levels or a lot of inflammation in the body
•Elevated blood Uric acid levels
•Blood HDL (good cholesterol) lower than 45-50

Diabetes, pre-diabetes and syndrome X/metabolic syndrome are 100% treatable and reversible with dietary modification and exercise. That’s 100% - as long as the body is still producing enough insulin! In my experience small dietary modifications may improve the blood sugar numbers, but will not reverse the condition. Following an anti- inflammatory diet, in it’s strictest form for the first few months, is necessary. I also find that except in very mild cases, certain vitamin, herbal and mineral supplements are usually necessary to reverse the conditions. Again, don’t be fooled by the “normal” blood test results. The medical labs are set up for diagnosing disease, not for helping to address the early conditions. Use the guidelines outlined here to help you determine if you could benefit from making changes now, while you still have the option. I have worked with many people who have successfully reversed these conditions.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a very common skin disorder of itchy patches on the skin affecting both children and adults. The FDA announced (1/06) that new labeling with “black box” warnings will be required on two prescription drugs commonly used to treat this condition, Elidel and Protopic creams. A “black box” warning is the most serious type of warning in drug labeling. This warning was prompted by the review of 78 cases of cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancers that occurred with the use of these drugs. The new labeling will also clarify that these drugs are now only recommended when other prescription medications have been tried and failed.

Eczema can often be treated and controlled with nutrition. It is commonly caused by food and other allergies, as well as other dietary issues. Evaluating the diet and testing for blood antibodies to foods can often identify the cause. Wheat and dairy allergies and intolerances as well as poor fat consumption top the list of contributing factors to eczema.

As always, addressing the root of the problem, rather than treating the symptoms is the safest and most effective route to healing. Perhaps we can be of help.

The FDA has issued a warning that Strattera, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can cause suicidal thinking in some children and adolescents. Manufacturer Eli Lilly & Co. responded by announcing that a “black-box warning” will be added to the drug's label in the United States. There was no evidence of increased suicidal thinking in adults.

Last year, the FDA also ordered that all antidepressants must bear warnings that they "increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior" in children who take them.