The Body Invaders: Weight Control (25 of 41)
We're raising kids in an environment in which fast foods are widely abundant.
Commercials on television are promoting some of the most unhealthful eating habits.
So it's really no surprise in some ways.
That we're now suffering from an epidemic of pediatric obesity.
Dr David Ludwig of the Optimum Weight for Life Clinic at Children's Hospital in Boston saw Reed and quickly discovered that she had a serious problem.
At the age of 15.
Weighing more than 200 pounds.
Reed Neray was diagnosed with insulin resistance.
When foods are ingested.
They are converted to blood sugar.
Or glucose.
Insulin.
A hormone naturally produced by the pancreas.
Acts like a key.
And unlocks our body's cells.
So the blood sugar can be absorbed and used for fuel.
But in the insulin resistant person.
Like Reed.
The insulin key does not work well.
Forcing the pancreas to work overtime producing extra insulin.
Without intervention.
Reed's pancreas will become exhausted and eventually stop producing insulin.
The blood sugar level will then rise.
This is Type II.
Or adult onset diabetes.
And it can cause vision problems. |
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