A study that’s been nearly two decades in the making is shining some new light on the benefits of weight training. Researchers from the Harvard University of Public Health have found that this popular form of exercise not only provides bigger biceps, but may also help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

It’s long been known that weight training is an extremely beneficial form of exercise, but more recently experts have been touting that it’s one of the best activities a person can do over a lifetime. Recent studies have even suggested it can improve memory and brain function, strengthen bones and connective tissue in children, help a person quit smoking, and even help breast cancer patients recover more quickly.

Author and health researcher Timothy Caulfield, whom we interviewed earlier this year for his book “The Cure for Everything,” even selected weight training as the one activity he would do to reap the most benefits if he had to choose just one. Knowing he tested every exercise theory out there, we place a fair amount of confidence in his opinion.

And Harvard researchers agree, saying weight training may be as effective at preventing diabetes as other aerobic exercise like walking, swimming and biking.
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As the number of individuals living with Type 2 diabetes continues to rise, additional means of prevention become all the more crucial. And a recent study from the Srinakharinwirot University of Nakomnayok in Thailand, suggests that a spice called curcumin may be the answer.

Curcumin is a compound in turmeric, a spice in the ginger family that’s most commonly found in Indian cooking. According to an article in Reuters, previous lab work has shown strong evidence that curcumin may help fight both inflammation and oxidative damage to cells – two processes that are thought to feed a variety of diseases, including Type 2 diabetes.

Researchers found that a daily dose of curcumin helped prevent new cases of diabetes develop among people with pre-diabetes, a condition involving high blood sugar levels that may eventually progress to Type 2 diabetes.
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Beer belly, muffin top, spillage, or gut. Whatever you call it, that large waist may be more dangerous than originally thought. A recent research publication states that a large waist is an important warning sign for diabetes.

CNN Health reported about a 17-year study regarding waist measurements and what they mean for our health. Previously, Body Mass Index (BMI) was the standard form of measurement to help determine if one’s weight was putting their health at risk. But more recently, the height-to-weight ratio has come under criticism as it fails to distinguish fat from muscle and it doesn’t focus on the location of fat on the body. This study found waist size to be a better marker of health risks like diabetes.

Researchers in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in the UK, measured the waist size and BMI of nearly 30,000 middle-aged Europeans. This group was followed for 17 years. Those who started overweight, not obese, yet had a large waist were more likely than obese people with normal or moderately sized waists to develop type 2 diabetes. A large waist is defined as 40 inches for a man and 35 inches for a woman.
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Paul Deen, the Food Network’s southern belle, is speaking out about her new diet, dropping two dress sizes, and how she’s coping with Type-2 diabetes.

On a recent episode of ‘The View‘, the star opened up about how she’s altered her diet and managed to lose 30 pounds. The episode titled “The Fat Show,” was looking at the rising obesity rates in America, and saw Deen as a key guest.

When asked how she views her diabetes in light of her love of cooking with butter- and sugar-laden foods, Deen pointed to some scientific evidence for comfort.

“Studies have shown that there’s no one food that causes diabetes. What causes Type-2 diabetes is being overweight,” she said. “There’s a good chance if you’re overweight that you’ll become diabetic or pre-diabetic.”
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Nutrisystem - one of the most recognizable names in the weight loss industry for its healthy, delivered, portion-controlled meals – has been named a National Strategic Partner of the American Diabetes Association.

The company is being recognized for its commitment to supporting the mission to treat and eradicate diabetes through such efforts as clinical research and involvement with the ADA’s diabetes-focused movements.

Nutrisystem has also helped make significant strides in the fight against the disease with its Nutrisystem D program, which provides delivered, pre-portioned meals specifically designed for those living with diabetes.

Anthony Fabricatore, Nutrisystem’s Senior Director of Research and Development, spoke with Diets in Review recently to share what this strategic partnerships means for the diet company as a whole.
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