Putting the pieces together...Diabetes, Food Inc., and Healthcare Reform

This week as we studied chronic illness, I gave some thought to diabetes. Because it is a part of my family medical history and affects the lives of several of my friends, I was already fairly educated about the how, when, why, and where of the disease itself. But it wasn't until after I saw the film Food, Inc. on Tuesday that I began to put together a few of the pieces I had been missing. With healthcare reform on the front page these days, you would think someone would start to take a look at the root of poor health in America. If "nutrition reform" was mandated, the burden on our healthcare system would be reduced dramatically. Think of all the people who would be free of the chronic illnesses like diabetes that stem specifically from their poor nutrition... we would save millions without changing a single healthcare policy! Not to mention bettering the lives of our families, friends, and communities... That is what I call reform! I'm far from a "bandwagon" person, but I really think this is one of those films that can teach everyone something. I wish it was in wide release instead of just independent so more people would see it. It was a bit overwhelming to realize how lax the government is in securing a safe food supply for us. When those charged with protecting us have their hands "in the cookie jar", we lose to their personal gain. It was outrageous and sad to realize that a handful of food production companies not only monopolize the industry, but also have more protection under the law than we the consumers do. The film made clear to me why so much of our nation is more overweight and unhealthy than ever before. It points out that over 80% of the food available to us contains some sort of corn product. Additives that you probably don't even know come from corn. And the beef, chicken, pork, and even some of the fish we consume are corn fed. This fattens them up quicker so they can be sold quicker. And what do you think has been happening to our population over the last 40 years as a result of this practice? Surprise! We too, are not only fatter, but sicker. Type 2 diabetes is a direct result of being overweight and having poor nutrition, and the number of people affected by it has skyrocketed over the last 40 years too. That fact is bad enough, but what nutritional recourse do those affected by it have? What is the number one food group diabetics should try to moderate? Carbs....i.e.Corn! Yes, there are still healthy food choices left in the world, despite it all, but tell that to those whose budgets leave them restricted to items that come in under the $1.00 mark. This should be on the forefront of reform. I think the film has a substantial educational value and supports a worthy cause. I hope all of you will take the time to see it and do your part for yourselves and those you love. We can change(check out the movie's website) for the better... and we could possibly cure Type 2 diabetes in the process... even if it is one person at a time!