The China Study by Thomas Campbell

D lAB ETES 147

is diagnosed by the observation of elevated blood sugar levels, or its
"spillage" into urine.
What are the long-term health risks of glucose metabolism being
disrupted? Here's a summary, taken from a report from the Centers for
Disease ControF:

Diabetes Complications

Heart Disease

• 2-4 times the risk of death from heart disease.
  Stroke


• 2-4 times the risk of stroke.
  High Blood Pressure


• Over 70% of people with diabetes have high blood pressure.
  Blindness


• Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults.
  Kidney Disease


• Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease.


• Over 100,000 diabetics underwent dialysis or kidney trans-
  plantation in 1999.
  Nervous System Disease


• 60% to 70% of diabetics suffer mild to severe nervous system
  damage.
  Amputation


• Over 60% of all lower limb amputations occur with diabet-
  ics.
  Dental Disease


• Increased frequency and severity of gum disease that can lead
  to tooth loss.
  Pregnancy Complications
  Increased Susceptibility to Other Illnesses
  Death