staying healthy in the fast lane- These individuals after pregnancy may be more susceptible
to type 2 diabetes.^16 - Pre-diabetes is a condition affecting 57 million Americans, or
about 19 percent of the U.S. population. It is a state of chronic
blood sugar elevation just under the definition of diabetes (a
fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dl). The ad-
verse consequences of elevated blood sugar to the blood ves-
sels, nerves, eyes, and other organs are still occurring in this
“pre-diabetic” state.^17
The WHO estimates that without urgent action, diabetic deaths
will increase globally by more than 50 percent in the next ten years
and over 80 percent in upper-middle-income countries by 2015.^18
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death glob-
ally. By 2030, more than 23 million people will die annually from
cardiovascular disease, many from heart disease and stroke. Car-
diovascular diseases are still projected to remain the single lead-
ing cause of death in 2030.^19
The causes of cardiovascular disease are well known. They
include unhealthy diets and physical inactivity, which can result
in high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high blood fats, being
overweight, and obese. These are called intermediate risk factors.
The major modifiable risk factors are unhealthy diet, physical in-
activity, and tobacco use. These risk factors can account for ap-
proximately 80 percent of coronary heart disease and cerebrovas-
cular disease.^20
On paper, all three of these major chronic diseases (cancer, dia-
betes, and heart disease) are simple to change. There is no magical
medical breakthrough needed here, no magical new supplements
needed—just those 9 Simple Steps to Optimal Health.