This month we look at alarming figures that diabetes-related deaths are spiralling out of control; how the ‘gender-bending’ chemical could be infiltrating your food; using supplements to boost cognitive function and finally how eating takeaways can lead to diabetes.

The first-ever National Diabetes Audit has found that up to 24,000 diabetes-related deaths could be avoided in England each year if patients and doctors better managed the condition. Around 75,000 diabetic patients die every year – accounting for about 15% of all deaths. The study estimated that a third of them are dying from causes that could be avoided through better management such as basic health checks, a good diet and medication. The Department of Health said the audit revealed “an unacceptable death toll.”

According to the report, about three-quarters of avoidable diabetes-related deaths occur in over-65s. However, it also revealed that death rates among 15 to 34-year-old women with diabetes are up to nine times higher than the average for the age group. “The rate of new diabetes is increasing every year. So, if there are no changes, the impact of diabetes on national mortality will increase” predicted audit lead clinician Dr Bob Young.

One of the most worrying features of diabetes is that around half with the disease don’t know they have it – meaning it’s really important that people become aware of the risk factors and prevention strategies. Type-2 diabetes is a direct consequence of diet and lifestyle. The main causes are genetic predisposition, poor diet, physical inactivity, not enough sleep, chronic stress and obesity (which appears to be one of the main drivers of the rise).

It’s clear this global epidemic of diabetes is spiralling out of control at an alarming rate. The scandal is that we already know the solution – and it’s not drugs. It’s a low-GL diet [www.holforddiet.com]plus exercise and certain supplements. Eating a low-GL diet doesn’t just prevent diabetes – it reverses it. You can find detailed information and a complete strategy to making the change to a longer and healthier life in my book Say No to Diabetes.

A study published in this month’s Journal of the American Medical Association, has found that participants eating one portion of tinned soup every day for just five days had a 1,200% increase in levels of Bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, compared with those eating fresh soup.

BPA is a controversial chemical compound used to coat the insides of tins to prevent rust, as well as in plastic products. Previous research has warned that BPA can increase the risk of illnesses including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It’s known as the ‘gender-bending’ chemical after studies showed it can interfere with the way hormones are processed. BPA has been declared a toxic chemical in a number of countries. In the European Union, BPA has been completely banned from a list of products, particularly baby care items.

Clearly the take-home message from this is to reduce your intake of tinned foods, plastic bottles and canned drinks which have all been associated with increasing BPA in your body. Although it’s impossible to quantify, there is little doubt that our exposure to man-made hormone-disrupting chemicals is part of the reason for the explosion on certain cancers. I would also suggest supporting your liver – hormones and toxins are very short lived in the body because your liver breaks them down. If a person’s ability to detoxify is under par, they can keep circulating in the body.

To further protect from hormone disruptors, increase your intake of phytoestrogens (naturally occurring weak oestrogen-like chemicals). In cases of oestrogen excess – which can occur as a result of environmental exposure to chemicals such as BPA – phytoestrogens actually reduce the oestrogenic effect by docking onto the oestrogen receptor sites, so blocking the stronger chemicals. Good sources are soya, chick peas, beans, lentils. You can read more about the key chemicals to avoid and ways to protect yourself from exposure in my Special Report Oestrogen Dominance: Avoid it and Reduce Your Risk of Cancer.


A study, published this month in Panminerva Medica, has found that pycnogenol (an extract of French maritime pine tree) helps manage mental focus, memory and overall mood. Students were given 100 mg of the supplement daily for eight weeks. The researchers found pycnogenol significantly improved sustained attention, memory, executive functions and mood ratings. While this study looked at students, previous research found that Pycnogenol effectively improves cognitive function in senior citizens and suggests the results were due to Pycnogenol’s powerful antioxidant properties and blood circulation improvement.

The study adds weight to the argument that mental decline is not inevitable and you can boost your memory and mental alertness at any age. Research shows clearly that healthy, well-nourished people show no signs of declining mental function with age. What’s more, while it is true that brain cells die with age, you can also build new brain cells at any age. How? By feeding your brain with the right nutrients and the right information.

Pycnogenol is just one of a number of supplements which can boost your memory and mind, and protect from memory decline. In my Special Report Natural mind and memory enhancers I explain how to ensure you are taking in optimal levels of eight nutrients from which your body can make key brain chemicals. Following this strategy, plus incorporating pycnogenol or gingko, can really make a difference.


A study this month in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that eating two takeaways a week was enough to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, women appear to be more susceptible to the dangers. They had more warning signs, such as high blood sugar levels and increased insulin. The results suggest many young professionals who are too busy to cook may be setting themselves up for serious health problems.

This year alone, one in every six people over 40 in Britain will be diagnosed with diabetes. And for many more, the disease is going undiagnosed and unrecognised until it’s had a serious impact on health. Diabetes is what happens when you have too much sugar in your blood. This occurs both because a person eats too much sugar (or high GL foods) and because their insulin isn’t working properly. Excess insulin promotes weight gain and also increases heart disease risk factors. The antidote is a low GL diet – which helps you balance your blood sugar, lose any excess weight and banish junk food cravings for good.

I recommend reading my book Food Glorious Food, which shows that eating healthily doesn’t mean compromising on taste. If you like to eat takeaways, you’ll be inspired by recipes of various cuisines – including Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean food. Plus, the book has guidance on following a low GL diet. You may be surprised how quick and easy it can be to make fresh, healthy food at home rather than relying on takeaways.

Wishing you the best of health,

Patrick