According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes should increase their intake of vegetables. Not only are vegetables full of vitamins and minerals, but they also are low in calories. The proper amount of daily fruit intake depends on the individual. The body's response to fruit and fruit juice varies from person to person. Some fruit should be eaten each day, because it contains important vitamins and minerals.
Obesity is the leading modifiable risk factor for diabetes.
In 1999, diagnoses of diabetes rose 6 percent. From 1990 to 1998, diabetes cases increased by 33 percent, to 6.5 percent. Obesity rose from 12.0 percent in 1991 to 17.9 percent in 1998. In 1999, more than 18 percent of the American population was considered obese. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx.