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Taubman Scholar Dr. Charles Burant weighs in on Paula Deen diabetes furor

Ann Arbor -- Taubman Scholar Dr. Charles Burant, an expert in diabetes and obesity, is among the physicians weighing in this week in the national press -- including this UPI article -- on the uproar surrounding celebrity chef Paula Deen. 

Deen, known for cooking rich, buttery meals on her Food Network program and for touting goods like ham and comfort-food cookbooks, revealed earlier this week that she was diagnosed three years ago with Type 2 diabetes. She also said she'll be a spokeswoman for Novo Nordisk, a phramaceutical firm and maker of the diabetes drug Victoza.

Critics and bloggers have assailed Deen for promoting an unhealthy lifestyle despite her own diagnosis; she says she's always advised moderation in consumption of sugary, fatty foods. 

 “Type 2 diabetes has a genetic component, but the food we eat has a big role in its development,” says Burant. An M.D., Ph.D. and metabolism expert at the University of Michigan, Burant directs the Michigan Metabolomics and Obesity Center.

“The amount of food is probably what is the most important. High-fat foods are very dense in calories, so the amount of calories goes up rapidly with even small servings,” says Burant.

His advice: “The things that Ms. Deen prepares are very tasty, but if you’re going to eat them, you should choose only small servings and resist second helpings.”

What is diabetes? About 26 million adults and children in the United States have diabetes, which is diagnosed when the body has an abnormally high level of glucose, or blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting 90 percent of diabetics, and is associated with older age, obesity and family history.

What can be done about it? There is no cure for diabetes, but those with diabetes can prevent complications by controlling blood sugar through diet and medications.

Resources
U-M Comprehensive Diabetes Center
http://www.med.umich.edu/diabetes

U-M Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinics
http://www.uofmhealth.org/medical-services/endocrinology+diabetes+and+metabolism

Brehm Center for Diabetes Research
http://www.med.umich.edu/diabetes/brehmcenter/