I read yesterday that Diabetes has exploded over the last 5 years.

Although I believe that our lifestyle has changed over time, this 5 year explosion of Diabetes in Australia is really interesting, simply because it was about 5 years ago that our diet in Australia started to become iodine deficient. I think there is a link.

Re-emergence of iodine deficiency in Australia http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/ajc/2001/00000010/00000003/art00254

.. found evidence of mild to moderate iodine deficiency in pregnant women, patients with diabetes and a small group of volunteers attending a Sydney teaching hospital… indicating that widespread mild iodine deficiency threatens to affect the most vulnerable in our community. The key factor in the genesis of iodine-deficiency disorders is decreased production of thyroxine from the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/171_9_011199/eastman/eastman.html

Iodine is needed for the body’s production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. This gland regulates many of the body’s activities including its ability to burn fat and produce energy. Iodine deficiencies have been linked to breast cancer, fatigue and weight gain. http://www.diabetic.com/education/articles/nutrition-archives/minerals-3.htm

Symptoms of hypothyroidism: Fatigue, Weakness, Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight, Coarse, dry hair, Dry, rough pale skin, Hair loss, Cold intolerance (can’t tolerate the cold like those around you), Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches, Constipation, Depression, Irritability, Memory loss, Abnormal menstrual cycles, Decreased libido. http://www.endocrineweb.com/hypo1.html