Oats and Glycemic Control - Summary of Studies
Diabetes is a disease characterized by abnormally high levels of blood glucose which result from a decrease production of insulin, a reduced ability for the body to use insulin effectively, or both. Diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, approximately 65% of those with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke. Diabetes also contributes to vision loss, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Approximately 21 million Americans have diabetes and about one-third of them do not know it. In addition, 54 million Americans have a condition called pre-diabetes. These individuals have abnormal blood glucose control but, the degree of malfunction is not severe enough to be classified as diabetes. They also are at increased risk to develop diabetes in the future and are more likely have a heart attack or stroke.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program, achieving a healthier body weight is the single most important lifestyle choice that can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. Keys to success in achieving this goal is get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week, eat a variety of foods that are low in fat, and reduce the number of calories eaten. Additionally, the American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals at high risk should achieve the dietary fiber intake recommended by the Institute of Medicine and the whole grain intake recommendation from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (one-half of all grain servings should be whole grains). Currently, only 5% of Americans meet the fiber intake recommendation and only 4% meet the whole grain intake recommendation.