DIABETES TYPE 2 AND YOU

AVOID CPR: CHECK YOUR CRP - TRUTH SERUM FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE

CRP is C-Reactive Protein that measures inflammation in your heart and brain arteries. Why is this important? Half of the people who have heart attacks or strokes have normal cholesterol but high C-Reactive Protein. Your CRP blood test should be less than 3.0. Ideal is less than 1.0. At Harvard University a study of 28,000 women showed a high CRP is more predictive of a heart attack than LDL cholesterol. If you CRP is high, stop smoking, start exercising, and eat a healthy diet. These lifestyle changes are the only proven method of decreasing CRP levels in your body, although statin medications and TZD medications Actos and Avandia appear to help as does freshly ground flax seed taken with each meal. Dr. Topol, a cardiologist at the Cleveland Clinic, calls the CRP the truth serum for your lifestyle. You can make your cholesterol levels look good by taking statin medications, but your C-Reactive Protein will show if you are living a healthy lifestyle. Statins may make a difference in your arterial inflammation but may or may not lower your CRP. TZD's do decrease inflammation. Many people have a CRP test and then make a decision to change their lifestyle. Ask your healthcare provider for a C-Reactive Protein test the next time you have laboratory testing.

The diabetes support group meets the second Monday of each month at 7 pm in our office. Everyone is welcome. There is no charge.

Timothy J. Gray, D.O.
Book-Of-The-Month-Club Author
Board Certified in Family Practice
Mountain View Medical Center
1909 Mountain View Lane Suite
Forest Grove, Oregon
503-359-4773