The serious disease of diabetes accounts for 1 out of every 10 dollars spent on health care today. In fact, nearly 2 million people are newly diagnosed with the disease each year and that amount has been steadily increasing since 1980. The number of diagnoses is expected to rise, due to today's environment of fast food and processed snacks. However, there are many factors that can contribute to diabetes. It is common knowledge that poor diet habits and obesity can cause diabetes, but for some, their drinking water at home may be responsible.
There are unique chemical properties in poor water that may lead to diabetes type-2. In certain sources of water, the chemical arsenic is not filtered out properly and is ingested at high amounts. Arsenic can lead to diabetes by causing intracellular stress in the pancreas, making it difficult for proper glucose transportation to occur in the body.
Multiple studies have shown a strong link between the chemical and diabetes. Animals were given varying levels of arsenic and the effect of the metal on their blood glucose was examined; the group with higher amounts of arsenic showed a significantly higher level of blood glucose than those who had lower amounts. These results were reaffirmed by a Johns Hopkins study showed that risk for diabetes is three times higher for those with high arsenic content in their urine than those who show minimal amounts.
Although some may disregard the threat of arsenic due to their seemingly clean water, it is virtually impossible to detect the metal through taste, odor, or color. In fact, during ancient times, arsenic was used to poison unsuspecting enemies, who would not realize they were poisoned until the brink of death. Although the amount of arsenic in a glass of contaminated water is much less concentrated than a poisonous dose, it is still enough to pose serious health risks.
Along with other metals such as lead, arsenic consumption drastically raises the chances of other health issues and diseases over long periods of time. Arsenic has not only been linked to diabetes type-2, but also cancers of the skin, lungs and kidneys, as well as other serious problems such as cognitive development and pancreatitis.
Arsenic content tends to be highest in areas or neighborhoods that use private wells, but groundwater supply can be naturally contaminated in certain areas as well. The Southwest region of the United States contains the high levels of arsenic, but there are various regions throughout the United States that are affected as well.
To find out if your water contains high levels of arsenic, you can have a sample tested by your local municipality for a cheap price. If the results are positive for high arsenic content, you should immediately install a whole-house water filtration system.
A filtration system will serve to prevent arsenic from reaching you or your family while eliminating other dangerous metals such as lead, mercury, or copper. You will reduce your chances of developing health problems due to these dangerous toxins and stay healthy and hydrated at the same time. If good health is a priority to you and your family, make sure your drinking water is arsenic-free and safe to prevent diabetes.
Charles Brown works as an analyst for the Water Team. He does most of his work online through articles and forums in helping people solve their water problems. He specializes in "hard water" treatments and water contamination.
For more information on the best water filtration system available for you and your household, visit http://www.puriteam.com.
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