Wheat has changed over the years.  Dr William Davis wrote a book called Wheat belly. In his book he describes how back in ancient times wheat is not the same as the wheat of today.  

Back in ancient times they had buckwheat and emmer.

In the 1960’s with population explosions around the world, wheat also known as the “Staff of life” was genetically altered and modified.  Wheat in the past grew to a height as tall as a man.  Through research and experimentation, they were able to find a solution to feeding the masses.

The new genetically modified wheat only grows waist high and is very high yield, which is enticing for farmers when it comes to profit.  The challenge is that this new wheat has several issues.

These include the fact that it is a harsh substance and difficult for the body to digest and break down.  It also contains chemicals that act as opiates, causing one to develop cravings similar to an addict on heroin.

The thing that I want to focus on is the GI – glycaemic index of wheat.  To give you a point of reference, everything over 55 is high.  Everything below 55 is low.  Sugar has a GI of 59.  White bread has a GI of 69.  Wholemeal bread has a GI of 72.

The reason that this is the case is because wholemeal bread is less refined.  Wheat contains within the starch a substance called Amylopectin A.  This substance causes a massive spike in blood sugar.  When the blood sugar spikes, the body goes into an emergency state.  The pancreas kicks into gear and responds by releasing insulin.  Insulin drops the blood sugar, however because there was such a big emergency, the blood sugar dropped too low.  Then the body panics a second time.  The pancreas stops releasing insulin and begins to release glycogen.  Once the glycogen is released the Blood sugar levels can be balance.  

Often however, when the persons blood sugar drops too low and before the glycogen comes to the rescue the person may fell lethargic and tired and get themselves a can of coke for a pick up.  After drinking coke, the blood sugar levels shoot up again.  Another emergency.  The body will respond a second time by releasing more insulin to again neutralise the glucose in the blood.  This process could be repeated over and over again, especially if someone has a high wheat diet.  

Eventually over time the cells of the body can build up insulin resistance.  What this means is that the nutrients cannot find their way into the cell, and the glycogen can not get into the cell.  Therefore, the blood sugar levels increase, and more insulin must be produced by the pancreas putting further stress on that organ.  

It can get to the point where the pancreas shuts down and refuses to work.  Now we have a major concern.  How will the body regulate the blood sugar in the blood?  The person must now change the way they eat or rely on an insulin injection to regulate their blood sugar levels.

In Australia there are 400 new diabetics diagnosed every day.  Hundreds of years ago, there was no such thing as diabetes.

What is to blame?

Many people eat cereal for breakfast, cake for morning tea sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner.  Perhaps the main ingredient in the average Australian home along with sugar is wheat.

Add wheat and sugar together, and feed it to the masses, and the chance that diabetes will increase in that population, is virtually guaranteed.