Do Large Breasts Equal Diabetes?

According to a recent Daily Mail article, two researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada studied 90,000 women and found that those with 'B' cups at the age of 20 were 37 percent more likely to have diabetes than those wearing 'A' cups. For those in a 'C' cup at 20, the risks soared by 80 percent, dropping to 64 percent among those in a 'D' cup.

In the U.S. 20.8 million children and adults have diabetes but nearly one third are unaware of it. Diabetes in the U.S. is a major problem, often attributed to obesity (and, apparently, obese breasts) that, if left untreated, can result in death via heart disease and strokes. The American Diabetes Association estimates the total annual economic cost of diabetes in 2007 as $174 billion, with medical expenditures at $116 billion. Why the high price tag? Because diabetes involves long-term treatment. But treatment of conditions such as diabetes and heart problems would be much less expensive if the patients participated in programs that help manage the disease.

The Disease Management Association of America defines disease management as “a system of coordinated health care interventions and communications for populations with conditions in which patient self-care efforts are significant.” Research has proven that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented and certainly managed through regular exercise and proper diet.

And, possibly, by screening for breast size.