Diabetes- The Disease of Kings Dr. Swati Piramal is the Chief Scientific Officer of Nicholas-Piramal India Ltd. and Piramal Hospital. She is the co-author of Eat Your Way to Good Health, a complete fitness guide for the family. Her e-mail address is spiramal@vsnl.com

The year was 1512 in England, on a fine summer's day. A young boy just three years old was being taught to bow to the king - his father. The young boy went on to become Henry VIII, (famous for his six wives!!), one of the famous Kings of the British Isles.


"What has Henry VIII to do with this health column?"

Henry was extremely good looking even as a Prince. He was an expert archer, loved to ride and hunt, and jest with other young nobles. He could dance a "pavarre" a " hasse" difficult but quick steps. His first marriage was to the beautiful Spanish Princess, Kathryn of Aragon. At seventeen, Henry became King of England, and rode out to meet his people. A gigantic horse carried the young Prince gorgeously caparisoned and he appeared like a great golden god, full of grace.

The pressures and stresses of kingship grew, as he had to compete with the King of France and Spain. Worse, his queen did not produce a male heir. Distraught and bored, Henry fell in love with Ann Boleyn, and had to dramatically change his life. He had to discard his wife, the Queen, send away his daughter, repudiate the Catholic Church, and execute those who criticised him - more and more stress!!

The excesses of kingship continued. He would order six tarts - two apple, two plus, two strawberry and eat them all! Tired of Queen Anne, Henry executed her and married again and again. (for any man - this becomes stressful!)

Obese, he developed ulcers on his leg. (Diabetes was undiagnosed then), and his personal physician Dr. Butt knew not what to do.

We now know, some 400 years later, the effects of diabetes on the human body. Slowly, it affects almost every organ in the body. Diabetes is on the increase in India. Obesity is linked to Type II Diabetes, where the liver does not make enough insulin for the overweight body. Stress is another causative factor, and as there is movement in our country, from the village to urban areas, the incidence of diabetes rises dramatically.

Non healing ulcers may be a sign of diabetes. Diabetes may lead to heart disease and kidney disease. Poor King Henry, having gone through six marriages, was suffering from diabetes, which eventually affected his heart and kidneys. "His heart began to fail" recorded his physician "often beating wildly and erratically." His kidneys stopped functioning, and his body could not rid itself of water." His physicianswatched helplessly as they diagnosed "dropsy," which we now know as a sign of failed kidneys.

Finally, Henry could have stayed married to one woman who loved him, rather than go through all his six marriages!!! The irony of it all - his daughter Elizabeth I was one of England's greatest queens!

Do try some sugar-free recipes.