McCann's Warning

Alfred W. McCann, dietetic expert, foe of evolution, writing for Mr. Munsey's (New York) Sun and Globe, issued a timely warning to diabetics who are hailing insulin as a panacea for their disease. When Mr. McCann talks about food his opinions are worth listening to, for they are based on the body of proved knowledge of nutrition built up on the past 20 years by such authorities as Lusk, Mendel, Benedict, McCollum and others.

Despite the warnings that have been given by Dr. Banting, discoverer of insulin, and numerous other physicians using it, many people, misled by newspaper publicity, believe they now bear charmed lives if only they can secure insulin. Diabetics write Mr. McCann letters asking : "Do you think it safe to eat anything?" "How much candy may I now allow myself daily?" "Where can I buy insulin to take with my meals?"

Mr. McCann answers categorically: " Full reliance cannot be placed on insulin to protect one against the ravages of self-indulgence. Curbed cravings cannot now be satisfied with impunity. Insulin cannot be purchased to be taken with one's meals." He does not impugn the therapeutic value of insulin, but emphasizes the fact that it is a powerful extract which should be administered only by a physician familiar with its use, and that a constant surplus of sweets cannot be neutralized indefinitely even by regular dosage of insulin.

McCann pleads for the use of natural sugars, such as honey, as the best dietetic aid to forestall diabetes. It is the artificial confections and syrups of civiliged life that are raising the diabetes rate, he says.