Over 700 kids in Alaska's Bristol Bay region will jump on shiny new Trek bikes this summer, thanks to a federal grant to fight diabetes among the area's American Indians and Alaska Natives. With about 8,000 residents in Bristol Bay, that is one bike for every eleven people. Now that's a pile of spokes!

Alaska Native Medical Center reports Alaska natives have experienced a 120 percent increase of diabetes between 1990-2004, and in the mostly Yup'ik Bristol Bay region, it has increased 170 percent. Mary Clark, a 51-year-old Bristol Bay native and local hospital worker stated the area kids are gaining weight as traditionally-eaten berries and fish are being replaced with junk food.

Carol Schumacher, diabetes program coordinator at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, brainstormed the idea. She said about half the kids in the area are overweight, and exercise is critical to reduce their risk of developing diabetes as adults. Cool idea, Carol! I hope the bikes can truly facilitate lifestyle change. Read more in Anchorage Daily News.

The report says, diabetic children who spend a great deal of time watching television had a tougher time controlling their blood sugar. I saw the headline and immediately envisioned that scene in The Poltergeist -- the infamous horror movie from the 80s.

The study looked at 538 children with an average age of 13 who were affected by Type-1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused when the body cannot make insulin, which converts sugar from food into energy. The study's authors say encouraging children with Type-1 diabetes to watch less television may play an crucial role for improving blood sugar control and better health overall. Chicago diabetes educator Monica Joyce founded a basketball camp for diabetic children and wasn't surprised by the results. Joyce said campers typically are asked how much TV they watch and are taught "they can get much better blood sugars if they're active." Physical activity can lower blood sugar levels and snacking and overeating can increase them. While TV-viewing is often accompanied by snacking, the researchers didn't examine diet or physical activity

With her little hands pressed to the TV set, Carol Anne must have been onto this research 20 years ago when she spoke the immortal words, "They're here!" They could've been supernatural powers or perhaps all that time in front of the TV welcomed supernormal blood sugars.