It is estimated that approximately 17 million Americans have diabetes. Of which 90% are Type II and the rest Type I. The prevalence is rising and it is now the 7th leading cause of death in the US killing over 400,000 U.S.residents each year.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. It occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin, or if the cells of the body become resistant to insulin; hence, the blood sugar cannot get into the cells which then leads to serious complications. It greatly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and loss of nerve function.
Symptoms of Diabetes
In people with diabetes, glucose levels build up in the blood and urine, causing excessive urination, thirst, hunger. Additional symptoms may include blurred vision, dramatic weight loss, irritability, weakness and fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. Because these are not very serious, many with diabetes do not seek medical care. In fact, of the more than 10 million Americans with diabetes, fewer than half know that they have diabetes or ever consult a physician.
Types of Diabetes
Type I (insulin-dependent)
Type I Diabetes occurs most often in children and adolescents. It is considered an autoimmune disease because the immune system (system of organs, tissues, and cells that rid the body of disease-causing organisms or substances) attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, known as beta cells, in the pancreas. Scientists believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may somehow trigger the immune system to destroy these cells. Environmental factors, such as certain viruses, may also contribute to the development of the disease, particularly in people who already have a genetic predisposition for the disease. Untreated Type 1 diabetes affects the metabolism of fat. Because the body cannot convert glucose into energy, it begins to break down stored fat for fuel. This produces increasing amounts of acidic compounds in the blood called ketone bodies, which interfere with cellular respiration, the energy-producing process in cells.
Type II (non-insulin dependent)
Type II Diabetes has been linked to the Western lifestyle and is uncommon in cultures consuming a more “primitive” diet. Occurs in about 90% of all diabetics. Usually has an onset after 40 years of age. Insulin levels are typically elevated, indicating a loss of sensitivity to insulin by the cells of the body. Obesity is a major contributing factor. Achieving ideal body weight is associated with restoration of normal blood levels in most cases. This is why a healthy diet and exercise should be implemented diligently before a drug is used.
Secondary Diabetes
A form of diabetes that is secondary to certain conditions and syndromes such as pancreatic disease, hormone disturbances, drugs and malnutrition.
Gestational Diabetes
Refers to glucose intolerance occurring during pregnancy. It increases a persons chance of having Diabetes later in life.
Impaired glucose tolerance
A condition that includes Syndrome X, pre-diabetic, chemical, latent, borderline, sub-clinical and asymptomatic diabetes.
The Importance of Dietary Fiber
Diabetes is one of the diseases most clearly related to inadequate dietary fiber intake. This indicates that while the intake of refined sugars should be curtailed, the intake of complex carbohydrate sources that are rich in fiber should be increased.
Your Diet & Gluten
Diabetes is an auto-immune disease. Studies are showing that people with an auto-immune disease see improvements when they omit wheat gluten from their diet.
As Dr. Amy Myers states, "Gluten, a protein naturally found in certain grains and is now found nearly everywhere in our modern world. It’s of course in flour-based foods such as pasta and bread, but it is also used as a filler in medications and supplements, it’s the glue that holds meat substitutes together, it’s in body products such as shampoo and toothpaste, and, thanks to cross-contamination, it’s even in grains that are marked gluten-free.
Today's is not the same gluten from the 1950's. Today's gluten has been genetically modified. It is not the same gluten that our ancestors ate and; as a result, it is causing problems with both our gut health and our immune system. Dr. Amy Myers states, "Even if you do not have an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, eating gluten can still be harmful to your health, as it has been linked with more than 55 diseases. The bottom line is that if you have an autoimmune disease, or any inflammatory condition, you shouldn’t be eating gluten."
Therapeutic Approach
Type II diabetes is usually the end result of many years of chronic metabolic insult, and although treatable with the natural metabolic approach, it will take consistency to overcome. There must be a thorough diagnostic work-up to identify any of the possible complications of Diabetes Mellitus. A persons diet, environment, and lifestyle should be carefully studied to rule out any exposure to agents that may be inducing his/her glucose intolerance. Then a diet, exercise and supplement program should be developed. For maximum effect, a persons weight must be normalized. A graded exercise program should be developed which elevates heart rate at least 50% for half an hour three times a week.
Dietary Modifications
Recommended Diet
A HCF diet:
A High-carbohydrate, high plant-fiber diet. It’s high in cereal grains, legumes and root vegetables and restricts simple sugar and fat intake.
The positive metabolic effects of the HCF diet are many
Reduced postprandial hyperglycemia and delayed hypoglycemia
Increased tissue sensitivity o insulin
Reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels with increased HDL cholesterol levels
Progressive weight reduction.
Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index (GI) measures the rise of blood glucose after eating a particular food. It is used as a guideline for dietary recommendations for people with either diabetes or hypoglycemia. It is recommended that people with sugar issues should consume foods that are in a GI range of 50 or below.
For more Glycemic Index food values visit www.GlycemicIndex.com
Nutritional Supplements
The treatment of diabetes requires nutritional supplementation, as these individuals have a greatly increased need for many nutrients. Supplying the diabetic with additional key nutrients has been shown to improve blood sugar control.
A high-potency multivitamin and mineral that contains the following:
Chromium: 200 – 400 mcg/day. Works closely with insulin in facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Without chromium, insulin’s action is blocked, and glucose levels are elevated.
Niacin and niacinamide:Helps lower blood glucose levels.
Biotin: 16 mg/day (IDDM) & 9 mg/day (NIDDM). Helps lower blood glucose levels.
Vitamin B6: Appears to offer significant protection against the development of diabetic neuropathy.
Vitamin B12: Used in treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
Potassium: improves insulin sensitivity, responsiveness and secretion. Individuals with kidney disorders need to restrict their potassium intake.
Vitamin C: 2,000 mg/day. The transport of vitamin C into cells is facilitated by insulin. A chronic, latent vitamin C deficiency will lead to a number of issues for the diabetic, including an increased tendency to bleed; poor wound healing, microvascular disease, elevations in cholesterol levels and an depressed immune system. Good sources of vitamin C are: broccoli, peppers, potatoes, Brussels sprouts and citrus fruits.
Manganese: 30 mg/day. A cofactor involved in blood sugar control, energy metabolism and thyroid hormone functions.
Vitamin E: 900 IU/day. Diabetics seem to have an increased requirement for E. It improves insulin actions and aids in the preventing the long-term complications of diabetes.
Magnesium: 300 – 500 mg/day. Involved in several areas of glucose metabolism. It may prevent some of the complications of diabetes. Found in tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.
Zinc(preferably picolinate): 25 mg/day. Involved in all aspects of insulin metabolism – synthesis, and utilization. It also has a protective effect against beta-cell destruction and has antiviral effects. It helps to improve the poor wound healing observed in diabetics. It is found in whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Flavonoids: 1,000 – 2,000 mg/day. Appear to normalize the body’s reaction to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. Help promote insulin secretion (quercetin) and are potent inhibitors of sorbitol accumulation. The nutritional effects include: the increase of intracellular vitamin C levels, a decrease in the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, the prevention of easy bruising and immune system support.
Essential fatty acids: Both omega-6 and -3 fatty acids have shown significant protection against the development of diabetic neuropathy (-6) as well as protectionagainst atherosclerotic processes and augment insulin secretion in Type II (-3).
The Best Approach
increase the consumption of cold-water fish,
supplement the diet with 480 mg of gamma-linolenic acid as provided from evening primrose, borage or blackcurrant oil
consume 1 tbsp of flaxseed oil daily
Botanical Medicines
Onions and garlic: Promotes blood sugar-lowering action.
Bitter melon (balsam pear): Promotes blood sugar-lowering action.
Defatted fenugreek powder: 50 g/day. Possesses significant anti-diabetic effects.
Atriplex halimu (salt bush): 3 g/day. Improves blood glucose regulation and glucose tolerance in individuals with type II diabetes. It is rich in fiber, protein and numerous trace minerals including chromium.
Bilberry: Consume as a tea. It reduces hyperglycemia
Ginkgo biloba: 40 mg three times/day. Improves the blood flow to peripheral tissues like the arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
References
1. Microsoft ® Encarta ® Encyclopedia 2005 © 1993-2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
2. Livingstone et al; Textbook of Natural Medicine; Affective Disorders; 2000; 1093-1218
2. Amy Myers, MD; www.amymyersmd.com/2018/04/3-reasons-give-up-gluten-autoimmune-disease/
“The nutritional suggestions in this material are not offered to treat, mitigate or cure disease, and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with the services of a trained, licensed healthcare practitioner.”
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