Diabetes
The following information is for educational purposes only and is meant to complement any medical treatment, not to prescribe or diagnose any condition. Please consult with your doctor before starting any medical or nutritional program.
With the invention of all our modern and refined processing for foods we have seen an increase in diabetes in our world. Some of the races that have diabetes in large numbers are the Hawaiians and the Native American Indians. Their bodies have a hard time adapting to the modern foods. More than any other disease, diabetes can be managed quite well with nutrition.
There are two types of diabetes: the first, diabetes insipidus, is more rare and has to do with a deficiency in the pituitary hormone called vasopressin. The other possibility is that the kidneys have an inability to respond properly to that hormone. People with this form of diabetes have several symptoms that make it stand out: they have tremendous thirst and they urinate large amounts regardless of how much they drink, and this shows us the weakness in the kidneys.
Diabetes Mellitus Type I is often called insulin-dependent diabetes It occurs at a young age and is sometimes called "Juvenile Diabetes." It is often caused by a viral attack on the system, but most experts are of the opinion that the body's immune system is weak when this occurs. With the destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas which manufactures the insulin, the body is unable to utilize glucose, the main food for the body. Consequently, the level of glucose is high in the blood since the body can't absorb it. This is often called "insulin resistance." The diabetic's blood becomes "too thick" or "sticky" and this causes blood clots or thromboses that damage blood vessels.
This can lead to the creation of excessive levels of free radicals (oxidants which break down the body faster) and makes the person more susceptible to the following problems: Diabetics have a larger risk of kidney disease, arteriosclerosis, blindness, heart disease or nerve diseases, as well as being more prone to infections. This is because of their body's resistance to insulin, which is the hormone that actually drives the glucose into the tissue and cells as a nutrient. When this does not happen the body becomes metabolically weak. The glucose molecules engage in an abnormal coupling with body proteins, a step called "glycosylation." Consequently, this disrupts the protein's ability to function biochemically and further weakens the immune system.
Some of the more common symptoms are abnormal thirst, again; irritability; weakness; fatigue; excessive urination; extreme loss of appetite or excessive hunger, and in the worst cases, vomiting and nausea. Some of these diabetics can have hyperglycemia type symptoms, which is too much glucose in their blood or at other times hypoglycemia when there is too low blood sugar. Both conditions can be serious. The worst of all these conditions is hypoglycemia, which can come from just missing a meal, or too much exertion or an insulin overdose. The symptoms could be dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating, and if not treated may lead to a coma. With hyperglycemia it could look the same as far as the symptoms, with not being able to keep down fluids as one of the danger signs. This means there is too much blood sugar in the system. It is more common during an illness and could also result in a coma. These two can be serious medical emergencies with life and death consequences.
A poor diet may be one of the biggest factors leading to diabetes. It often occurs with people who are overweight or who eat a diet high in refined sugar, highly processed foods, low in fiber, with too many complex carbohydrates and with too much meat, and who don't exercise.
The second category is Type II or non-insulin dependent diabetes, and more often occurs when people are older, and usually with people whose family may have a history of diabetes. This disorder is a little different in that the pancreas does produce insulin, but for some reason the insulin is not effective. Some of the common symptoms are poor vision; fatigue; frequent urination; skin infections, and slow healing of wounds as well as unusual thirst, drowsiness, and tingling or numbness in the feet. This disease is also linked to a poor diet. The National Institute of Health says that there are twenty to twenty-five million people with diabetes type problems, many have undetected Type II (some five million). Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in America. It can be detected with a simple urine test.
Nutrition
There is lots of controversy about nutrition but most experts agree that if there is excessive weight, a weight loss program is essential. Consult with a doctor who specializes in nutrition. As with other health challenges, each individual is different and I believe we need to treat the whole person. Many will recommend a high complex carbohydrate, low fat and high-fiber diet with lots of fresh vegetables, moderate fruits and green vegetable juices.
Excess fat cells create chemical messengers that block the body's ability to actually respond to the insulin. As the fat comes off the diabetic's own insulin works better and the blood sugar level can improve. Garlic and onion are always great for healing the body. Add some capsaicin, a natural derivative of hot peppers to spice it up and it is also very healthy.
Eat more steamed and raw vegetables, complex carbohydrates moderately, low fat foods (cut down on animal fats), and increase grains and whole foods. Avoid white flour, salt and white sugar as they elevate blood sugar levels. Eat more legumes, root vegetables, brown rice, and nut butters. Vegetable sources from protein are much better because high fiber helps reduce blood sugar urges. Eat proteins such as beans and tofu, salmon, and tuna two or three times a week. These fish have the Omega 3, great for the immune system. Eat lots of raw olive oil for your dressings or spread it on breads instead of butter; never use margarine.
Treat Cholesterol: High cholesterol increases the diabetic's risk for heart disease and stroke. Treat High Blood Pressure: Even modest blood pressure elevations greatly increase the risk of diabetes complications. Most diabetics should be compulsive about maintaining blood pressure control.
Plant fiber concentrates like psyllium (Metamucil, etc.) do more than just help with constipation problems. They can also help with absorption of sugar and starches. Some of these more common fibers have modest blood sugar lowering effects: glucomannan, guar gum, legume fiber, oat gum, pea fiber, apple pectin, and psyllium. Of course, the best way to get fiber is from increasing the fresh fruit and vegetables and legumes you eat so you get the fiber directly.
Avoid tobacco since it constricts your blood vessels and can be much more harmful to your condition. Eat more carbohydrates or reduce your insulin before exercise as it produces more insulin-like effect on the body. Exercise can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) requiring a reduction in dose of insulin or diabetes pills. Diabetics with unrecognized heart disease are less likely than non-diabetics to feel chest pain (angina) as a warning sign that they are exercising too vigorously. (Consult with your doctor).
Most diabetics could cut down and eventually cut out their insulin or diabetes pills through a holistic program centered on nutrition. They could probably all benefit, reducing their risk of long term complications; however, you need to work with a medical doctor that uses nutrition in his or her practice.
Caution:
Many carbohydrates that people think of as being good for a diabetic can actually raise the glucose level of blood dramatically, e.g., whole wheat bread, many breakfast cereals, a baked potato, raisins, prunes or most dried fruit and carrot juice. Carrot juice is far too sweet. Better to juice a few little carrots and put in more greens such as kale, spinach, celery or wheat grass. Find a good green drink with many of the greens, which is also a great source of chlorophyll. Think: alkaline balance. Other carbohydrates such as pasta, pita bread, unleavened bread or bible bread, boiled potatoes, grapes, oranges, lemons or honeydew raise blood sugar only modestly.
Reduce the use of honey, molasses, etc. They do raise blood sugar, but most diabetics can tolerate them in small amounts, e.g., 1-2 tsp. a day if they are careful; however, it is better to try and do without. Replace those with fructose (fruit sugar) and lactose (milk sugar) as they do not raise blood sugar much and can be used in moderate amounts. A small percent of diabetics do not do well on a high carbohydrate diet, even one that is low in simple sugars and high in complex carbohydrates. Their blood sugar rises as do their triglycerides and cholesterol, so just increase the greens and legumes along with proteins.
Avoid fish oil capsules containing large amounts of para-amiobenzoic acid (PABA) as well as salt and white flour as they tend to raise blood sugar levels. Also, avoid taking large amounts of the amino acid cysteine because it can break down the bonds of the insulin hormone.
Mental Training
Mental calmness is critical for all health. Stress increases the adrenal glands' output of adrenaline and cortisone, two hormones which act to increase blood sugar. Relaxation training and stress management techniques help improve blood sugar control. Sometimes bio-feedback training could be very valuable -- see a professional.
Vitamins and Minerals
I recommend close medical supervision, for any treatment using vitamins or nutrition.
Chromium Picolinate, 400-600 mcg daily (Combination of chromium picolinate, vanadyl sulfate, and other vitamins and minerals that work together to regulate blood sugar levels), or
Diabetic Nutrition RX from Progressive Research Labs
Brewers yeast with added chromium can work too.
Biotin, 3-16 mg doses, but over 3 mg requires close medical supervision
Vitamin B-6, 50 mg. Take the B's together
Vitamin B1, 50-100 mg, Inositol, 50 mg daily
B-12 injection or lozenges- or sublingual for best results
Vitamin C, 1000-6000 mg
Calcium, 1000-1500 mg daily
Coenzyme Q10, 60-120 mg
L-Carnitine, L-Glutamine and Taurine, 500 mg of each (twice daily on empty stomach). Take with some Vitamin C for absorption, which mobilizes fat, reduces
the craving for sugar, and aids in the release of insulin.
Manganese, 5-10 mg daily, do not take with calcium.
Magnesium, 600-700 mg
Quercetin, 100 mg 3 times per day
Vitamin E, 400-900 units
Zinc, 50-80 mg
In conclusion, regarding the emotions or how diabetics are living their lives from The Wisdom of the Body:
Diabetes people are living their life in an attitude of UNACCEPTABILITY of life at the most basic level (Sugars). They are never SATISFIED, never FULFILLED, and never CONTENT, they are always a work in progress.
Sources: Dr. James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., and Dr. Richard Podell, M.D.
The last sentence taken from Wisdom of the Body by Roger Cotting, Dr. Diane Mistler (Misty), and Connie Smith, RN, about their work and teachings.
see http://www.molinamassage.com for more information and other articles.
Othon Molina Ph.d. c LMT has been involved in the health field as a manual therapist and personal trainer for over thirty five years. He has studied with some of the top doctors and healers of our times. His specialty is treating sports injuries, back problems, and teaching others about how to improve their health using nutrition and training. He has just published his first book "Your beautiful body"
Some of his clients include: Bob Hope, Jane Seymor, Essam Kashoggy, Jim Nabors, Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen, Carol Burnett, San Francisco Ballet, Allvin Alley Dance troup, some of the top olympic and international elite athletes, team doc and trainer for the German professional triathletes. He also trains massage therapy teams all over the world. He has worked in the medical tent for the Kona Ironman for over 9 years and continues to this day. see http://www.molinamassage.com for more information and other articles.
MORE RESOURCES:
 Tampa Tribune | Online, Phone Tests Assess Diabetes Risk BusinessWeek WEDNESDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News) -- About 20 percent of Americans have prediabetes and are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the American ... Salsalate Shows Promise in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Diabetes: Find out if you are at risk by attending the diabetes screening at ... Stopping diabetes starts with you |
Bristol combination diabetes drug under review BusinessWeek Onglyza, made by Bristol-Myers and AstraZeneca, is already approved as a diabetes treatment and metformin is a widely-used generic diabetes pill. ... FDA Approves Another Type 2 Diabetes Drug Application Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca Say FDA Accepts NDA For An Onglyza ... Market Report -- In Play (BMY) |
Studies: Drugs don't reduce heart problems for diabetes patients USA Today They involve people with Type 2 diabetes — the most common form and the one rising because of the obesity epidemic. Diabetics have more than double the risk ... |
 Reuters | Diabetes Mellitus - an increasing problem Liberty County Times In the United States in 2007 the Centers for Disease Control reported that there were 23.6 million people with diabetes in this country. ... Blood exam predicts risk for diabetes natural diabetic cures FDA eyes improvements for diabetics' glucose devices |
 Earthtimes (press release) | FDA approves Medtronic diabetes system Bizjournals.com Medtronic Inc. on Wednesday said federal regulators have approved its diabetes-management system, which includes features such as predictive alerts that ... UPDATE: Medtronic wins FDA nod for diabetes system, files for cryoablation PMA Medtronic Receives FDA Approval for Industry's Most Advanced Integrated System ... FDA Approves Medtronic (MDT) Diabetes Management System |
 Daily Contributor | FDA Rejects Amylin Diabetes Drug, Seeks More Info Wall Street Journal NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--The US Food and Drug Administration denied approval of a long-acting version of diabetes drug ... Diabetes Drug From Lilly, Amylin Under Scrutiny Clarification: Amylin FDA info request story Alkermes, others rise on Byetta news |
Fuld running down big league dream MLB.com Santo, who has had both legs amputated because of complications with diabetes, hid the fact that he had the disease because he was afraid he would be ... |
 Tampa Tribune | Publix unveils diabetes management program Villages Daily Sun THE VILLAGES — Donna Starr thinks Publix Pharmacies did a good deed this week with the launch of a new diabetes-management ... Publix Offering Common Diabetes Drug 'Metformin' Free to Customers Publix offers free diabetes drugs Publix offers generic diabetes medicine for free |
 ABC News | Diabetes Patients Lowering Their BP and Cholesterol Do Not Reduce Heart Risks TopNews United States Heads of experts all over the world have been turning to the results from the ACCORD survey, short for Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes, ... Aggressive Treatments Don't Help Diabetes Patients To Cut Diabetes Heart Risks, Diet and Exercise May Beat Drugs Diabetes Trial: Drug Treatment May Not Cut Heart Disease |
Strokes strike younger adults as diabetes and obesity raise the risks Medill Reports: Chicago Diabetes due to obesity may be increasing the risk of strokes among younger adults, recent research indicates. ... |
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Neuropathy, a nerve disorder caused by diabetes, is characterized by a loss or reduction of sensation in the feet, and in some cases the hands, and pain and weakness in the feet. The symptoms of diabetic neuropathy vary.
Protein Principles for Diabetes
Dietary considerations can present a Hobson's choice in diabetes. Even when the intake is nutritious, assimilating it can be another matter.
Diabetes the Silent Killer - The Iceberg Effect!
What sank the "Unsinkable Ship" the Titanic was not the tip of the iceberg, but the lurking 90% percent of the iceberg hidden under the surface. In the movie you see the captain steer the ship clear of the block of ice on top of the water, but underneath not known to the captain, crew or passengers, the razor sharp ice was splitting the steel bottom of the vessel like a stick of melted butter.
Pre-Diabetes - The Calm Before the Storm
Remember when the medical world identified pre-hypertension to better monitor your blood pressure? The new buzz: Pre-Diabetes concerns a similar condition pinpointing people who are at severe risk for getting diabetes. Because diabetes silently invades your body, early detection and corrective action are critically important.
Diabetes and its Management
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic diseases of our time and is condition that is increasing in epidemic population in the whole world. The complications resulting from the diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Diabetes Awareness: Will They Recognize You?
Imagine how it feels to look younger, feel younger, and act younger! Now, think about how others see you. Are you ready to make a lasting impression on your friends and family? Great!Taking charge of your diabetes through exercise can give you a younger look and feel not to mention ?? a younger attitude!As you read this message, remember this: You don't pay the price to improve your health, you reap the benefits of being healthy!Treatment of diabetes has gone through dramatic changes in the past two decades.
What Is Diabetes?
Your doctor may have recently advised you have diabetes. Or you are overweight and you have discovered you may be at risk of diabetes.
Adult Onset Diabetes and Quacks
Adult onset diabetes, like the common ulcer of a few years ago, makes a lot of work and provides a lot of money for the medical system. There was a cure for the biological disease of stomach ulcers but the doctors were telling us it was stress-related (Everything is stress-related to some extent, as the Pauling research that won a Nobel Prize for Vitamin therapy [especially 'C'] has proven.
Fibromyalgia and Insulin Resistance
Do you have symptoms that relate to an insulin imbalance? If you have fibromyalgia, look and see if you also have hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, or diabetes symptoms. These types of blood sugar imbalances can cause fibromyalgia pain to get worse.
Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, and Managing Blood Sugar
So, after a miserable 10 hours of blood tests it's confirmed you have hyperglycemia. Well now isn't the time to sit back and get depressed.
Get Rid of Your Diabetes
People at risk of getting the disease drop by a staggering 60 percent if they manage to lose just 10 pounds by following a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise such as walking, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (May 3, 2001).
Tools to Manage Your Diabetes
It's estimated that in the US, over 18 million people over the age of 20 have diabetes. If you happen to have been diagnosed with diabetes, make sure you're getting all the right diabetes treatment supplies.
Raising Happy Diabetic Kids Part II
This is the second article in a series I am writing about how to raise happy diabetic children. You can find the first article titled Help Your Child Develope Self-Confidence in our article archives.
Diabetes Awareness: Family of Diabetics
Thousands, if not millions of people have diabetes in their family. It's almost tragic the way things happen because it's not always a "common knowledge" among families.
STAT-LET? Auto Safety Lancets - Makes Diabetes Testing Easy!
Stat Medical Hardware, Inc (SMD) was founded in 1988 and is a leader in developing and distributing innovative medical devices. Their emphasis is on lancets, lancing devices and clinical, capillary blood sampling devices.
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles digested carbohydrates. If neglected, diabetes can cause serious health complications, ranging from blindness to kidney failure.
Benfotiamine - A New Tool In Preventing Diabetic Complications?
Benfotiamine made headlines globally in 2003 when researchers released information about a study that was conducted at The Einstein College of Medicine in New York. The bottom line of this study was that a substance of the allithiamine group of the naturally occurring thiamine-derived compounds had positive effects on neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy and heart/circulatory problems in diabetics.
Ascensia Breeze Glucometer Rated
Simple Testing Over and Over* simple and easy testing. Simple single-function buttons are easy-to-use and easy to understand* No more having to use individual test strips.
Diabetes and Fitness
There are two main types of diabetes, type I and type II. Type I diabetes is characterized by the pancreas making too little or no insulin.
Medical Supply Cases for Insulin and Diabetics
Medical supply manufacturers are continuously conceptualizing medical supplies needed by people who are in delicate health condition - medical supplies that may enable the patient to lead a life with at least a semblance of normalcy.Diabetic patients are one of these people who are in delicate health condition.