Diabetes Remedies – When Diabetes Is More Responsive To Alternative Medicine

October 05, 2009

 

You just returned from your doctor’s office, and you are still a little in shock. You knew you had been feeling tired and out of sorts – not like yourself at all. But you had no idea that the doctor would find anything really wrong. Now, it turns out that you have borderline diabetes. The doctor said if you did not take care of yourself, it could develop into full-fledged diabetes! You certainly don’t want that. He advised you to watch what you ate, keep a check on your blood sugar, and all should be okay. You didn’t like the sound of that “should”. What should you do? It’s simple. Your pre-diabetes needs more alternative medicine than a change of diet. How about trying herbs?

Diabetes has been around practically since the beginning of time. We haven’t always had allopathic diabetes remedies such as insulin to treat it, either. What do you think our ancestors used for diabetes and pre-diabetes, too? That’s right – herbs. A natural diabetes treatment does more as alternative medicine, simply because the herbs are all natural, have few if any side effects, and are extremely effective. The addition of a few of these herbs to your daily regime could make a real difference in how you feel in just a short time.

What are the herbs that can control diabetes more effectively when used as alternative medicine?   

Here are a few listed below for your information.

• Cayenne
• Cinnamon
• Huckleberry
• Yarrow
• Banaba – A natural plant insulin
• Licorice Extract
• Guggle
• Bitter Melon – Regulates blood sugar
• Juniper Berries
• Vanadyl Sulfate

None of these herbs are especially expensive, and if just one of them helped to keep you from reaching the stage where you had t o have daily insulin injections, it would be well worth whatever price paid.

Of course, it is to the advantage of the pharmaceutical companies and the FDA to keep this information quiet. But, as more and more people learn that diabetes responds more quickly to alternative medicine, you will see natural products like herbs in use more often than not.

Pre-diabetes/borderline diabetes is not anything to take lightly. You should make lifestyle changes and use safe, natural herbal remedies to keep your blood sugar under control. Once you have seen how diabetes responds more efficiently to alternative medicine, it will be a method you’ll want to use as a precaution against the development of Type 2 diabetes. Insulin has its own set of side effects, just like most prescription medications, and can interfere with other prescription drugs that you may have to take because there are no herbal substitutes for them, such as birth control pills. In the case of diabetes, alternative medicine is the safest method for blood sugar management.

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The Causes of Diabetes

October 31, 2009

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different because they are both affected by insulin deficiency differently. A Type 1 diabetic is unable to produce insulin altogether whilst a Type 2 diabetic is ether not able to use insulin at they should be able to, or they cannot create insulin in sufficient quantities to live without insulin injections. People with Type 2 diabetes are by far the most common, with around 19 out of 20 people falling into this category. The causes of diabetes has remained somewhat of a mystery for some time, however many say that the cause of diabetes could be something genetic and childhood infection is also proposed as another potential, yet unconfirmed, reason why diabetes could be caused.

One thing is that the profile of a Type 2 diabetes sufferer is generally someone overweight, however this is seen as being slightly different from Type 1 because the weight issues could account for why insulin is not created in sufficient quantities, but this could not be the reason why a person could be completely incapable of creating it.

During times when someone is run-down, either through physical exertion or illness, a person can alter from having Type 1 diabetes to having Type 2 diabetes. For this reason, it is often the case that people are asked to undertake a rigorous exercise and dieting schedule to combat this.

Potential (unconfirmed) Causes of Diabetes

Type 1
Infection induced by a certain bacteria
Exposure to Toxins through food consumption
Cow Milk at too Young an Age

Type 2
As you get older you are statistically more likely to get it
Obesity
Physical Inactivity

What Are the Myths Associated With Diabetes?

Years upon years ago it was believed within certain spheres that diabetes is contagious. It is now safe to confirm that this is certainly not the case. Despite that, there is speculation that it could be a genetic condition, which could lead people to believe that they contracted it from family members from blood, sweat, touching etc. Evidence that it could be genetic comes from trends of diabetes running in families; however this could be a result of similar environments and lifestyle rather than through ones genes.

Stress is often claimed to be a catalyst for diabetes however there is no evidence to suggest that this is indeed the case. Despite the fact that stress does not cause diabetes it could be a reason for Type 1 diabetes turning into Type 2 diabetes or the effects of diabetes being worse on a given day than another.

Eating an excess amount of sugar will not cause someone to contract diabetes. However, that is not to say that it could not indirectly. This means that eating too much sugar could cause a person to put on weight, which could in turn lead to poor health which could, potentially, cause diabetes. It is said that type 2 diabetes could potentially be caused by obesity. Although not directly, it could be something which could be a contributing factor.

Dia tea is an effective herbal rejuvenating drink with a blend of Cassia Auriculata flowers. Apart from effective diabetes control, Dia Tea also cures liver injury due to alcohol consumption and prevents us from many other ails like common cold, fever, & various other skin diseases.

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Prevention Diabetes Cookbook Guide

October 31, 2009

People don’t have any choice but to quit their in-taking of sweets because their health is at risk. When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, it can cause two problems. Diabetes is not a simple disease that can be treated immediately. Of course nobody wants to suffer from the painful diabetes. There is a Prevention Diabetes Cookbook</a> Download.

If not properly attend to the type-1 diabetes condition may become persistent that could even lead other organ malfunctions and other complications. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas leading to insulin deficiency. In spite of researchers intense studies, the permanent cure for the diabetes disorder is still unknown. So be extra careful with your favorite food, though sugar is taste good, but too much of it will make us sick. Some people may even lose a foot or a leg due to nerve damage that diabetes can cause. Type 1 diabetes was tagged with such names because it represents a majority of the diabetes cases in children.

Quit your smoking and your excessive intake of alcohol. In no time you will be able to continuously enjoy life without the worries of your diabetes. Educate yourself on how to care for your diabetes which will help you feel better today and in future. If diabetes control management is taken, serious damage and complications will be avoided.

Now once we encountered insulin scarcity, diabetes may take place. As we all know, it is still true that prevention is better than cure. Studies have also proven that marine phytoplankton may enhance our immune system and may lessen the effect of the damage the disease could give the patient. If diabetes is not treated well, this could lead in complications like renal failure, impotence, hypoglycemia and a nervous breakdown. You have to be well aware of the foods you eat and enjoy outdoor physical activities which will strengthen your immune system and will result in you managing your diabetes condition better. Pick up a prevention diabetes cookbook. As a result of medical expenses, most people are starting to adopt alternative diabetes cure treatments to cut down on their expenses. The medical expert should look for the main complications, modalities and the root cause of your diabetes because the result of the assessment will tell the expert which medical approach to take.

prevention diabetes cookbook
Download a free brochure about diabetes and your kidneys.

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October 31, 2009

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Winter – What a Diabetic Should Know

October 31, 2009

Winter is just around the corner so I thought I’ll put up an excerpt from a conversation that I had which would be helpful to diabetics during winter time.

Does climate in any way, direct or indirect, affect diabetes? Warm and Cold temperatures have no direct effect on diabetes control but can affect it indirectly. While your blood sugar doesn’t go up or down in response to hot or cold outdoor temperatures, it does have an impact on eating and exercise habits, which is a key factor in controlling your blood sugar levels. In warm temperatures, the body can be stressed due to heat and high humidity. And this can throw the blood sugar levels out of control. For those who are on insulin, storing it becomes a problem in warm climates as improper temperatures can destroy insulin and it won’t work effectively if it is not stored correctly. Winter season according to some studies is a cause for depression and anxiety, which is a stressful state for the body and stress can in turn, affect blood-sugar levels. Generally people tend to eat more during winter. They also snack more. In such circumstances should diabetics take special precautions? Only disciplined and responsible eating can help a diabetic control their blood sugar levels. There is no real harm with snacking when you are hungry but the key is to snack on healthy alternatives that only a good dietician can guide you on. During winter, it is sometimes difficult to exercise because of the cold. Diabetics are supposed to regularly exercise. What do they do? For those who find it difficult to exercise in the cold they can try other options such as: Heated pools: Swimming in a heated pool is a great way to stay active in cold weather. Swimming is an ideal full body exercise for those who have a lot of weight as they can exercise without risking damage to their joints. Working out at a Gym: Gyms offer many ways to keep moving indoors, from aerobics classes to weight machine circuits. Winter might also be a good time to test a trial membership. Studies have shown that weight training in diabetics helps tone muscles and keeps bones strong and healthy.Exercising at home: It’s easy to be active even without leaving home.Housework: Routine house work can be exercise, and you will end up with a neat and tidy house in the bargain. Playing fast-paced music may also help.Exercise videos: Videos can help people stay focused, teach new moves and provide good warm-up and cool-down periods. Exercise videos made especially for people with diabetes are available. Online videos are available which people can easily download and use. All people who exercise need to remember to drink clean water or electrolyte replenishing fluids and avoid sugary drinks. In places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu temperatures dip to near zero and in south in Hyderabad and Bangalore, the temperature goes below 10 degrees C. What are the precautions that diabetics should take in terms of skin care, diet, sleep, protection etc. Winter brings special challenges to people with diabetes. Keep yourself warm. Wear layers of clothes. Staying warm requires that you trap warm, dry air next to the body.Watch your weight. Winter can mean an extra 2-5 kilos for many people. This is risky as weight gain increases your risk of heart disease.Diabetes-related circulation and nerve problems can mean icy cold feet. Don’t use hot-water bottles, but rather just wear layers of socks to keep your toes warm.Drink lots of water as people who are dehydrated will send their sugar levels upStay relaxed as stress leads to high sugar levels. For those whom stress is a routine occurrence, they should learn and practice relaxation exercises to combat stress.Don’t ever guess your sugar levels. Sometimes we all feel lazy and guess our sugar levels instead of testing it on the glucometer. This is not the recommended option. Always test your blood sugar levels and then take your medicines. Every once a year show your doctor how you test your blood sugar and confirm that you are doing it correctly.When the weather gets cold, old aged individuals who have a decreased ability to control body temperature and a less body fat have more chance to face a drop in body temperature. Such people and their care takers should take more care to prevent this from happening. Are diabetics more vulnerable to extreme cold conditions? There is not much difference in terms of vulnerability to cold for a normal diabetic compared to a normal person. But those diabetics who have begun to lose sensation in their hands and feet need to be very careful as the cold can cause damage to the hands or feet areas and the person won’t even feel the damage at the time. This is also a season when people tend to consume alcohol more to ward off cold. Is alcohol harmful to diabetics even in limited quantity? Is there any threshold limit? Contrary to popular belief alcohol does not keep you warm. It actually makes you lose more heat than usual. This is because it dilates blood vessels and in winter dilated blood vessels allow more heat to escape from the body compared to normal. Another thing for diabetics to remember is that alcohol reduces your blood sugar levels quite quickly so always eat some healthy snacks along with your drinks. The safe threshold limit is one drink for a woman and two drinks for a man per day. Anything more will have cancel out any beneficial effects of alcohol on the body. In case people eat more and also occasionally drink, how often should they go for check ups? Normally the doctor who is supervising your diabetes treatment will decide who often you have to visit him. In addition to those normal visits that can be once in a week to once in a month or even once in 3 months, you have to visit other specialist doctors one in a year or in case you have any problems more often. What about juvenile diabetics and winter? Any special care or precautions to be taken?  Juvenile diabetic is an older term for Type 1 diabetic. There are clinical studies that have found that environmental triggers contribute to the onset of diabetes in people. More people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during winter months as well as in colder climates in general, so cold weather is a suspected environmental trigger for developing type 1 diabetes. Therefore to sum it up Type 1 diabetics should follow all recommendations for the control of blood sugar levels that all diabetics should follow. Any other comments, suggestions for our readers? winterOnce in a month or even once in 3 months, you have to visit other specialist doctors one in a year or in case you have any problems more often.

Dr Sherry Chandy is a Medical Domain Specialist at Yos Technologies.


He is a medical doctor and ophthalmologist by profession and has special interests in enabling better health care through the use of information technology.


For more such useful information and diabetes care tools which help you to Control Diabetes effectively and to see a video of me explaining the six steps to control your blood sugar levels go to
http://diabetescare.yoscare.in/diabetes_information

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10 Best Home Remedies for Diabetes

October 31, 2009

This article is dedicated to the best Home Remedies for Diabetes. First of all let me tell you what is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism the way our bodies use digested food for development and energy. It is widely accepted as one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. It is connected with long-term complications that affect almost every part of the body. It is a chronic and progressive ailment that has an impact upon almost every part of life. Diabetes grows when the body can’t use glucose properly

Insulin is a hormone that is essential to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Insulin permits glucose to move from the blood into liver, muscle, and fat cells, where it is used for fuel. In diabetes, the immune system molests and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. When type 2 diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is frequently producing enough insulin, but for unidentified reasons the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance.

Type of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

The body stops producing insulin or produces too little insulin to regulate blood glucose level. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s own immune system destroys theinsulin-producing cells of the pancreas (called beta cells).

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune illness. Type 1 diabetes grows most often in children but can occur at any age.

Type 1 diabetes comprises about 10% of total cases of diabetes in the United States. Type 1 diabetes is typically recognized in childhood or adolescence and can occur in an older individual due to destruction of pancreas by alcohol, disease, or removal by surgery or progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is gradually more being diagnosed in children and adolescents. Type 2 diabetes is more ordinary in older people, particularly in people who are overweight, and happens more often in African Americans, American Indians, some Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos.

The pancreas secretes insulin, but the body is partially or completely not capable to use the insulin. Type 2 diabetes is classically recognized in adulthood, generally after age 45 years. Type 2 diabetes is usually controlled with diet, weight loss, exercise, and oral medications

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Diabetes:-

Home Remedies for Diabetes

1) Most effective Home Remedy for Diabetes is Bitter gourd and proved helpful in controlling diabetes. For better results, the diabetic should take the juice of about four or five Bitter gourds each morning on an empty stomach.

2) Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in identical parts for natural remedy of diabetes.

3) Indian gooseberry, with its high vitamin C content, is measured important in diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of bitter gourd juice, taken daily for two months, will rouse the islets of Langerhans, that is, the remote group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin in the pancreas. This mixture diminishes the blood sugar in diabetes. This is another effective Home Remedy for Diabetes.

4) The seeds of parslane are helpful in diabetes. A teaspoon of the seeds should be taken each day with half a cup of water for four to five months. It will boost the body’s own insulin and help in curing diabetes.

5) Including grapefruit in the diet is an outstanding natural home remedy for diabetes.

6) Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be consumed whole, every day.

7) The tender leaves of the mango tree are considered as good Home Remedy for Diabetes. An infusion is made by soaking 15 gm of fresh leaves in 250 ml of water overnight, and squeeze them well in the water. This filtrate should be taken every morning to handle early diabetes. As an option, the leaves should be dried in the shade, powdered and preserved for use when needed. Half a teaspoon of this powder should be taken two times a day.

8) The juice of Margosa is a cooperative natural home remedy for diabetes.

9) String bean pod tea is a superb natural Home Remedy for Diabetes and can be substituted for insulin.

10) Eat 10 fresh fully full-fledged curry leaves each morning for three months. It avoids diabetes due to genetic or heredity factors.

Dr John Anne is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Diabetes at http://www.natural-homeremedies.org

He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website.

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Alternative Medicine Uses of Capsicum Or Cayenne Pepper As An Herbal Remedy

October 31, 2009

Alternative Medicine practitioners are realizing that healing herbs should be part of their arsenal against disease. The newest touted natural herb is Capsicum, found in cayenne pepper. It has many benefits whether taken internally or externally. When taken internally, capsicum is an antibacterial which will encourage healing and deflect infections while slowing the absorption of fat in the intestines to help fight obesity. Because this natural herbal remedy is a stimulant, it improves circulation. Capsicum will also stabilize blood pressure and lower cholesterol. Herbalists are finding capsicum is useful in fighting a variety of ailments.


It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the herb cayenne pepper had its start as an herbal remedy. There are no writings on Capsicum in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, or Persia. The best guess that historians are willing to put forward is that cayenne went to India and China some time in the 14th or 15th century. It is believed that Europe started cultivation around the 16th century. Today cayenne is still a popular herb in the food industry. Now because of well designed and implemented clinical studies it is widely accepted as an effective alternative medicine. Pharmacopoeias of leading medical clinics from Austria, Egypt, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland support this finding.


The natural healing herb Capsicum contained in cayenne pepper is loaded with Vitamin A which is necessary for smooth skin and vision. Vitamin A has been found to be the most powerful killer of free radicals, which bombard us on a daily basis. Vitamin C is the other proponent active in capsicum. The healing properties of Vitamin C are clearing blood clots, eliminating plaque from the arteries, healing wounds and fighting colds. By starving them of oxygen, capsicum causes tumor cells to die.


Capsicum can cause a burning sensation but in time you will get used to it. The active ingredients in the herbal remedy, Capsicum, stimulate the brain and salivary glands releasing endorphins into your body. Endorphins are nature’s natural painkiller giving us the feeling of pleasure. Capsicum is also the main ingredient in pain killing rubs for Arthritis and Diabetes nerve damage.


Many herbalists today recommend capsicum for such ailments as cold hands and feet, sluggish metabolisms, obesity and respiratory tract infections. Use it externally for arthritis, sore back muscles, rheumatism or sprains and bruises. One suggestion for cold feet is to wear a thin pair of socks, then get a thicker pair of socks, sprinkle the inside with cayenne pepper and put them on over the thin socks. The pepper will send a warm soothing sensation to the soles of your feet.


An interesting study was done to see if capsicum would irritate or cause ulceration in the intestines. On the contrary it was found that the herb did not harm the tract but sped up the healing of ulcers by secreting more mucosa, the protective lining of the intestines.


A very surprising result of many of the clinical tests is that capsicum raise the metabolic rate and is effective in burning the bodies fat. This has many implications for people with obesity problems. Early indications also show that capsicum slows the absorption of fat in the small intestine. These studies are on going but there are some weight loss products with capsicum that are available in your health food store.


As a tropical analgesic, capsicum, the natural herbal remedy has received wide attention by qualified health professionals. It has shown to relieve the pain of shingles as well as other skin ailments. The FDA has approved it to be used for these problems as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies are being done to see if the herb can be effective in treating psoriasis and fibromyalgia.


When using it topically a redness or burning sensation may sometimes occur. This will disappear in two to three weeks time. Once you have received control of the pain capsicum must be used continuously for the relief to be sustained.


If you are diabetic take 3 capsules a day to help bring down your blood sugar levels. Capsicum will affect the breakdown of carbohydrates which will control the fluctuation of sugar levels after eating meals. Of course, this is still being studied in clinics around the world.


So now we have received another healing herb from Mother Nature’s food pharmacy. Capsicum can be counted as a natural herbal remedy in alternative medicines available to help our ailments and relieve our pain.


Disclaimer: Always consult your Doctor or Herbalist before attempting any form of alternative medicine. This article is for informational purposes only.


Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.


This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

About the Author

Mary Hanna is an aspiring herbalist who lives in Central Florida. This allows her to grow gardens inside and outside year round. She has published other articles on Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, http://www.ContainerGardeningSecrets.com, and http://www.GardeningHerb.com

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Diabetes: Critical Information You Should Know

October 31, 2009

A patient recently came into my office for a consultation. She was in her early 50s, overweight, and was struggling with constant tiredness and a sense of being overwhelmed. She had tried multiple diets, with little to no success, and when she succeeded in dropping a couple of pounds, they came right back on. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired. She, like countless other baby boomers, is dealing with a physical condition that is nearly epidemic in proportion. If untreated, it has the potential to lead to full blown diabetes. This condition is called insulin resistance.
As I have treated numerous patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes, over and over again the thought occurs to me that the diagnosis of diabetes does not magically happen overnight. It is a process that the body goes through as it compensates for an unhealthy state.
Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
At the outset, we must differentiate between Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Type II. Diabetes Mellitus Type I occurs when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas (beta cells) so that an inadequate amount of insulin is secreted and blood sugar rises, with subsequent life-threatening ketoacidosis. Type II Diabetes, on the other hand, is a product of our Western society’s habit of overeating carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates (sugar). It is preceded by the condition I described earlier, called insulin resistance.
Before moving on to what procedures I use in my practice to treat diabetes and insulin resistance, let’s look at where this whole problem with diabetes began. This requires us to do some elementary biochemistry. All carbohydrates eventually break down in the body into glucose. As the blood glucose, or sugar, rises, insulin is released from the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin takes the glucose to insulin receptors on each cell in the body, so that glucose can enter the cell. On the average, 50% of this glucose will be burned as energy, 10% will be stored as glycogen, and 40% is stored as triglycerides. [ii] Glycogen is the storage form of glucose which can be immediately released when the body needs more sugar. Most of the glucose stored as glycogen is in muscle, and the rest is stored in the liver. Triglycerides are a specific type of fat (lipid) molecule that can be burned as energy in the body; however, they are not as easily accessible as glycogen.
When refined carbohydrates (sugar) are ingested (cookies, candies, cakes, Twinkies, PopTarts), especially when taken without fiber, blood glucose levels rise rapidly. This rapid rise in blood sugar is followed by an overshooting of the amount of insulin released from the pancreas, causing the blood sugar to drop or fall below normal. The body does not like the sugar levels to be low, so it triggers a stress response in the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland will release adrenalin, which stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver, slowly causing the glucose levels to rise in the blood.
Another way to relieve the symptoms of hypoglycemia triggered by this overshooting is by the ingestion of another refined carbohydrate. These two corrective mechanisms may cause the blood sugar to overcorrect (that is, the blood sugar’s too high again), with another overcorrection by insulin, and the cycle repeats itself over and over and over … .
Effects of Diabetes on the Body
After years of these glucose swings, the cell wall thickens (there are approximately 30 trillion cells in our body), insulin receptors become less efficient at glucose delivery into cells, and insulin resistance results. By definition, insulin resistance is seen as high fasting levels of glucose and insulin. Normal healthy fasting level of glucose is between 75-80, although any number in the 80s is acceptable. A healthy level of insulin in the fasting state is 0-5, while 5-10 is borderline. Anything above 10 is cause for concern. A diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus Type II is made when the fasting glucose level is greater than 126 or 140 on two separate occasions.
To understand the effects of high glucose levels to the body, we need to understand a principle called glycosylation [iii] . This is a fancy term for the binding of glucose to proteins. Glycosylated LDL (”bad” cholesterol) molecules do not bind to LDL receptors, nor shut off cholesterol synthesis. Glycosylated red blood cells do not carry as much oxygen, are more sticky, and clump together more. Glycosylation of the lens of the eye may lead to cararacts. Glycosylation of the myelin sheath around nerves leads to loss of nerve function, tingling, pain, and numbness called neuropathy. Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the blood vessels) is the single biggest complication of diabetes. It may be due to platelet stickiness, glycosylated LDL, glycosylated red blood cells, or glycosylation of proteins in the blood vessel wall.
Atherosclerosis causes a reduction in blood flow, with subsequent organ damage, hypertension, cyanotic feet (with possible gangrene and amputation), retinopathy, and even kidney dysfunction and failure. Poor healing of skin from infection or trauma leads to chronic ulcers or sepsis (bacteria spreading throughout the body through the blood stream). [iv]
High insulin levels affect the body differently. They increase fat formation and storage, while inhibiting fat breakdown to be used as energy. This makes it easy to gain weight, and VERY difficult to lose weight. High insulin also enhances sodium (salt) reabsorption from the kidney, thus promoting water retention and hypertension. High insulin levels also stimulate certain ovarian hormones that result in elevations in free testosterone, with subsequent androgen effects. [v]
Treatment for Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
Diet is the reason we got into this mess and diet is the key to getting out of it! Since all carbohydrates break down into sugar, we must decrease the total amount of carbohydrates coming into the body. This translates into no more than 60-100 grams of carbohydrates per day — the less, the better. We need to look at those foods that are high and low in carbohydrates. As a start, all sugar must be eliminated. The next highest source of carbohydrates comes from potatoes (look out, Idaho!) and grains such as wheat (bread and pasta) and rice. Fruits are the next highest source of carbohydrates; their mostly fructose sugar is converted in the body into glucose. Certainly, whole fruit, with its fiber, and whole grains (rather than refined flour or wheat) for breads and pasta, and whole brown rice are much better tolerated than the refined, processed white foods and low fiber juices.
The legumes, which include beans, peas and soy, have about 1/3 carbohydrates, 1/3 protein, and 1/3 fats. (This is a highly simplified version of these ratios.) Generally nuts and seeds have that same ratio. Vegetables have the least amount of carbohydrates, although corn, tomatoes and carrots (the ones we tend to like the most) are the highest of the vegetables in the carbohydrate category. There are no carbohydrates in meats, cheese, or eggs.
So, the recommendation is: eat less of the breads, potatoes, rice, pasta, and fruit categories, and eat more of the legumes, nuts, seeds, vegetables, eggs, cheese and meat (sparingly) categories.
Nutritional Options
There are nutritional substances that reduce insulin resistance in the body. These include chromium [vi] , vanadium, biotin and alpha-lipoic acid. There is mixed success in reducing carbohydrate cravings with Gymnema or L-Glutamine, but these are certainly worth a try if sugar cravings persist. Vitamin E at 900 IU/day improves insulin action and may prevent many long-term complications. It also plays a significant role in the prevention of diabetes [vii] (the recent vitamin E scare is incorrect). For more information, you may want to visit my blog site, www.drstangardner.com).
Magnesium plays an important role in glucose management, through its effect on insulin. Magnesium levels are lowest in those patients with diabetic complications. Vitamin C is needed for collagen formation, which is at the core of all repair in the body. It also improves insulin sensitivity and is a potent antioxidant. It inhibits glycosylation of proteins. [viii] Vitamin B6 protects against diabetic neuropathy, probably because it also inhibits glycosylation. Some studies indicate it may even resolve gestational diabetes. [ix] Omega 6 fatty acids offer protection against diabetic neuropathy, and omega 3 fatty acids protect against atherosclerosis and augment insulin secretion. Niacinamide may prevent development of Type I Diabetes Mellitus. If taken early enough after onset, it may help restore beta cell function, or slow down their destruction in Type I Diabetes Mellitus. [x]
Exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, perhaps through increasing levels of chromium. Lowered triglycerides and improved weight loss are other beneficial effects of exercise. The benefits of exercise are addressed in another article.
Summary
1 Low carbohydrate diet (no more than 60-100 grams per day).
2. Chromium (200-400 micrograms/day)
3. Vanadium (100-125 milligrams/day long term or 5-10 grams/day, short term)
4. General supplements include:
a) Vitamin C (2000 mg/day)
b) Vitamin B6 (150-200 mg/day)
c) Vitamin E (900 IU/day)
d) Magnesium ( 600-1000 mg/day)
5. If insulin resistance is still present with the above recommendations, add Biotin (9-16 mg/day), Glucophage (500-1700 mg/day). Glucophage needs a prescription.
6. For Type I Diabetes Mellitus, Niacinamide (1000-2000 mg/day) and insulin
This approach puts a much heavier emphasis on treating insulin resistance, the underlying cause of diabetes, rather than treating the symptoms of high blood sugar with medications like sulfonylureas that push the beta cells toward increasing insulin release, irrespective of the glucose level in the blood. More insulin is not what is needed. Less insulin resistance is needed. With this approach, we get away from the problems associated with high insulin levels. We also avoid the potential exhaustion of beta cells because of their chronic high production to handle insulin.
Diabetes is the end result of problems in the body that can be addressed with nutrition. The positive results I have seen in my practice are incredibly successful! It is critical to begin addressing our health issues at the cause level, rather than the end organ damage level.

________________________________________
[i] Cecil Textbook of Medicine 19th Edition pp. 1296-1302.
[ii] Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, Tortora, Grabowski. 10th Edition pp. 928-9
[iii] Textbook of Natural Medicine, Joseph E. Pizzoni Jr, Michael T Murray p. 1200.
[iv] Ibid pp. 1200-2.
[v] Lukaczer, Dan. “Nutritional Support for Insulin Resistance.” Applied Nutritional Science Reports, 2001.
[vi] Anderson R et al. “Beneficial effects of chromium for people with Type II Diabetes.” Diabetes 1996; 45: 124A/454.
[vii] Salonen JT, Jyyssonen K, Tuomainen TP. “Increased risk of non-insulin diabetes mellitus at low plasma Vitamin E concentrations. A four-year follow-up study in men.” Br Med J 1995; 311: 1124-27.
[viii] White JR, Campbell RK. “Magnesium and Diabetes. A Review.” Ann Pharmacother 1993; 27: 775-80.
[ix] Solomon LR, Cohen K. “Erythrocyte O2 transport and metabolism and effects of vitamin B6 therapy in Type II diabetes mellitus.” Diabetes 1989; 38: 881-886.
[x] Pocoit F, Reimers JI, Anderson HW. “Nicotinamide-biological actions and therapeutic potential in diabetes prevention.” Diabeto Logia 1993; 36: 574-76.

Stan M. Gardner, M.D. is certified nutrition specialist (CNS). He writes and lectures extensively on the subject of preventive medicine and natural means of healing. With over 15 years experience in the integrative field of medicine, he is a popular speaker and provides interesting perspectives on healthy alternatives to drugs and surgery. For more information visit www.stangardnermd.com.

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Gluten Free Low Glycemic Cookbook For Diabetics & Allergy Sufferers.

October 31, 2009

In Demand By Food Sensitive People. This Cookbook Is Gluten-free, Low-glycemic, Allergy-aware With Meat, Vegetarian And Vegan Options Throughout. There Isnt Another Product Like On Or Offline! Yes, Its Unique!

Gluten Free Low Glycemic Cookbook For Diabetics & Allergy Sufferers.

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Diabetes Meal Plan Software Download

October 31, 2009

If your health provider confirmed that you are a diabetic, its better to start searching for possible treatment and remedies before it’s to late. On the other hand, some condition of diabetes are the other way around. Diabetics are hook to a medical condition known as diabetes which forces a person to have to give up sugars. Insulin is a natural body substance produce by the pancreas (a part of digestive organ) that is responsible in converting our sugar intake to smaller particle so that it can be absorb by the body to become the source of heat and energy for performing every days tasks. That why doctors advise diabetics to avoid sugar-rich foods to prevent unhelpful reactions. Diabetes Meal Plan Software could make planning and testing easier.

If not properly attend to the type-1 diabetes condition may become persistent that could even lead other organ malfunctions and other complications. Gestational diabetes may occur in women who is age 25 years old or older, but some women have greater risks in developing gestational diabetes. However, treatment for type 1 diabetes can become burdensome for some. Type-1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes since its affect majority of the diabetic children. At this point, insulin therapy is necessary to maintain normal or near normal glucose levels.

Stay at a healthy weight and maintain a good body weight. Oral medications can be are used in managing type 2 diabetes too. Help your health care team make a diabetes care plan that will work for you. If diet and exercise aren’t enough or fail to control your elevated blood sugar, you may need diabetes medications or insulin therapy to manage your blood sugar.

Although this could mean future medication, there are other ways on how alternative diabetes cures could help you. Studies have also proven that marine phytoplankton may enhance our immune system and may lessen the effect of the damage the disease could give the patient. As we all know, it is still true that prevention is better than cure. Marine Phytoplankton is found to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids which might help to reduce the amount of sugar in the diabetic patient’s bloodstream. As a result of medical expenses, most people are starting to adopt alternative diabetes cure treatments to cut down on their expenses. Diabetes consists of three types, one is the Type 1 diabetes, the second is the Type 2 diabetes and the third one is gestational diabetes. Once glucose is being passed thorough our bloodstream, it needs insulin in order to let the glucose to be injected into our cells.

Diabetes Meal Plan Software
Download a free brochure about diabetes and your kidneys.

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