Diabetes
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a biochemical disorder which affects the body's ability to use carbohydrates, sugars and starches. People with diabetes are not able to produce sufficient insulin or are unable to use the insulin they produce effectively enough to break down glucose or sugar in the blood and make it available to the body. More than 16 million Americans alone suffer from diabetes. The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Type 1 Diabetes most commonly surfaces in childhood and is usually associated with the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. People with Type 1 Diabetes are also called Insulin-Dependent because they have to take insulin for life. Type 2 Diabetes is often called Adult Onset Diabetes and usually occurs after the age of 40. People with Type 2 Diabetes do produce insulin in the pancreas, but their body cells have become resistant to it. There is however an alarming increase in the number of young adults and even children who are developing Type 2 Diabetes and this is closely linked to unhealthy life style habits and increasing rates of obesity in the younger age groups. Although people with controlled diabetes lead a normal healthy life, uncontrolled diabetes means chronically elevated blood sugar levels which slowly destroy proteins in the body, causing considerable damage to tissues and organs. Complications from untreated or poorly controlled diabetes include kidney damage, heart disease, nerve damage, and even blindness. Diagnosing Diabetes Diabetes must be diagnosed by a medical doctor, endocrinologist, homeopath or naturopath. If you are at all concerned about whether you have diabetes, especially if you are overweight and have a family history of diabetes, please seek medical advice. Diabetes is diagnosed quite simply by measuring the levels of glucose in the blood and so a blood test is usually necessary to make a confirmed diagnosis. If a random blood glucose reading is raised, more in depth blood tests may be performed to monitor the body’s response to a glucose load. What are the Symptoms of Diabetes? * Frequent and excessive urination What Causes Diabetes? There are no clear answers about the cause of Type 1 Diabetes, which makes the pancreas stop producing insulin. Some theorists believe that Type 1 Diabetes may be an auto-immune response or that it could be caused by a virus. Type 2 Diabetes, which usually begins in adulthood, is strongly linked to obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are known to have a strong genetic link. This means that if you have people in your family who have diabetes, then it is even more important to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly and to take supplements and herbal remedies which can help to prevent diabetes. Help for Diabetes While treatment depends on a number of factors including the signs and symptoms of diabetes, type of diabetes, and severity and age. Most treatment regimes include lifestyle changes, medicinal treatment, (either allopathic medication, natural remedies or both) as well as close monitoring of blood glucose levels. Various Treatments for Diabetes Medical Treatment People with type 1 diabetes no longer produce insulin, and therefore must have an alternate source of insulin to help the body utilize the glucose obtained from eating. For this reason, people with type-1 diabetes must give themselves daily doses of insulin. Because insulin is a protein, it cannot be taken as a pill as it is then quickly broken down in the stomach acids. Instead, insulin is usually injected into the fat under the skin. Methods of insulin intake vary and may include using an insulin pump, insulin pen, jet injector or insulin patch. People with type 2 diabetes are still able to make insulin, but their bodies cannot use it efficiently. People with type 2 diabetes therefore need diabetes medication or extra insulin to help their bodies use their own insulin better. Oral medications may include: sulfonylurea drugs, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, and thiazolidinediones. It is strongly advised that you thoroughly research any prescription medication and its side-effects before beginning drug therapy. Lifestyle Changes Diet is a very important aspect in the treatment of diabetes. A long-term change in eating habits that ensures the right balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins is essential. Portion control and timing of meals and snacks are also important. Diet and exercise can often bring blood glucose levels down to normal in people with type 2 diabetes and a few healthy lifestyle changes should be the first port of call. Losing excess weight also helps the body to use the insulin and regulate blood sugar more efficiently. Treating Diabetes Naturally ~ Get regular exercise. It has been shown that people who exercise regularly are 50% less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes. ~ Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as foods containing whole grains, which are rich in Vitamin B and chromium, an important mineral in controlling blood sugar levels. ~ Keep your weight under control. Obesity is one of the major risk factors in Type 2 Diabetes. ~ Avoid refined and processed foods containing high fat and sugar levels. Along with lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and dietary supplements can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication and can also aid in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. If you are taking any type of medication it's important to consult with your health care practitioner before using herbs or supplements as they may alter your need for insulin. Professional Formulas ***Native Remedies makes a wonderful holistic formula for treating diabetes. Get More Info on Insulate Plus for Balanced Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes Useful Herbs & Supplements Chromiumis a mineral supplement which has been clinically proven to improve the effectiveness of insulin and is the most easily absorbed form of chromium. It also helps in the breakdown of fats and can therefore balance cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar. In fact, research shows that it can increase glucose metabolism 20-fold. Ginkgo Biloba extract is used for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Fenugreek The defatted portion of fenugreek seeds contains the alkaloids trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin, which have been found to have antidiabetic properties. Bilberry is thought to lower the risk of some eye related complications, including diabetic cataracts and retinopathy. What Else You Can Do Include lots of onions and garlic in your diet. They contain compounds which affect the hepatic metabolism of glucose and increase the release of insulin, and prevent insulin's destruction. Consider using stevia to sweeten foods and beverages. Research suggests that stevia may have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance. There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the use of carefully chosen herbal and homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements can help to both prevent the disease andd keep signs and symptoms of diabetes under control in those who have already developed it. Along with the correct lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and dietary supplements can reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medication and can also aid in preventing some of the tissue and organ damage associated with uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Natural supplements to treat Diabetes can include herbs such as Gymnema sylvestre, Galega officinalis and Bilberry. A few of the herbs have proven successful as natural supplements to treat signs and symptoms of diabetes while the mineral Chromium picolinate has been proven to improve the effectiveness of insulin. Natural remedies such as Insulate Plus is can be used as natural supplements to treat diabetes. Insulate Plus can be used to help maintain blood sugar levels that are within the normal range and support the endocrine system. The herbs in Insulate Plus can also be used as natural supplements to treat diabetes and support healthy circulation which is responsible for adequate flow of blood to the feet and hands. Other Disorders or Complications that May be Related to Diabetes Diabetes does come with a number of complications, and many other disorders tend to be more prevalent in those people already diagnosed with diabetes. Poor circulation, slow healing as well as eye problems are very common in people with diabetes. Other related disorders and complications include: * Hypoglycemia Tips for Coping with Diabetes * Exercise regularly. It has been shown that people who exercise regularly are 50% less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes. If you have diabetes, it is still important to stay active, but make sure you take into consideration the type of physical activity you choose and how it will affect you. Overly strenuous activities may lead to sudden low blood sugar levels and should therefore be avoided.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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