Diabetes is worsening in the USA and 11 percent of adults aged 40-59 years have
diabetes - 23 percent of those 60 and older. Breastfeeding in infancy appears to
be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Whether this
effect is attributed to a difference in the content of breast milk compared to
formula milk, or whether the family environment and nurture of infants breast
fed differs from those formula fed remains to be established. Women who have
given birth to five or more infants have an increased risk of developing type 2
diabetes mellitus. This appears to be the case, even after considering the
influence of other known risk factors, such as obesity and socioeconomic status.
Poorly managed type 2 diabetes costs the U.S. health system an extra $25 billion
a year in direct medical costs to treat heart, eye, kidney and other serious
health problems associated with the disease.
When you eat less, your blood sugar will not be as high. An amazing
product that will curb appetite is a doctor formulated natural weight loss pill
called Diet Rx.
Diet and Blood Sugar
Blood sugar (glucose) levels vary throughout the day, rising after a meal and returning to
normal within 2 hours. Blood sugar levels are normally between 70 and 110 milligrams per
deciliter (mg/dL) of blood in the morning after an overnight fast. They are usually lower
than 120 to 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating foods or drinking liquids containing sugar or
other carbohydrates. Normal levels tend to increase slightly but progressively after age
50, especially in people who are sedentary.
Chugging more than one sugar-sweetened soft drink a day
appears to significantly increase one's chances of developing diabetes.
A low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diet is more effective than a conventional low-fat, calorie-restricted diet for patients with type II diabetes, according to results of a 4-year randomized trial. Not only does the Mediterranean diet induce greater weight loss, it also resulted in better glycemic control, delayed the need for oral hypoglycemic therapy, and improved some coronary risk factors. The Annals of Internal Medicine September 1, 2009.
Treatment of
Diabetes with diet
Major lifestyle changes are needed to prevent and treat
diabetes. It is quite possible and likely to reduce blood sugar levels
through proper diet and exercise.
Eliminate or reduce sugar, fructose, glucose, corn syrup, white bread, honey,
molasses, maple syrup, fruit juice or concentrate. The more soft drinks and
sugar-sweetened fruit drinks a person consumes, the greater is the likelihood of
developing type 2 diabetes. Sweetened fruit drinks are often marketed as a
healthier alternative to non-diet soft drinks but are just as likely to cause
weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. Consider the use of
stevia extract as a no calorie
sweetener.
Increase intake of high fiber foods, substitute whole grains for simple carbohydrates, see
diet. High intake of
saturated and trans fats along with low intake of polyunsaturated fats is
associated with cognitive decline in women with type 2 diabetes. Diabetics are
at increased risk for cognitive impairment in late life.
Try to lose some weight, consider the product Diet Rx as an effective appetite
suppressant.
Increase intake of high fiber foods, substitute whole grains for simple carbohydrates, see
diet
Avoid or reduce foods cooked at high
temperatures.
Exercise-- sedentary adults who get a few hours of exercise each week and don't
lose weight may still cut their risk of developing a pre-diabetic condition called insulin
resistance syndrome. High-intensity weight training coupled with a moderate weight-loss program
can help older men and women with type 2 diabetes to improve their blood sugar control and
also boost their muscle strength and lean body mass. The added muscle is particularly
beneficial to people with diabetes because muscles are "major clearance sites"
for circulating blood sugar, or glucose. Regular exercise, such as brisk
walking, is one way to cut the risk of type 2 diabetes, a disease closely
associated with obesity. Studies have repeatedly shown that people with type 2
diabetes lower their risk of heart disease by committing to a daily walk. Sedentary older people at risk of developing diabetes have
improvement in the function of their insulin-making beta cells after just a few
weeks of exercise.
Stop smoking. Adding to the list of potential
health consequences of smoking, a large study finds that smokers may have a
heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care, online September
7, 2010.
Deep sleep (people who do not get enough sleep on a regular basis may become less
sensitive to insulin which, over time, can raise the risk of obesity. The risk
of diabetes may be two to three times higher among people with severe sleep
apnea who also suffer daytime sleepiness.
Drink coffee in the morning rather than juice = It might be better to start your
morning with a cup of coffee than a sugar-sweetened juice, at least where risk
for type 2 diabetes is concerned. Researchers found that among more than 12,000
middle-aged adults, those who drank four or more cups of coffee each day had a
lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who rarely had a cup.
Baby aspirin to reduce risk of heart attack
Herbs and supplements for diabetes
There are many supplements that could be helpful in
control of blood sugar, but these should be used only after full attempts are
made to address dietary factors.
Alpha lipoic
Acid is one if the most important nutrients to consider for diabetic
neuropathy and kidney disease.
Investigators at
University Hospital of Endocrinology, Medical
University, Sofia, Bulgaria,
treated diabetics with oral alpha-lipoic acid, 600 mg twice daily for 4 weeks. Twelve subjects with normal glucose tolerance served
as a control group in terms of insulin sensitivity. At the end of the treatment period
insulin sensitivity of the diabetic patients significantly increased.
Acetylcarnitine is
a promising treatment for diabetic neuropathy
Banaba is used in the
Philippines for blood sugar control. See
Banaba
to purchase. For high
blood sugar level
information.
Bitter-Melon is becoming popular as a natural
treatment for diabetes
Chromium picolinate increases insulin sensitivity and binding, also increases number of
insulin receptors.
Cinnamon is
also becoming a useful therapy for blood sugar control.
1 to 6 grams daily improves sugar levels and reduces blood lipids.
CoQ10
improves the function
of endothelial cells lining blood vessels and may slightly help with blood sugar
control.
Fenugreek this herb
helps to improve blood sugar levels
Fish oils are some of the best
supplements to take for a variety of health conditions including heart and
circulatory issues, brain function, vision, and overall reduction of
inflammation.
Germinated
brown rice has the ability to help a person with diabetes lower their blood
sugar.
Acylated steryl glucosides help normalize blood sugar and
enzymes that are out-of-whack in diabetes and significantly reduces the nerve
and vascular damage that often result from diabetes. Unlike white rice, brown
rice still has some of the germ or growth structure that, after about 24 hours
in water, resumes activity.
Stevia is a no calorie
natural sweetener beneficial in lowering blood sugar
Gymnema sylvestre herb, you can find info on
gymnema
here.
Prickly-Pear-Cactus supplement is used as an
alternative treatment for diabetes.
Adequate calcium and magnesium intakes is
helpful in reducing the incidence of diabetes.
Psyllium half or one
teaspoon in a glass of water twice daily with food. Or one capsule twice daily.
Vitamin D may be helpful for a diabetes patient.
During a 17-year follow-up of roughly 4,000 men and women, researchers found
that individuals with higher blood levels of vitamin D had a 40 percent lower
risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those with lower levels of this vitamin.
Diabetes Care, October 2007.
Vanadium Vanadyl sulfate is a mineral
that helps with blood sugar metabolism.
For more information on this mineral, see
vanadium
vanadyl sulfate.
Natural Vitamin C with bioflavonoids
In a study of middle-aged and older men and women, those with the
highest blood levels of vitamin C were significantly less likely to develop
diabetes over 12 years than those with the lowest levels. Fruits and vegetables
are the main source of vitamin C in Western diets, and blood levels of vitamin C
are good markers of fruit and vegetable intake.
Vitamin D may help those with diabetes
Natural Vitamin E complex
Diabetes and neuropathy
Diabetes can lead to nerve damage or "diabetic neuropathy" -- a painful
condition that causes a range of symptoms from a tingling sensation or numbness
in the toes and fingers to paralysis.
Acetyl-L-carnitine in the treatment of diabetic
neuropathy. A long-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Minardi C. Department of
Neuroscience, Ospedale Civile, Rovigo, Italy.
Drugs R D. 2002.
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of acetylcarnitine versus
placebo in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, mainly by evaluating the
effects of treatment on electrophysiological parameters and pain symptoms.
This was a multicentre (n = 20), randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group study. Acetylcarnitine was effective and well tolerated in improving neurophysiological
parameters and in reducing pain over a 1-year period. acetylcarnitine is,
therefore, a promising treatment option in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Chromium picolinate and diabetes
The mineral chromium picolinate may help people with type 2 diabetes
better control their blood sugar. Chromium supplements are marketed as a
way to improve the body's use of insulin. Previous research has provided
conflicting results on chromium's insulin and blood sugar effects.
Researchers tested whether chromium picolinate supplements were useful in
combination with a sulfonylurea medication -- an older class of diabetes
drugs that often promote weight gain. Diabetic adults took either the
medication plus 1,000 micrograms of chromium picolinate per day or the
drug plus a placebo. After 6 months, those who took the chromium
picolinate supplement showed greater improvements in insulin sensitivity
and long-term blood sugar control. They also gained less weight and body
fat than those on the medication alone. This is encouraging news. we prefer a lower dosage of chromium picolinate to be used if a diabetic plans to take this supplement for
prolonged periods. Rather than 1,000 mcg, perhaps a 200 mcg pill with
breakfast and lunch might be appropriate.
Multivitamins reduce infections in those with
diabetes
Daily use of multivitamins and mineral supplements reduced infections
and related work absenteeism "dramatically" in patients with type 2 diabetes. "Our trial, which was performed on a sample of middle-aged persons, demonstrated a
benefit in incidence of infections," Dr. Thomas Barringer, lead investigator director
of clinical research in the department of family medicine at the Carolinas Medical Center
in Charlotte, told United Press International. "However, this benefit was almost entirely observed in the participants with
diabetes, for whom the magnitude was dramatic. Correction of micro-nutritional
deficiencies would be the most plausible biological explanation for our results."
Vitamin D and diabetes
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the short-term effect of
vitamin D3 supplementation on insulin sensitivity in apparently healthy,
middle-aged, centrally obese men.
Diabet Med. 2009 January. Nagpal J, Pande JN, Bhartia A. Sitaram
Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, India.
To determine the short-term effect of vitamin D(3) supplementation on
insulin sensitivity in apparently healthy, middle-aged, centrally obese men. A
double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care
facility in which 100 male volunteers aged > or = 35 years received three doses
of vitamin D(3) (120,000 IU each; supplemented group) fortnightly or placebo
(control group). Hepatic fasting insulin sensitivity [homeostasis model
assessment (HOMA), quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index, HOMA-2],
postprandial insulin sensitivity [oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS)],
insulin secretion (HOMA%B, HOMA2-%B), lipid profile and blood pressure were
measured at baseline and at 6 weeks' follow-up. There was an increase in OGIS
with supplementation by per protocol analysis. The age- and baseline
25-hydroxyvitamin D level-adjusted difference in change in OGIS was highly
significant. No changes in secondary outcome measures (insulin secretion, basal
indices of insulin sensitivity, blood pressure or lipid profile) were found with
supplementation. The trial indicates that vitamin D(3) supplementation improves
postprandial insulin sensitivity (OGIS) in apparently healthy men likely to have
insulin resistance (centrally obese but non-diabetic).
Plants used for blood sugar control around the world
Supplements in common use include
Nopal (prickly pear cactus), karela (bitter melon), and tronadora. The popularity of
these products varies among people of different ethnicities. Nopal is the most commonly
used herbal hypoglycemic among persons of Mexican descent. Karela is more commonly used by
persons from Asian countries. Banaba
has been used in the
Philippines for the treatment of diabetes.
Plants used in Trinidad and Tobago
to treat diabetes
Antigonon leptopus, Bidens alba, Bidens pilosa, Bixa orellana, Bontia daphnoides,
Carica papaya, Catharanthus roseus, Cocos nucifera, Gomphrena globosa, Laportea
aestuans, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Phyllanthus urinaria and Spiranthes
acaulis.
Chinese herbs for blood sugar control
Suzanne J. Grant, of the Centre for Complementary Medicine Research at the
University of Western Sydney, in Australia, reviewed studies of a total of 1,391
men and women with either impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
-- problems in blood-sugar control that lead to sugar levels that are elevated,
but not high enough to diagnose diabetes. The studies tested various Chinese
herbal mixes traditionally used for blood-sugar control -- products like
Jiangtang Bushen, Xiaoke huaya and Tang Kang yin. In most trials, the products
were added to lifestyle changes and tested against the effects of lifestyle
changes alone -- though the specific changes were not detailed in most reports.
Suzanne Grant suggested that if people with pre-diabetes do want to try an
herbal product, they first consult their doctor and, ideally, take any herbs
under a guidance of a health provider qualified in herbal medicine. She pointed
out that in traditional Chinese medicine, herbs are recommended based on
individuals' unique situations, and not as a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Cochrane Library, online October 7, 2009.
Diet, Diabetes,
Fiber, and Magnesium
High levels of cereal fiber and magnesium are associated with a reduced
risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings stem from an analysis performed
by Dr. Matthias B. Schulze and colleagues from the German Institute of Human
Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal. The study involved over 25,000 adults,
between 35 and 65 years of age, who were followed from 1994 to 2005 for
diabetes. A food-frequency questionnaire was used to assess the participants for
the amounts of dietary fiber and magnesium. For a healthy
diet.
Diet plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Risk of diet soda
Middle-aged and older adults who drink diet soda everyday have a higher risk of
developing type 2 diabetes. Dr. Jennifer A. Nettleton of the University of Texas
Health Sciences Center in Houston looked at data from 5,000 U.S. adults. She
found that those who drank diet soda daily were much more likely than those who
did not to develop type 2 diabetes over the next several years. They also had
higher odds of blood sugar elevations and weight gain around the middle. One
problem with the study is that many people who choose diet drinks may already be
overweight and have a less-than-healthy lifestyle. Dr. Jennifer A. Nettleton and
her colleagues thinkthat artificially sweetened drinks and food may whet
people's appetites for sweets, causing them to overindulge in high-sugar foods
when given the chance. Diabetes Care, April 2009.
Vinegar for diabetes
blood sugar control?
A dose of vinegar taken at bedtime may help reduce blood sugar in
patients with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Carol S. Johnston and colleagues from Arizona
State University gave two tablespoons of vinegar with one ounce of cheese at
bedtime in four men and seven women (ages 40 to 72 years) with type 2 diabetes
who were not taking insulin. The vinegar treatment reduced fasting glucose by 6
percent in some of the patients. Diabetes Care, November 2007.
Diagnosis of diabetes
Fasting blood sugar more than 126, random blood sugar more than 200 or
HbA1c more
than 7%. HbA1c level times 25 is average blood sugar level.
Diabetes and the beta cell
of the pancreas
Type 2 diabetes is a dual defect disease
characterized by insulin resistance and progressive beta cell secretory
dysfunction. The insulin resistance usually precedes the development of diabetes
by many years, tends to deteriorate over time and then plateau out, and the beta
cell initially can compensate for this insulin resistance by increasing
secretion of insulin to maintain glucose levels in the normal range, but
ultimately the beta cell begins to fail. As the beta cell begins to fail, we
usually see a rise first in glucose after a meal, followed by rising fasting
glucose, and of course there continues to be progressive beta cell deterioration
which reflects the natural history of this disease.
Insulin and
Diabetes
Insulin, a hormone released from the pancreas, is the primary
substance responsible for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. Insulin allows
glucose to be transported into cells so that they can produce energy or store the glucose
until it's needed. The rise in blood sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the
pancreas to produce insulin, preventing a greater rise in blood sugar levels and causing
them to fall gradually. Because muscles use glucose for energy, blood sugar levels
fall during physical activity.
Causes of Diabetes
Genetics, excess calories, high sugar intake, lack of exercise.
Certain medications can elevate blood sugar including certain diuretics, phenytoin, niacin,
and glucocorticoids. Smoking, already known to cause lung cancer, heart disease
and stroke, also raises the risk for
type two diabetes.
Low-level arsenic exposure, possibly from drinking water, may be a
cause for type 2 diabetes.
Americans of Indian descent have a higher risk. Diabetes Care,
September 2009.
Stress
Adults with type 2 diabetes have better blood sugar control when they report
less diabetes-related stress and feel more satisfied with their treatment
regimen. By contrast, men and women feeling greater diabetes-related distress
have more complications and less optimal blood sugar control. Psychological
aspects concerning diabetes treatment influence blood sugar control.
Viruses as
cause of childhood diabetes type 1
Common viruses may cause childhood diabetes. Enteroviruses -- which normally
cause colds, vomiting or diarrhea -- are found frequently in the pancreases of
young people who had recently died from type 1 diabetes, sometimes called
juvenile diabetes, but not in healthy samples. This suggests a virus could
trigger the disease in children genetically predisposed to the condition, which
affects an estimated 440,000 people worldwide.
Diagnosis of Diabetes
Fasting blood sugar more than 126, random blood sugar more than 200 or HbA1c more
than 7%. HbA1c level times 25 is average blood sugar level.
Complications of diabetes
Cataracts, retinal damage, atherosclerosis, heart attack, erectile dysfunction, kidney damage,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and accelerated aging.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for liver cancer and pre-exists in the majority of hepatocellular cancer patients. Moreover, in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, data shows a direct association of liver cancer with insulin and sulphanylureas treatment and an inverse relationship with metformin therapy.
Drugs used in diabetes treatment increase risk
of mortality
Combination treatment for type 2 diabetes using two classes of drugs --
metformin and sulfonylureas -- may increase the risk of hospitalization for
cardiovascular disease and mortality. Diabetes Care, August 2008. High dosage of
medications used for this disease can sometimes cause
hypoglycemia.
Hormone replacement
therapy and diabetes
Hormone replacement therapy used to
treat postmenopausal symptoms seems to accelerate the build-up of deposits in
the coronary arteries of women who have abnormal glucose tolerance -- a sign of
impending or full-blown diabetes.
Can hormone replacement therapy cure diabetes?
There is no evidence thus far that hormone replacement therapy
is effective as a treatment for blood sugar disorder.
Suppliers of natural supplements
For a product
formulated by Dr. Sahelian that supports healthy libido, click
Passion Rx.
Patients with diabetes have noticed benefits from Passion Rx.
Diabetes study results
Elderly with
diabetes are significantly more likely to decline mentally over the years than
women without diabetes, and poor control of blood sugar levels may be partially
to blame.
Multivitamins cut diabetic infections
Diet and Blood Sugar
Blood sugar (glucose) levels vary throughout the day, rising after a meal and returning to
normal within 2 hours. Blood sugar levels are normally between 70 and 110 milligrams per
deciliter (mg/dL) of blood in the morning after an overnight fast. They are usually lower
than 120 to 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating foods or drinking liquids containing sugar or
other carbohydrates. Normal levels tend to increase slightly but progressively after age
50, especially in people who are sedentary.
Chugging more than one sugar-sweetened soft drink a day appears to significantly
increase one's chances of developing diabetes.
Insulin and
diabetes
Insulin, a hormone released from the pancreas, is the primary
substance responsible for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. Insulin allows
glucose to be transported into cells so that they can produce energy or store the glucose
until it's needed. The rise in blood sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the
pancreas to produce insulin, preventing a greater rise in blood sugar levels and causing
them to fall gradually. Because muscles use glucose for energy, blood sugar levels
fall during physical activity. Too much insulin can cause
hypoglycemia.
Causes of diabetes
Genetics, excess calories, high sugar intake, lack of exercise.
Certain medications can elevate blood sugar including certain diuretics, phenytoin, niacin,
and glucocorticoids. People who suffer from job burnout may be prone to
developing type 2 diabetes. Chronic job burnout, the core components of which
are emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and cognitive weariness, might be a
risk factor for the onset of type 2 diabetes in apparently healthy individuals.
By 2034, nearly twice as many Americans will have this blood sugar
condition and spending on the disease will triple, further straining the U.S.
health system and testing the viability of Medicare and other government health
insurance programs.
Where you live influences your
risk for diabetes
The neighborhood people live in plays a role in their risk of developing type 2
diabetes. People who live in neighborhoods that are not conducive to exercise
and healthy eating are more likely to have insulin resistance, a precursor to
diabetes. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are closely associated with
obesity, so body weight is a key reason why where you live is a risk factor for
insulin resistance.
Rising rates in China 2010
China now has more people with diabetes than any other country, making it clear
that the nation's soaring economic growth is taking a toll on public
health.According to the report, more than 92 million adults in China have
diabetes, and nearly 150 million more are well on their way to developing it.
The disease is more common in people with large waistlines and in those who live
in cities. The New England Journal of Medicine, March 25, 2010.
Latinos, diabetes,
and diet
Latinos with diabetes living in the United States are better off sticking to
their traditional foods rather than adopt an American diet. Adopting an American
diet is associated with undesirable eating habits and an increased risk of
diabetes.
Symptoms
Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the beta cells in the pancreas do not
release insulin. This is called an absolute insulin deficiency. Initial symptoms
of diabetes include frequent urination, thirst, weight loss despite an increased
appetite, fatigue, and irritability. Intensive insulinotherapy is a therapeutic
regimen for diabetes mellitus treatment. This newer approach contrasts with
conventional insulinotherapy. The results of a 30 year study have found that
early, intense diabetes management reduced the incidence of complications in
people with type 1 diabetes.
Complications of diabetes
Cataracts, retinal damage, atherosclerosis, heart attack, erectile dysfunction, kidney damage,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and accelerated aging. For older people with diabetes,
the condition does not increase the likelihood that they'll develop Alzheimer's
disease. However, diabetes is associated with areas of brain damage called
cerebral infarction which can impair mental capacity. For information on
diabetic foot ulcer.
Diabetes and cancer
Type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of liver, pancreas, colon
cancer, as well as other cancers. High blood sugar probably increases the risk
for cancer.
Depression
Adults with type 1 diabetes report more symptoms of depression and more often
use anti-depressant medication than adults without type 1 diabetes.
Erectile dysfunction
Among men with type 2 diabetes, depression represents one of the most important
factors contributing to the risk of
erectile
dysfunction. There appears to be a vicious cycle, in which depression may
instigate the development of erectile dysfunction, while the erectile
dysfunction symptoms perpetuate the symptoms of depression. Thus, erectile
dysfunction in patients with diabetes is not related entirely to organic
factors.
If a man with type 2 diabetes also
suffers from erectile dysfunction (ED),
it strongly suggests that he could well have coronary artery disease that's not
causing any symptoms, researchers report.
Testosterone
Many young men with type 2 diabetes have low levels of testosterone. Their lack
of testosterone may influence their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Paresh
Dandona of the State University of New York at Buffalo thinks whatever else is
happening with diabetes and heart disease, gross sexual dysfunction and
infertility could be part of the story. Diabetes Care, online July 23, 2008.
Insulin and
Diabetes
Insulin, a hormone released from the pancreas, is the primary
substance responsible for maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. Insulin allows
glucose to be transported into cells so that they can produce energy or store the glucose
until it's needed. The rise in blood sugar levels after eating or drinking stimulates the
pancreas to produce insulin, preventing a greater rise in blood sugar levels and causing
them to fall gradually. Because muscles use glucose for energy, blood sugar levels
fall during physical activity.
Diabetics have difficulty producing insulin or processing the
insulin that their bodies produce, or both. Diabetics have been injecting
insulin as a tried-and-true treatment since the 1920s.
Older individuals
Elderly with
diabetes are significantly more likely to decline mentally over the years than
women without diabetes, and poor control of blood sugar levels may be partially
to blame.
Women
Hormone replacement therapy used to
treat postmenopausal symptoms seems to accelerate the build-up of deposits in
the coronary arteries of women who have abnormal glucose tolerance -- a sign of
impending or full-blown diabetes.
Diabetes ulcer cream warning for
Regranex
FDA in June 2008 announced the addition of a boxed warning to the label of
Regranex Gel 0.01% (becaplermin) to address the increased risk of cancer
mortality in patients who use three or more tubes of the product. Regranex is a
topical cream for diabetic patients to treat leg and foot ulcers that are not
healing.
Type I diabetes in children
There is a high prevalence of abnormal eating behavior and eating
disorders among girls with type 1 diabetes. Eating disturbances in these
diabetes patients start young and are likely to persist over time.
Taking cod liver oil early in life appears to
reduce the chances that children will develop insulin-dependent (type 1)
diabetes. The protection may possibly come from the anti-inflammatory effects of
long-chain n-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil.
In children with type 1 diabetes, high blood glucose (sugar) levels are
associated with an increase in externalizing behaviors, such as aggression,
delinquency, and hyperactivity.
High blood pressure and high lipid levels, as well as longer
disease duration, elevated glucose (sugar) levels, and male gender, are all
significant risk factors for kidney disease in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Taking cod liver oil early in life appears to
reduce the chances that children will develop insulin-dependent (type 1)
diabetes. The protection may possibly come from the anti-inflammatory effects of
long-chain n-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil.
For children with type 1 diabetes, blood sugar levels that are
either too low or too high may disrupt their ability to concentrate and think
Diabetes drugs
Drugs for diabetes treatment include Actos from Takeda and Avandia from
GlaxoSmithKline, and the injectable drug Byetta from Amylin and Eli Lilly & Co.,
treat diabetes. Byetta works by signaling the pancreas to produce the right
amount of insulin after eating. Byetta is a drug based on the saliva of the Gila
monster, a rare venomous lizard from the American Southwest and Mexico.
Not only do diabetics sometimes have trouble producing insulin
naturally, but they also develop resistance to it. Actos and Avandia work by
reducing that resistance. Actos and Avandia share many characteristics because
they're members of the same drug class, known as thiazolidinedione, or TZD.
Januvia, a diabetes drug from New Jersey-based Merck & Co., Inc.,
is the newest entrant to the diabetes field. Like the other drugs, it controls
blood-sugar levels and is only used by diabetics with type II diabetes, which
generally emerges in adults as a result of obesity.
Diabetes and supplement use
questions
Q. My 13 years old son has been newly diagnosed with diabetes type 1. I am
looking for scientific medical help considering complementary medicine, namely
in what concerns natural therapies with natural herbs and nutrients. Yet I have
been dealing with some difficulty because the market is used to respond only
accordingly with the traditional medical approach, that is the necessary
controlled diet and regular insulin trying to maintain glucose levels. Yet with
this traditional approach is difficult to achieve good metabolic levels, namely
by constant hypo or hyper glycemias. Do you have any supplements recommended for
diabetes type 1, that might help reducing insulin intake and help metabolic
parameters? (I have read some interesting information about ivy gourd,
fenugreek, gymnena, bitter melon, chromium, vitamin B and C, NAC.
A. The supplements you mention are all beneficial for those with
diabetes type two. We have focused most of our attention on the treatment for
type 2 diabetes and don't have much experience or seen much research regarding
the treatment of diabetes type one in adolescents. Dietary intake of omega-3
fatty acids such as fish oils is associated with reduced risk of pancreatic
islet autoimmunity in children at increased genetic risk for type 1 diabetes.
Low consumption of simple carbohydrates improves blood sugar control in type 1
diabetes.
Q. Which herbs and supplements are contra indicated for
type 2 diabetes?
A. We can't think of any specific herb or supplement that elevates
blood sugar levels and as such would be contra indicated for patients with type
2 diabetes when used in small or reasonable amounts. Perhaps ribose, which is a
sugar, may not be a good idea or any supplement that has sugar added or has lots
of fructose.
Does the use of yohimbe bark
herb raise blood sugar levels?
Not that we are aware of.
Do any diabetes studies with natural treatment report
what a daily dosage of alpha lipoic acid should be if one takes this supplement
for many years?
Studies with diabetes vitamins and herbs have rarely
extended for more than a year. Until more data are published, it may be best to
keep daily alpha lipoic acid dosage to 50 mg or less.
We are the distributors of DiabeDeze an herbal
supplement proven to control blood glucose levels on two pills per day.
DiabeDeze comes from Australia and is clinically tested by their Therapeutic
Goods Administration. Findings show that this product works dramatically. I
believe you would be interested in Suns Natural’s new product release, DiabeDeze.
I have enclosed the information regarding DiabeDeze in the attachment. You will
read about the outstanding test results achieved in controlling blood glucose by
taking DiabeDeze. Suns Natural, L.L.C.
We will await published studies in medical journals to
see if the claim that this product control blood glucose levels is true.
I have type II diabetes and use no insulin or
prescription drugs. I keep my morning glucose readings in the 80-120 range with
diet and supplements. What is the right dosage of alpha lipoic acid for
diabetes? Sources recommend more alpha lipoic aicd for a person with diabetes
that for "normal" people. Do you agree with that recommendation? They
recommend 600mg (equals 300mg R-form) for diabetes which greatly exceeds
recommendation of 50mg R-lipoic form three days a week recommended by Dr. Ray Sahelian! How can I reconcile
these disparate recommendations? What is your advice for diabetes
treatment?
There is a difference in the dosage of a supplement
as to whether it is meant for long term preventive maintenance or for the
treatment of a medical condition such as diabetes. Also, when research is done, they use
high amounts of the tested nutrient or drug for short period of time just
so they can elicit a statistically measurable effect. This does not mean
that people should be taking these high amounts forever. We have no idea
what would happen to people if they took 300 or 600 mg alpha lipoic acid every day for years
to come. If you have diabetes, first inform your doctor of your
interest in using ALA, then start with half a capsule of 50 mg R-ALA. With
time you can increase the dose gradually while monitoring your blood
sugar. One side effect to look out for is insomnia. If you notice being
too alert when you go to bed, it may be that you are taking too much ALA,
or perhaps too many other supplements.
Q. I am 42 years old, and have had diabetes for 10 years. For the first three
years I was on medication like Avandia and
Ameryl, and for the past 7 years, I have been on insulin (humulin and humolog).
I have a little high cholestral, and taking Vytorin and also Enapril for
preventing blood pressure. I think, in the past five years I have overused these
insulin as I eat alot rice and use insulin to bring the glucose down. Lately, I
am trying to get into the healthy regime, like eating more vegetable and protein
and avoiding as much as possible carbohydrates like rice, sweets. I am also
exercising alot. I have been taking varieties of herbs in the past few years and
quite well updated on that. I am a graduate student and would be getting into
work which is highly cognitive. I am following the healthy regime, which is
taking more veg, protein, varieties of herb tablets during the day (to balance
glucose level) and have reduced insulin intake substantially and found my
glucose control was much better than when I used insulin. The problem with the
healthy regime I am following is that I found my cognition is not as good as
before (not sure if it is because my sugar is under control or less). I find, I
am forgetting things, memory is not that good, ocassionally feel tired and
sleepy and lethargic. I also tried to take cognition related tablets which has
Alpha-GPC, phosphatidylserine but it only provides a
temporary effect.
Q. I have been researching natural diabetes treatments (for the control of blood
sugars) as possibly cures/aids to acne treatment. I have come across a product
called Eleotin that makes some pretty bold statements about diabetes which flies
in the face of pharmaceutical dogma. I have talked to diabetics who have taken
it who say that it has helped them control their blood sugar (apparently it
slows the rate of digestion of carbohydrates to prevent exceedingly high blood
sugar levels after eating meals). Have you heard of this type of treatment for
diabetes? Might it be helpful for acne treatment as well?
A. The ingredients for the various blends of ELEOTIN are listed on
each ELEOTIN box or bottle. The most frequent ingredients are Platycodi Radix
(Root), Schizandrae Fructus (Fruit), Capsella Bursa (Stem), Glycyrrhizae Radix
(Root), Astragalus Membranaceus Bunge (Root), Lycium Chinese (Fruit), Dioscorea
Japonica Thunberg (Root), and others. Depending on the countries where ELEOTIN
is sold, different variations are present in response to the local regulatory
requirements. We have not seen research with Eleotin as a treatment for diabetes
or acne.
I have diabetes type 2, I read and hear constantly about how patients with
diabetes need to keep their weight down, and avoiding gaining weight around the
waist (being pear-shaped). What I never see or hear anything about is what to do
when that weight gain is caused by the diabetes medicines being taken. My doctor
has stated the obvious - that I should not stop taking the meds in order to lose
the weight! I'm 57 years old. In my case, three years ago, I put on 80 lbs over
the course of a year, while maintaining my exercise and diet regimen. My doctor
started me on Avandia when diet and exercise alone no longer maintained my blood
sugar at the proper levels. Over the next year, the Avandia dosage was doubled,
then doubled again. After it became apparent that it wasn't having the desired
effect, Amaryl was added, Avandia was later dropped, Metformin was added later
on, and then insulin. I also take Byetta. I understand the weight gain, since
these meds and insulin work by altering metabolism, but what are your thoughts
on how to deal with it? My experience has been that if I try to eat less, my
blood sugar numbers go up. If I eat enough to maintain the blood sugar, then I
don't lose any weight. This has been the case both with and without exercising.
We are not in a position to offer specific advice, but it is
agreed in the scientific community that weight gain makes blood sugar control
worse and leads to a worse case of diabetes. Eating less, in general, should
keep blood sugar lower in those with type 2 diabetes. Weight loss should lower
blood sugar in those who have diabetes. Diet Rx can help with appetite control
and you can ask your doctor if it appropriate for you. Your doctor may also wish
to review natural health information regarding diabetes on the web site.
Q. I ordered Passion Rx with Yohimbe today for my husband. He is a Diabetic
and just recently started experiencing Erectile Dysfunction. He has been
diabetic for over 15 years and have never had this issue. His medications are
Starlix and Lantis (Insulin). Will Passion Rx formula be OK for him. He is now a
vegan and his doctor has decreased his medications based on these actions.
A. It is difficult to predict any particular person's response to
an herbal sexual product. Those with diabetes are prone to erectile dysfunction
and are also more prone to heart problems. High amounts of herbal aphrodisiacs
can lead to the heart beating faster. One option, if his doctor approves, is to
open a capsule of the Passion Rx by pulling and twisting on each side of the
capsule, empty half into a glass of water or juice, and drink this about 20
minutes before breakfast. This can be done every other day. If, after a week,
there has not been much help, the dosage can be increased to two thirds of
a capsule. The idea is to proceed slowly and minimize any potential side effect.
Practically every herb or medicine for erectile dysfunction has some side
effects but this can be reduce by lowering the dosages of the products used.
Your doctor may also recommend fish oil capsules and eating more cold water fish
and more fresh vegetables.
I have diabetes type 2, insulin resistance (under good control) and have been
looking for supplements that are the best at boosting Nitric Oxide and improving
smooth muscle relaxation; I would like to know if you could point me to the best
ones in your range that may do this - I am not asking for a recommendation
whatsoever for my condition - I am only asking for information on nitric oxide /
smooth muscle relaxants that may help in supplement form - the ones I saw were
Passion Rx or quercetin , but there may be others?
Arginine, citrulline, ginseng, and other products may be
helpful.
I was diagnosed with diabetic type 2. My blood sugar is around 175 to 180. My
doctor tells me to loose weight, which I am now at 230 lbs and I am 5'9 tall. I
have been using pills R-Lipoic Acid since several month, but it has not lowered
my blood sugar. I have started to exercise and with the additional sugar pills
from my doctor ( Januvia 100MG and Actos 15MG) I am not happy that I can get my
sugar level below 120. What pills from your research would you recommend me to
take to lower my sugar.
Some of the suggestions on this page may be of benefit.
I am Mohamed 47 years old married with 3 childrens. And I am from Singapore suffering from diabetic almost 15years and now also developing feet pain and burning on my foot also very very painful, I am also having sexual problems like errectic dyfunction. (pennis cant errect). For my diabetic I am taking Dimicron 30mg 2 tablet at morning every day oncebefore breakfast. There is so many type of vitamin in your list could you please recomend me the best vitamin for my daily need. I greatly appreciate for your kind attantion and cooperation on the above matter.
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