Definition:
Diabetes is the most common of the serious metabolic diseases in humans and
should be taken very seriously. It is estimated that over 5 million
Americans are being treated for diabetes, while another 20 million
have impaired glucose tolerance, that will lead to developing this
disease. Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate metabolism.
It is characterized by elevated blood sugar and left untreated it
will increase your risk of atherosclerosis, kidney disease, and
loss of nerve function. Diabetes mellitus is divided into two groups.
The first is called insulin-dependant. This condition is characterized
by a loss in the ability to produce insulin it is usually found
in children and young adults. Some researchers believe that it may
be due to a viral infection or autoimmune attack on the pancreas.
The second, form called type II, is often referred to maturity-on-set
diabetes. This usually occurs in people after the age of forty,
however this form is beginning to show up in much younger adults,
as early as 20 years of age. This form of diabetes is mostly diet
related. It can be safely controlled with proper nutrients and diet.
Symptoms:
Classic symptoms of this disorder are frequent urination, excessive thirst
and appetite, and elevated blood glucose, following an overnight
fast. If your overnight blood glucose levels are above 140mg/dl
you need to seek treatment immediately. Other symptoms associated
with this disease are blurred vision, drowsiness, slow wound healing,
and tingling or numbness in the feet.
Holistic Treatment Plan:
Treatment for this disease includes adding more protein to the
diet, and eliminating refined carbohydrates. Avoiding the use of
fruit juices is essential because consumption of fruit juice places
a heavy load on carbohydrate metabolism. I believe that adult on
set diabetes occurs mostly in people who show a sensitivity to carbohydrates.
When eating carbs, especially refined carbs like pasta, white rice,
refined flour, fruit drinks, and sugar-laden foods, their body over
reacts to remove the sugar from the blood. In doing so they end
up driving their blood sugar levels down to quickly. This leads
to eating frequently. You will soon be hungry after meals and the
process is repeated. Over time the pancreas over responds to eaten
carbohydrates and excess amounts of insulin flood the blood stream.
This extra insulin plays havoc on our bodies. It will cause the
body to retain water, causing rapid weight gain, it will allow the
cells to increase production of LDL-cholesterol, and it will change
the shape of our cells thus making insulin less effective. This
in turn leads to greater insulin production and the cycle repeats
itself until the insulin cannot work properly and more insulin is
required. This is when people are placed on oral insulin medication.
Oral insulin can have many bad side effects. All of this is avoidable
through proper diet and nutritional supplements.
References:
Evans, Gary, W., AChromium Picolinate-A Basic Ingredient for Good Health@,
Better Nutrition for Today=s Living, January, 1991
Murray, M. Ph.D. and Pizzorno, J. N.D., Encyclopedia of Natural
Medicine, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA 1991
Balch, J., M.D. , Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing
Avery Publishing, NY,1997,
Disclaimer:
All information given here is for educational purposes only. For a proper diagnosis and
treatment plan you must consult your health care practitioner.
