Diabetes Information
Types and Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes Symptoms
Diabetes Supplements
Diabetes Information
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 23 million people, 7.8% of the population, who are diabetic in the US. It is listed as the sixth leading cause of death in the US and the primary cause of blindness between the ages of 20 and 70. Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, is a disease that results in high blood sugar levels in the body due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or any insulin or the cells of the body being insulin resistant. When glucose builds up, it is passed out through urine and the body loses its source of fuel.
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Types and Causes of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes - Juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually develops before age 20. For those with type 1 Diabetes, the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas are destroyed by the body’s immune system which results in zero insulin production by the pancreas. 5 to 10% of diabetics are Type 1 and they must take insulin daily to live.
Type 2 Diabetes - Adult onset diabetics make up about 90 to 95% of all diabetics. 80% of Type 2 Diabetics are also overweight. The pancreas is generally producing enough insulin, yet the cells have become resistant. Again, because blood glucose goes unused, it is passed through urine and the body is unable to use that glucose as fuel.
Gestational Diabetes – Diabetes related to pregnancy is another form of type 2 diabetes. 3% to 8% of pregnant women will develop Gestational Diabetes. It is caused by hormonal resistance to insulin. The condition usually disappears after delivery, but there may be a much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
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Diabetes Symptoms
Some people have no symptoms but many experience a range of symptoms including fatigue and exhaustion, weight loss, blurred vision, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, and slow healing of wounds.
Many believe food allergies have a link to diabetes. If you are diabetic,
you might consider getting tested, especially for corn which is ever present in
the United States. Even if you don't seem to have symptoms, many who have
food allergies don't realize they have allergies because they have been living
with them their whole life.
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Diabetes Supplements
(Consult Doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, especially pregnant women)
Alpha Lipoic Acid - Sometimes used to control blood sugar levels as it is a powerful antioxidant. High doses of ALA can lead to fatigue, insomnia, and overexcitement. Most sources recommend not taking more than 50 mg a day unless under the care of a physician.
Bitter Melon - Thought to increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Bitter melon is also thought to improve the immune system. Bitter melon is not recommended for pregnant women and side effects of bitter melon include diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain or headache.
Chromium Picolinate – Believed to improve the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before taking chromium.
Dandelion Root - Protects the liver and may have alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity that will be helpful to diabetics although it has not been fully studied yet.
Fenugreek – Thought to reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. In people with type 2 diabetes, fenugreek supplementation has been shown to significantly lower overall cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (known as LDL or “bad cholesterol,” associated with cardiovascular dis¬ease), and triglycerides (blood fats)— all while easing diabetic symptoms (Alternative Medicine Review 2003).
Garlic - Improves circulation, reduces blood sugar levels and enhances immunity.
Ginseng Tea – May lower blood sugar, but is not recommended for those with high blood pressure.
Huckleberry – Improves circulation, vision and lowers blood sugar.
L-Carnitine – Improves glucose disposal.
L-Glutamine - Prevents hyperinsulinemia, and enhances glucose utilization resulting in the reduction of hyperglycemia
Quercetin - Helps protect the membranes of the eye from high glucose levels.
Spirulina – Natural food supplement that helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Vanadium - Vanadium can mimic the effects of insulin and reduce blood sugar levels, but may be toxic if taken too long or without supervision.
Vitamin B-Complex - Helps improve the metabolism of glucose.
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