Tag: diabetes

  • Diabetes danger

    Diabetes danger

    Diabetes danger

    Don’t overlook this common condition

    Diabetes is now so common that it may be easy to forget the devastating consequences of this disease. Understanding this condition, its symptoms, and treatment strategies is the cornerstone of living well with diabetes.

    Types 1, 2 … and 3c?

    Our bodies get glucose from most foods in the diet (even broccoli) and circulate it through the bloodstream. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, escorts sugar into the cells, nourishing them and enabling our survival. If insulin is unavailable or ineffective, blood sugar levels escalate, leading to a diagnosis of diabetes.

    In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune attack on the pancreas damages the insulin-producing beta cells, preventing insulin production. Surgeries or diseases such as cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis can also destroy beta cells, causing the lesser-known type 3c diabetes. People with type 1 or 3c diabetes rely on life-saving insulin injections for survival.

    By contrast, insulin is abundant in type 2 diabetes but blood sugar levels skyrocket nevertheless. The culprit? Insulin resistance. In this metabolic state, the body’s cells cannot respond to insulin signalling, leaving glucose stranded in the blood. Treatment of type 2 diabetes aims to improve the body’s response to insulin.

    Is sugar really that bad?

    Although sweets and processed foods may seem harmless, high blood levels are anything but benign. Glucose binds to cells, causing extensive damage to the cardiovascular system, hardening arteries, and depriving vital organs of blood. People with all forms of diabetes have cardiovascular disease, kidney and liver failure, blindness, and even amputation more often than nondiabetics.

    Surgeries, infections, and dental procedures are more complicated for diabetics, as glucose slows wound healing and suppresses immunity. Nerve damage from high sugar levels cause digestive problems and painful numbness and tingling in the feet, while also decimating sexual function. Sadly, sugar really is that bad.

    Treatments for diabetes

    The goal for all diabetics is to control blood sugar levels. Doing so may soften the impact of life-altering complications.

    To manage sugars, type 1 diabetics replace the insulin their bodies no longer make, although some people may receive islet-cell transplantation to restore insulin production. Insulin is injected several times per day or through a continuous insulin pump.

    Exercise, illness, surgery, or even delayed meals can change blood sugar levels dramatically, requiring constant vigilance of glucose levels and insulin dosing. Using too much or too little insulin can create a life-threatening health crisis in moments.

    In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels are reduced by restoring sensitivity to insulin. Diabetics of all persuasions can benefit from appropriate weight maintenance while reducing dietary sugar and eating whole foods that are high in fiber and plant content.

    Regular exercise, even a daily walk, can curb blood sugar surges, especially if done after eating. Be sure to advise your prescriber if you make big changes, in case medications need adjusting.

    Supplements, including berberine and inositol, may promote insulin sensitivity quite effectively, but as Dr. Tara Andresen, ND, says, “the most profound, healing impacts come from focused lifestyle changes.” Weight loss, a healthy diet, and exercise can put type 2 diabetes into remission.

    Diagnosing diabetes

    Three classic symptoms are associated with all forms of diabetes:

    • increased thirst
    • increased hunger
    • increased urination

    Fatigue, irritability, and blurred vision are additional warning signs.

    Unintentional weight loss can herald a type 1 diagnosis, and symptoms can come on very quickly.

    Symptoms in type 2 come on more slowly and can include frequent infections, slow wound healing, and tingling in extremities.

    Diabetes may also have no symptoms at all. Consider periodic blood testing with your health care practitioner, especially if you are at increased risk.

    By Dr. Gillian Flower, ND

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • How to eat for diabetes

    How to eat for diabetes

    How to eat for diabetes

    The power of a plant-based diet

    Diabetes is a “silent killer.” Here’s how a plant-based dietary pattern (not a strict diet) can be a healthier way to manage diabetes.

    A diabetes recap


    Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes is an autoimmune disease that generally develops in childhood or adolescence. The body can’t produce insulin and thus can’t regulate blood sugar. Insulin injections or an insulin pump is necessary to ensure the body has the right amount of insulin.

    Type 2 diabetes, most commonly developed in adulthood, occurs when the body can’t properly use its own insulin—or not enough insulin is produced. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with healthy eating and regular exercise alone, but may also require medications or insulin therapy.

    Know the signs


    Discovery is a crucial first step. Millions of people live with type 2 diabetes and don’t even know it.

    People who are asymptomatic, haven’t followed up on symptoms (which can include frequent urination, blurry vision, and extreme thirst), or don’t often use the health care system may not get a diagnosis until they’ve had it for years. This may mean they need more intensive treatments than if the disease had been caught earlier.

    Get the right care


    Diabetes is a progressive condition, which means that treatment plans should evolve along with the disease. Behavioral modifications such as a plant-based diet may help with blood sugar control at first, but eventually more extensive treatments such as blood glucose monitoring or medication may become necessary.

    What difference do plants make?


    The increased soluble fiber in many plant-based foods such as Brussels sprouts, black beans, and root vegetables can slow carbohydrate absorption and bind glucose. This slower rate of absorption helps stabilize blood sugars.

    In contrast, high amounts of refined sugar and carbohydrates spike glucose and cause the pancreas to produce extra insulin. Some of the extra glucose may be converted into triglycerides in the liver, and the fat may be shipped to the tissues.

    Vegan or vegetarian diets are also typically higher in pulses (like such as barley or quinoa). The high magnesium content of these whole grains helps regulate glucose, improves insulin sensitivity, and controls energy metabolism.

    Finally, vegetarians and vegans tend to consume fewer saturated fats. Since many meats contain more fat and calories, they may increase the risk of diabetes. In fact, some research suggests that red meat should be included in the list of diabetes risk factors.

    Remember—“vegetarian” doesn’t always mean “healthy”


    While a plant-based diet pattern is often higher in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, it doesn’t guarantee weight loss or stable blood sugar levels. Check with your health care practitioner before adopting a new diet.

    Consider supplements


    Supplements to support healthy blood sugar include:

    • protein
    • magnesium
    • peppermint
    • pharmaGABA
    • quercetin


    The type and amount of supplemental support depend on your health, eating patterns, and lifestyle. Since supplements can interact with medications, it’s important to create an individualized plan with your health care practitioner.

    By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

    Content Courtesy of Alive Magazine