The body’s cells require glucose to produce energy, we get this from the food we eat. Diabetes is a condition where the body is unable to use sugars and carbohydrates from food because its ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, this results in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates resulting in elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Eventually, this (hyperglycemia) will lead to damaged blood vessels which in turn leads to heart, eye, kidney, and neuropathy complications.
There are two types of diabetes:
Type 1 – Insulin-dependent diabetes
Type 2 – Non-Insulin-dependent diabetes
Type 1 is an auto-immune condition and usually starts at an early age, where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells found in the pancreas.
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. The pancreas does produce small quantities of insulin but this is not sufficient to fuel the cells, it is also believed that the cells may become resistant to the effects of what little insulin is produced.
(Prediabetes occurs when the blood sugar is higher than normal, but it’s not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.)
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in people with diabetes, particularly those with type 1 diabetes. It arises when there is a severe shortage of insulin in the body, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) and the production of ketones.
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of glucose in the blood. In the absence of sufficient insulin, the body cannot effectively use glucose as an energy source. As a result, the body starts breaking down stored fat for energy, which produces ketones as a byproduct. Ketones are acidic chemicals that can accumulate in the blood and disrupt the normal acid-base balance.Frequent urination: Excessive urination, especially during the night (nocturia), is a common symptom of diabetes. This occurs because the kidneys are working harder to eliminate excess sugar from the blood.
Increased thirst: As a result of frequent urination, you may experience excessive thirst (polydipsia) to compensate for fluid loss.
Unexplained weight loss: Despite eating more than usual, sudden and unexplained weight loss may occur in individuals with type 1 diabetes. This is due to the body’s inability to properly utilize glucose for energy and the breakdown of muscle tissue and fat for fuel.
Increased hunger: People with diabetes may experience persistent hunger (polyphagia) even after eating. This is because the body’s cells are not receiving enough glucose, leading to increased appetite.
Fatigue: Feeling tired and fatigued is a common symptom of diabetes. The body’s inability to effectively use glucose for energy can result in a lack of energy and constant fatigue.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, resulting in blurred vision. This symptom usually resolves once blood sugar levels are controlled.
Slow healing of wounds: Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal wounds and infections. Sores, cuts, or wounds may take longer to heal than usual.
Frequent infections: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and skin infections.
Tingling or numbness: Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy.
Dry skin: Diabetes can cause dry, itchy skin due to dehydration and poor circulation.
Erectile dysfunction: Men with diabetes may experience difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and can lead to irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and excess hair growth.
Yeast infections: Women with diabetes may experience more frequent and severe yeast infections, particularly in the vaginal area.
If the insulin levels drop too low coma and death may occur.
People with diabetes have to take particular care of their feet as any foot infection if not dealt with timeously can result in gangrene.The aim here is to restore blood sugar levels to as close as normal as possible.
In Type 1 diabetes, daily insulin injections, lifestyle and dietary adjustments are required to achieve this.
Type 2 diabetes usually requires medication/supplementation lifestyle and dietary changes (Mild cases can often be treated when only dietary and lifestyle adjustments are made)
Nutrients and supplements:
1. Chromium & zinc – for stabilising blood sugar and reducing sugar craving. Assists the cells to absorb blood glucose.
2. Diabetes Remedy – for regulating blood sugar levels, regulating insulin levels, and a tonic for the pancreas.
3. Gymnema – may increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas.
4. Vitamin B Complex – is important for bodily health.
5. Magnesium – may help manage blood sugar levels for diabetics. Anyone who tends to consume less magnesium than normal in their diet may have poorer blood sugar regulation and therefore are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
6. Sugar check – lessens sugar cravings.
7. Berberine – may assist with insulin resistance in diabetics.
8. Pancreas remedy – helps to regulate insulin production.
9. Inflammation remedy – a general anti-inflammatory, for all inflammatory conditions.
10. Buffered Vit C – may slow or prevent diabetic complications.
11. Zinc – a zinc deficiency has been linked to diabetes.
There are several causes of diabetes, and they can vary depending on the type of diabetes. The two main types of diabetes are type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Here are the causes associated with each type:
Type 1 Diabetes:
Autoimmune Response: In most cases of type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Having specific genes or a family history of type 1 diabetes can contribute to its development.
Environmental Triggers: Environmental factors, such as viral infections or exposure to certain toxins, may trigger the autoimmune response in individuals who are genetically susceptible to type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Insulin Resistance: Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, which means the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. This leads to higher blood sugar levels. The exact cause of insulin resistance is not fully understood, but it is influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history and genetics can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes can significantly increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition.
Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Factors such as sedentary behavior, poor diet (high in processed foods, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats), obesity, and smoking can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Other Causes:
Gestational Diabetes: During pregnancy, some women may develop high blood sugar levels, leading to gestational diabetes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can interfere with insulin function. Although gestational diabetes usually resolves after giving birth, it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Pancreatic Diseases or Damage: Certain diseases or damage to the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, can impair insulin production and lead to diabetes.
Medications and Medical Conditions: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and certain antipsychotic medications, can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to the development of diabetes. Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing’s syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are also associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes.Deep sorrow, sadness, or loss. A longing for what might have been. Trauma-related to shock and feeling out of control.The following eating principles are indicated for diabetics:
1. Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, Daily servings of leafy green vegetables, fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Only moderate amounts of whole grains are permitted. Eat plenty of fiber, consisting of at least 3 of the following daily: 1 bowl of salad, 1 cup cooked leafy green vegetables, 1 apple, or 1 tablespoon of wheat or oat bran. High fiber helps to balance blood sugar levels and assists in eliminating fats from the body. Eat fish rich in essential fatty acids such as mackerel, herring, and salmon twice per week.
2. Drink at least 8 cups of filtered water daily.
3. Avoid the following:
a. Prepackaged and processed foods,
b. Anything with a high sugar content such as sweets, chocolate, cakes, muffins, cookies, and fizzy drinks.
c. Sweeteners, including honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, and molasses
d. Refined carbohydrates such as white flour and white rice.
e. Fruit juices
f. Alcohol because of its high sugar content.
g. Eliminate or greatly reduce animal products in the diet, including meat, organ foods, eggs, cheese, milk, cream, and other dairy products. Substitute red meat with more beans, nuts, and seeds or fish and chicken as much wherever possible.
h. Fried foods, switch instead to steaming and baking.
4. Reduce fats such as butter, margarine, vegetable oils, and mayonnaise. Nuts and nut butters also have a high fat content and need to be limited. Fats block the action of insulin in the blood.
Cardiovascular System,Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat,Nervous System,Digestive System, Immune System,Urinary SystemChromium & zinc (caps), Diabetes remedy (tinc), Gymnema (caps), Vitamin B12, Magnesium (caps)
