Ailments and Situations - Diabetes - Remedies

- Amino Acids -

Amino Acids

Taurine is an amino acid that has been shown to enhance peripheral insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in animal studies. In another animal study, taurine reduced elevated blood pressure and improved circulation. This has obvious implications for diabetics, as high blood pressure and impaired circulation are complications of the disease. However, more studies are needed to evaluate taurine for its effectiveness and possible side effects in humans before diabetics begin to supplement with it.

- Antioxidants -

Antioxidants

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has been proven useful in the prevention and reversal of diabetic neuropathies. It is believed that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of diabetic neuropathies. ALA seems to improve blood supply to the nerves involved in these complications by reducing the oxidative stress they undergo. One study showed that peripheral neuropathies (for example, numbness and tingling of hands and feet) of people with type 2 DM was improved with intravenous injections of ALA over a period of three weeks. Another study found that patients with type 2 DM that were suffering from cardiac autonomic neuropathies (CAN) showed improvement of CAN with an oral dose of 800 mg ALA per day (4 doses of 200 mg each). This dose was well tolerated by the patients with no side effects. ALA has also been shown to normalize reduced glucose uptake and utilization in diabetic animal models. Subsequently, oxygen uptake by cells, myocardial ATP levels, and cardiac output also improved.

Sliymarin is an antioxidant derived from milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The suggested dose is 600 to 800 mg per day for diabetics. A study using a dose of 600 mg per day over a four month period showed a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels, average daily blood glucose levels, and daily urine glucose levels for the patients involved It is thought that silymarin reduces oxidation of pancreatic cell membranes (with recovery of b-cell function) and insulin resistance, decreases insulin overproduction by the body, and reduces the need for insulin administration.

- Foods -

Foods

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also known as karela, is a vegetable used extensively in South Asia, South America, the Orient, and Africa. It is reported to have hypoglycemic, antiviral, anti-diabetic, and anti-tumour activities. It is thought to mimic the action of insulin. One animal study demonstrated that the juice of bitter melon stimulated glycogen storage by the liver and insulin secretion by the b-cells of the pancreas. Another animal study showed that the extract obtained from this vegetable improved glucose tolerance significantly. It also stimulated glycogen synthesis which may help to lower blood glucose levels. The suggested dose is 100 mg of extract per day, but you can also drink the juice of fresh bitter melon.

- Lifestyle -

Lifestyle

First and foremost, avoid refined carbohydrates. This includes refined sugar, refined grain products (white breads, pastas, and rice), and processed foods that contain these ingredients. They cause a glucose rush in the bloodstream that stresses the pancreas to react quickly. Raw vegetables and fruit should be consumed, as they are rich in enzymes that assist in their own digestion. Heating or cooking destroys these enzymes. Jerusalem artichokes are also suggested. These are tubers that contain inulin (a soluble fibre) and inulase (an enzyme), both of which help to stabilize glucose levels. They can be prepared like potatoes, juiced, or eaten raw.

- Minerals -

Minerals

Chromium has received a lot of fanfare in regards to its use for diabetics, and for good reason. Studies have shown that chromium significantly reduces post-prandial (after a meal) and fasting blood glucose levels. It does so by potentiating the action of insulin, promoting the uptake of glucose by both skeletal muscle cells and adipose cells. Another study showed that chromium supplementation reduced the requirements of some diabetic patients for insulin, sulfonylurea, and metformin (the latter two being drugs often prescribed to people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by dietary changes and exercise). Some patients were even able to manage their glucose levels with chromium alone. You should consult with your naturopath or other health care professional before supplementing with chromium, especially if you are taking insulin, sulfonylurea, metformin, or other drug that affects blood glucose levels. Chromium has also displayed "antiatherogenic" activity. This means it slows the development and encourages the regression of arterial plaques. It can lower LDL and increase levels of HDL in the blood stream. This is of particular importance for diabetics, due to its implications on eliminating or diminishing the risk of these diabetic complications. Several studies have been conducted to test the effectiveness of different forms of chromium. The results show that only chromium picolinate exerts the effects mentioned above. It has been proposed that this combination enhances the absorption and utilization of chromium. A daily dose of between 1,000 to 1,500mcg of chromium has been suggested for people that are glucose intolerant or mildly diabetic. Gabbay suggests consuming brewer's yeast. It is nutrient-rich and a great source of biologically active chromium.

Magnesium has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure is one of several possible sequelae of diabetes. Due to the control it exerts over cellular calcium levels, optimal magnesium concentrations can help decrease high blood pressure, which is affected by calcium. A dose of 400 to 600 mg per day is suggested for people with IGT or mild diabetes (McCarty). Green food concentrates are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll, which is high in magnesium.

Vanadium is another mineral supplement that can be beneficial for diabetics. It has been called an "insulinomimetic" -- it mimics insulin. Vanadium increases insulin sensitivity and stimulates glucose uptake by skeletal muscle cells and liver cells. It may lower insulin requirements for type 1 diabetics, so you should see your naturopath or other health practitioner before supplementing with this mineral. Vanadium has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and blood cholesterol. Vanadium and chromium may interact with each other, so if supplementing with both, take them at different times. Some authors suggest that inorganic vanadium is poorly absorbed, so a chelated organic form should be used. Take 100mg daily. In another experiment, a dose of 125 mg of vanadium was also successful. Vanadium may cause mild nausea or gastrointestinal disturbances. If this occurs, use vanadyl sulfate.

- Therapies, Healing Aids, and More -

Therapies, Healing Aids, and More

Exercise is essential to management and prevention of diabetes and its complications. Moderate exercise can improve circulation and help reduce blood glucose levels. It also oxygenates the blood and improves cellular metabolism. Exercise can also help you manage your stress level. When you feel stressed the adrenal glands that sit on top of your kidneys release adrenaline. Adrenaline causes blood glucose levels to rise. Exercise promotes the utilization of glucose.

- Vitamins -

Vitamins

Vitamin C can be useful for the prevention of blindness, kidney disease, and neuropathy in people with diabetes. This vitamin has been proven to be effective in preventing what is called "glycation of proteins" as well as normalizing cellular sorbitol concentrations. Glycation occurs when sugar is added to protein, altering its physiological function. The accumulation of sorbitol in cells leads to a series of biochemical abnormalities. These two processes have been implicated in the initiation of the aforementioned complications. Take 250 to 600mg of vitamin C to reduce protein glycation and to bring sorbitol down to a normal level. It is best to spread the dose throughout the day rather than taking one large dose per day. This helps to increase absorption.

At a dose of 100 IU daily, vitamin E (like vitamin C) can greatly lower glycation of proteins, and can also lower triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. One study suggests that a high daily dose of vitamin E can substantially increase insulin sensitivity for people with type 1 diabetes, as well as decrease the risk of coronary disease and lower blood pressure. Take 800 to 1200 IU daily for those that are glucose intolerant or mildly diabetic.