Type II diabetes, or adult onset type, is the most common form of diabetes. Intense thirst and an uncommonly frequent need to urinate develop as a result of the urine's high sugar content. Constant fatigue, itchy skin and blurred vision are other problems that appear. As a result of the high sugar content in the blood, overall resistance to illness is low and skin infections heal poorly. Impotence, tingling in the hands and feet, and headaches are other signs. Often, this form of diabetes goes undetected for many years before symptoms become intense enough to cause suspicion. Onset typically occurs around age sixty, though it can occur earlier.
Juvenile or type I, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is the more serious form because insulin is completely absent. As the name suggests, it often begins at a young age. The symptoms begin fairly suddenly, causing fatigue, weight loss and muscle weakness despite almost constant hunger. Nausea and vomiting are common. If these first signs pass unnoticed, severe hypoglycemia results from an over-release of insulin. Strong hunger pangs, confusion, dizziness, sweating and trembling end in a fainting spell which is life-threatening.
Both forms of diabetes are precursors for many other illnesses, especially if diet and exercise are not properly managed. Kidney disease, nerve damage called polyneuropathy and scarring in the eye's retina are the most common and serious complications that occur as a result of high blood-sugar levels from a poorly maintained diabetes. There is a wide variety of other illnesses that can develop as well, including arteriosclerosis, heart disease, leg ulcers and high blood pressure.
Diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes, is a disorder that hinders the pancreas from excreting insulin. The hormone insulin is vital for proper metabolization of sugars. Without insulin, sugar cannot be removed from the blood to be used for fuel or put into storage. High amounts of sugar in the blood and the urine cause the symptoms of diabetes. Type II, or adult onset, diabetes is directly linked to the high sugar content of the typical North American diet. Baked goods, soda pop and alcoholic beverages contain massive amounts of sugar, but even processed foods and canned goods have sugar added, along with other additives. Refined carbohydrates are simple sugars too. They exist as white flour, white rice and pasta which lack the fiber and nutrients of whole wheat and brown rice. The pancreas, responsible for the release of insulin, is heavily burdened by this type of diet.
Whole grains containing natural fibers, raw fruits and vegetables and other wholesome foods ensure a slow release of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, which is less of a burden on the pancreas. Saturated fats in meat, margarines and commercial vegetable oils are also detrimental, since they are hard on the liver. Large, heavy meals put extra strain on the digestive system and the pancreas. Unfortunately, restaurants reinforce this unhealthy diet, whether they serve fast foods or not. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the likelihood of developing type II diabetes. Exercise improves circulation and improves the body's processing of sugar into energy.
Type I diabetes is more complex, as it occurs suddenly and usually early in life. High-sugar, low-fiber diets similarly affect the outcome and complications related to this form of diabetes. A good diet is essential for recovery from any serious illness. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's white blood cells attack the pancreas' insulin-producing cells. As in other autoimmune diseases, viral infections or extreme stress can be triggers. In rare cases, diabetes is the result of another illness, or medication such as cortisone.
Type II (non-insulin dependent) diabetes can often be effectively treated with dietary measures, making insulin administration unnecessary. Obesity exacerbates insulin sensitivity and must be reduced. The optimal diet for treating diabetes is free of simple sugars, which have an adverse effect on glucose tolerance, and high in complex carbohydrates and fibers, which improve insulin sensitivity and reverse blood-sugar level elevation.
The diet should consist largely of whole grains, especially oats, fruits and vegetables. Watercress and horseradish have a healing effect on the pancreas. Use regularly in meals, adding horseradish in small quantities only. Include plenty of legumes such as peas and beans, which contain water-soluble fiber, particularly beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Apple pectin is another valuable source of water-soluble fiber. Eating two apples or drinking a milkshake of skim milk, vanilla and apple pectin before a meal significantly reduces the amount of insulin needed to return blood-sugar levels to normal after eating.
Use nutritional yeast liberally, since it contains chromium, an essential component of GTF (glucose tolerance factor). Chromium deficiency is associated with diabetes. Onions and garlic are helpful in lowering blood sugar because of their active ingredients allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin). The tropical vegetable bitter melon contains several blood-sugar-lowering compounds without producing the side-effects of insulin. The juice of raw Jerusalem artichokes is a palatable, well-tolerated drink for diabetics because it contains the starch-like substance inulin and the enzyme inulase. Yeast and yeast extracts have a stimulating effect on the pancreas if it does not secrete sufficient amounts of insulin. Use for seasoning and as a sandwich spread in small but frequent quantities.
In reversing diabetes naturally, learn about the glycemic index of foods. Foods with a high glycemic index are rapid inducers of insulin, make blood sugar control worse, increase a craving for sweets and lead to greater weight gain, higher triglycerides and higher cholesterol.
Supplementation will help stabilize sugar levels and increase insulin production. Vitamin and mineral supplementation also help prevent the many additional conditions that are commonly associated with diabetes—including poor circulation of capillaries that leads to kidney, eye and nerve damage—as long as the diet is sound and regular physical activity is performed.
The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) available in flax seed oil, salmon oil and evening primrose oil is needed to regulate insulin and assist in recovery. It also protects the capillaries from damage. Green food supplements are also highly recommended, as these contain many essential nutrients and chlorophyll for cell renewal in the pancreas.
A number of the B vitamins stimulate insulin secretion when taken in frequent, small meals. The B vitamins are also essential in the prevention of neuropathy, a common problem associated with diabetes. They can be taken in the form of a B complex. Chromium GTF is also recommended, as it stabilizes blood-sugar levels and is often lacking when sugar is eaten. Low levels of vitamin E in the blood have been linked to high blood-sugar levels and often reduce insulin requirements. Start with a low dosage if taking insulin. Vitamin E also improves circulation, which tends to be poor in diabetics, and combats free radical damage to the capillary walls.
To prevent retinal problems associated with diabetes, both vitamin A and magnesium are recommended.
The doses of the following suggested supplements are dependent on biochemical tests and individual needs. As improvement occurs, doses are reduced and many of the supplements can be reduced: beta-carotene, inositol, vitamin C (if ferritin or blood iron levels are high, vitamin C should not be supplemented until levels return to normal because vitamin C increases iron absorption and may make iron toxicity problems worse), selenium, magnesium, potassium citrate, manganese, zinc picolinate, copper citrate, bioflavonoids (pycnogenol, rutin, hesperidin and quercetin), coenzyme Q10 and L-carnitine.
Daily dosages:
Most Important
Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
Vitamin B complex, 100 mg
Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg
Chromium, 200 mcg twice daily
Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU
Magnesium, 500 mg
Vitamin A, 10,000 IU
(avoid during pregnancy) or beta-carotene, 25,000 IU
Inositol, 500 mg, twice daily
Selenium, 70 mcg
Zinc picolinate, 15 mg
Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg
L-carnitine, 500 mg
Helpful
Wheatgrass or barley grass, 1 tsp. three times daily
Potassium citrate, 10 mg
Copper citrate, 2 mg
Quercetin, 500 mg daily
To help regulate blood-sugar levels and increase insulin production, herbal remedies have proven most effective.
A three-week bean husk juice therapy is very beneficial: soak 5 oz. of green or dry bean husks in 1 1/4 qt. cold water. After twelve hours, simmer everything until boiled down to 3 cups of creamy mass. Drink in small sips during the day.
Goat's rue stimulates insulin production in the pancreas. Make a tea of the flowers and leaves and drink before meals, adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp. of herb.
Fenugreek seeds reduce blood-sugar levels. Take a decoction of the seeds after meals.
Bilberry or wild blueberry leaves reduce blood-sugar levels and promote insulin production. Take as tea before meals.
Other herbs that lower or regulate blood-sugar levels include stinging nettle, dandelion, licorice root and suma. Take a combination of these herbs as tea twice daily.
When some people, especially children, suddenly become diabetic, take black walnut husk decoction to remove parasites from the pancreas. Normal insulin production will be resumed, if there has been no permanent damage to the glands.
Ginkgo biloba extract helps prevent diabetic retinopathy and peripheral vascular disease.
Alfalfa, aloe vera, garlic, onions, licorice root, cedar berries, goldenseal root, uva ursi, burdock root, fenugreek, capsicum, ginger, kelp, psyllium and ginseng may all be used to provide other trace minerals and to promote tissue healing, digestion and elimination.
Due to the seriousness of this condition, consultation with a homeopath is recommended.
Self-help tissue salt treatment of this condition is not recommended.
It is important to keep a regular routine of sleeping and eating habits.
Moderate exercise, including breathing exercises and sunbaths in fresh air, is beneficial.
To regulate pancreatic functioning, take hot showers and clay baths. Alternate body wraps with moist hot packs on the pancreas.
Daily cold-water stepping is very beneficial.
Avoid constant, stressful situations.
Regular doses of liquid whey will lower blood-sugar levels.
Reflexology
Work on the reflexes of the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, liver and especially those of the pancreas, as illustrated. There have been astonishing results with this therapy, but it will take time and perseverance.
Ideally, see a natural health care practitioner and get properly tested for nutritional deficiencies, toxicities and food allergies. Only then can a personalized nutritional plan be developed to suit your specific biochemical needs.
Nutritional Supplements
Molkosan (Bioforce)
Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)
Co-Q-Max (Flora)
Diabetiks (Green Turtle Bay Vitamin Co.)
Cell Respirate (Klaire Laboratories)
N-Acetyl L-Carnitine (Klaire Laboratories)
Chromium Chelate (Natural Factors)
Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)
Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)
Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)
Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil
(Natural Factors)
Natural Ratio Vitamin E (Quest Vitamins)
Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)
Herbal Remedies
Flor-Essence (Flora)
Green Magma (Green Foods)
Bilberry Extract (Natural Factors)
Ginger Root Extract (Natural Factors)
Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)
Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract
(Natural Factors)
Silica-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Alfalfa Leaves (Nature's Herbs)
Bilberry-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Burdock Root (Nature's Herbs)
Cayenne-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Cedar Berry Combination (Nature's Herbs)
Garlic, Odorless (Nature's Herbs)
Ginger Root (Nature's Herbs)
Ginkgo-Power (Nature's Herbs)
Golden Seal Root (Nature's Herbs)
Kelp (Norwegian) Combination
(Nature's Herbs)
Licorice Phytosome (Nature's Herbs)
Psyllium Seed (Nature's Herbs)
Uva Ursi Leaf (Nature's Herbs)
Ginkoba (Pharmaton)