7th leading cause of death in the US
11 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes
During the 1990’s the prevalence of type-II diabetes has increased 33%
overall, and 70% among people in their thirties.
Symptoms
Thirst
Excessive urination
Lethargy
Irritability
Sugar cravings
However, symptoms are often missed because the sufferer feels fine and does not consult a doctor.
Sufferers are four times more likely to suffer stroke or develop cardiovascular disease; have thirteen times greater risk of kidney failure; are at increased risk of blindness, nerve damage, impotence, chronic infection and poor circulation.
Blood Tests
The Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)
This is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes and is most reliable when done in the morning.
Fasting Plasma Glucose Result
99 mg/dl and below: Normal
100 to 125 mg/dl: Pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose)
126 mg/dl and above: Diabetes
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
This is more sensitive than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes, but it is less convenient to administer. It requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water.
2-Hour Plasma Glucose Result:
139 mg/dl and below: Normal
140 to 199 mg/dl: Pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose)
200 mg/dl and above: Diabetes
Random Blood Glucose
A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:
increased urination
increased thirst
unexplained weight loss
Mechanism
Diabetes
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. In diabetes, the pancreas either stops producing insulin (type I, relatively uncommon), or the body cells become resistant to insulin that prevents them from taking up glucose from the blood (type II). Either way, sugar builds up in the blood, the body does not get enough fuel, and complications occur.
Type II diabetes is becoming increasingly common because of the change in lifestyle. As a population we are becoming more obese, less active and are ageing. These three factors, together with genetics, are associated with increased risk of diabetes.
Pre-Diabetes
In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be characterized as diabetes. However, many people with pre-diabetes develop type II diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type II diabetes.
Hypoglycemia
In susceptible individuals the rise in blood sugar following consumption of carbohydrates causes an abnormally high level of insulin to be released. This results in a drop in blood sugar levels. Sugar is the main fuel for the brain so when blood levels drop the brain becomes deprived and symptoms develop: craving for carbohydrates, heart palpitation, tremors, poor concentration, insomnia.
Dietary Influence
The good news is that by correcting our lifestyles we can prevent and manage type II diabetes.
Weight management
Avoidance of simple sugars
Moderate complex carbohydrates
Plenty of fiber from vegetables, legumes, fresh fruit and whole grains
Eat good fats such as raw nuts and seeds, and avocadoes
Small, frequent meals
Meals and snacks should be balanced for carbohydrates and protein and include some good fats
Avoid sugars, caffeine, alcohol, salt, refined foods, saturated and hydrogenated fats
Increase physical activity
Avoid stress
Benefits of Vitamin Supplementation
Minerals: Chromium, zinc, vanadium. magnesium
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
B Vitamins
Multivitamin and mineral
Essential fatty acids: GLA from evening primrose and EPA from fish oils
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Pancreatic Enzymes
Gymnema sylvestre
Brewers yeast