Diabetes

Diabetes 

There are three main types of

1. Diabetes mellitus (DM). Type 1 DM  results from the body’s failure to produce insulin, and presently requires the person to inject insulin or wear an insulin pump. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM) or “juvenile diabetes”.
2. Type 2 DM  results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. This form was previously referred to as non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or “adult-onset diabetes”.
3. The third main form, gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level. It may precede development of type 2 DM.

Causes: 

Referring to Type 2 DM These may include:

• A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates.
• A diet high in high fructose corn syrup.
• Over consumption of processed foods.
• Excessive levels of stress leading to a cortisol high set point.
• Eating foods with a high glycemic index.
• Insufficient exercise or a sedentary life with more than 4 hours seated at a desk.

Clinical signs: 

• Frequent urination
• Fat layer just above the abdomen and bra strap area (sign of high cortisol levels)
• Feeling tired and lacking energy
• Feeling thirsty
• Going to the toilet often
• Getting infections frequently
• Getting infections which are hard to heal
• Poor eyesight or blurred vision
• Often feeling hungry

  Treatment: 

Alternative Preventative and Herbal Treatment. 

It is essential that you get a diagnosis from your doctor and discuss any lifestyle and dietary changes you wish to make. In particular do not take any herbal preparations with out consulting your doctor.

• Diet Read our articles on metabolism and diet. In short cut out all processed foods, hydrogenated oils, homogenised milk, refined carbohydrates and white sugars. Increase the proportion of fat and protein while cutting back on carbohydrates and eat unlimited quantities of green leafy vegetables. Add soluble fibre to your diet and increase body pH by taking lemon juice 10 minutes before a meal.
• Exercise Daily aerobic and anaerobic exercise is essential to maintain optimum endocrine health.

• Magnesium supplementation. Some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels, Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance.Helps with lowering blood sugar and protecting integrity of nerve cells.
• Gymnema Sylvestre Main use: Lowering blood sugar  200 to 250 milligrams twice daily.The plant is said to reduce the ability to detect sweetness. It’s regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for blood-sugar control. It may work by boosting the activity of enzymes that help cells use glucose or by stimulating the production of insulin. Though it hasn’t been studied ­extensively, it’s not known to cause serious side effects.
• Chromium Main use: Lowering blood sugar. This trace mineral is thought to enhance the action of insulin as well as being involved in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Some research shows that it helps normalize blood sugar — but only in people who are deficient in chromium.
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid Main use: Easing nerve pain take 270 to 540 milligrams once a day. Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and studies have found that the supplement can reduce and ­prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.
• Bilberry  Main use: Protecting the eyes and nerves. This relative of the blueberry contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves. These anti­oxidants, called anthocyanidins, seem to help prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that can result in nerve pain and retinopathy (damage to the eye’s retina). Animal studies have also suggested that bilberry may lower blood sugar.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid : Easing nerve pain, lowering blood sugar around600 to 800 milligrams a day. Called ALA for short, this vitamin-like substance neutralizes many types of free radicals. A build-up of free radicals, caused in part by high blood sugar, can lead to nerve damage and other problems. ALA may also help muscle cells take up blood sugar.  Studies have shown a decrease in nerve pain, numbness, and burning.
• Fenugreek Main use: Lowering blood sugar These seeds, used in Indian cooking, have been found to lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce high cholesterol, according to several animal and human studies. The effect may be partly due to the seeds’ high soluble fiber content. The seeds also contain an amino acid that appears to boost the release of insulin.
• Ashwagandha  Main use: Lowering blood sugar. Known for its immune-boosting and disease-fighting benefits, slows carbohydrate absorption; increases cells’ ability to use glucose; and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas.
• Gingko Main use: To improve blood supply to extremities and helps with cognitive function in the brain. Taken along with yarrow will help preserve integrity of blood vessels and nerve fibres.
• Bitter Melon Main use: Lowering blood sugar levels. Bitter melon is thought to help cells use glucose more effectively and block sugar absorption in the intestine. Researchers found that taking bitter melon lowered lower blood sugar. Ca be cooked as a delicious dish.
• Jerusalem Artichoke : is thought to help lower blood sugar and it contains crude inulin in which your gut flora bifidobacteria digest to produce short chain fatty-acids, such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. The first two fatty acids can be used by the liver for energy production, while butyric acid has been shown to have cancer-preventing properties within the intestine. Recent animal research also shows that inulin prevents precancerous changes in the colon. Note: naturally occurring inulin is not the same as manufactured ones in artificial sweetners.

•  Prickly Pear Cactus Main use: Lowering blood sugar  If you eat it as a food, aim for 1⁄2 cup of cooked cactus fruit a day. Otherwise, follow label directions. The ripe fruit of this cactus has been shown in some small studies to lower blood sugar ­levels. Researchers speculate that the fruit may possibly lower blood sugar because it contains components that work similarly to insulin. The fruit is also high in fiber.

  DISCLAIMER: The information in this page must not be used in place of professional veterinary treatment . We recommend that either a qualified herbalist or your animal professional carry out diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Herbal remedies must not be given not be taken in conjunction with other medication with out consulting a medical professional.