Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Diabetes type II

Dear Friends.

More and more people are seeking treatment for diabetes from me.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type I, so called insulin dependant diabetes, starts at an early age and is due to destruction of pancreatic cells by the immune system, resulting in low levels of insulin and requiring patients to get insulin injections.

Type II, where in the beginning the level of insulin could be high and blood glucose high, but body cells are unable to utilize the glucose. By itself, high blood glucose is not dangerous. Over time, however, it creates inflammation in the smallest vessels of the body and thus decreases the blood supply to organs. When this happens around nerves it causes neuropathy, when in the kidneys, nephropathy, and so on

I find it gratifying to treat Type II diabetes, because it responds well to treatment if patients are willing to do their part. Often patients are able to decrease their medications or get of them completely.

Here is the basic plan for managing Type II diabetes:

1. Eliminate from your diet: white bread, white rice, potato, cookies, candies, soft drinks, juices, cakes, ice cream, table sugar and honey.

2. Limit pasta to no more than 2 times per week. Patients are advised to eat barley, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa and brown rice, which are high in fibers and protein, instead of pasta.

3. It is now well known that many vitamins and minerals are essential for utilization of glucose and for restoration of cellular reception of glucose and insulin. These include: Magnesium, Chromium, Vanadium and Vitamin C.

4. “Good Fats” contribute to reduction of inflammation, especially fat that comes from fish, sometime called omega-3 oils.

5. Reduce your portions to control weight.

6. Increase portions and number of servings of vegetables per day. Vegetables can be served at breakfast, lunch and diner. I provide a long list of vegetables for my clients; they can always find some that they like.

7. EXERCISE for about 40 minutes per day. It is most important to include this in your daily routine.

In my practice I prescribe herbs that will help to lower blood glucose such as: Momordica charantia, Gymnema Sylvestre, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and others.

Never experiment with powerful herbs without the supervision of a naturopathic doctor or other knowledgeable health professional, as they may precipitate hypoglycemia and other health conditions.