DIABETES
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki, MPH
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease.
It is much more common than type 1 as 80-90% of all diabetics in high-income countries are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Every third adult in UK has pre-diabetes! Half of the people with type 2 diabetes are not aware they have it!
KEY CAUSES
– Fat in belly area or visceral (hidden) fat covering internal organs. Fat cells in abdomen area produce protein called resistin which is the key cause of insulin resistance. In addition, those fat cells also make chemicals that lead to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune-related cells, causing systemic inflammation and contributing to insulin resistance.
– Diet high in bad pro-inflammatory fats (especially commercial refined oils and margarines). Study led by Prof. D. Marth, has shown that when healthy animals were fed a high-fat diet, they developed a form of insulin resistance.
– Deficiency of Vitamin D, Zinc, Chromium, Magnesium, & B Vitamins. Lack of these vitamins and minerals lead to reduced insulin sensitivity and increased blood glucose levels.
– Insufficient consumption of unrefined plant foods containing soluble fibre as it has ability to lower and balance blood glucose levels.
– Diet high in sugar & fructose, leading to sugar spikes, accumulation of fat (in the body sugar is converted to fat and stored) and overweight.
– Lack of exercise. Physical activity increases need for energy and stimulates muscle cells and other cells to absorb more fuel (sugar) from the blood. Exercise also increases insulin sensitivity.
– There are also reasons to believe that modern wheat products (including whole meal wheat breads) contribute to diabetes (>).
EXAMPLE OF SOUTH KOREA
Until 1970s type 2 diabetes was almost unknown disease in South Korea due to their healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, in 1970s Koreans started systematically increasing consumption of refined foods such as white rice, white flour products and foods containing sugar and high fructose/glucose syrup. They replaced seeds and nuts with refined oils and trans-fats such as margarines. They gained weight, experienced more stress and were using cars instead of bikes. As a result, Korea experienced transformation from a country of few diabetics to a nation full of people suffering from this disease! Today the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in South Korea is 7 times higher than it was before 1970s!
INSULIN RESISTANCE –
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CAUSE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
In type two diabetes the pancreas still produces insulin, but the cells in the body become resistant to it and as a result can’t open the door for the sugar to get in. Asa result sugar remains in the blood and elevates blood sugar level.
Why insulin is not able to make cells absorb sugar from the blood?
It is because the fat cells in abdomen area make an abnormal protein, called resistin which travels to cells all over the body and covers insulin receptors found in cell membranes. Since these receptors are covered by resistin, insulin can’t send signals to the cells and inform them that sugar channels need to be open. As a result sugar remains in the blood thus elevating blood sugar levels.
Because blood glucose is still high, pancreas makes even more insulin which finally manages to force cells to open the door for the sugar. Unfortunately, since pancreas is constantly overworks sooner or later it gets exhausted and becomes unable to produce enough insulin, allowing blood sugar levels to remain chronically high.
COMPLICATIONS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
If diabetes is not treated properly, chronic high blood sugar levels gradually damage smallest blood vessels (capillaries). As a result those damaged capillaries can’t provide nutrients to cells found in different organs and parts of the body, leading to cellular and nerve damage and causing the following complications:
– Strokes & heart attacks (too much sugar in the blood damages the interior lining of arteries causing cholesterol plague to build much faster in those places leading to heart attacks and strokes)
– Kidney failure (too much sugar in the blood damages also small blood vessels capillaries and as a result they can’t provide nutrients to kidneys, eye, etc. leading to damage and death of cells)
– Peripheral nerve damage (Peripheral neuropathy – can be prevented and reversed with Alpha lipoic acid and Methylcobalamin)
– Visual loss or blindness
– Immune system suppression
– Erectile dysfunction
– Poor circulation to the legs
70-80% OF TYPE 2 DIABETICS DEVELOP ALZHEIMER’S & PARKINSON’S!
Increased levels of insulin lead to the following complications:
– Research has shown that over 70% of type 2 diabetics develop Alzheimer’s! That is the reason why Alzheimer’s disease is now referred to as a type 3 diabetes. Due to insulin resistance people who have type 2 diabetes force their pancreas to produce extra insulin. Also their medication has the same effect and some of them take insulin shots. Unfortunately, excess insulin not only leads to obesity but gets into the brain and prevents certain enzyme from breaking down amyloid protein. As a result, the amyloid protein accumulates in the brain, damaging it and causing Alzheimer’s.
– Researchers in Finland have found that people with type 2 diabetes have a staggering 83% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s! Also a Denmark study has confirmed these findings.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
The problem with conventional treatment and prescribe medication is that although it helps maintain blood glucose levels it never address the true cause of type 2 diabetes, which is the insulin resistance. In addition, medication causes dangerous side effects associated especially with high blood levels of insulin which converts sugar to fat leading to accumulation of fat (key cause of type 2 diabetes), and dramatically increasing risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other health problems.
MEDICATION
– Metformin (Biguanides) is the first line treatment. It helps improve body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Side effects of Metformin: Deficiency of B12, B1, B9 (Folate, Folic Acid), CoQ10. According to the study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine diabetics on metformin had more than 50% lower B12 levels than the control group! Folate was reduced by 15%. These deficiencies may lead or contribute to peripheral nerve damage, anaemia, low energy, compromised immunity, heart problems, high homocysteine levels, increased risk of strokes & heart attacks, poor metabolism & cognition, birth defects, etc.)
– Sulfonylurea (Daonil, Diamicron, Amaryl, Glucotrol, Glurenorm, etc.): Increase insulin.
Side effects: Deficiency of CoQ10, weight gain, excess insulin in the blood leading to Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s.
– Insulin (prescribed for type 1 diabetes and also type 2 diabetics who do not responded well to oral medication). Insulin’s role is not only to stimulate body cells to absorb sugar from the blood, but even more to convert sugar to fat and store it. Therefore, the more insulin a diabetic has in the blood the more sugar is converted to fat and stored in the abdomen area, which in fact is the key cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes!
In addition, excess insulin in the blood also leads to Magnesium deficiency, Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s, and Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS). Too much insulin also makes diabetics hungry, encouraging them to eat more and gaining more weight.
SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION
– Metformin (Biguanides): Deficiency of B12, B1, B9 (Folate, Folic Acid), CoQ10.
– Sulfonylurea (Daonil, Diamicron, Amaryl, Glucotrol, Glurenorm, etc.): Deficiency of CoQ10, excess insulin in the blood leading to weight gain, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, PCOS.
– Insulin: Deficiency of Magnesium, increased appetite, excess insulin in the blood leading to weight gain, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, PCOS.
HOW TO REDUCE SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICATION
– To reduce these side effects, patients on Metformin should take 2000 mcg of Vitamin B12 (in the form of sublingual Methylcobalamin), Folate (consuming leafy greens such as raw spinach) or take supplements in the form of Folic acid (200-400 mcg a day) or L-methylfolate (safe and more bioavailable form), and CoQ10 (at least 100 mg daily). Also those on statins should supplement B12 and CoQ10.
– Those on Sulfonylurea and Insulin need to supplement the following to prevent Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s, and nutritional deficiencies: Magnesium, CoQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Methylcobalamin (B12), Curcumin (Turmeric), and Vitamin D3.
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT
It is a scientifically proved fact that type 2 diabetes is not only completely preventable but also reversible and curable. There are thousands of people who reversed diabetes and recovered from it as a result of being on healthy unrefined diet and use of supplements and natural remedies.
Complete recovery, however, involves not only using right supplements and herbal remedies but also regular exercise and changing dietary habits. However, even if required lifestyle modifications appear too difficult to implement it is still extremely important to use listed below remedies as they will significantly reduce the need for medications and insulin, thus minimising the dangerous side effects.
KEY SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES
In order to reduce the dangerous side effects of medications they should be accompanied by the combination of mentioned below vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbs that are known to reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance. At the same time blood glucose levels must be checked on a regular basis and if the results are sufficient (normal blood sugar levels) medication should be gradually and wisely reduced over time (after medical consultations) according to the needs.
– GlucoBate tablets: 2 times a day 1 tablet with meals. GlucoBate contains most beneficial Vitamins (Niacin, B6, B12, Folic Acid, Biotin, D3 & C), Minerals (Zinc & Chromium), powerful Antioxidant (Alpha Lipoic Acid), and Herbal Extracts (Fenugreek, Karela, Banaba, Purple Rice, Jambolan & Cinnamon) designed to help support normal insulin sensitivity, healthy blood sugar levels, pancreas and liver function, metabolism, healthy body weight, cholesterol levels, and energy production.
– Alpha Lipoic Acid (the most important supplement for insulin resistance): 1 capsule 2 times a day. Although GlucoBate contains 300mg ALA per daily dose of 2 tablets yet it is not enough as the minimum dosage of ALA is at least 600-1200mg per day.
The above two supplements are the most important. However, due to the use of medication also the following are required to reduce side effects:
– Sublingual Methylcobalamin (much better form of B12): 1 or 2 tablets (1-2,000mcg) under the tongue to be slowly dissolved after breakfast. B12, together with Alpha Lipoic Acid, are also most effective remedies in preventing and reversing diabetic neuropathies. GlucoBate contains 500mcg of B12 per daily dose of 2 tablets but it is in the form of poorly absorbed cyanocobalamin.
– CoQ10:30-120mg once a day with meal.
In addition to the above supplements and to intensify the effect of GlucoBate and Alpha Lipoic Acid the following can be used:
– Karela (1250mg) – 2 times a day with meals. Karela (Bitter melon) contains several active ingredients including charantin, vicine, lectin, and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p that have been confirmed to have a blood glucose-regulating effect. Instead of Karela the following can be used with similar results: Alfalfa, Nettle and Chlorella.
– Vitamin D3 (at least 5,000 IU): 1 a day with breakfast. New findings indicate that Vitamin D helps increase insulin sensitivity and its deficiency is more closely associated with poor glucose metabolism than obesity. D3 must be taken with magnesium because without enough magnesium in the body this vitamin is useless.
– Magnesium Citrate: 2 times 200-400mg with breakfast and before bed. Magnesium deficiency is common in both insulin resistance and type-1 diabetes. Studies have shown that Magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic subjects.
– Other nutrients such as Chromium, Zinc, Folic acid, Biotin, B6 and B3 are in sufficient concentrations in GlucoBate.
DIET & LIFESTYLE
As far as diet is concerned implementing the following principles will help get rid of fat in abdominal area (key cause of type 2 diabetes) give gives excellent results:
– Consumption of the following blood sugar regulating foods should be increased: Garlic, onions, all vegetables (mostly raw), oat bran, oat flakes, barley, psyllium husk, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, grapefruit (not with medication), turmeric, fenugreek, all pulses (beans, lentils, chick peas, etc.).
– Replacing bad fats, commercial oils and margarines with raw coconut oil.
– Instead of refined sugar, fructose and artificial sweeteners good sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol can be used.
– All animal foods (meat, milk, dairy, eggs, and fish) should be at least reduced and should be of good quality (meat and dairy coming from grass-fed animals, farm free-range eggs, etc.).
– Fruit juices should be avoided, fruits and grains reduced.
– Both refined and wholegrain wheat should be avoided as it is regarded by some experts as one of the key causes of type 2 diabetes. William Davis, a cardiologist, author of Wheat Belly, claims that modern wheat (including whole wheat) causes diabetes, inflammation, heart disease and high blood pressure and that eliminating wheat will cure these problems.
EXERCISE
According to the title of the study conducted in 2007 by Nikolaos Adoglou, “Exercise Reduces Resistin and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes!” It means that regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reverse diabetes as it deals with the cause of the problem which is resistin. Another study conducted by Brunilda Nazario, MD in 2012 demonstrated that fast walking (or energetic exercise) for at least 30 minutes every day is the best treatment against type 2 diabetes. This great benefit can be explained by the fact that regular energetic exercise is the most effective way of encouraging muscle cells to dramatically increase their sensitivity to insulin. In addition fast walking releases many beneficial anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Go to the more detailed article on TYPE 2 DIABETES >
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Much less common than type 2.
CAUSES
– Oversensitive (abnormal) immune system sends antibodies against insulin-producing beta cells (in pancreas) destroying them and causing lack of insulin in the body and high blood sugar levels.
Possible causes why immune system behaves in such an abnormal way and attacks own body (pancreas):
– Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin D deficiency as it is immune regulator (Finland study). Also deficiency of Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Antioxidants.
– Sedentary lifestyle and poor emotional health, depression, pessimism, anxiety, anger (negative emotions can influence immune system).
– Heated milk and dairy often trigger type 1 diabetes because milk contains type of protein called albumin that are often attacked by immune system and since pancreatic beta cells contain proteins that look the same somehow immune system simultaneously attacks them too causing type 1 diabetes).
SUPPLEMENTS
What supplements can be recommended for people with type 1 diabetes?
– The same as supplements for type 2 especially GlucoBate, Alfalfa, Black seed, Karela and Alpha Lipoic Acid (because lowering blood sugar is also very important in type 1 diabetes).
– However, since type 1 is an autoimmune problem also Vitamin D3, Magnesium and Zinc are required because their deficiency is one of the causes of the abnormal immune system function.
Read more about TYPE 1 DIABETES >
SOURCES
– Science News, How Fatty Diets Cause Diabetes, August 15, 2011
– Nikolaos Adoglou, Md, and Despina Perrea, Phd, 2007. “Exercise Reduces Resistin and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes!”
– Clemente-Postigo M, e. (2017). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and adipose tissue vitamin D receptor gene expression: relationship with obesity and type 2 diabetes. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
– A. Fuangchan et al. (2011) Journal of Ethnopharmacology; Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Melon Compared With Metformin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Patients; January 2011.
– “The current biology of resistin”; Claire M. Steppan, et al; Journal of Internal Medicine; 2004
– “Resistin and Type 2 Diabetes: Regulation of Resistin Expression by Insulin and Rosiglitazone and the Effects of Recombinant Resistin on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Human Differentiated Adipocytes”; Philip G. McTernan et al; The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism; 2003
– Ahmed I, Lakhani et al. 2001. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. Mar;51(3):155-61. Hypotriglyceridemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of anti-diabetic M. charantia (karela) fruit extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
– Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2007 Oct 16;87(38):2706-9. PMID: 18167250. “Alpha lipoic acid has a curative effect on peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes”.
– „Chlorella modulates insulin signalling pathway and prevents high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice.” 27 November 2013 Juliana Falcato Vecina, Alexandre Gabarra Oliveira, Tiago Gomes. Department of Internal Medicine, State University of Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil.