Living Better with Diabetes
By
Rebecca Huber
The
Zephyr, Galesburg
An
estimated 5.5 million Americans are treated for diabetes every year. Studies
indicate that there are 5 million adults with undetected type II diabetes, or what
is known as adult onset diabetes, and another 20 million that have impaired
glucose tolerance leading to full-blown diabetes. The National Institutes of
Health reports that undiagnosed diabetes is the reason behind millions losing
their vision and is the third leading case of death in the United States due to
poor circulation leading to heart attacks and strokes. Because diabetes can be
controlled, we tend to believe that this disease does not warrant our
attention, yet the numbers speak for themselves.
Type II
diabetes, or maturity onset diabetes is the most common form, and is considered
a chronic degenerative disease. The pancreatic gland which produces insulin literally wears out. Although there is a genetic
predisposition to diabetes of this type, a life time of cooked and over
processed foods and obesity greatly increases an individuals chances for the
development of diabetes later in life.
The
symptoms of diabetes vary. The most common symptoms are blurred vision,
itching, unusual thirst, drowsiness, especially following a large meal,
obesity, fatigue, slow healing, and numbness and tingling in the feet. It can
be easily diagnosed with blood tests and if you think you may have diabetes it
is vital that you see your physician promptly.
The
diabetic is required to change their eating habits and at first will work
closely with a dietitian so they understand the diabetic diet and its exchange
list. If the diabetic realizes
that the diet changes will be for their life time, they will usually do very well.
The basic diabetic diet is usually a very clean diet with a balance between
protein, carbohydrates and fat — for this simple reason the diet works
very well in controlling most individuals disease and prevents damage to the
micro circulation of the body. The diabetic diet is so balanced that most
diabetic individuals will loose weight yet not suffer the cravings of a reduced
calorie diet.
Exercise
is also an invaluable part of the life style change for diabetics. Exercise
increases our metabolic rate allowing fats and sugars to be burned more
completely. It also helps increase circulation and prevents further damage to
nerve endings and capillary beds.
In
addition to diet there are some basic herbs and supplements you may want to add
to your regimen. Ginseng is
believed to lower the blood sugar levels and produce energy. Huckleberry helps
to promote insulin production. Other beneficial herbs that help liver function,
closely associated with pancreatic function, are dandelion goldenseal, and uva
ursi.
Digestive
enzymes are a must. The other major job of the pancreas besides the production
on insulin, is to produce enzymes
for digestion. By using a
digestive enzyme, we boost pancreatic function indirectly by giving this small
overworked gland a rest.
In
studies the trace mineral chromium has been shown to stabilize blood sugar and
increase energy. Other minerals important for the diabetic are a balanced
calcium magnesium formula and copper in small doses. Copper aids protein
metabolism and boosts enzyme function.
Foods that help normalize blood sugar
levels are berries, brewers yeast, dairy products, especially yogurt and kefir,
fish, garlic, sauerkraut, soybeans and vegetables.
Some
foods to avoid would be highly processed foods, alcohol, fried foods and fats
other than small amounts of olive oil. Avoid large doses of vitamin B complex
that may interfere with the absorption of insulin, fish oils, and beta carotene
which the diabetic cannot covert to vitamin A.
There
are several foundations and lots of literature about diabetes if youÕre looking
for more information try The American Diabetes Assoc, l660 Duke St, Alexandria,
VA 22314, or International Diabetes Center, 5000 W. 39th St., Minneapolis, MN
55416.
Till
next time, Rebecca.
8/16/07