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Diabetes is a condition in which the blood has raised levels of glucose
(sugar) because of lowered insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the
pancreas which controls glucose levels in the blood by regulating the rate which
it enters the cells, where it is used for fuel by the body. Glucose comes from
the digestion of foods high in sugar, as well as starchy foods such as bread,
rice, and potatoes. Overtime, the increased levels of glucose damage blood
vessels which may cause eye, heart or kidney diseases and nerve damage.
There are two main types of Diabetes. Insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus,
IDDM, or otherwise known as Type 1 and non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus,
NIDDM, or Type 2. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 – 15 % of people suffering from
diabetes and usually starts at an early age. It is an auto-immune disease
whereby the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin producing cells
within the pancreas. This prevents the body from producing any of insulin, so it
needs to be taken via injections. Initial symptoms include excessive thirst,
increased production of urine, fatigue, weight loss and blurred vision. In type
2 diabetes the pancreas can produce small amounts of insulin, but it is not
enough. It can also occur if the cells become resistant to the effects of
insulin. Typically it starts later in life, however recently it is becoming more
common in young people. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include
weight, diet, race, age, lack of exercise and heredity. Gestational diabetes is
a form of the condition that develops during pregnancy and affects approximately
4% of pregnant women. This is due to hormonal changes during pregnancy which can
affect the body’s resistance to insulin. Typically this condition will disappear
after delivery.
People with type 2 diabetes are subject to fluctuations in blood glucose
levels. Hyperglycaemia, or too much glucose in the blood, can be bought on by
eating sugary or starchy foods and may give symptoms of excessive thirst,
fatigue, and a constant need to urinate. Hypoglycaemia, too little glucose in
the blood, can occur from missing meals, too much exercise or from too much
insulin and can strike suddenly giving symptoms of faintness, dizziness,
palpations and numbness or tingling in the lips. It is important for those who
suffer from type 2 diabetes to regulate these variations in blood glucose
levels.
This can be done by regulating dietary intake, supporting insulin production,
weight loss if appropriate and increasing physical activity. Recent research has
discovered many herbs and nutrients that are beneficial in diabetes.
Supporting general nutritional levels allows your body to have the nutrients
necessary to adequately make insulin. More specifically, nutrients such as
Chromium, Selenium, and Copper are indicated in diabetes, and can be found in
the Total Multi Rejuvenation Complex.
People with diabetes have more free radicals in their bodies which are
believed to contribute to cataracts, vascular problems, neuropathy, and to
advance the aging process. Antioxidants prevent rancidity and cellular
deterioration and are thought to inhibit the effects of free radicals. Therefore
antioxidant supplementation such as the Antioxidant Tincture & Antioxidant Tonic
are recommended in diabetes.
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