iabetes mellitus is a serious disorder suffered by 16 million people in the U.S. alone, with millions more pre-diabetic.  Why do we say diabetes is epidemic?  Because rapidly increasing rates of obesity and lack of exercise are major causes, with an amazing 30% plus with diabetes unaware of their dangerous diabetic condition!  Diabetes is already the 6th leading cause of death and a major cause of blindness and amputation in America.  You are at risk, but knowledge can bring obtainable solutions for prevention or control. Be aware, if you always stay what you are, you can never become what you could be!  To prevent or control diabetes, most of us must change our lifestyles, including diet and exercise - now.  Set your priorities as you read these words to become what you can be and then be patient and determined in accomplishing your goals.

Description of Diabetes Mellitus

iabetes occurs when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is not produced or is not delivered to the body’s cells in adequate amounts.  Insulin is the controlling factor for the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the blood where it eventually is delivered and enters the cells to create energy essential to life.

After a meal, a portion of the food eaten is broken down into glucose, a sugar. The glucose then passes into the bloodstream and by the presence and actions of the hormone insulin, becomes blood sugar that is then transported to and into the body's cells. A malfunction in this process related to insulin creates the forms of disease known as diabetes.

Normally, the pancreas produces the right amount of insulin to accommodate the quantity of sugar processed for cell delivery. However, if diabetes occurs, either the pancreas produces no insulin (Type 1), or insufficient insulin and the cells do not respond normally to the insulin delivered (Type 2).

High blood sugar levels due to lack of insulin, insufficient insulin or failure of delivery of adequate glucose into cells can damage the (1) eyes - leading to diabetic retinopathy and possible blindness; (2) blood vessels - increasing risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery obstruction; (3) nerves - leading often to diabetic neuropathy in limbs, foot sores and even possible amputation, (4) kidneys- leading too frequently to kidney failure and (5) impotence and/or digestive problems for many.

Weight control and diet are the first lines of defense against diabetes. Setting personal priorities with discipline in eating and exercise from youth are the best forms of prevention.  If diagnosed, control of blood pressure, diet and blood glucose levels, plus regular exercise, screenings and check-ups, help reduce risks of complications.

 Forms of Diabetes 

wo major forms of diabetes include Type 1 classified as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM - juvenile-onset diabetes). Type 1 affects about 10% of those diagnosed and is the most serious form of diabetes based on health risks.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells of the body attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.  Without adequate insulin for processing blood sugar, high levels of glucose sugar continue to circulate in the blood, depriving the body’s tissues of needed levels of glucose required for proper cell function, energy and ultimately good health.

Type 2 diabetes is non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM - adult-onset diabetes), usually, but not always, occurring in adults after age 30.  In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces insulin, but in insufficient amounts, or the cells are resistant to insulin delivery into the cells.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar and insulin in the blood due to improper intake by the cells.  This imbalance in the blood causes reduced energy, blurred vision, itching due to vaginal yeast infection, weight loss, extreme thirst, slow wound healing, fungal and bacterial infections, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with being overweight, especially around the abdomen area.  Watch your diet – not your waist!

While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are most common, there are three additional less common types of diabetes designated gestational, secondary and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). 

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

he basic criteria for being classified as a Type 2 diabetic is to have a fasting blood sugar level greater than or equal to 140 mg/dL after an overnight fast on two separate occasions.  The American Diabetes Association considers a fasting blood sugar of greater than 126 mg/L to indicate diabetes.  Your physician will take a urine sample to be tested for glucose and ketones. Ketones are acids that collect in the blood and urine when the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy.

Other test often performed are the oral glucose tolerance test to measure the body’s ability to process glucose.  For monitoring diabetes, the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is used to estimate an average of all blood sugar levels in your body over a 2 to 3 month time period. 

People with Type 2 diabetes often cannot perceive sweet taste.  An at-home test, to be confirmed by a clinical analysis, detects the sensitivity and capability to taste sweets: 

(1) Totally avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea and soda before the test for 1 hour; (2) Fill 7 identical glasses with 8 ounces of water in each and label the glasses to indicate on separate glasses, “no sugar,” “1/4 tsp sugar,” “1/2 tsp sugar,” “1 tsp sugar,” “1 tsp sugar, “1 ½ tsp sugar” and “2 tsp sugar.”  Add the amount of sugar to each glass.

(3) Rearrange the glasses, hiding the labels from the person to be tested.

(4)  Sip from each glass through a straw and write down the amount of sugar you think each glass contains – rinse your mouth with pure water between test glasses.

People with Type 2, adult-onset, usually do not notice tasting sweetness until 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons of sugar levels per 8 ounces.

Controlling Diabetes

lmost everyone with Type I diabetes and more than one-in-three with Type 2, must inject insulin to make up for the person’s insulin deficiency.  Insulin used is sourced from (1) pancreases of cows and pigs, with combinations frequent; (2) semi-synthetic, made by converting pork insulin into a form identical to human and (3) recombinant made by using genetic engineering.  All insulin helps glucose levels remain near normal at about 70 to 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

Problem areas associated with insulin intake are as follows:

(1)     Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, sometimes called insulin shock, which occurs suddenly if too little food is eaten, a meal is delayed or in the case of extreme exercise. Symptoms include weakness, feeling cold, clammy, shaky with extreme fatigue and being pale.

(2)     Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs when too much food is eaten or not enough insulin is taken.  Thirst, frequent urination, nausea and high sugar in the urine and blood are symptoms.

(3)     Ketoacidosis, in severe form diabetic coma, develops when insulin and sugar are out of balance so that ketones accumulate dangerously in the blood.

For all forms of diabetes, but particularly for Type I, beta 1/3,1/6-d glucan nutritionally potentiates immune cells yielding increased production of the cytokine interleukin 1 which promotes enhanced insulin production in the pancreas. This action initiated by the beta 1/3,1/6-d glucan in turn appears to modulate the autoimmune mechanisms directed to the pancreatic islets that negatively impact insulin production in the pancreas (for research references on the web go to www.betaglucan.org) .

In plain words, insulin production in the pancreas appears to be nutritionally promoted by oral ingestion of beta 1/3,1/6-d glucan due to correction in some instances of the inappropriate immune response that has stopped or inhibited natural insulin production. MG Glucan (a U.S. patented process glucan - not a product) has medical school researched unique properties that assure optimum nutritional immune cell potentiation while being non-prescription with no known drug contraindications.

Foods and Diet for Diabetic Conditions

Diet and exercise are essential elements in diabetes prevention and treatment.  The American Diabetes Association recommends (1) up to 70% of all calories be obtained from carbohydrates and unsaturated fats; (2) between 10-20% of calories be obtained from protein; (3) Less than 10% of all calories should be from fat; (4) eat 30-35 grams of fiber daily and (5) eat no more than 300 mg of cholesterol daily.

A balanced diet emphasizing legumes, vegetables, whole grains and fiber have positive influences on sugar in the bloodstream.  Avoid sugars such as glucose, dextrose, fructose, lactose, maltose, fruit juice concentrates, high-fructose corn syrup, mannitol and sorbitol. Eat protein snacks between meals.

Nutrition researchers at the University of Toronto developed "glycemic index."  Foods with a higher glycemic index cause a higher insulin spike than those with a lower rating. High glycemic index foods include, whole milk, frozen desserts, packaged flake cereal, hot cereals and luncheon meat. Lower glycemic index foods include fresh and leafy green vegetables, 100% whole grain bread - Ezekiel bread suggested, sweet potatoes, chicken, lean beef cuts, veal, white-fleshed fish and many nuts with almonds and walnuts suggested.  Cooking and preparation significantly influence the glycemic index.  Dr. Nancy Appleton's book, "Lick the Sugar Habit," is a must read in this area.

A proper weight control and exercise program should be determined after physical examination by the primary health care provider.  Walking 3 times weekly for 30 minutes and light weight bearing exercise are beneficial. You must stop smoking and avoid alcohol.

Prescription Drugs for Diabetes

Currently there are four classes of prescription drugs usually used in diabetes control:

(1)                 Sulfonylureas (Diabinese, Orinase, Glynase, etc.) which stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin;

(2)                 Biguanides, including Glucophage and Metformin, which keep the liver from releasing too much glucose;

(3)                 Alpha-glucose inhibitors such as Precose which slow digestion of carbohydrates and

(4)                 Thiazolidinediones which control glucose levels by making muscles more sensitive to insulin.

Natural Supplements, Vitamins and Herbs 

atural supplements, herbs and vitamins can aid the body in promoting insulin production and delivery in both Type 1, Type 2 and other diabetes forms.  Because nutritional supplements can change the need for insulin and oral drugs, it is important to keep your primary health care provider informed about what supplements are being taken to assure proper monitoring. Beneficial nutritional supplements, vitamins and herbs include:

Alpha Lipoic Acid:  Antioxidant that improves diabetic neuropathy by improving blood sugar metabolism, improving blood flow to peripheral nerves and stimulating the regeneration of nerve fibers. 300 mg a day in divided doses with Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) as an essential fatty acid of 4-6 grams for better absorption suggested.

Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) - Found in evening primrose oil, black currant and borage oil.  Helps protect nerves and with symptoms such as pain and numbness.  Check dosage based on source.  Omega 6 oils should be taken in balance with Omega 3 oils and are found in flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and fish oil.  The Omega 3 fats help protect blood vessels and decrease insulin resistance.

Gymnema sylvestre: Doctors practicing India’s traditional Ayurvedic Medicine have used this herb for years to lower blood sugar by increasing the efficiency of insulin and supporting the pancreas ability to produce insulin.  Use under doctor’s supervision primarily for Type 2 and not as a substitute for insulin.  400 mg daily of standardized extract to contain 24% gymnemic acids suggested.

Fenugreek Seeds: The fiber in the seed delays absorption of glucose from the small intestine, resulting in lower blood sugar. Use 5,000 to 15,000 mg of powered seed per day.

Chromium Picolinate: Improves needed insulin sensitivity. Double-blind studies indicate improves glucose tolerance in Types I and 2 diabetes.  May also lower triglycerides and cholesterols, reducing diabetes complications.  Helps control sugar cravings in diet also.  1,000 mcg per day split suggested.

Asian Ginseng:  (Panax ginseng) Extensively used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for symptoms related to imbalanced blood sugar. Animal research shows Asian ginseng will release insulin from the pancreas and increase insulin receptors.  Do not take if having high blood pressure, or while pregnant or lactating. 200 to 400 mg daily of standardized extract suggested.  Do not use to lower blood sugar except under doctor supervision.

Vitamin C: Antioxidant that helps lower a sugar known as sorbital that elevated damages the eyes, nerves and kidneys of diabetics.  2000-3,000 mg daily in divided doses suggested.

Vitamin E: Antioxidant that improves glucose intolerance in Type 2 while nutritionally protecting blood vessels from damage. 400 IU daily suggested.

Garlic: Decreases and stabilizes blood sugar. Aged garlic is suggested to be used as instructed on the label.

Vitamin B6: Frequently low in diabetics – improves nerve disorders due to diabetic complications and glucose intolerance caused by pregnancy or birth control pills. 150 mg daily suggested.

CoEnzyme Q10: Antioxidant essential for cell metabolism and present in every cell of the body. 150-250 mg per day.

Magnesium (750 mg daily): Diabetics are often low – important to avoiding complications with retinopathy and heart problems. Avoid if suffering from kidney disease.

Manganese: (10 mg daily) Mineral needed for pancreas repair and proper glucose metabolism.

Vanadium: A trace element that inhibits cholesterol synthesis while improving insulin utilization in moving glucose into the cells and thus improved glucose tolerance.  Check labels and use as directed.

Zinc: (50 mg daily) Mineral necessary for normal insulin production.

MG Beta Glucan: Supplement that nutritionally and naturally promotes insulin production in the pancreas. 10-20 mg daily suggested.

Additional herbs and spices that may be of benefit are dandelion, tumeric and bupleurum that help with the digestive organs.  To tonify the endocrine system and promote hormonal balance, deglycerized licorice (dgl) and hawthorn are helpful for many.  Always review proper dosages and usage limitations for any herb or supplement and inform your primary healthcare provider of usage prior to ingestion.

Control your weight by proper diet and exercise while eliminating sugar and refined white products in your diet. Diabetes is epidemic, but there is hope by taking charge of your health today!  If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it - and then, whether with diabetes or other health conditions, you’ll truly be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise!

About the Author: Frank Jordan has a post-graduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is a co-patent holder on U.S. patents issued or in application related to the immune response in conjunction with researchers at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, Dept. of Microbiology.  Frank Jordan's most recent book is "Frankly Speaking, Vol 1" which reviews 50 different common medical conditions with thoughts and suggestions. Jordan also hosts the Healthy, Wealthy and Wise national radio show heard in all 48 continental U.S. states weekdays.  Learn more about Frank Jordan on the web at www.hwwshow.com .

Reprinted with permission from Immunition Reports