Diabetes: Online References For Health Concerns

Let's read a complete review on diabetes, based on modern scientific opinions, as well as from alternative complementary views, from Life Extension.

Abstract:

-Diabetes is caused by abnormal metabolism of glucose, either because the body does not produce enough insulin or because the cells become desensitized to the effects of insulin.

-Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is caused by decreased insulin sensitivity.

-Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in America. The incidence of this disease, which is caused by obesity and genetic predisposition, has increased dramatically over the past five years. It is more common among older people than in other segments of the population, although it is also affecting children at increasing rates.

-People with mild to moderate type 2 diabetes should avoid drugs and therapies that increase levels of insulin. Their disease is characterized by elevated levels of both insulin and glucose. Instead, therapy should focus on strategies to increase insulin sensitivity.

Possible complications in diabetes arise from damage to enzymes and other proteins that impair their function and from resulting damage to blood vessels. The subsequent decreased blood flow, increased vulnerability to oxidant stress, and decreased antioxidant capacity all interact to produce end-organ damage to the eyes, nerve tissue, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

-Type 1 diabetics always need to use insulin therapy to replace their lost insulin.

Life Extension Foundation Recommendations:

Diabetes prevention or living with diabetes begins with exercise, weight loss if necessary, and dietary modifications. A high-fiber, plant-based diet has been shown to improve type 2 diabetes and to encourage weight loss.

Under no circumstances should people suddenly stop taking diabetic drugs, especially insulin. A type 1 diabetic will never be able to stop taking insulin. However, it is possible to improve glucose metabolism, control, and tolerance with the following supplements:

R-lipoic acid—210 to 420 milligrams (mg) daily
L-carnitine—500 to 1000 mg twice daily
Carnosine—500 mg twice daily
Chromium (preferably polynicotinate)—500 to 1000 mcg daily
CoQ10—100 to 300 mg daily
DHEA—15 to 75 mg early in the day, followed by blood testing after three to six weeks to ensure optimal levels
EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily
Fiber (guar, pectin, or oat bran)—20 to 30 grams (g) daily at least, up to 50 g daily
GLA—900 to 1800 mg daily
Quercetin—500 mg daily (water-soluble form)
Magnesium (preferably magnesium citrate)—160 mg up to three times daily
NAC—500 to 1000 mg daily
Silymarin—containing 900 mg Silybum marianum standardized to 80 percent Silymarin, 30 percent Silibinin, and 4.5 percent Isosilybin B
Vitamin C—at least 2000 mg daily
Vitamin E—400 international units (IU) daily (with 200 mg gamma tocopherol)
Garlic—1200 mg daily
Green tea extract: 725 mg green tea extract (minimum 93 percent polyphenols)
Ginkgo biloba—120 mg daily
Bilberry extract—100 mg daily
B complex—Containing the entire B family, including biotin and niacin
Cinnamon extract—125 mg (Cinnamomum cassia) standardized to 0.95 percent trimeric and tetrameric A-type polymers (1.2 mg) three times daily
Coffee berry extract—100 mg (Coffee arabica) extract (whole fruit) standardized to 50 percent total phenolic acids (50 mg) and 15,000 Micromoles per gram (µmole/g) ORAC- three times daily

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Diabetes: Online References For Health Concerns