Nutritional Support for Diabetes

By Karie N. Anderson, Communications Manager, Mineral Resources International, Inc.

Type 2 diabetes also known as adult-onset diabetes is a ticking time bomb that is set to explode. 

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, the numbers of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes among adults ages 20 and older are as follows¹: 

• Ages 20+: 25.6 million or 11.3%
• Ages 65+: 10.9 millions or 26.9%
• Men: 13 million or 11.8%
• Women: 12.6 million or 10.8%

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is expected to grow significantly and not just here in the U.S. Diabetes is quickly becoming a global health problem. 

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to use glucose for energy. Glucose is the food or fuel cells need for energy. Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) is too much sugar in the blood. Having too much sugar in the blood can wreak havoc in the body and seriously damage the body tissues. Too much sugar in the blood coats the red blood cells, causing them to be sticky, which interferes with circulation and can lead to a build up of cholesterol on blood vessel and arterial walls. Type 1 diabetes usually strikes during adolescence or early childhood. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, occurs later in life, and is preventable.

Diabetes is linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, neuropathy or nerve damage, retinopathy, kidney disease, and foot damage.  

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes (type 1 and type 2) 

Type 2 diabetes can take ten years to develop from the time insulin resistance first begins until the day the blood sugar levels exceed normal levels for the first time.  Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of diabetes (both type 1 and type 2)

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss (especially unexplained)
• Blurry vision
• Wounds that are slow to heal; recurring infections (gums, skin, bladder, vaginal, etc.)
• The presence of ketones (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat) in the blood 

Are You At Risk?

You could be at risk of type 2 diabetes if you exhibit the following risk factors:

• Are You Overweight? The more fatty tissue there is in the body, the more resistant your cells are to insulin.
• Do You Exercise Regularly? Exercise is important because it builds muscle, uses up glucose, and makes cells more sensitive to insulin.
• Are You of Hispanic, Native American, Asian descent? For reasons that aren’t entirely understood, individuals who are Hispanic, Native American, and Asian have a higher risk of type-2 diabetes.
• Do You Have a Family History of Diabetes? Having a mother, father, sibling, or close relative with type-2 diabetes is a risk factor.
• Are You Older? The older one gets, the risk of type-2 diabetes increases, which in many cases is due to decreased physical activity, age-related weight gain, etc.
• Are You Female? Women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby over 9 lbs. are more susceptible. Also, women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is characterized by obesity, irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, facial hair) are at risk.
• Do you have High Blood Pressure and/or High Cholesterol? Do you know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers? If not, it’s time to get checked. Blood pressure that is greater than 140/90 mm, low levels of HDL or “good” cholesterol (defined as 35mg/dL), and high triglycerides (defined as 250 mg/dL) are red flags. 

If you have or if you think you have type-2 diabetes, you should be under the care of a physician as your doctor can work together with you to lower your blood sugar and prevent the harmful complications of the disease. In addition, though, simple modifications in your diet and activity levels can have significant and far-reaching effects on your health.  

Diet and Lifestyle Interventions

• Diet
• Get Moving
• Magnesium
• Cinnamon
• Milk thistle 

Check with your doctor or health care professional before taking supplements and always notify your physician of any and all supplements you are taking. 

Conclusion

If you have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, yes, the diagnosis can be devastating, but diabetes isn’t a death sentence.

Many people who live with the condition and follow their doctor's advice and take appropriate actions can lead a healthy, active life for many years. With a few simple steps, eating a healthy, balanced, low-carb diet, getting plenty of exercise, monitoring blood sugar, following your physician's advice, and ensuring an optimal intake of essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients, pre-diabetes can be reversed and full-blown diabetes can be controlled successfully.

Sources:

1."National Diabetes Statistics." National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Accessed April 3, 2011 from http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/statistics/#Diagnosed20.