What is Diabetes?Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism…the way our bodies use digested food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind the stomach. When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood into our cells. In diabetics, however, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced. Therefore, glucose builds up in the blood attacking nerve centers around the eyes, heart and kidneys. Over 20 million Americans suffer from this serious health condition which can lead to nerve damage, blindness, heart problems, stroke or kidney failure.
There are 4 Major Categories Type 1 is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Type 2 is a metabolic disorder. The pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but the body cannot use the insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. Gestational is a condition in which women exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Pre-Diabetics have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetic condition. Proper exercise and dietary changes will lower your risk for developing type 2, heart disease and stroke. Common Symptoms High blood sugar, constant hunger with rapid weight change; blurred vision; frequent skin and gum infections; leg cramps; impotence; dry, itching skin, accelerated skin aging; insatiable thirst; lack of energy; kidney malfunction leading to bladder/prostate problems, excessive urination with high sugar in the urine; obesity; hypertension and slow wound healing. Common Causes Strongly linked to a modern fast food diet - too many refined foods, fats and carbohydrates; poor glucose and fat metabolism leading to obesity (the leading cause); chromium, HCL deficiency; possibly a virus; pancreas and liver malfunction from excess caffeine, alcohol and stress overloads; inherited proneness usually accompanied by several allergies and hypothyroidism. The Good News! Remember, the main cause of a blood sugar problem is the over- consumption of (poor quality) fat, protein & sugar which stresses the spleen/pancreas...this, over time, causes a high level of sugar to remain in the bloodstream. Diabetes is best treated by implementing a healthy diet plan (this may require the use of nutritional supplements); designing a proper exercise routine and creating new, healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Neal Barnard, M.D., lead investigator on a National Institutes of Health-funded study, showed a low-fat vegan diet is more effective at treating type 2 diabetes than both the standard diabetes diet and oral medications. Please read our Disclaimer. Thank You.
Return from Diabetes to Natural Remedies for Illness
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