Diabetes
by Helene Huot R.N.C.P., DHOM

"DIABETES is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism characterized by elevation of the blood sugar level after fasting."

INSULIN
is a hormone that encourages the uptake of blood sugar by the cells of the body. If there is a lack of insulin (since the pancreas is not able to secrete enough insulin) or if the body's cells are resistant or lack sensitivity to the insulin, then blood sugar is not able to get into the cell. . There are classic signs and symptoms of diabetes. They are:excessive thirst, frequent urination, appetite indicated by gaining or losing weight, extreme fatigue or lack of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, trouble getting or maintaining an erection.

Diabetes is divided into two major categories.
Type 1 or INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS(DDM) occurs more often in children and adolescents. Unfortunately there is complete destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas that manufacture the insulin. Those with Type 1 have to continue to receive doses of insulin for their whole life in order to keep their blood sugar stable. Type 11 or NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETIC MELLITUS(NIDDM) happens after a person is forty years old. Ninety percent of diabetics are Type 11 as well as being OBESE. The insulin level is high and this means that the body's cells have "lost sensitivity to insulin". Unfortunately OBESITY is the most substantiating factor to this loss of sensitivity. If a person can reach his or her ideal body weight then normal blood sugar levels can be restored.

What is HYPOGLYCEMIA?
Hypoglycemia happens from inadequate metabolism of carbohydrates(sugars). The body tries to regulate blood sugar level in a narrow range to give the brain a consistent amount of GLUCOSE. Glucose is the principal fuel of the brain and with a low glucose level the brain is affected first. SYMPTOMS of hypoglycemia are headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety, PMS, irritability as well as blurred vision, excessive sweating, confusion, incoherent speech, abnormal behavior and convulsions. .The REACTIVE hypoglycemic type develops symptoms of hypoglycemia two to four hours after a meal or from the use of certain drugs.

The effect of CARBOHYDRATES ON YOUR LIFE
SIMPLE carbohydrates or sugars are quickly absorbed into the body and
provide an instant source of energy. Natural sugars are accompanied in
foods with a wide range of nutrients. The problems begin when the nutrients are stripped from the nutrient dense ingredients. Anything made with white sugar has been stripped of vitamins. Examples are refined breakfast cereals, pastries, breads which are very detrimental for your health. COMPLEX carbohydrates or starches are composed of many simple sugars joined together. VEGETABLES, LEGUMES AND GRAINS are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates.

Why the GLYCEMIC INDEX?
In 1981 David Jenkins created the GLYCEMIC INDEX to express the rise in blood glucose after eating a particular food. The standard value of 100 expressed the rise in blood glucose after eating a particular food. Anyone with blood sugar problems should eat foods that have lower glycemic index values such as carbohydrate containing foods. High fat foods like ice cream and sausage may have low glycemic index but affect glucose tolerance in the body due their high fat content.. A Banana is 62, baked potato 98, oatmeal 49, cooked carrot 36, raw carrot 32 are a few examples. More than two million Canadians have Diabetes. Whether you realize it or not it is the LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH BY DISEASE. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, anyone having diabetes will potentially face complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, amputation and erectile dysfunction. Ultimately it is up to you to do something about your lifestyle before you get to that point!!!

HEALTH TIPS FOR BLOOD SUGAR BALANCE
FIBER
Diabetes is one of the diseases most closely related to poor fiber intake, DIETARY FIBER refers to the "components of the plant cell wall" and the"indigestible residues" from the plant foods. WATER SOLUBLE FIBER is most beneficial for blood sugar since they slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid rises in blood sugar and increasing sensitivities to insulin which stops secretion of insulin. Good sources of water soluble fiber are legumes( such as chickpeas, black eyed peas, lentils, beans, split peas), oatbran, nuts, seeds, psyllium seed husks , pears, apples and most vegetables.

PGX FIBER (Polyglycoplex) is a new revolutionary fiber mixture that is helping restore the body's sensivity to insulin, lowers insulin levels,balances blood sugar, eliminate food cravings, and control the appetite.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION
Diabetics and Hypoglycemics need a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement formula that have calcium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, zinc, manganese, vitamin Cand B vitamins to enhance further absorption of well needed nutrients. Mineral supplements have been shown to reduce diabetes risk in men by 30% and 16% in women. For diabetics there is humongous DEFICIENCY OF POTASSIUM DUE TO A DIET LOW IN FRESH FRUITS AND MULTI COLOURED VEGETABLES and a diet HIGH IN SODIUM. Bananas, kiwis, strawberries and potatoes are good examples of potassium.

VITAMIN C .. is also vital for Diabetics. Insulin eases the transport of Vitamin C into the cells and if there is not enough vitamin C in the diet, this can lead to excessive bleeding(since capillaries are more permeable),poor wound healing and a weak immune system.

CHROMIUM is important for blood sugar control, lowers insulin levels and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is depleted in the body by eating white flour, refined sugars and lack of exercise. Chromium is found in broccoli, brewers yeast, meat cheese and shellfish. A diabetic or hypoglycemic should eat chromium rich foods but also take 200-400 micrograms of chromium each day. Chromium polynicotinate, chromium picolinate and chromium enriched yeast are very good supplements of chromium.

The antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin E and the plant Gingko biloba travel to peripheral tissues of the body like the fingers, arms, legs and toes and help reduce free radical damage to the cells.

Stevia.is a natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. It has no calories and does not raise blood sugars,Stevia can be used in baking, cooking or to sweetened your favorite beverage.

Recommended reading:
Diabetes & Hypoglycemia Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Helene Huot R.N.C.P., DHOM
Helene has worked extensively in the health food industry over the last 15 years. In 2003 she became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist graduating from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. In 2004, she graduated from the Canadian Homeopathic Institute (CHI) as a Classical Homeopath and since then has been practicing both her disciplines with dedication and commitment. In order to provide her clients with the best homeopathic remedies and direction, she is currently enrolled at the CHI in a post graduate course. Helene is a very kind and compassionate being, who takes each clients needs very seriously, she thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to guide and teach anyone interested in improving their life with natural nutrition and Homeopathy.