Don't Let Diabetes Dicate Your Life?

Don't Let Diabetes Dictate Your Life

Let's face it type 2 diabetes is now a common illness. If you don't have the condition yourself you more than likely have a family history or know someone who does have it. According to Diabetes Australia it is the fastest growing chronic disease in Australia with 275 people developing the condition every day. There are currently one million people in Australia diagnosed with diabetes, but alarmingly, this only represents about half of the people who actually have it and less that than a third of the people who have the condition or pre-diabetes combined.

So what's the good news?

The good news is that up to 60% of diabetes cases can be prevented through lifestyle and there is much that can be done from a natural health perspective to manage diabetes and the complications of uncontrolled diabetes. These complications, such as damage to eyes, kidneys and extremities, occur when blood sugars are too high for a prolonged time.

A healthy lifestyle is one of the most important factors for both the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Regular exercise, and a diet including low glycemic index (GI) foods and healthy fat is key to not only maintaining healthy weight, an important contributing factor, but also reducing inflammation in the body and controlling blood sugars. A fish oil supplement is vital for anyone with diabetes.

Diabetics are more likely to be deficient in a number of nutrients, such as vitamins C, B3, B6 and B12, chromium, zinc and magnesium. It is a good idea to supplement with these nutrients as some of them help control blood sugars, curb sugar cravings, resist infection and help wound healing. A practitioner can prescribe a specific multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with these nutrients.

There are a number of herbs which can help control blood sugars such as Goat's Rue, Bitter Melon, Gymnema and Fenugreek. Gymnema is a special herb because it has the ability to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas. These are the cells that are responsible for manufacturing and secreting insulin (the hormone that decreases blood sugars). These herbs also help maintain a healthy cholesterol profile (eg Fenugreek) and can reduce body fat (eg Goat's Rue).

Additionally there are herbs which can prevent and manage the complications from high blood sugar. For example Bilberry contains an antioxidant which strengthens the small blood vessels in the eyes and Ginkgo Biloba can improve blood flow to the extremities such as the hands and feet.

There are also foods which diabetics can incorporate into their every day diet to help control their diabetes. Onions and garlic contain sulfur based antioxidants which help lower blood sugars and cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity, build lean muscle mass and lower blood pressure. Green tea contains antioxidants which not only lower blood sugars, but protect the pancreas from damage and help burn body fat. Finally red and blue coloured foods such as blueberries and blackberries can strenthen the walls of  the small blood vessels and contain large amounts of vitamins C & E which are important for the immune system and integrity of the skin.

As you can see there is much that can be done to prevent and manage diabetes. If you, or a loved one, needs assistance in this area I would be more than happy to help.