Diabetes is on the increase. There are approximately 700,000 people currently being diagnosed yearly in Britain, and in America it is the seventh leading cause of death.
Diabetes occurs when the pancreatic beta cells fail to produce the correct amount of the hormone insulin. Insulin is necessary to metabolise carbohydrates, some proteins and fats, and stores any excess blood glucose to keep the levels stable. Lack of insulin can result in hyperglycaemia causing excessive thirst, skin and fungal infections, blurred vision and extreme tiredness. If left untreated it can result in more serious conditions, such as ulcerated skin, gangrene, cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy and death.
The cause of diabetes is either sudden trauma or damage to the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. Damage to the cells can be through a viral attack or a hereditary disposition. The latest research by Dr. Jukka Karjalanean suggests that cows milk products may promote diabetes in genetically susceptible people. Other theories include some foods, such as smoked and cured meats, and high exposure to prescription drugs in utero and in early childhood as possible links to early onset diabetes.
The aim for the diabetic is to keep the blood glucose levels stable. However, the mechanisms for blood glucose management are not totally understood. The guidelines set down by the British Diabetic Association seem limited and confusing. Even in the area of nutrition, which is universally agreed to have an influence on blood glucose levels, the guidelines are unclear. The 1990 publication reads " There is little evidence to show whether compliance with the diabetic dietary guidelines produced for the 1980's (high carbohydrates) is better or worse than with diets used in the era of carbohydrate restriction."
 Other control mechanisms include insulin supplementation and in insulin dependant diabetes (type 1), injections of insulin are taken. In the case of non-insulin dependant diabetes (type 2) the blood glucose is controlled through diet alone or diet and drugs. The aim of injecting insulin is to have peaks of insulin activity immediately following meals. However, everyone reacts to insulin in different ways as the onset of action, peak of action and duration all vary. Also, when insulin is given in fixed amounts rather than in the minutely, measured doses that the body produces in response to inner environmental changes, the automatic feedback loop between blood sugar and insulin is broken. It may be that the only way to correct insulin levels is through conscious feedback based on the correct metabolic decisions, taking biochemical individuality into consideration.
Research is showing that these metabolic decisions should include external testing of blood, the site, type, dosage and timing of insulin injections, nutrition, supplementation, self-pollutants and toxic residues, exercise and stress. Working to understand one's own blood glucose mechanisms requires information, self-knowledge, perseverance and time. It is a learning process of being in tune with oneself, but is well worth it if you are an insulin dependant diabetic, who wants to live a near normal life. Tony, my client, has been through this process.
Tony (52 years) came to see me with presenting symptoms of adult onset, insulin dependant diabetes, having been diagnosed ten months previously. His blood glucose readings were totally erratic, reaching highs and lows within the space of a few hours. He complained of aches and pains, low energy and was unable to enjoy his running, which was the love of his life. He was in a state of deep depression and despair, describing himself as a cripple.
A thorough case history revealed digestive problems, adrenal exhaustion, macromineral imbalance and a degree of candida overgrowth. Testing revealed food sensitivities along with high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. The urine analysis suggested an acid environment within the body and slight liver malfunction.
Tony followed my recommendations carefully and conscientiously. He carried out a colon / liver cleansing programme and followed a wholefood diet, high in carbohydrates and fibre, no refined sugar foods and low in saturated fats. He also avoided yeast, dairy, wheat, tea, coffee and salt. He ate lots of organic vegetables, cereals, fruit, fish, chicken and soya products. Adequate essential fats were introduced to reduce hyperglycaemia after eating and to increase tissue sensitivity to insulin as well as helping to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Onions, garlic, fenugreek seeds and crushed celery seed tea were taken regularly as they have an anti - diabetic effect. Lots of bottled / filtered water was drunk to cleanse the system along with herb teas. A small amount of alcohol was allowed with meals at week ends, but was not to be taken on an empty stomach as it increases the ability of insulin to lower the blood glucose levels and also interferes with the liver's production of glucose.
Attention was also given to the ratio of 2:1 carbohydrates to protein at each of his frequent meals and snacks to allow for optimal secretion of insulin and glucagon, helping to prevent the threatening, rapid, highs and lows in blood glucose levels. Low and medium glycaemic index foods were also introduced to lower the blood lipids and help blood glucose control.
The supplement programme consisted of chromium picolinate, multi vitamin and mineral without iron and copper, B complex and Vitamin C. These were used to target the stress and regulate the blood glucose levels. Tony used Actrapid insulin daily, injected into the abdomen, which is absorbed in approximately 60 minutes and Insultard in the evenings for overnight control.
Other non-nutritional strategies included a regular, consistent, steady exercise programme. Exercise enhances tissue levels of chromium and increases the number of insulin receptors in Type I diabetes, but it also helped Tony's self esteem and self image. Aromatherapy oils of basil, lavender and clary sage were used for massages / baths to target stress and muscular pains, and techniques for relaxation were used frequently.
Daily, we recorded graphs of the timing and dosage of insulin, time of eating, blood glucose levels, weight, food intake, exercise and feelings. Occasionally, the overnight readings were difficult to understand, until I realised that Tony was going through Smogyi reactions. These reactions result from too much overnight insulin, but give a false low blood glucose reading. Soon, a pattern began to emerge, and interpretation of the results helped me to fine tune Tony's programme. The main problem area was his stress level, which coincided with blood glucose highs. The reason being that the stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol, were neutralising the effectiveness of insulin. His greatest stress was accepting that he had diabetes. Through deep counselling therapy and the influence of Stephen Levine's book, "Healing into Life and Death", Tony is now learning to live with, rather than to fight his condition.
After 5 months Tony's blood glucose levels stabilised to a monthly average of 8.5mmol/l, his triglyceride levels were down to 0.6mmol/l and his cholesterol levels were 3.8mmol/l. All his symptoms had cleared and he was working hard to deal with his stress levels. He felt well, had lots of energy and was starting to compete in races again. His GP and specialist were confounded by his spectacular progress.
After 6 months Tony announced his intention to run in the London Marathon and presented me with an intense training programme averaging 70 miles a week. Using our daily graphs we were able to calculate his energy intake and output with the correct timing and dosage of insulin. A year into his therapy, Tony completed the London Marathon in an admirable time of 3hrs.34mins.
(Ed : This article first appeared in Positive Health magazine
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