Diabetes

Facts
Diabetes Type I
Diabetes Type II
Diabetes Type II risk test
Inhaled insulin
Nutritional support
Self-care & other reminders
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Facts

The correct medical term is diabetes mellitus (to differentiate from diabetes insipidus).
Diabetes is a Greek word that means 'to go through' while mellitus is the Greek word for 'honey'. Also called sugar diabetes.
Aretaeus (AD 135), a Greek physician, was the first to name "Diabetes".
One of the earliest records of diabetes mellitus was found in the Sanskrit-Verdic literature where patients passed out great quantities of urine with honey.
Diabetes is a condition that when the body fails to produce insulin.
The body needs food so that it can use it as energy in order to perform daily tasks like walking, speaking, lifting objects and studying. Whenever food is digested, it breaks down into glucose (sugar) then gets absorbed straight into the bloodstream and is ready to be converted to energy by the body cells.
However, the hormone called insulin which is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas (an organ near the abdomen) has to be present to stimulate the body cells to take in glucose.
For diabetics, the pancreas produces either ineffective or no insulin at all which will lead to a build up of glucose in the blood. This is dangerous because in serious cases, it could lead to heart attack, blindness, other eye diseases, kidney failure, stroke, gangrene (decay of the limbs), limb amputation and gum disease.
There are 2 main types of diabetes - Type I and II.
Keeping blood sugar at normal and healthy levels can significantly prevent and reduce long-term complications associated with diabetes.
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) refers to the prediabetic stage where blood sugar levels range from normal to diabetic, where faulty immune antibodies in the blood are present well before diabetic symptoms show.
Gestational diabetes refers to diabetes mellitus that occurs temporarily during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
"Secondary" diabetes mellitus refers to elevated blood sugar levels caused by another medical condition, e.g. trauma, removal of the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or hormonal disorders.
Diabetes mellitus is linked to a 65 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and affects some aspects of cognitive function differently than others, according to a study. Over the study period, 151 out of the 824 participants developed AD, including 31 who had diabetes.
Reference : Rush University Medical Center (May 2004)
Diabetic kidney disease arises from diabetes mellitus as a result of prolonged cellular dysfunction in the kidneys due to high blood glucose levels.
The presence of albuminuria (protein leakage in the urine), hypertension (persisted elevated blood pressure) and impaired renal function are indicators of diabetic kidney disease. An early signt of diabetic kidney disease is the presence of albumin (>30mgm/day) in the urine.

Diabetes Type I - Insulin-dependent diabetes

Also known as Juvenile onset diabetes).
The pancreas produces no insulin. It is more severe but rare. Usually affects young people below 20.
Warning signals for Type I - thirst and frequent urination, weakness; irritabilitiy and weight loss though there is appetite.
Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is the result of the body's protective immune system producing antibodies to attack it's own healthy cells and tissues. This is because the system is unable to differentiate between friend or invader and it can affect almost every part of the body including organs. Other examples of this disorder include rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Addisons' disease, vasculitis and lupus.

Diabetes Type II - Non-insulin dependent diabetes

Also known as Adult onset diabetes.
The pancreas produces insulin that cells do not respond to. It is the more common type of diabetes and usually affects people over 40 though young overweight kids are also liable.
Warning signals for Type II - thirst and frequent urination; the attraction of ants to the toilet/urine; weight loss; weakness; irritabilitiy; bad breath; eye problems (e.g. blur vision); fungal infection around the gential area and impotence. Seizures could also occur when levels of sugar or sodium in the blood are high or when there is a kidney failure.

Inhaled insulin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an inhaled form of insulin from Pfizer Inc. called Exubera, which is suitable for adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Studies conducted have found this new product to be safe for short-term use. However users may experience side effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, dry mouth and sore throat. It may also cause a minor decline in lung capacity. Smokers and those with lung illnesses are advised not to use it.

Nutritional support

From Dr. Neil Solomon's survey reported in Tahitian Noni Juice : How Much, How Often, For What (Direct Source, 2002), of the 4,634 who drank noni juice to help with their diabetic symptoms, 83% reported their symptoms lessened after consuming an average of 3 ounces daily. Noni is believed to help repair malfunctioning or "sick" body cells and enhance the immune system.
(Note: a Type I diabetic should never substitute noni juice or any supplement for insulin shots)
See Recommended dosing. More about noni.
American and Korean/Asian ginseng have been used to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics. More on ginseng...
According to Dr. John Heinerman, the author of Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Healing Juices (Prentice Hall, 1994), the Jerusalem artichoke contains a starchy substance called inulin. Though not related to insulin, inulin is a unique carbohydrate which is quickly converted to energy that nutritionally supports organs involved in regulating normal blood sugar levels like the liver, pancreas and spleen. Inulin helps to stabilize erratic blood sugar levels.
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a part in insulin's roles of transporting glucose and fatty acids into cells so as to carry out the oxidation process for energy and of storing sugars as glycogen in the liver.
Chromium promotes better use of insulin and improves glucose tolerance (the ability to use and store glucose).
Food sources include asparagus, beef, black pepper, brewer's yeast, broccoli, cocoa, liver, oysters, wheat germ and whole grains.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that helps lower blood sugar levels. Recommended dosage range from 100mg to 600mg daily.
Low levels of magnesium have been associated with both Type I and II. This essential mineral improves insulin production in Type II diabetics while reducing insulin dependency for Type I diabetics.
Food sources include avocado, banana, cocoa, dark green vegetables, halibut, legumes, nuts, pulses, pumpkin/sunflower seeds, soy products, spinach, and whole grains.
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a tropical fruit used widely to lower blood sugar levels. At least 2 ingredients are involved, namely charantin and plant insulin (p-insulin). Favourable forms are fresh juice and dried powder.
Nature's wonder food garlic (Allium sativum) not lowers not only blood lipids but also lowers blood sugar levels. The best way to preserve it's nutrients from being destoryed is to consume raw or to add it in just before dishing out. More amazing uses...
Gymnema sylvestre or ayurvedic gurmar is an ayurvedic herb found favourable against diabetes. In a certain study, participants with type 1 diabetics taking gymnema sylvestre reduced their insulin doses by about one-half while their average fasting blood sugars drop. Another study found that participants with type 2 diabetes were able to decrease their dosages of blood sugar-lowering drug medications, while some were able to discontinue medication completely. The finding suggests that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetics.
References : "Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients" Baskaran K, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990) 30:295-305; "Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" Baskaran K, et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology (1990) 30:281-294

Self-care & other reminders

Insulin shots (for diabetics requiring insulin) - it is injected into the body rather than taken orally because it will be destoryed in the stomach. The best spot to inject for fast absorption is at the abdomen. When there is too much insulin injected into the body, the cells take in the glucose quickly leaving the glucose level in the blood very low (hypoglycaemia). Once that happens, one will feel hungry, weak, start to perspire and even lose consciousness. To raise up blood glucose levels, consume sugary foods, sugary drinks or candies.
Insist on maintaining a low-fat, low-salt and a high fiber diet. Resist refined sugars, processed foods and diary products.
Do regular exercise and ensure healthy body weight (heavy weight increases risk).
Stop smoking. Smoking invites more damage to be done to the body.
Take diabetes seriously. It is a life-long disease with serious consequences and complications if proper care is not taken. Do regular blood glucose tests and record results accurately.
Remember to inform your dentist and eye specialist about your diabetes.
When going away for a trip, always carry a identification necklace or badge stating you are diabetic in case any emergency.

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