Diabetes

HOW I OVERCAME DIABETES
compiled by Laurie Lynch, N.D., Ph.D.

 “Diabetes remains a prevalent and grave disease in the United States, responsible for at least a quarter of a million deaths a year.  Most diabetics’ lifestyles are still hampered by various associated diseases and side effects, including heart disease, high blood pressure, blindness, and kidney disease.  Over 2 million diabetics have high blood pressure, and most diabetes-related deaths result from heart attacks” (Null, p. 242). "The World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation ...warn that the number of people worldwide who have diabetes has exploded from 30 million in 1985 to 135 million in 1995 to 194 million in 2003" (Jackson, 2005). "One CDC report finds that between 1990 and 1998, there was a 70% increase in diabetes cases among those in the 30-39 age bracket and a 40% increase in the 40-49 bracket. And the number of children developing diabetes is dramatically rising" (Davis, 2001).  "Diabetes is the third leading cause of death" (Balch, p. 154).                                                                                                                                                        

Now "the Diabetes Epidemic Has Doubled in America. In the past 30 years, new cases of type 2 diabetes have doubled, with most diagnoses occurring in people who are obese, according to findings from the Framingham Offspring Study.  In the '70s, 2 percent of women and 2.7 percent of men had diabetes. By the '90s, the rates had grown to 3.7 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively. Likewise, by the 1980s the risk of developing diabetes had increased by 40 percent; by the 1990s, the risk skyrocketed 105 percent, compared to the '70s (Mercola, 2006).

What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic degenerative disease characterized by a malfunction of the pancreas. Diabetes is basically a matter of faulty metabolism that involves the body’s inability to assimilate sugar properly. …it may involve the failure of a portion of the pancreas to secrete enough insulin to metabolize glucose; the glucose stays in the blood until reaching various receptor sites, or docking sites.  Here the glucose is ‘loaded’ into the body’s cells, where it is needed to provide vital energy and maintenance of normal physiological functioning.  If these docks or receptor sites are not open, however, glucose cannot enter the cells.  The body is then deprived of its critical energy supply, and the glucose stays in the blood and creates… a high blood sugar level…  How do these receptor sites get unlocked so that glucose can get into the cells?  In the normal individual, the pancreas secretes insulin for just that purpose.  Insulin accompanies glucose to the dock site and actually ‘unlocks‘the cell so that it can receive the glucose” (Null, p. 244).     

There are two types of diabetes; diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. 

  •   “Diabetes insipidus is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of the pituitary hormone, which is usually the result of damage to the pituitary gland.  Diabetes insipidus is characterized by enormous amounts of urine that are produced by the body regardless of how much liquid is consumed” (Balch, p. 154).

  •   Diabetes mellitus is the most common form and is usually referred to as just diabetes.  “Normally blood sugar rises after a meal as glucose is absorbed into the blood stream, causing the pancreas to produce enough insulin to return the blood sugar level to its normal range. Diabetic individual are either unable to produce insulin, or their cells have become resistant to insulin and they are unable to move glucose from the bloodstream to the cells, and thus cannot maintain a normal blood glucose level” (Alternative Medicine, p 647).  There are two types of diabetes mellitus: Type I, called juvenile or insulin-dependant diabetes, and Type II, formerly called adult onset diabetes.
    *      Type I - “In Type I diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin.  As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and spills over into the urine, while the body literally ‘starves’ to death because the cells cannot get the nourishment, which is provided by glucose, to produce energy to carry out their normal functions” (Alternative Medicine, p 647).
    *       Type II - "Diabetes mellitus type 2 (formerly called..., non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), obesity related diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes) is a metabolic disorder that is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, relative insulin deficiency, and hyperglycemia. It is presently incurable (through medical treatments). It is rapidly increasing in the developed world,.... The CDC has characterized the increase as an epidemic" (Wikipedia, D. M Type II).

 What are the symptoms and affects of type I diabetes?
 “The symptoms of Type I diabetes include excessive thirst, hunger, urination, and dehydration, often accompanied by weight loss" (Alternative Medicine, p 647) . The symptoms could include numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, frequent infections, drowsiness, diarrhea, slow healing of cuts and bruises.  “Most people have one or more of these symptoms at some time or other” (Natow and Heslin, p. 2).  Other possible symptoms also could “include irritability, …nausea or vomiting, weakness, fatigue… The Type I diabetic may have an insulin reaction (from taking insulin) in an instant, seeming perfectly normal one second and becoming unconscious the next.  The early warning signs of a reaction are hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitation, and numbness or tingling of the lips” (Balch, p. 154).   “If left untreated, the …diabetic may also experience double vision, trembling, and disorientation, may perform strange actions, and may eventually loose consciousness… An insulin reaction producing low blood sugar can be life threatening” (Balch, p. 154) .

The "complex and multifactorial metabolic changes" in the diabetic can lead to "damage and function impairment of many organs,' such as the cardiovascular system, adrenal glands, liver, kidneys and eyes, and can lead to ketoacidosis, degeneration of the peripheral nervous system and atherosclerosis especially affecting the legs and heart (Last, 1992).

What are the symptoms and affects of type II diabetes?
Type II diabetes “is characterized by blurred vision, itching, unusual thirst, drowsiness, obesity, fatigue, skin infections, slow healing, and tingling or numbness in the feet… Other signs of diabetes include lingering flu-like symptoms, loss of hair on legs, increased facial hair, and small yellow bumps anywhere on the body,… and inflammation of the penile skin” (Balch, p. 154).   “A common early sign of mild chronic blood sugar elevation in women is recurrent vaginal yeast infections that cause itching and burning” (Bernstein, p. 40). 

“Either type of diabetes can lead to heart and kidney disease, atherosclerosis, hypertension, strokes, cataracts, retinal hemorrhages, neuropathy (nerve damage), gastroparesis (loss of peristaltic action in the gastrointestinal tract), gangrenous infections of cuts or sores (with possible amputation of the feet or legs), (atherosclerosis especially affecting the legs and heart),  loss of hearing, blindness, and even death.  "These complications are easier to avoid in both types of diabetics if blood sugar levels are kept as close to the normal range as possible” (Alternative Medicine, p 648, Balch, p.154).

Both types of diabetics often are unable to secrete sufficient stomach acid and/or pancreatic enzymes needed to properly digest proteins and minerals.(Dr. Wright, p. 305-309). “Excess glucose in the bloodstream is toxic, according to Peter H. Forsham, M.D., of Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington, noting that excess glucose in diabetics can diminish the biological effectiveness of various proteins in the body.  For example when glucose binds to hemoglobin (the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells), the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin is reduced” (Alternative Medicine, p 647).  

What causes diabetes?
“Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure…may be related.  These are generalized problems that come from general defects in life style, especially too much fat, too much animal protein, not enough exercise, too much salt, and not enough fiber.  When you address the causes of these illnesses, you can eliminate these medications quite rapidly” (Null, P54).

Diabetes is “caused by a lack of, or resistance to, the hormone insulin, which is essential for the proper metabolism of blood sugar (glucose)” (Alternative Medicine, p 647).  "Insulin resistance… lurks behind most cases of high blood pressure and almost all instances of Type II diabetes, serious obesity and high triglycerides (Atkins, Vol. III. No.5).

What causes insulin deficiency or resistance?

  •   Heredity -  “Although a genetic predisposition appears to govern susceptibility to both types of diabetes, a number of other factors can also be involved.  Diet and obesity are key elements in the cause of Type II diabetes” (Alternative Medicine, p 648).

  •   "Poor diet  is probably the most important cause of type 2 diabetes. Studies of the eating habits of different populations have revealed that diets high in fat (especially animal fat), animal protein, refined sugars, processed carbohydrates, and trans fatty acids, and low in fiber and complex carbohydrates are associated with a greatly increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This translates to a diet high in meat, dairy, margarine, refined vegetable oils, white flour products, and sugar. Unfortunately, this is the diet commonly consumed by people in the United States, also known as the Standard American Diet (appropriately abbreviated as 'SAD')" (Mateljan Foundation).

      *  Excess simple carbohydrates -  "A high intake of simple carbohydrates or sugars tends to make insulin less sensitive. Sugar added to the diet of research animals or increased in the diet of healthy volunteers has been reported to disturb the glucose metabolism and cause diseases of the eyes, kidneys and blood vessels. Even if combined with a high-fibre, low-fat diet added sugar still adversely affects the glucose tolerance...  fructose in whole fruits is generally fine, provided it is not ingested close to a meal containing starches.

     "Lets look at the common habit of eating sweetened starches as in bread with jam, marmalade or honey, cakes, biscuits, muesli or breakfast cereals. The fructose contained in the meal causes a strong rise in the blood insulin level. At the same time a large amount of glucose from the breakdown of starches enters the bloodstream. The excess of insulin quickly channels the glucose inside muscle cells, which are now overloaded with glucose. Only a small amount is needed for energy production, the rest may be converted to lactic acid, causing overacidity, or to body fat. Gradually cells learn to protect themselves by becoming less responsive to insulin and making it harder for glucose to enter. 

     "Until 1980 the rate of obesity and type 2 diabetes was fairly stable. However, when the health authorities in the U.S.A. started vilifying foods containing fats and cholesterol and recommend eating carbohydrates instead, obesity increased from 13 to 14% of the adult U.S. population to 25% within one decade and continues to rise. Type 2 diabetes became an epidemic as well. In addition, for the first time in history a large number of obese children developed type 2 diabetes. Since then it is no longer called maturity-onset diabetes.

    *  "In animal experiments an excessive intake of sugar resulted in greatly enlarged pancreas and pituitary glands, both of which are involved in blood-sugar regulation. A group of Aboriginal diabetics who lived for several weeks on bush food all quickly returned to a normal blood-sugar regulation. Indians living in Natal (South Africa) have a high sugar consumption and high levels of diabetes and heart disease compared to Indians living in India who use very little sugar and have very low rates of these diseases" (Walter Last 1992).

    *  On the pacific island of Naura, “until recently, Type II diabetes was unknown. In Naura, where the islanders ate a simple diet consisting mainly of bananas and yams, (but) when phosphates were discovered and mined on the island, the inhabitants attained wealth and settled into a life of leisure, which included adopting a Western diet high in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates.  With this change in life style many began to develop Type II diabetes.  Now according to a study by the World Health Organization, up to one half of the urbanized Naura population in the age range of thirty to sixty four years old has diabetes, illustrating that adult-onset diabetes may be triggered by poor diet rather than genetic makeup” (Alternative Medicine, p 648).

    *  "In England during World War II, when food shortages and rationing removed white flour, sugar, excessive meat protein, and fats from the typical English diet, the death rate from diabetes fell 50 percent” (Alternative Medicine, p 649).

         *  Excess fats – "High-fat diets are associated with an increased risk for diabetes. High-fat diets have also been linked to an increase in heart disease, which is a major concern for diabetic patients... Diabetics should greatly reduce their intake of saturated fats found in meat and dairy products; excess omega-6 fats, highest in meat, dairy products, and corn, safflower and sunflower oils; and trans fats, which are found in margarine, non-dairy creamers, and processed foods. ,,, Trans fats can occur naturally in food, but are never found in such large amounts as occur in a process called hydrogenation. This process is used to turn liquid vegetable oil into more solid margarine. Trans fats can also be formed in oil that is heated for long periods of time, like the oil used and reused for frying french fries, onion rings, burgers and fish patties at your local fast food restaurant. Trans fats are directly linked to an increased risk for insulin resistance as well as to an increased risk for blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Avoiding hydrogenated oils and deep fried food is a must for diabetics" (Mateljan Foundation).  "When the liver and bloodstream are already loaded with lipids ...it is difficult to convert excess glucose into more lipids (Last).

     According to a KANWU study of women with mild kidney impairment, "insulin sensitivity was significantly impaired on the saturated fatty acid diet ... but did not change on the monounsaturated fatty acid diet ... insulin secretion was not affected..... The favourable effects of substituting a monounsaturated fatty acid diet(avocado, olive oil ), for a saturated fatty acid diet (animal fats) on insulin sensitivity were only seen at a total fat intake below median (37E %). Here, insulin sensitivity was 12.5 % lower and 8.8 % higher on the saturated fatty acid diet and monounsaturated fatty acid diet respectively.  Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) increased on the saturated fatty acid ...but decreased on the monounsaturated fatty acid diet  (Vessby, 2001, P: 312 - 319),

    *  Animal protein – Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, US, have found that a person's heme iron intake from red meat,  ..."is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes... Diets with excessive protein, especially animal protein, are associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and with the progression of diabetic kidney disease... Animal protein ...has the tendency to cause great rises in blood insulin levels". (Mateljan Foundation)  Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed kidney function in women with mildly reduced kidney function. Those who consumed diets high in animal protein were more than three times as likely to have a significant decline in kidney function (Knight)  (Mateljan Foundation).

    rBGH (genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone) found in "milk has been implicated in the promotion of childhood diabetes…rBGH has produced milk which has more cow blood serum protein in it. The protein acts to cause the formation of antibodies which then attack the human pancreas" (Baer et al, Dairy Science, Vol 72 (no. 6), 1989).    "Several chemicals including pieces of lacto-albumins from milk have been implicated in the promotion of childhood diabetes through an antibody mechanism ,,,mastitis bacteria are a potential source of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase, an antigen associated with auto-immune diabetes in humans"  (W. von Meyer, , Ph.D. Fairview Industries, Inc., Fairview Industries: Sales of Milk Hormone rBGH Must be Suspended: Diabetes Risk; A Comment on Forbes '8/21/00 "Stepping in It" October 27, 2000).
     

  • Obesity – "Obese or overweight individuals have greatly decreased insulin sensitivity, while insulin becomes much more effective if they lose weight. (Last)  obesity is a leading predisposing risk factor for development of type 2 diabetes (Raloff, 2006).  Another very important risk factor is lack of exercise.

  •   Overeating, even of non-insulin-producing foods, can cause stretching of the cells in the small intestine, which causes the release of glucagons which raises blood sugar (Bernstein, p. 88).

  •   Alcohol -  "Heavy alcohol use can cause chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). This can lead to permanent damage to the pancreas and impair its ability to secrete insulin, which can result in diabetes" (Mayo Foundation, 2005).

  •    Smoking – "Smoking not only increases the risk of pancreatic cancer, but can also increase blood sugar levels and reduce your body's ability to use insulin. In addition, the chemicals in tobacco can damage blood vessels, muscles and organs. This may also increase your risk of diabetes. Pregnant women who smoke have an increased risk of diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)"  (Mayo Foundation, 2005) .

  •     Caffeine - In a Duke University Medical Center, James D. Lane, et al, found that in adults with type 2 diabetes, "caffeine ingestion significantly impairs the body's control of blood sugar and insulin after a meal.... Caffeine's influences the body's hormonal control of energy metabolism... Lane notes that as early as 1967, researchers had observed that caffeine could elevate blood sugar in middle-age diabetics... Blood glucose concentrations remained 21 percent higher among the participants who had taken caffeine pills than when they had received the placebo pills, Lane's team now reports in the August Diabetes Care, that the effects of current prescription medications used to control blood-sugar increases after a meal are "the same size as the effect of avoiding caffeine, ...avoiding caffeine could be as important in treatment as these medications are.  Moreover, Lane's group observed, blood-insulin concentrations after consumption of the caffeine were 48 percent higher than after the inert pills. This suggests that after caffeine, the cells are even more ignoring insulin—a hallmark of type 2 diabetes".

  •   Diseases:
    *  Allergy –     "The main cause of decreased insulin production in insulin-dependent diabetes is a chronic inflammation of the pancreas caused by a hidden food allergy, in particular to cows' milk" (Last, ch. 4-5).  “Autoimmune processes, in which antibodies created to fight allergies or viral infections, react against the body itself, may also play a role in causing both types of diabetes.   Seventy-five percent of Type I diabetics have antibodies to their own pancreatic cells… supporting the theory of an autoimmune cause of the disease” (Alternative Medicine, p 648).  In type I diabetes, "special cells in the pancreas that are responsible for producing insulin become damaged by cells of the immune system. It's believed that in people who are genetically prone to developing type 1 diabetes, either a viral infection or exposure to milk proteins at a young age causes the immune system to attack and kill these special cells" (Mateljan Foundation) . "Dr. Philpott finds that most diabetics … cannot tolerate cow’s milk...  Dr. Wright believes food intolerance’s to be a cause of diabetes “by causing inflammation and autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Foods that are often associated with diabetes-related problems include corn, wheat, chocolate, and dairy-related products… Also, some patients with Type I diabetes have been shown to have antibodies to the albumin (a simple protein) in cow’s milk which are capable of reacting with the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas” (Alternative Medicine, p 648, p 651).
    *  Edema -     "William H. Philpott, M.D…. has observed the cause of insulin resistance in Type II diabetes to be edema (swelling) of body cells mostly due to reactions to foods, and to …chemicals, and to inhalants".
    *  Hemochromatosis,     a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive iron buildup in the tissues, is often associated with or can contribute to the develpoment of diabetes (Wikipedia).
    *  “Stress and an individual’s ability to manage stress are also important factors affecting the course of diabetes… Stress can result in the production of adrenalin, which increases blood sugar”     (Alternative Medicine, p 649).
     *  “Infection…can frequently raise blood sugar” (Bernstein), such as "An overgrowth of the intestines with unfriendly microbes" (Last, section on Cows' Milk & Lactose). “Viral infections may also be responsible for initiating an autoimmune disease process in Type I diabetes.

  •  Vaccinations – "Viruses that may induce an autoimmune reaction include the pertussis (whooping cough) virus, hepatitis virus, rubella virus, coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus 6.” (Alternative Medicine, p 648)  "Classen Immunotherapies discovered that common vaccines are one of the most important causes of diabetes in children and in highly immunized adults" (http://www.vaccines.net/newpage1.htm, 2005). The "recent epidemic increase in the number of children diagnosed with this condition has been linked to vaccinations. It has been concluded that this increase in the different age groups correlated with the number of vaccines given in various countries" (Last, ch. 4-5).I suspect that the pertussis and rubella immunizations
    I received before starting school were a contributing factor in causing my diabetes, since immunizations have been shown to sometimes cause the very disease they are said to prevent.  It was right after receiving the immunizations that I develop allergies, constant infections, heart disease, and symptoms of  hypoglycemia and eventually diabetes.

  •   Medicinal drugs can be a cause or contributing factor in the development of diabetes.  Most drugs harm the liver and adrenal glands, and liver and adrenal weakness has been associated with pancreatic weakness and the resultant hormone imbalances.  “A number of drugs produce reversible glucosuria, but some produce chronic or permanent diabetes mellitus through a necrotic action on the B-cells of the islets of Langerhans.  The long term administration of glucose,
    growth hormone     (in animal products) and certain other drugs may induce hyperglycemia, The B-cytotoxins including alloxan, a few of its N-substituted derivatives, certain ascorbic acid and quinoline derivatives, and streptozotocin are rapidly destructive of B-cells and induce a chronic and sometimes a life-long diabetes mellitus”     (E W. Martin, Ph.D., p. 349).

       *  General anesthesia can elevate blood sugar levels ( Bernstein, p. 87).
        *      Estrogen drugs can be a cause of diabetes, as well as cancer, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood clotting, according to Dr. David Williams   (Breakthrough in Healing, p.21).
       *  Diuretic drugs can elevate blood sugar levels and cause an elevation in uric acid     (Null, P54).
       *  Long-term steroid     use can contribute to the develpment of diabetes (Wikipedia).

What are the dangers of standard treatments?
Insulin- atrophies the pancreas, treating the symptoms but making the cause worse.  Insulin may also contribute significantly to inner arterial wall damage, a major problem among diabetics. The incidence of heart attacks and strokes is five to eight times greater among diabetics.  About 75% of all diabetic mortality is due to heart disease which is brought on by the hardening of the major arteries that is so common among heavy insulin users (Null, p. 246).   “Administration of insulin can result in lipoatrophy (depression in the skin) or lipohypertrophy (enlargement or thickening of tissue) … Patients occasionally experience redness, swelling or itching at the site of injection of insulin.  …potentially more serious, is generalized allergy to insulin, which may cause rash over whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, reduction in blood pressure, fast pulse or sweating.   Severe cases of generalized allergy may be life threatening” (PDR, p. 1233).   “Injections of insulin…have always been dangerously self-defeating.  Most people with Type II diabetes…plus all the people in the process of developing diabetes (hypoglycemics) already have too much insulin in their bodies.  Their bodies are desperately working to produce extra insulin to compensate for the real defect- the inability of their cells to use insulin to burn sugar and carbohydrates…  Introducing more insulin only makes the problem worse.  The overload further desensitizes your body to the hormone’s action” (Atkins Vol.III, No. 3).

 “Excess insulin- a trademark of high (simple) carbohydrate consumption- correlates strongly with coronary heart disease and most risk factors for heart disease according to a Dutch study of 390 elderly men.  Researchers determined that above normal insulin concentration is significantly associated with higher blood sugar, triglycerides, uric acid and fibrinogen- all contributing factors in heart disease.  High insulin also was associated with a low amount of artery-protecting HDL cholesterol” (Atkins, Vol. III, No.4).  "While increased insulin levels are desirable for type I diabetics, with type II diabetes they just mean more glucose is converted into fat and cholesterol"  (Last).

Genetically engineered human insulin has been shown to be even more dangerous.     “Eight Canadians had died after taking (genetically engineered) synthetic insulin as of January, 2001. Another 465 people had adverse reactions. By comparison, only nine diabetics reported adverse reactions to pork insulin, and none to
beef insulin. In the United States, there have been 92 reported deaths, and 4,000 adverse reactions reported by diabetics using synthetic insulin. ..insulin was the first genetically engineered medication ever approved for use in humans… the most common problem is hypoglycemia, unawareness, in which diabetics lose their ability to feel that their blood sugars are low. This can lead to confusion, an inability to concentrate and insulin shock, in which a person can slip into a coma and die (Bell Globemedia Interactive Inc., Norfolk Genetic Information Network, 2002, http://www.ngin.org.uk).   My diabetic clients reported more harmful side effects, when using GE human insulin than when they used other forms of insulin, side effects such as severe hypoglycemia and allergic reactions, as well as further pancreatic atrophy. Other possible side effects could include acidosis, depression of the skin, and/or thickening of the tissues (PDR, p. 1464).   “Between 1986 and 1989, the British Diabetic Association has apparently received 2-3,000 letters from people complaining about human insulin” injections. One complainant states: “…this caused many years of extremely bad health, including three operations which were unnecessary” (What Doctors Don’t Tell You, Vol.8, No.11).

Harmful side effects of diabetes drugs:
“SPECIAL WARNING ON INCREASED RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY" (PDR).
"The existing oral drugs for Type II diabetes … work by forcing the body to produce more insulin" (Atkins Vol.III, No. 3).  "The administration of oral hypoglycemic drugs has been reported to be associated with increased cardiovascular mortality as compared to treatment with diet… This warning is based on the study conducted by the University Group Diabetes Program… The study involved 823 patients… the patients treated for 5 to 8 years with diet plus a fixed dose of tolbutamide had a rate of cardiovascular mortality approximately 2 ½ times that of patients treated with diet alone… The patient should be informed of the potential risks… of Diabeta… it is prudent from a safety standpoint to consider that this warning may also apply to other oral hypoglycemic drugs in this class” (Physicians Desk Reference, p. 1041).

  •      Micronaise- “the effectiveness… in lowering blood glucose to a desired level decreases in many patients over a period of time which may be due to the progression of the severity of diabetes or to diminished responsiveness to the drug.” (PDR, p. 2281)  Micronaise can cause adverse interactions with many other drugs, can cause severe hypoglycemia, especially when combined with antibiotics, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, birth control pills, aspirin type drugs, etc.  Possible side effects of Micronaise include: "hypoglycemia, gastrointestinal reactions, liver function abnormalities, including isolated transaminase (enzyme) elevations, nausea, epigastric fullness, and heartburn…allergic skin reactions…  hematologic reactions (such as anemia, decreased production of blood leukocytes, severe depression of the granulocytes producing bone marrow, prostration, chills, swollen neck, sore throat sometimes with ulceration, decrease in the number of red and white blood cells and blood platelets, often associated with hemorrhaging, possible metabolic reactions, blurred vision and allergic reactions (Physicians Desk Reference, p. 2280-2282).

  •   Metformin (Glucophage)- can cause “gastrointestinal disturbances… “(Atkins Vol.III, No. 3), bloating, metallic taste in mouth, heartburn, headache, sneezing, cough, runny nose, flushing of the skin, nail changes, muscle pain. chest pain, rash and/or polyps (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a696005.html#side-effects).

  •    Phenformin- can cause “lactic acid buildup” (Atkins Vol.III, No. 3).

  •   Troglitazone (Romozone) – “…has been declared unsafe and banned in Britain…Reactions to the drug have ranged from severe liver damage to liver necrosis (cell death) and liver failure” (What Doctors Don’t Tell You, Vol.8, No.11).

"As with insulin, also these hypoglycaemic drugs do not protect the patients against the various harmful effects of long-term diabetes... On the contrary, studies seem to indicate that these drugs accelerate such degenerative changes. Doctors W.A. Philpott and D.K. Kalita point out in their book 'Victory Over Diabetes' (Keats, 1983) that the overwhelming evidence of recent studies shows a shortened life expectancy and more serious complications from using diabetic drugs. In fact, the death rate actually doubled in those taking oral diabetic drugs. Most of these same drugs are still in use now. From a biochemical point of view this is only logical and to be expected because if sugar levels are lowered without converting them into energy, then they have to be converted into fat and cholesterol that then cause many of these problems" (Last, 1992).  "Important Note:  Diabetic patients who are currently taking blood glucose-lowering medications should take note that dietary changes recommended below may significantly lower blood sugar levels. It's very important to adopt these changes slowly while monitoring blood sugar and continuing to see a doctor. Failure to monitor blood sugar and medication levels can result in very low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous" (Mateljan Foundation).

What can be done to eliminate diabetes?      

 "There is a CURE for Type 2 Diabetes.  Even the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine has acknowledged that diet and exercise can completely eliminate diabetes.  It is an artifact of poor lifestyle choices including processed foods and inadequate exercise" (Dr. Mercola, 2006).  “Despite its severity, diabetes need not be as debilitating and severe as it used to be. The American Diabetic Association has been open to reviewing the latest research in the field, most of which indicates a need to move away from oral medications and insulin injections and toward general lifestyle changes mainly involving dietary changes and exercise” (Null, p. 242).  “Type I diabetes used to mean taking insulin all your life.  Yet Dr. Atkins has now proved that the illness can be reversed” (Health Revelations, p.10).

The right diet is of utmost importance!

  “According to Dr. Wright, a diet emphasizing foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, reduces the need for insulin by controlling the release of glucose into the bloodstream" (Alternative Medicine, p 649).  The American Diabetic Association has published research showing that a vegetarian lifestyle reduces the incidence of diabetes and heart disease” (Alternative Medicine, p 649).  Dr. Whittaker recommends a low-fat, high complex carbohydrate diet, which lowers insulin requirements (Null, P54). 

HARMFUL FOODS

 Sugar, white flour, white rice, and all other refined simple carbohydrates, as well as stimulants such as coffee, tea, soda,  chocolate, nicotine, alcohol, and animal products raise blood sugar levels and require the production of insulin and can further atrophy the pancreas.  “Foods that are often associated with diabetes-related problems include corn, wheat, chocolate, and dairy-related products” (Alternative Medicine, p 651).  "Dr. Wright suggests that diabetics avoid simple carbohydrates (such as fruit juices), and foods containing refined sugar (such as processed foods, cookies, and pastries) because these raise the blood sugar rapidly, thereby requiring a sudden rise in insulin levels which places stress on the pancreas" (Alternative Medicine, p 649).  Not only does sugar raise the blood sugar level, but “… sugar can use up the body’s supply of chromium.  The mineral chromium is needed for insulin to work properly.  When a lot of monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) are eaten, they cause the body to waste chromium.  You can conserve chromium by avoiding simple sugars” (Natow, & Heslin, p. 17).

"Avoid concentrated sugars, dried fruit, fruit juices, saturated fats, trans fats, excessive total fats, excessive iron, particularly from red meat" (Mateljan Foundation).  Avoiding or "lowering caffeine intake might prove one way to inexpensively manage aspects of this growing disease..... Lane told Science News Online, "I think that the effect is sufficiently strong to suggest that people give [decaffeination] a try" (Raloff, 2006).  “Avoid fish oil…, large amounts of PABA, white flour products, and salt.  Consumption of these products results in an elevation of blood sugar  (Balch, p.156).   “FAT tends to cause the body to be insensitive to insulin, exacerbating diabetes” (Julian Whitaker, M.D., 99 Medical Secrets Doctors Won’t Tell You, p.16).   Avoidance of animal products can help prevent or aid in recovery from diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).  Animal protein could over work the kidneys "because they must excrete the breakdown products of excess protein" (Natow & Heslin, p 22).

“Do not take large doses of cysteine.  It has the ability to break down the bonds of insulin.  Be careful not to take large doses of vitamins B1 and C.  Excessive amounts may inactivate insulin” (Balch, p.156).  Vitamin supplements are no longer natural, but are made from coal tar, petroleum, and/or are genetically rngineered, all of which are now toxic and could contribute to diabetes and other diseases..

Helpful Foods

Protein - “It is important to get protein from a vegetable source" (Balch, p.156).

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables “can actually increase the power of insulin” (McDougall, p. 214).  Jerusalem artichokes, string beans, almonds, wild yams, and dandilion greens will help stimulate the production of insulin.  “A high (complex) carbohydrate, high fiber diet reduces the need for insulin and also lowers the fat levels in the blood… raw fruits and vegetables …help to reduce sugar in the urine” (Balch, p.155,156).  “Foods that help normalize blood sugar include berries, ...garlic, sauerkraut, soybeans (in the form of organic tofu), and vegetables” (Balch, p.156).    "Huckleberry helps to promote insulin production” (Balch, p.155). Cherries and other red and purple fruits contain plant pigments that may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Laboratory research published in the January 2005 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that "when researchers at Michigan State University exposed rodent pancreatic cells to these fruit pigments, "insulin production increased 50%" (Mateljan Foundation).   

 Chili peppers "could help reduce your risk of hyperinsulinemia (high blood levels of insulin)—a disorder associated with type 2 diabetes. In a study published in the July 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Australian researchers showed that the amount of insulin required to lower blood sugar after a meal is reduced if the meal contains chili pepper. When chili-containing meals are a regular part of the diet, insulin requirements drop even lower". Chili peppers "increase in the liver's ability to clear insulin" (Mateljan Foundation).     

"Fiber will reduce blood sugar surges" (Balch, p155). "Many studies have shown that a diet high in fiber has beneficial effects on diabetes. In particular, a fiber-rich meal leads to a much smaller rise in blood sugar and blood insulin levels compared to a meal low in fiber" (Mateljan Foundation). Foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, help keep “blood sugar levels from rising quickly after eating” (Natow & Heslin, p. 19).  "The fiber in plant foods can also be beneficial for diabetics by absorbing water in the body and forming a natural ‘sponge’ in which food particles are suspended" (Alternative Medicine, p 649).  "Other studies show that the blood sugar regulation is best maintained with a diet high in vegetable fibre, especially from legumes" (Last).    

Legumes (beans, lentils, or peas), are "one of the best nutritional treatments available for type 2 diabetes. Packed inside these legumes is just the right blend of fiber, protein, and nutrients to have the profound effect on blood sugar regulation that modern drugs have yet to achieve; and legumes have no harmful side effects.  Study after study has demonstrated that beans can help with blood sugar control better than any other food available. ... Legumes are also a great source of high-quality protein. They can very easily be used as a replacement for animal protein, which has been shown to cause problems for diabetic patients. The variety of legumes available, such as black beans, white beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, red beans, chickpeas, green peas, red lentils, French lentils, and soybeans  can keep your diet both interesting and healthy" (Mateljan Foundation).  “SOY products (in the form of organic TOFU) will help to restore proper functioning of the pancreas” (The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical Medicine, p. 100).   Dr. Wright found that eating whole grains or “beans for breakfast keeps the blood sugar under control for the first half of the day, and believes that two servings of beans a day have a considerable effect in controlling blood sugar all day.”  He suggests “…increasing fluid intake to help the body adjust to the increased gas production, a common side effect of added fiber” (Alternative Medicine, p 650).  Also, soaking beans 24 hours or overnight in a little baking soda before cooking, greatly reduces gas formation. 

Whole grains can lower the risk of type II diabetes.  "In a human study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service at the Diet and Human Performance Laboratory in Beltsville, MD, and published in the June 2005 issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (showed that)... glucose responses were reduced after test meals by both oats and barley, although more by barley (29-36% by oats and 59-65% by barley). Insulin responses after test meals were significantly reduced only by barley (44-56%)" (Mateljan Foundation).  "In a study that appeared in the February 2004 issue of Diabetes Care, researchers who analyzed data on 2,834 participants in the Framingham Offspring Study, found that the prevalence of both insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome was significantly lower among those eating the most cereal fiber from whole grains compared to those eating the least." (Mateljan Foundation).  Whole grains such as millet and quinoa have been reported by my clients not to raise blood sugar levels.

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is known for its various therapeutic effects such as helping to regulate blood sugar levels in both hypoglycemics and diabetics, and retarding the progression of "secondary complications in those with non insulin dependent diabetes by lowering the fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profile and glycated serum proteins. ...Spirulina powder can be incorporated into a diabetic diet for improving the carbohydrate and lipid ...metabolism in diabetics" (PA Krezowski).  "Spirulina helps produce a stable blood sugar level” (Balch, p.156), and reduces cravings.

Essential fatty acids, especially "Omega 3s help prevent obesity and improve insulin response.  Research presented in December 2004 at the 6th Congress of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids suggests that while saturated fats appear to promote weight gain, the omega 3 fats found in cold water fish, (or in flax seed and hemp seed oils) reduce the risk of becoming obese and improve the body's ability to respond to insulin" (Mateljan Foundation).  “Flax seed oil can be a primary tool in lessening the dependency on insulin” (Dr. David G. Williams, Alternatives, Vol. 6, No. 21).

“Olive oil (Cold pressed, and in a dark container) may help adult onset diabetes” (Balch, p.156).  "Studies have shown that meals containing olive oil have better effects on blood sugar than meals low in fat. ... Oils, can ...be damaged by heat. ...Olive oil should therefore not be used while cooking, but should instead be added to the dish after the cooking is done or should be used in dressings and uncooked sauces. ... Use olive oil to replace other oils, like corn, sunflower, or safflower oil, and other sources of fat, such as the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products, or the unhealthy trans fats found in margarines" (Mateljan Foundation).                                          
Cinnamon is shown by USDA researchers, Anderson et al, in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, that cinnamon can "increase the body's ...ability to use glucose roughly 20-fold... In humans with type 2 diabetes, consuming as little as 1 gram of cinnamon per day was found to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol, in a study published in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Car" (Mateljan Foundation).

Vitamin E-rich foods eaten in sufficient quantities can lower the risk of developing diabetes by31%, and consuming sufficient quantities of beta-cryptoxanthin, which is found in citrus fruits, cut the "chances developing type 2 diabetes by 42%"... Unfortunately, many diabetic patients have very low levels of vitamin E because diabetes results in the production of higher than normal amounts of free radicals. It's particularly important, therefore, for persons with diabetes to get plenty of vitamin E in their diets. Excellent and very good sources of vitamin E include: mustard greens, Swiss chard, sunflower seeds, turnip greens, almonds, kale and spinach. Concentrated sources of ...include: red bell pepper, papaya, cilantro, oranges, corn, and watermelon" (Mateljan Foundation).

Vitamin D – "low vitamin D levels are strongly associated with insulin resistance. Studies have shown that people with diets low in vitamin D are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes than people who get plenty of this vitamin. Low vitamin D also seems to be linked to many of the negative consequences of diabetes. Getting enough vitamin D may therefore important for preventing the development and progression of type 2 diabetes" (Mateljan Foundation).  Vitamin D is manufactured by the body from sunshine and can be obtained from butter, oats, sweet potatoes, fenugreek seeds (soaked in purified water 12 hours),  raw, cold pressed vegetable oils, and the herbs, Aloe Vera (the live plant), alfalfa, spirulina, dandelion greens, red raspberry, rose hips, and sarsaparilla, and the action of sunlight on cholesterol in exposed skin.  

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS, that nourish your body with the right substances so it can heal itself, are also a necessary part of eliminating diabetes.

A Wellness Consultation with Laurie Lynch, N.D, will provide information on the right foods, herbs, and nutritional supplements that will greatly speed up the body's healing process, regenerate weak and malfunctioning glands and organs, increase energy, mental clarity, and promote total health.  Call today to start on the right path to total wellness. (910) 426-5159.

 Exercise and Stress Reduction –  "There is a way to increase insulin sensitivity of muscle cells naturally - with regular aerobic exercise aerobic exercise" (Last).  “Regular exercise… lowers blood sugar, helps control weight, oxygenates tissues, and stimulates metabolic functions.  Aerobic exercise is preferable to weight lifting, and walking is ideal” (Alternative Medicine, p. 653).   As exercise lowers blood sugar, snacks or Spirulina should be handy to prevent blood sugar from dropping to low too rapidly. 

  

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that exercise helps to control diabetes. "The serious side effects of diabetes are caused by how high blood sugar levels rise after meals, and exercise helps to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high. The higher blood sugar levels rise after eating, the more sugar sticks to the surface of cell membranes. Once stuck there, sugar cannot get off, and it is converted to a poison called sorbitol that destroys the cells to cause blindness, deafness, heart attacks, kidney damage, burning foot syndrome, impotence and the other harmful side effects of diabetes. The only places that you can store extra sugar in your body are in your liver and muscles. Exercise empties sugar from muscles so when you eat, sugar goes from your intestines, into your bloodstream, and if you've just exercised, into your muscles. Otherwise sugar levels rise too high to damage cells" (Merkin; Schmitz, 2002)..                                                                                                                                                              
Stress reduction - “Stress leads to the production of adrenalin, which raises the blood sugar level.  Relaxation and stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, guided imagery, and massage are, therefore, recommended for diabetics” (Alternative Medicine, p. 653).  Stress reduction /relaxation techniques are taught by Laurie Lynch, N.D., CHt at the Living Well Health & Education Center, (910) 426-5159.                                                                                                        
So by making these simple diet and lifestyle changes I was able to nourish my pancreas and other glands and organs back to health, and totally eliminate diabetes and its related diseases and become healthy.  

REFERENCES:

(1)   Burton, Goldberg Group, Alternative Medicine, Future Medicine Publishing, Washington, 1994

(2)   James F. Balch, M.D., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, N.Y.

(3)   Physicians Desk Reference, 52 edition, 1998  

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(13)  Dr. David G. Williams, Alternatives, Vol. 6, No. 21)

(14)  Annette B. Natow, PhD, RD., and Jo-Ann Heslin, MA, RD., The Diabetes Carbohydrate and Calorie Counter, Pocket Books, NY, 1991

(15)  Richard K. Bernstein, MD, DR. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution, Little, Brown and Company, NY, 1997

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(23) Gabe Mirkin, M.D, 2006, Exercise Prevents Side Effects of Diabetes, http://www.drmirkin.com/diabetes/1593.html; KH Schmitz, et al, Association of physical activity with insulin sensitivity in children. International Journal of Obesity, 2002, Vol 26, Iss 10, pp 1310-1316.                                                                                                                                                                               
 (24)  Diabetes mellitus type 2, Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_2                                                              

(25)  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2005, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/AN00548                                                                                      

 (26)  E.L. Knight, et al, The Impact of Protein Intake on Renal Function Decline in Women with Normal Renal Function or Mild Renal Insufficiency, Annals of Internal Medicine, 18 March 2003, Volume 138, Number 6, pages 460–467.                                                                                                                                                     
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 (28)  B. Vessby, March 2001,  Substituting dietary saturated for monounsaturated fat impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy men and women, Springer Berlin / Heidelberg, Diabetologia,  Volume 44, Number 3                                                                                  

(29)  Janet Raloff, 2006, Got Diabetes? Try Ditching Caffeine, Week of Aug. 7, 2004; Vol. 166, No. 6                                                           

 (30)  http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040807/food.asp                                                                                                                 
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(C)  Petrie, H.J. . . . and T.E. Graham. 2004. Caffeine ingestion increases the insulin response to an oral-glucose-tolerance test in obese men before and after weight loss. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 80(July):22-28. Abstract available at http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/80/1/22.                     
(D) Tuomilehto, J., et al. 2004. Coffee consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among middle-aged Finnish men and women. Journal of the American Medical Association 291(March 10):1213-1219. Abstract available at http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/10/1213.                                                                                                                                                        
(E)  Weinberg, B.A., and B.K. Bealer. 2000. The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World's Most Popular Drug. New York: Routledge. See http://reference.routledge-ny.com/books.cfm?isbn=0415927226.                                                                                                                  
(F)  Wild, S., et al. 2004. Global prevalence of diabetes: Estimates for the year 2000 and projections for 2030. Diabetes Care 27(May):1047-1053. Available at http://care.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/27/5/1047.                                                               

(31)  The George Mateljan Foundation, 2006, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=disease&dbid=3                                                                                                              
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(B)  Krezowski PA, Nuttall FQ, et al. Insulin and glucose responses to various starch-containing foods in type II diabetic subjects. Diabetes Care 1987 Mar-1987 Apr 30;10(2):205-12.                                                                                                                               
(C)  Lerman-Garber I, Ichazo-Cerro S, et al. Effect of a high-monounsaturated fat diet enriched with avocado in NIDDM patients. Diabetes Care 1994 Apr;17(4):311-5.                                                                                                                                                         
(D)  Pereira MA, Jacobs Jr DR, Launer LJ et al. Effect of whole grains on insulin sensitivity in overweight hyperinsulinemic adults. Am J Clin Nutr 2002 May;75(5):848-55.                                                                                                                                        
(E)  Ramesh B. Dietary management of pancreatic beta-cell homeostasis and control of diabetes. Med Hypotheses 1996 Apr;46(4):357-61.
(F)  Schrezenmeir J, Jagla A. Milk and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr 2000 Apr;19(2 Suppl):176S-90S.                                                         
(G)  Song Y, Manson JE, Buring JE, Liu S. Dietary magnesium intake in relation to plasma insulin levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in women. Diabetes Care. 2004 Jan; 27(1): 59-65.                                                                                                                                  

(32)  Derrick Z. Jackson, 2005, The diabetes explosion, Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/11/15/the_diabetes_explosion/                                                  

(33)  Jeanie Lerche Davis, Jan. 25, 2001 Thirty-Something Diabetes Explosion, WebMD Medical News, http://www.webmd.com/content/article/30/1728_70700?src=Inktomi&condition=Home+&+Top+Stories                                               

(34) PA Krezowski, Insulin and glucose responses to various starch-containing foods in type II diabetic subjects, Diabetes Care, Vol 10, Issue 2 205-212, American Diabetes Association, cose%20responses%20to%various%20starchcontaining%20fods'                                                                         

 (35). Mani UV, Desai SA and Iyer UM. Effect of spirulina supplementation of serum lipid profile and glycated

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