Diabetes
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America, and the incidence of this disease is increasing at an alarming rate. There are 10 million known diabetics and probably another 5 million who are diabetic, but don’t know it yet. One could rationally call it an epidemic. It is no mystery why this is happening. Over consumption of total calories with resultant overweight conditions, lack of exercise, excess dietary starchy carbohydrates, and an endless and seemingly uncontrollable desire for the nemesis of all diabetics: SUGAR, are the reasons.

Consumption of sugar is now several hundred pounds per person per year in this country. Our lifestyle has lead to a perfect illustration of the law of cause and effect. There are certain physical laws like gravity. Step off a ledge, and you will fall to the ground. Do the things to your body listed above, and you will have a much greater chance of becoming diabetic. Diabetes is perhaps the saddest of all the health scourges that we suffer in this country, because with proper lifestyle and nutritional management, it is completely preventable. Diabetes contributes hugely to our societal medical costs, deaths, and morbidity from cancer, heart disease, stroke, and arteriosclerosis.

Most diabetics do not suffer from lack of insulin as previously thought. About 90% of diabetes consists of this type II disorder: high blood sugar with normal to elevated insulin levels. The real problem? Lack of tissue sensitivity to the action of circulating insulin.

A solution? Avoid overexposure to sweets and carbs in general, maintain normal lean body mass, and exercise to enhance insulin sensitivity. I have previously written about the extremely common “Metabolic Syndrome” or “Syndrome X”, or “Insulin Resistance Syndrome” which comprises a constellation of symptoms and signs that signal the impending onset of adult onset diabetes. Hypertension, abnormal blood fats, abdominal obesity, and accelerated arteriosclerosis and rapid aging are some of the signs. At Caring Medical we use a sugar challenge test known as the glucose-insulin tolerance test along with other biochemical testing to make this diagnosis.

Fortunately for the nearly 50% (20% known, 30% still undiagnosed) of the population that suffers from this syndrome, it is to a large extent reversible. A complete evaluation here will tell you how much and what kind of carbs can you tolerate, what degree of physical damage has already occurred from the existence of this syndrome, and will serve as the basis for a dietary and nutritional plan that takes advantage of the fact that cells can regain their sensitivity to the effect of insulin. For those who are already diabetic, I am happy to say that even many of the later stage complications of this disease (including circulation defects in the heart an extremities) can be very successfully treated. What you have to supply is the motivation. First, to want to know if there is something wrong, and second, to resolve do something about it.

Aside from drastically lowering the complex carbohydrate content of the diet, and eliminating sweets, my favorite interventions for the diabetic or diabetes prone individual are more exercise (including weight bearing resistance exercises), essential fatty acids and the micronutrients chromium, vanadium, all the B complex, and alpha lipoic acid. It is also helpful to increase the fiber content of the diet which helps in slowing down the absorption of glucose from the diet. I also advise my patients to avoid the so-called carbohydrate blocking products since they provide a false sense of security, and end up retarding progress rather than helping. Dramatic reductions in abdominal obesity, blood pressure, blood sugars, and needed medication are all realistic goals for existing adult onset diabetics.

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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Please note: Prolotherapy and Supplement recommendations by disorders is a general recommendation. It is not our suggestion that these supplements cure or improve these conditions, neither do we make claims that these supplements in anyway are to be used in place of medical advice from a licensed medial professional, nor are they to be used in the place of medications prescribed by a physician. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated statements made about specific supplements nor does the Food and Drug Administration recognize that any nutritional supplement is to be used as a cure for any condition. Nutritional, herbal, mineral supplementation can be beneficial in certain health circumstances but not in every circumstance. Before using any nutritional supplement it is strongly advised that you seek the guidance of a licensed health care professional to help guide you in choosing any supplementation program.  Supplement suggestions  ARE NOT to be considered cures or possible remedies, but rather supplements that can possibly enhance the quality of life by helping the immune and/or nervous system. All medical procedures have risks, these risks should always be discussed with your physician. CMRS 715 Lake Street Suite 600 Oak Park IL 60301 708-848-7789