Diabetes affects nearly 24 million people in the United States and comes in two forms. Type 1 is insulin dependent, where individuals must take insulin to control it. Type 2 is a diagnosis for adult-onset and relates to the amount of blood sugar in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, type 2 diabetes is controllable through diet and exercise. Michael Murray, author of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," says in addition to diet and exercise, type 2 diabetes can be controlled with certain herbal and vitamin remedies.
Changes in Diet
Glucose is the body's fuel and is needed for energy, but too much is detrimental to health. Since type 2 diabetes is caused by too much glucose, or blood sugar, in the body, the first place to begin is your diet. A diet recommended by the American Diabetes Association is one of high protein and low carbohydrates. With a ratio of 80 percent protein and 20 percent carbohydrates, it has been used with some success. Another diet used to control diabetes was designed by Dr. James Anderson. It includes grains and beans and legumes and is low in simple sugars. The diet is also low in fat and high in root vegetables. High in fiber, it eliminates the need to eat low-density foods like chips or sugar-laden treats throughout the day, which can lead to spikes in glucose levels. A raw-food diet consists of sprouted and dehydrated and natural foods. It is touted by Gabriel Cousens as a possible cure for diabetes. As a holistic medical doctor, Cousens who is also a raw-food specialist, uses a 21-day program at his Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center to rid the body of excess glucose.
Exercise
Exercise converts excess glucose in the body to energy. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise daily as a preventive measure and to control diabetes. Walking briskly or riding a bike are exercises most people can do on a daily basis. In addition to reducing diabetes symptoms, exercise lowers the risk of heart disease and obesity.
Herbs and Vitamins For Health
Herbs and vitamins can provide the body with nutrients to strengthen the heart and reduce diabetes symptoms. Dr. Michael Murray in the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," says vitamin E in doses of 800 IU daily improves insulin use and benefits the heart and nervous system. Vitamin E appears to also play a significant role in preventing diabetes, but the evidence has not been substantiated.
Murray also writes that chromium decreases fasting blood glucose levels and increases glucose tolerance. Daily dosage of 200mcg for an adult improves glucose metabolism in diabetes patients.
Diabetes affects the absorption and transport of vitamin C, which means vitamin C must be added to the diet. Adding 1,200 to 2,000mg per day for one week boosts the cells' ability to use vitamin C in the body. After one week, reduce the amount to 600mg daily to ensure that proper vitamin C levels are maintained in the body.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Diabetes Fact Sheet
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray, M.D.; 1997
- Mayo Clinic: Type 2 Diabetes
- Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center: Reversing Diabetes
- American Dietetic Association: Diabetes & Diet
