By Sam V. Jonuzi ND
Diabetes is an endocrine gland disorder that deals with the Pancreas. The pancreas is a gland/organ that produces an enzyme called insulin. Insulin regulates sugar (glucose) levels in our body. Sugar is our full (energy source) that gets us going. Anything we consume turns into sugar, so regulating the levels in our body. Remember enzymes are catalysts that get the reaction going. Diabetes mellitus (commonly called Diabetes) is a condition characterized by hyperglycemia (high sugar levels into blood stream).
There are three types of such disorder:
Type 1 diabetes is also called Juvenile-onset or insulin dependent.
Type 2 diabetes is also called adult-onset non insulin dependent.
Gestational Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
Results are from a deficiency (low-level) of insulin, resistance to insulin, or a combination. Long term complications of diabetes may include atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infection, heart failure, stroke, gangrene of the extremities, visual loss or blindness; poor wound healing, impaired immune function, and end stage renal failure. It has been established that maintaining blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible will reduce the incidence of many diabetic complications. The conventional treatment approach is managing symptoms, which include dietary modifications, oral hypoglycemic agents, or insulin. Regular aerobic exercise is recommended to improve insulin sensitivity.
More on the Pathophysiology (causes) of the condition:
As a naturopath, I believe that there will be no need to treat if you prevent. In order to prevent you need to understand the cause. Certain metabolic abnormalities and pathological changes that are associated with diabetes may include increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals, excessive protein Glycation, and intracellular accumulation of sorbitol.
1. Free radicals- Diabetics have been reported to have significantly higher concentration of antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Glutathione.
2. Glycation of proteins- proteins involves the irreversible binding of a reducing sugar. Glycated proteins undergo further reactions to form advanced Glycated end products (AGEs). Strategies to decrease exposure to Glycated proteins are to have sufficient supplies of inhibits like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, and an Alpha Lipoic Acid. Avoid foods that contain high concentration of AGEs, like meat cooked at high temperatures.
3. Sorbitol accumulation is a factor that contributes to diabetes complications. When glucose levels are elevated sorbitol is synthesized inside cells faster than it can be metabolized. Since sorbitol cannot cross cell membranes, it builds inside cells, potentially leading to osmotic swelling, metabolic dysfunction, and cell death. It is the factor for developing neuropathy, retinopathy, cataracts and other complications and damage of the organs.
Environmental Factors that Contribute Greatly to Diabetes:
1. Bisphenol A, (BPA) present in the plastic food beverage containers.
2. Persistent organic pollutants, like PBCs, TCDD, POPs, and others.
Many patients ask if diabetes can be cured. I offer a quite simple answer: a CURE is not out there but is built within every one of us. If you think or told that there is a cure for anything out there you are misleading yourself. Everyone in the practice of medicine is practicing a healing art. Conventional doctors practice healing by using medications to suppress symptoms. On the other side, Naturopathic doctors practice healing by using naturally derived supplements or therapies to stimulate patients healing force within.
Dietary Factors:
A patient with diabetes should be educated regarding the proper frequency, timing, size, and micronutrient content of meals. Education is the best medicine for diabetic patients. Major factors to take in consideration is Diet, Exercise and Weight loss, Meal Frequencies, Cooking Methods, Glycemic Index and Load, Sucrose, Fructose, Fiber, Whole Grains, Processed and Fast Food, Alcohol and Coffee Consumption. I would like to add three more important items to be taken in consideration with diabetes: a gluten-free diet, Vegan diet and Oolong tea.
Most Important Nutritional Supplements Pertaining to Diabetes
From mineral (trace mineral): Chromium, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and Copper.
From Vitamins (macro & micro): Biotin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
From lower serum level: Fish Oil.
The most beneficial therapy is Intravenous (IV) therapy. Due to excessive nutritional mineral, vitamin and antioxidant deficiency, bypassing the digestive system is important. My practice offers an Alternative IV protocol for chronic conditions, which is a combination of super oxygen, super antioxidants and super nutrition in order to support the healing force within. We do not treat Diabetes… we treat people who happen to have diabetes.
Sam Jonuzi a Naturopathic Doctor and certified Integrative Health Practitioner is a leading authority in Alternative Healthcare, especially Clinical Nutrition, Nutritional IV Therapy and Weight Loss. He has also been a member of the American Associates of Integrative Medicine since 2009
