Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US. The US Department of Health and Human Services specifies that diabetes has a 6% rate of increase which means diabetic patients will double every fifteen years. Diabetes is a medical condition where metabolism of carbohydrates is impaired due to abnormal insulin production and usage.
The Types
Two types of diabetes exist, Type I and Type II. Type I is called Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) and is common amongst children and adolescence. Exact reasons why Diabetes Type I occurs are unknown. Common belief is that it occurs through a viral infection, food allergies and toxins in the body due to problems with tissue regeneration. This type of diabetes requires insulin through out life, to control sugar levels.
Type II diabetes, which is more common in people aged 40 and above, is called Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM). This type of diabetes is caused by foods which are high in fat and sugar, high amount of stress and taking stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. Diabetics of this type are generally overweight and insulin resistance develops as one gains weight. In most cases, weight loss can reduce or even eliminate this type of diabetes.
People with Type I diabetes will more or less require medical attention through out their life. Nonetheless, the following tips and ideas will benefit them, though they have been designed, keeping type II diabetes in mind:
Risk Factors
Risk for type II diabetes increases with increased weight, eating high content of fatty and sugary foods, and not being active. Type II diabetics are also more prone to heart diseases, kidney problems, strokes, cataracts and retinopathy which may lead to permanent blindness. Another condition, neuropathy leaves peripheral nerves damaged, resulting in muscle weakness, feeling of numbness and tingling. Foot ulcers are caused by neuropathy. With age, wounds and cuts do not heal as quickly in diabetics.
Good Dietary Habits
Dietary habits that help with type II diabetes include a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, plant fiber, low in sugar, fats, alcohol and refined foods. Full fat dairy products should be reduced from the diet and foods rich in chromium should be included like wheat germ, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. A diet rich in fiber helps in improving metabolism and resistance to insulin. Dietary fiber can be found in foods like nuts and legumes, fruits and vegetables, seeds and bran. Protein should mainly come from grains and legumes, along with seafood and the diet should be mainly vegetarian, to help reduce diabetes and its associated problems.
Modifying Ones Lifestyle -
The Use of Alkaline Ionized Water
Working out, quitting smoking, and stress management all help in enhancing insulin sensitivity, metabolizing glucose and reducing blood sugar levels. One should also aim at reducing weight to help manage type II diabetes. Drinking enough water is a must. Disease thrives in an acidic environment, and thanks to our diets, most of our bodies are overly acidic. To neutralize this acidity, we should consume alkaline ionized water, rather than normal mineral or bottled water. It is up to 6 times more hydrating and is also a power natural antioxidant. Good water ionizers are available easily.
Supplements that Help
Taking supplements including Vitamin C (2,000 mg daily), Vitamin B complex (100 mg), Super Green Formula for breakfast as well as lunch, COQ10 (60-120 mg), enzymes for pancreas with each meal, minerals like chromium, zinc, selenium, magnesium and manganese, and having one to two cups of green tea, all help in curbing type II Diabetes.
