Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that prevents the body from effectively converting carbohydrates (sugars and starches) into energy. Insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes occurs when the pancreas gland stops producing insulin (a hormone that helps in the conversion process), whereas non—insulin-dependent (type II) diabetes happens when the body doesn’t properly use the insulin it has.
SYMPTOMS
- Constant thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Tingling or numb feeling in fingers and toes
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent or frequent infections (such as on the skin or in the vagina)
CONVENTIONAL APPROACH
There is no one cure for diabetes, so allopathic medicine focuses on managing the disease. Depending on the type of diabetes, an effective treatment program can include any combination of drug therapy (including insulin injections), dietary changes, weight control, and exercise. The goal is to keep glucose (blood sugar) within healthy limits and to stave off any complications (such as kidney damage, visual problems, and heart disease).
People with type I diabetes require daily injections of insulin, while people with type II need injections only if their diabetes can’t be controlled with lifestyle changes or oral hypoglycemic drugs. Insulin overdoses can lead to hypoglycemia, which carries the risk of insulin shock, which can cause disorientation, mood swings, profuse perspiration, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and even death.
People with type II diabetes may need hypoglycemic drugs if they can’t maintain their blood glucose levels with dietary alterations, weight loss, and exercise. These oral medicines trigger the pancreas to make more insulin.
The dietary guidelines for diabetes usually emphasize eating more complex carbohydrates, moderating protein, and limiting fats. Meals should be small and eaten throughout the day, with snacks added. If weight loss is needed (as it often is with type II diabetes), calorie intake is restricted. Finally, regular exercise is recommended to keep blood glucose levels in check.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES
The following alternative therapies all recommend that diabetes treatment be accompanied by an exercise regimen (including walking, jogging, or swimming) and a weight-loss program.
NUTRITIONAL THERAPY
A correct diet offers people with type I diabetes the chance to stay healthy with less insulin and offers people with type II the possibility to manage the disorder without any drugs. Furthermore, a proper diet may even prevent diabetes. Many practitioners of nutritional therapy believe that a typically Western, high-fat diet limits the way cells can use naturally occurring insulin and injected insulin. But fat isn’t the only concern: High amounts of protein tax the kidneys, which may already be stressed because in diabetes excess blood sugar is excreted through these organs. Therefore, dietary recommendations call for lowering fat significantly and reducing protein.
In the place of fat and protein, unrefined carbohydrates should be significantly increased. Often as much as 75 per-cent of the daily calorie intake should come from carbohydrates an amount much larger than conventional medicine recommends.
Carbohydrates provide fewer calories per gram than fats do. Because weight loss is often critical for people with diabetes (especially type II diabetes), eating a lower-calorie, yet filling, diet is important. In addition, carbohydrates supply a lot of fiber, which can positively affect the levels of blood sugar. Good carbohydrates to focus on include
- fresh vegetables
- fresh fruits (in moderation because of their high sugar content)
- whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and other whole grains
- legumes (dried peas and heals)
Other research seems to advocate a diet with lower levels of carbohydrates and higher levels of protein and fat, but evidence is not yet conclusive. Moderation on all levels may be the best approach.
Surveys report that vegetarians, who eat no meat, poultry, or fish, have lower rates of type II diabetes than non vegetarians. One reason for this may be that vegetarians’ bodies are typically leaner than their meat-eating counterparts. Studies of the Pritikin diet—which is high in complex carbohydrates and fiber,ls low in cholesterol and fat, and avoids meat—have shown that people can control their type II diabetes without drugs.
Nutrients such as the mineral chromium and niacin (in small doses) may boost the power of insulin and can be taken in supplement form. Other helpful supplements include vitamin B vitamin C vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and vanadium (in the form of vanadyl sulfate).
Bioflavonoids, such as naringen (from the inside of grape-fruit skins), hesperidin, and quercetin, can help alleviate some of the degenerative effects of high blood sugar. They block the buildup of sorbitol, a substance that may be responsible for the kidney, eye, and nerve damage caused by diabetes.
In addition to changes in the diet, a naturopathic physician may recommend the following supplements to someone with type II diabetes:
- 400 pg chromium picolinate daily
- 400 mg magnesium daily
- I gram vitamin C daily
- 400 IU vitamin E daily
HERBAL MEDICINE
In the treatment of diabetes, herbs are mainly used for their ability to control elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Several herbs can have beneficial effects:
- Bilberry leaves can be made into a tea or taken in capsules as a standardized extract (standardized to contain 25 percent anthocyanosides). This herb often requires several months of treatment before its effect begins.
- Fenugreek seeds are used in powdered form or as a tea.
- Bitter melon is available in extract form (made from the unripe fruit) or as juice (from the fresh fruit).
- Garlic and onion can easily be added to meals. These may also ward off heart disease, a possible complication of diabetes.
Any of these herbs could decrease insulin (or hypoglycemic drug) requirements. Therefore, a person with diabetes should be under the strict supervision of a health care professional and carefully monitor blood glucose levels whenever starting a new treatment regimen.
An herbalist may prescribe Gymnema sylvestre (800 mg three times per thy) and fenugreek in the form of a tea (a couple of cups daily).
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese medicine often treats diabetes with a combination of herbal therapy, acupuncture, calorie-restricted diets, and exercise (including qi gong). Some traditional Chinese physicians have identified close to 20 different diabetes syndromes, which vary according to the degree of imbalance in vital life energy, or qi, as well as yin and yang.
The treatment goal is to return the flow of vital life energy to its ideal state. The physicians often prescribe multi-herb diabetes treatments, which are boiled with water and then taken as tea. Several of the herbs, such as vanax ginseng, are selected for their mild ability to lower blood sugar. Several types of practitioners are qualified to offer acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment, including acupuncturists and some naturopathic physicians and medical doctors.
OTHER THERAPIES
Biofeedback Training—Electromyographic biofeedback and relaxation techniques an teach people with diabetes to reduce stress, which is important because stress hormones can increase the levels of blood sugar.
Homeopathy—Treatment can loner the need for insulin injections and other drug therapy.
Hypnotherapy-Hypnotic trances can he used to lower stress and offer the subconscious mind suggestions that the body needs less insulin.
Yoga—Studies have shown that regular sessions of poses and breathing exercise; can improve blood sugar levels.