Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type I (juvenile diabetes) results from an inability of the pancreas to make insulin. People with type I diabetes must take insulin. Since they do not make the insulin they need, glucose (sugar) is not absorbed into the cells, staying in the blood and creating dangerously high levels of blood sugar while starving the cells for the sugar they need to fuel their activities. They are at higher risk for developing other diseases such as liver and kidney diseases, eye diseases, infection, heart disease, stroke, and delayed healing.

Type II (adult-onset) diabetes, the person usually makes insulin but the cells do not respond to it, resulting in the same effects as those with type I, and the same risks for developing other diseases. Improper diet is usually the culprit implicated in type II diabetes.

Signs and symptoms:

Type I diabetics often increased urination and thirst initially, as well as weight loss and sometimes disturbed sensation. Type I diabetes usually develops rapidly. Type II diabetes usually develops slowly, and there may be no symptoms initially. The diagnosis is confirmed with blood tests. Type II diabetics may also be obese, but not necessarily.

Treatment:

Conventional medical treatment of type I requires insulin. Type II may or may not include insulin, and now there are many medications that can hopefully slow the progression of the diabetes or help regulate the utilization of glucose in the body and help prediabetics. Many times the symptoms of hypoglycemia precede the development of type II diabetes.

Maintaining proper weight is the key to type II diabetes management, first of all through eating a low glycemic index diet that is high in fiber, restricting alcohol intake, decreasing smoking, and exercising regularly. Taking these steps can help prediabetics avoid becoming diabetic, and may help those with full type II diabetes decrease their need for medication.

Supplements shown to be helpful with diabetes include fish oils, alpha lipoid acid (found to be very helpful with the neurological effects of diabetes), chromium, anti-oxidants, and magnesium.

Reference:

Curr Diab Rep 2002 Oct;2(5):448-56.
Am J Clin Nutr 2003 Sep;78(3 Supp):610S-616S.
J Cell Mol Med 2003 Jul-Sep;7(3):322-9.
Am J Clin Nutr 2003 Dec;78(6):1128-34.
Diabetes Care 2003 Apr;26(4):1277-94.