Our Diabetes Epidemic by #27791 Blog entry

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by #27791

Our Diabetes Epidemic

Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how to prevent them and drive diabetes into retreat with natural remedies.

Date: 12/3/2006 11:01:03 PM ( 18 y ) ... viewed 4910 times

The United States is in the midst of a diabetes epidemic. There has been a 40% increase over the last decade in the percentage of the U.S. population with diabetes. An estimated 17 million people in the United States have diabetes. That's 6.2% of the population! 2,700 people are newly diagnosed with diabetes every day.

If those statistics weren't scary enough, there are 16 million additional people between the ages of 40 & 74 that are estimated to suffer from Pre-Diabetes, also known as Syndrome X. Pre-Diabetes or Syndrome X is a condition previously known as impaired glucose tolerance.

Individuals with this condition have blood glucose numbers that are higher than they should be, but not yet high enough to classified as diabetes. More than 18 million Americans are living with diabetes and the risk of developing serious complications, including heart and kidney disease, stroke, blindness and conditions leading to amputation. A full third of those who have diabetes don't even know it, as the disease often develops without obvious symptoms.

Research studies in the United States and abroad have found that improved blood sugar control benefits people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In general, for every 1 point reduction in A1c, the risk of developing diabetic complications (eye, kidney and nerve disease) is reduced by up to 40%. The American Diabetes Association, perhaps more than any other chronic disease, must be managed in large part by the patient. Fortunately progress is being made in the area of nutrition focusing on the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Clinical studies are being released on several very promising herbs, minerals and botanicals such as:

Gymnema Sylvestre - This is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood sugar control in diabetics. A clinical trial recently conducted in the U.S. showed that Gymnema Sylvestre extract reduced the average fasting glucose by 11%, post-meal glucose by 13% and A1c by 6.8%. The A1c test is an indicator of the average blood sugar control over the last 2-3 months. It is interesting to note that Gymnema extracts exert their blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes and do not produce hypoglycemic effects in healthy individuals.

Vanadyl Sulfate – Vanadyl sulfate is the biologically active form of vanadium, a trace mineral that mimics the action of the hormone insulin. Studies show that vanadyl is very effective in normalizing blood sugar levels and controlling conditions such as insulin resistance.

Bitter Melon – Bitter melon contains polypeptide p or p-insulin (p is for plant). In one study, glucose tolerance increased in 73% of type II diabetics. In another study, the extract of Bitter Melon produced a 17% reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c after 7 weeks of use.

Chromium GTF - This complex of chromium and several amino acids has become known as the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). Chromium concentrations in the tissues of Americans decrease with age and this may be a reason for the significant increase in diabetes as we get older. In clinical studies of type II diabetes patients, supplementing the diet with chromium has been shown to decrease fasting glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance, lower insulin levels and decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Bilberry Extract - Bilberry is widely used as a possible preventive treatment for complications of diabetes. This extract affects many health problems, not the least of which is blood sugar imbalances. Bilberry also improves night vision, strengthens capillaries, reduces blood clotting, and has antioxidant action. Research, done mostly in Italy, has also uncovered bilberry's potential for treating retinal problems from poor blood circulation, diabetes-caused glaucoma, and day blindness.

Fenugreek Extract - Fenugreek has demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in experimental and clinical studies. Two studies in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that Fenugreek improves glucose tolerance in both Type I and Type II diabetes. Consistent intake of fenugreek stimulates pancreatic function. In patients with relatively mild diabetes, fenugreek significantly reduced both fasting and post meal glucose levels and healthy subjects experienced no change in glucose levels.

Some of these ingredients are being used by progressive physicians and natural healers to help their patients managed this chronic disease. Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes. Some diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue.

Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and how to prevent them and drive diabetes into retreat with natural remedies, diet and 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, such as walking, dancing, or working in the yard. You can earn the benefits of being physically active without going to a gym, playing sports, or using fancy equipment. When you're physically fit, you have the strength, flexibility, and endurance needed for your daily activities. Being physically active helps you feel better physically and mentally.

Physical activity can lower your blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure, and cholesterol. It also reduces your risk for heart disease and stroke, relieves stress, and strengthens your heart, muscles, and bones. In addition, regular activity helps insulin work better, improves your blood circulation, and keeps your joints flexible. If you're trying to lose weight, a combination of physical activity and wise food choices can help you reach your target weight and maintain it. All of these benefits can be yours even if you haven't been very active before.