Re: Role of Beta Carotene Absorption and Diabetes

It could simply be because of type 1 diabetics having impaired pancreatic function to begin with. I've read data on the role of lead and mercury in depleting enzymatic function and protein metabolisim..
Basically overloading the glutathione cycle, a heavy metal poisoning helps deplete the bones of phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iodine, zinc, and trace minerals..
Pancreatic enzymes are the major key to absorbing the majority of the nutrients we take in, so an impaired ability to produce them (insulin is a pancreatic enzyme!!) means that the ability to break down and absorb the nutrients from the food is also inhibited.

Also, consider the state of the intestinal wall in a type 1 diabetic- in the small colon it is the intestinal lining that sends GLP-1, the major signalling hormone, to the pancreas to produce insulin. Once there is an overload of inflammation-causing elements-

candida overgrowth, virus/bacterial elements, and heavy metals can all contribute to building type 1 (and type 2) diabetes-

An overload of toxic elements (total body toxic load, TBTL) is generally what creates the glutathione depletion, and then the inhibition of proper function of the small intestine. The malfunction of the pancreas, the inhibition of proper function of the liver, and the slowed healing processes, are all dominoes much further down the chain.

So.. Hrm.. I think it is a lack of digestive enzymes that creates the issue breaking down the beta carotene.
I have type 1 myself, I find a diet rich with meats, bromelain (from fresh pineapple juice), and fresh spinach really, /really/ helps the speed of healing, etc. Of course.. diet is all a big question, but I like paleo myself, for this condition. :) Morning meat, evening veggies, fasting 3-4 hours before bed, no inflammations or BG rises overnight, means a good night. :) Tweet