Re: Type One (!) Diabetes and Fasting? at Fasting: Water Only

Type I diabetes Mellitus by definition is the result of the destruction of the Beta-cells in the Islets of the pancreas. These cells "measure" blood sugar and secrete Insulin accordingly. Insulin then "drives" the "insulin receptors" on our other cells. These are little "pumps" that move blood sugar from the surroundings into the cells. The word Insulin is derived from Islets. Small "islands" of Beta-cells scattered among the pancreas tissues.

Thus, according to the strict definition of Type I DM, it is incurable. We cannot produce new Beta cells. At least this has never been demonstrated. However, I have witnessed on the odd occasion Type I DM reversing during a longish fast. This was however almost exclusively very shortly after the diagnosis. The islet cells were therefore not totally dead yet, only damaged and therefore unable to produce insulin.

During a fast we do not need insulin, as most of the body runs on ketones, and the bit of sugar that is formed from fat, can be consumed by the heart and the brain, the two organs capable of ingesting blood sugar without the aid of insulin. Theoretically during this "holiday" for the Beta-cells, they may repair themselves before they die, but then we have to address the original "cause" of their being damaged.

Thus:

1. I try to prolong this "holiday" by administering Insulin at full replacement dosages for a few days, even weeks, after the patient has started eating.

2. I always suggest a purely vegan diet afterwards. This is because animal products might contain proteins similar to those on the beta cells, which could have triggered the immune response originally responsible for the damage.

A bigger topic, I know, but we should keep Forum posts short.

Dr André