Diabetes – Are You At Risk?

Diabetes, both types I and II, is becoming more prevalent in modern society, with an increasing number of elderly people being diagnosed with the Type II form. It is essentially a metabolic disorder in which the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin to prevent hyperglycemia. Symptoms characteristic of diabetes are excessive thirst, weight loss, blurred vision and increased fluid intake, to name a few.

According to the World Health Organization, there are three main types of diabetes, type I, type II and gestational diabetes, the latter only presenting during pregnancy. Each has different causes, but they all have similar symptoms and medical outcomes.

What Causes It?

Type I diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease, where the pancreatic cells, which produce insulin, are destroyed. Although all types are treatable with insulin, type I is completely dependent on insulin injections, as the pancreas does not secrete it. Without insulin, inevitably, large amounts of sugar will circulate freely in the blood stream.

Type II diabetes occurs as a result of insulin resistance, where cells literally resist the effects of insulin. As a result of this resistance, the body tries to produce insulin in large amounts, and diabetes develops when pancreatic cells cannot meet the demand. An inactive life style and a diet high in sugar laden foods and refined, processed carbohydrates is the main cause of the steep rise in the number of people diagnosed with type II diabetes. The amount of glucose (the primary sugar in your bloodstream) is regulated by insulin, which is produced by your pancreas. When natural sugars and unrefined grains are consumed, they are digested more slowly; however, when we consume refined sugars and starches, particularly on their own, they enter the bloodstream quickly and cause a sudden increase in blood sugar. The body then responds by flooding the bloodstream with insulin in order to bring sugar levels down.

Similarly, gestational diabetes involves insulin resistance, as pregnancy hormones can precipitate insulin resistance in women who may be predisposed to developing diabetes. This form of diabetes usually disappears following the birth of the child.

What treatments are available?

Conventional medicine utilizes drugs that encourage your pancreas to produce more insulin and to work more effectively. As with most drugs, however, there are a number of side effects that may include skin rashes, tremors, drowsiness, headaches and stomach pains.

Avandia is an FDA approved anti-diabetic drug for treating type II diabetes. However, concerns have been raised over its use, in light of research into its effects. Meta-analyses of previous research studies have suggested that Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack by over 40%. Currently, there is a warning on the Avandia label pointing to the increased risk of congestive heart failure, a chronic condition caused by the heart's inability to pump normally. Dr Larry Deeb, president for medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, does not feel that the evidence linking Avandia with heart attack is conclusive. However, patients with existing congestive heart failure, heart disease or those using insulin have been advised not to take Avandia.

Fortunately, there are safe alternatives, including Metformin, that do not carry the same risk for possible heart complications. Metformin is one of a number of drugs widely used in the treatment of Type II diabetes. It was first approved by the U.S. FDA in 1994. Metformin has the effect of lowering blood glucose levels in the following ways. It reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver; as well as the amount absorbed through the stomach. It also improves the effectiveness of insulin in the body by reducing existing blood glucose levels. It does not however, increase the concentration of blood insulin, nor does it cause excessively low blood glucose levels (or hypoglycemia) when used alone.

The UK Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) undertook research on a sample of type II diabetic, overweight patients in 1998. The results of the study proved that Metformin was the only anti-diabetic drug capable of reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications commonly associated with the disease.

Benfotiamine is a synthetic form of vitamin B1 that is being used in the treatment of diabetes by countering nerve and blood vessel damage. Two of the most frequent manifestations of the disease are circulatory problems and vision problems, caused by a build-up of sugar in the tissues. Researchers have discovered that Benfotiamine arrests much of the sugar accumulation, which may result in an improved quality of life.

There are also a range of natural supplements that are being used successfully in the fight against type II diabetes.

A research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of Momordica coupled with exercise for Type II diabetes. The findings revealed that a combination of these measures can significantly lower blood sugar levels, but should not be taken by sufferers of hypoglycaemia or pregnant women.

Another natural supplement is Vanadium, a rare mineral found in fish and shellfish. It has been found to make cells more sensitive to insulin and aids in breaking down sugar. An animal study established that it can help avoid the onset of diabetes and lose excess weight.

Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant that has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating diabetes. It is believed to work by protecting the pancreas against free radical damage, and aiding the production of insulin.

It is becoming more evident that type II diabetes can be avoided by employing sensible diet and life style choices. Even the negative effects associated with type I can be mitigated by avoiding excessive amounts of sugar and refined, processed carbohydrates. While supplemental insulin may be the only option for type I sufferers, there are effective alternatives that may be considered by those with the type II form, and these coupled with good dietary choices may help to alleviate some of the worst symptoms associated with this disease.

8/11/07 GI