Do you know anyone that has a diabetes?
In Australia, there is around 1.5 million people living with diabetes, according to Diabetes Australia Organization.
Worldwide one in ten adults has diabetes (537 million people) estimated by the International Federations’s Diabetes Atlas (IDF).
Can it be reversed with natural health?
Dangerous Diabetes
Diabetes, also known as a diabetes mellitus, is a chronic illness.
Diabetes interferes metabolism of glucose, which is the main source of energy for cells.
Glucose is received from the foods and then circulated into bloodstream and transported throughout the body.
Type 1 Diabetes occurs in the childhood due to an inability of pancreas to produce insulin, whereas Type 2 Diabetes develops over time due to insulin resistance.
Type 2 Diabetes is very common in these modern days due to increased weight gain, lack of exercise and insulin resistance.
Firstly, The hormone called insulin is produced by the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach. Insulin helps glucose enter cells so it can be used for energy.
Secondly, Insulin acts as as key that unlocks the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy.
Thirdly, Insulin also signals the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen for future use.
Fourthly, Insulin has other important functions in the body, such as promoting the storage of fat and regulating protein synthesis.
Insulin injection is used for regulating blood sugar levels when there is insulin resistance and when pancreas doesn’t produce it no longer.
Symptoms of diabetes can include thirst, hunger, frequent urination, fatique, blurred vision, slow wound healing and numbness/tingling of feet and hands.
If not treated, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage and blindness.
Reversing Diabetes Naturally
Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed or put into remission with lifestyle changes and with medication and natural medicine.
Reversing diabetes can be achieved and maintained by having normal blood glucose levels without the need of diabetes medication like insulin.
Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, it works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Metformin does not cause hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level) like insulin does.
However, there are many side-effects from taking Metformin like stomach upset, diarrhoea, nausea, vitamin B12 deficiency and lactic acidosis.
Acidosis is not ideal environment in a human body. Vitamin B 12 deficiency can lead into anemia (low red blood cells) and neuropathy (neuronal complications).
Natural Alternatives to combat Diabetes
The following strategies may help reversing type 2 diabetes into remission:
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Losing weight: maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity. As little as losing 7% of your body weight can make a huge difference! An added benefit with eating fewer calories is that ageing is slowed down too.
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Eating a Healthy Diet: Fresh food full of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, quality protein and no added sugars regulate stable blood sugars. An easy rule to remember: fill half you plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter of starchy foods and one quarter of protein. Be careful with carbs like bread and pasta as they can raise your blood sugar.
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Physical Activity: as little as 30 minutes of exercise daily will improve the insulin sensitivity in your body. It is fun to alternate with different forms of exercise (aerobic and strength training) for best results.
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Natural medication: Cinnamon, Berberine, Gymnema, Chromium, Alpha-lipoic acid are scientifically proven to help with blood sugar controlling.
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Fasting: Intermittent Fasting (according to research) may improve blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and promote weight-loss. Fasting also gives rest for the gut function and can reset different body mechanisms.
Natural Medicine Alternatives for Diabetes
There are few natural alternatives that can be used instead of chemically produced medication.
Berberine
is found in some plants like Oregon grape, goldenseal, goldthread and tree turmeric. It has been used for thousands years in Chinese Medicine.
Some studies have found that berberine may be as effective as metformin in reducing blood sugar levels.
A research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that it reduced fasting blood sugar levels and haemoglobin A1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Berberine works by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase, which helps. in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Cinnamon,
obtained from a bark tree, has been proven by research that it improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
One study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that cinnamon was able to reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Other studies found that cinnamon helps lowering haemoglobin A1c levels and improve lipid profiles (like cholesterol).
Chromium
is an important mineral that plays an essential role in insulin function and glucose metabolism.
Chromium is found in whole grains, mushrooms, broccoli and seafood and it can also be taken as a supplement.
Studies have found that chromium supplements may improve insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.
Alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA)
is an omega-3-fatty acid found in certain plant-based foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds and walnuts.
Our bodies cannot produce this acid. Research suggest that ALA may improve insulin sensitivity.
Gymnema Sylvestre
is a natural herb, native to India and it has been used medicinally in ayurveda medicine for thousands years.
Research has shown that it may help sugar cravings and lower the blood glucose levels. It may help stimulate insulin secretion and the regeneration of pancreas islet cells.
Gymnema can be used in the form of leaf powder, extract or a tablet.
