What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder affecting how the body absorbs, utilizes, and stores sugars from food, leading to elevated blood glucose levels, commonly referred to as high blood sugar. Diabetes mellitus, often called diabetes, encompasses a group of common endocrine disorders characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. This condition arises when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin.
Consuming foods high in sugar, fats, and carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar after meals. Carbohydrates are primarily converted to glucose, prompting the pancreas to release insulin to help glucose enter muscle, fat, and liver cells for storage and energy. In individuals with diabetes, this regulatory system fails.
What are the root causes of diabetes?
There are now two explanations for diabetes: A or B, depending on the research conclusion.
A) Fat accumulation on vessels :
According to some studies, the primary underlying cause of diabetes is the accumulation of specific fats that obstruct small blood vessels in the digestive organs, such as the pancreas, liver, and kidneys, which play crucial roles in insulin production and cell receptor function.
After eating, blood glucose levels rise (read our blog: How to lose weight). Normally, the pancreas responds to this increase by releasing insulin, a hormone that helps to store or utilize glucose, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. However, when the pancreas is inundated with unhealthy fats, insulin production decreases, and even with a heightened release, it becomes ineffective at maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
B) A specific bacterium in the intestine :
According to another study, the real culprit is a kind of bacterium that is bad in the intestine that eats insulin when you are sleeping. The researchers call it a diabetic bacterium. The way to cure is to destroy all intestinal bacteria and replace them with good bacteria like probiotics.
Types of diabetes
The major types of diabetes include Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes typically requires insulin replacement therapy (insulin injections) for management, while Type 2 diabetes can often be managed through anti-diabetic medications, such as metformin and semaglutide, along with lifestyle modifications. Additionally, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy in some women but usually resolves shortly after childbirth.
As of 2021, an estimated 537 million people worldwide had diabetes, accounting for 10.5% of the adult population, with Type 2 making up about 90% of all cases. The World Health Organization reported that diabetes was among the top 10 causes of death in 2021, with a staggering 95% increase in cases since 2000. Projections suggest that by 2045, around 783 million adults—approximately 1 in 8—will be living with diabetes, representing a 46% rise from current statistics. The disease's prevalence continues to surge, especially in low- and middle-income countries, affecting both men and women equally. Diabetes ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated annual healthcare expenditure of 760 billion dollars.
What are the symptoms?
Different types of diabetes can cause various symptoms, including:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination
- Weight gain or loss
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Slow-healing cuts and bruises
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, consult a healthcare professional who can determine if testing for diabetes is necessary. It's also important to note that some individuals may have diabetes or prediabetes without any noticeable symptoms.
You may also be living with diabetes or prediabetes without having any signs or symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes
The management, treatment, and care for diabetes depend on its type. The overarching goal for all diabetes types includes:
- Eliminating symptoms and minimizing the risk of high or low blood sugar levels.
- Preventing or delaying complications through early detection and ongoing care.
Effective self-management and addressing diabetes-related complications rely on support from a variety of healthcare professionals and specialists.
How to Manage Diabetes
When considering diet, many people wonder whether to focus on low glycemic index (GI) foods. A diabetic-friendly diet is often based on foods with a low GI, which indicates a food's potential to raise blood sugar levels. However, while low GI foods may cause a modest increase in blood sugar with minimal insulin response, they do not address the underlying issue of fat accumulation in blood vessels.
It is crucial to consume a balanced diet that promotes the proper functioning of your body’s systems while working towards reducing harmful fat deposits. It’s also essential to consume foods that support proper insulin functioning, as insulin enhances blood flow to the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. Additionally, eating foods that increase the elasticity of blood vessels is important for overall health.
Here are 9 extracts of natural plants that help to regulate the pancreas and digestion:
- 1) The first recommended supplement is sugarcane extract, which contains policosanol. This substance helps regulate the pancreas's natural secretion of insulin—the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. It is suggested to take one capsule of sugarcane extract daily.
Because there are various natural treatments available, it’s not advisable to try everything at once. Instead, consider alternating remedies by following three-week courses, as suggested by a healthcare professional.
- 2) Cinnamon is also beneficial for stabilizing blood sugar levels, protecting the target organs affected by diabetes (such as the brain, kidneys, and retinas). For consumption, it’s best to include cinnamon in dry extract, or powdered form, rather than as an essential oil, which is not recommended for people with diabetes. When using cinnamon powder, it is generally safe for self-medication.
- 3) Ginger can help lower blood sugar levels and regulate appetite. Our healthcare professional. recommends taking two capsules of ginger in 200 to 300 milligrams daily.
- 4) Chromium is another important trace element that can improve pancreatic function and reduce sugar cravings. One ampoule of chromium per day is recommended. Additionally, zinc is also noted for its positive effects in lowering blood sugar and supporting pancreatic health.
- 5) Several homeopathic treatments can help regulate sugar cravings. Dr. Scimeca recommends Eugenia jambolana in drops or granules, taken morning and evening. For sugar cravings, alternatives like Argentum nitricum or Sulfur 7 CH at a weekly dose can be considered as part of a personalized consultation.
- 6) Burdock is another herb that stimulates the pancreas due to its content of malic and tartaric acids, enhancing insulin release for better blood sugar regulation. It can be consumed in capsule form.
- 7) Olive leaves are particularly beneficial for individuals facing both diabetes and hypertension, as they have a hypoglycemic effect and can positively influence lipid balance and cholesterol levels. They can be consumed as an infusion or in capsules.
- 8) Garlic and onion, common kitchen staples, also have hypoglycemic effects and can enhance low glycemic index dishes. Garlic, in particular, can support metabolic syndrome by addressing multiple factors such as cholesterol, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. While garlic is safe in the diet, it is not recommended to eat garlic in capsules.
- 9) Lemon juice can help reduce the glycemic index of foods and is also beneficial for digestion and liver cleansing. Fenugreek seeds contain an amino acid that supports insulin production, but they should be consumed in moderation as they may increase appetite.
Physical Activity
Incorporating gentle physical activity into your routine is a natural way to get better health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity per day, five days a week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking or swimming. The results can positively affect your weight and blood sugar levels quickly. There’s no need for intense workouts; even moderate exercises can make a difference.
For targeting belly fat, exercises such as raising your knees to touch your elbows alternatingly can be effective. Aim for this exercise a hundred times daily, and remember to stretch afterward to maintain flexibility. If you’re older or have heart issues, you can break this exercise into four smaller sessions throughout the day, performing 12 lifts per leg each time, and always listen to your body by stopping if you feel discomfort.
Sleep well;
Lastly, adequate sleep—seven to eight hours each night—is crucial for maintaining regular insulin production. It's advisable to establish a nightly routine to improve sleep quality and overall health. It is also advisable to wait at least four hours after eating before going to bed to let your body recover as much as possible.
If you struggle to get enough sleep, here’s a military tip: Lie flat on your back next to a wall (this can be done in bed or on the floor). Place your legs perpendicularly against the wall with your feet resting on it, as if you are sitting with your back against the wall. Rest your hands on your knees and hold this position for 15 to 20 minutes.
This wall exercise can provide the pancreas and digestive system with benefits equivalent to 4 to 6 hours of sleep, making it ideal for resetting your body at any time of day, especially if you feel tired or after a social event.
Stop Smoking:
If you're a smoker, it's important to quit smoking. 40% of people who quit smoking also quit developing diabetes. Read our blog on quitting smoking for more information.
Diagnosis of diabetes
To diagnose diabetes, a health care professional must perform a blood test to measure your blood sugar. Here are some of these tests:
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, which measures your blood sugar after fasting for at least 8 hours;
- Hemoglobin A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar over the previous 2 to 3 months
- Oral glucose tolerance test, which involves drinking 75 g of liquid glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours and then measuring your blood sugar every hour or 2 hours
Diabetes is diagnosed if your blood sugar level is equal to or greater than 1.26 grams per liter on two separate occasions or if it is equal to or greater than 2 grams per liter at any time of the day.
Treating Diabetes
After diagnosis, your healthcare provider will discuss the next steps, including developing a treatment plan with your healthcare team. Early diagnosis of diabetes is critical because the sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can take steps to manage the condition and prevent or delay complications.
Prediabetes can often be managed without medication by:
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a variety of healthy foods
These lifestyle changes can also help prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar and regulates various metabolic processes, such as the conversion of glucose to fat. Individuals with type 1 diabetes often require insulin injections to maintain blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications, which may include pills and insulin. To help manage your diabetes and prevent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), consider the following steps:
- Consult a dietitian.
- Wear a Medic Alert bracelet.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Discuss the best treatment options with your doctor.
- Learn how to identify and manage symptoms of both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
- Always consult your doctor before starting any new medications.
- Inform any healthcare provider treating you about your diabetes and insulin regimen.
If you feel unwell, it is important to consult your doctor, as your medication needs may change.
Research:
Since 2017, the Catholic University of Louvain is working on bacteria which, when pasteurized, can halt the progression of obesity and diabetes.
One of the presuppositions of this research is that the cause of diabetes is ultimately linked to the presence of another bacteria in the intestines. The use of Akkermansia would replace this bad bacteria with one that is not harmful to humans. But non conclusion yet from Louvain.
Akkermansia muciniphila is a human intestinal symbiont, isolated from human faeces. It is a mucin-degrading bacterium belonging to the genus Akkermansia, discovered in 2004 by Muriel Derrien and Willem de Vos at Wageningen University of the Netherlands. It belongs to the phylum Verrucomicrobiota and its type strain is MucT (=ATCC BAA-835T =CIP 107961T). It is under preliminary research for its potential association with metabolic disorders.
To kill all bad bacteria, it is suggested that you can drink a cup of hot water with 6 lemon slices in it, with half cider vinegar in the cup too.
We don't know if it will work well, but sure it will clean your blood vessel.
Please, you can help us too:
If you would like to encourage us to continue publishing articles, please visit our site Jem-wellness.com, whose niche is health and well-being. Many of our products are intended to be used to combat illness or disability. So buy only one product and we will be so grateful.