Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein
metabolism. This condition is characterised by high levels of
glucose in the blood, even after fasting overnight. What is more
scary is that, diabetes mellitus also greatly increases the risk of
other major diseases such as atherosclerosis, kidney disease and
loss of nerve function.
Diabetes mellitus is generally divided into two categories-Type
1, also called insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes; and Type 2,
also known as insulin-dependent or maturity-onset diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes This type of diabetes occurs mostly in children
or young adults.
Although the exact cause is unknown, current theory suggests it
is due to injury to cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. As
a result, there is a low level of insulin in the blood.
It could be hereditary. Causes of injury are most likely due to
free radicals, viral infection or auto-immune reactions. The early
warning signs include abnormal thirst, unusual hunger, fatigue,
nausea and irritability.
Type 2 diabetes This is likely to occur in those with a family
history and is characterised by blurred vision, itching,
drowsiness, obesity, skin infections and slow healing. Onset of
this type of diabetes is usually in adulthood. Diet often improves
this type of diabetes and insulin medication is usually not
required.
In Type 2 diabetes, the level of insulin in the blood is high
but tissues are not sensitive to it. Evidence indicates that
chromium is a major determinant in sensitivity of tissues to
insulin.
Weight loss, in particular a decrease in body fat, is extremely
important in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes since this method
improves all aspects of the condition.
What are the complications of diabetes?
If the condition is not well managed, the patient's condition
will be worsened by kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy), damage to
the eyes (diabetic retinopathy) and damage to the nerves (diabetic
neuropathy).
Damage to Kidneys This is a common complication and leading
cause of death in diabetics.
Periodic monitoring of kidney function is critical.
Damage to Eyes Chronic diabetes causes damage to the retina and
this is one of the leading causes of blindness in countries such as
the United States. About five per cent of patients suffering from
Type 1 diabetes and seven per cent of those suffering from Type 2
diabetes develop retinopathy. Of these, more than half become
blind.
Damage to Nerves Damage to the nervous system due to diabetes is
usually limited to the peripheral nerves. The symptoms are feelings
of numbness and pain especially in the legs.
Insufficient insulin and excess sugar in the blood plasma can
impair the conversion of some important compounds-essential fatty
acids-in our body. Because the body is unable to produce them,
essential fatty acids must come from the food we eat. One of these
very important essential fatty acids is called Linoleic acid (LA).
However, the body needs to convert LA to Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA)
for benefits. Diabetics have problem converting LA to GLA. Thus,
diabetics require higher amounts of essential fatty acids than
non-diabetics. Clinical studies conducted by the two scientists, D.
Horrobin and G. Jamal, showed the GLA is able to prevent or to
reverse diabetic neuropathy.
Taking the right diet The diet should be high in fibre and
complex carbohydrates but low in animal products, animal fats and
highly-processed, refined carbohydrates.
Grains, legumes, fresh fruits, vegetables and root vegetables
are highly recommended. All food containing white sugar like
chocolates, biscuits, cakes, ice-cream, etc should ideally be cut
out from diet.
There are certain supplements that are of benefit to diabetic
patients.
Evening primrose oil has been clinically shown to prevent and
reverse the damage of nerves due to diabetes. The recommended
dosage would be two capsules three times daily; each capsule
containing 500mg oil. Diabetics appear to have an increased
requirement for vitamins C and E. Both these nutrients help to
neutralise the damage caused by free radicals in the body.
Exercise is important Diabetics who exercise experience many
benefits-weight loss, enhanced insulin sensitivity, improved
glucose tolerance, and reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The exercise programme should not be too stressful but carefully
adapted to suit the patient. Start off with gentle exercises such
as walking and cycling at least three times a week.
Courtesy of Bio-Life Holistic Clinic. The article above is
written by a panel of writers with qualifications in herbal
medicine and natural healthcare. Tel 03-77288798 or
health@biolife.com.my
Copyright 2000 NEW STRAITS TIMES-MANAGEMENT TIMES all rights
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