People with diabetes are unable to produce enough of the hormone insulin which is a compound that regulates the glucose level in the blood, the failure in insulin production in diabetic's leads to a high blood sugar -glucose level in the body.
This may not sound like much but an excess sugar or glucose content has serious complications and over time, such high levels of glucose in the blood can lead to the appearance of heart disease or it at least increases the risks, and nerve damage, it heightens the possibility of kidney disease, there could be a loss of vision, and high blood sugar brings many other complications in its stride including wounds that do not heal well and quickly enough.
Diabetes is of two distinct types. The rare diabetes insipidus, or more commonly insulin-dependent diabetes or type 1 diabetes, which can develop at any age but usually develops before the age of 30. The second type of diabetes is called as diabetes mellitus, or more commonly non-insulin-dependent diabetes or type 2 diabetes; this form of the disorder accounts for 90% of diabetic cases; and it makes its appearance usually in middle age.
When the pancreas ceases its function of insulin production due to any reason, type 1 diabetes is said to have occurred, as insulin is necessary for glucose regulation in the blood.
While the causes of this abrupt halt in the production of insulin is uncertain, it is believed by many scientists and researchers that an autoimmune disorder, where the body attacks its own pancreatic cells could be responsible, while others suggest the involvement of a virus. Thus those individuals who have unfortunately contracted diabetes type 1, a lifelong insulin dependency from an external source is necessitated, therefore such people are dependant on insulin throughout their lives.
On the other hand, diabetes mellitus or the more common type 2 diabetes develops from insulin resistance in the body. Pancreatic function is normal, and insulin is produced in sufficient quantities, but for some reason the cells in the body cannot use the insulin anymore. The presence or absence of a lot of body fat or obesity in people plays an important role in most cases of type 2 diabetes. Indeed obesity is one of the risk factors for contracting this form of diabetes. In the end, both these types of diabetes can arise in anybody due to genetic factors.
These supplements that are being recommended can be used in conjunction with the prescription drugs which may be used for the treatment of the disease, both type 1 and type 2, diabetics can take advantage of these supplements. There could be a need to alter dosages for insulin or the hypoglycemic medications used in type 2 diabetes treatments, when these supplements are used, the changes in dosages or the application of changed doses must be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Diabetic nerve damage may be prevented by the B vitamins, which also help in the production of enzymes that are necessary in the derivation of energy from glucose. Lowering the blood glucose levels is one of the properties of the mineral chromium; concurrently it is effective in reducing cholesterol levels in diabetics. Blood sugar levels can often be controlled when using the herb gymnema sylvestre, which is an herb from India, the need for insulin and other hypoglycemic medication is not felt and reduced when this herb is used as a supplement.
The painful symptoms of diabetic neuropathy are alleviated by the intake of essential fatty acids, these also protect against nerve damage that often sets in on diabetics. The use of fish oils, as supplements, increases the levels of "good" HDL cholesterol; this may significantly reduce the risk and potential occurrence of heart disease.
Damage to the nerves, to the eyes and to the heart is prevented through the use of antioxidant compounds in supplements. The excess buildup of plague may be blocked or prevented by vitamin E. Glucose metabolism in the body is improved by the alpha-lipoic acid . A deficiency in the mineral zinc characterizes many diabetics, this mineral helps the body utilize its insulin, and it also contributes to faster healing of wounds and other injuries, which has slowed down, because of the high levels of sugar in the blood. The mineral copper can be added in the supplement if zinc is to be used as a long term supplement.
The occurrence of diabetic eye damage may be prevented by the herb bilberry and release of insulin is improved in the body by taurine, which can also prevent the abnormal clotting of blood, which is a contributor in cardiac problems.
Commonly used essential oils for diabetes:
It is very important to take regular exercises. The chances or type 2 diabetes is lowered in those who burn more than 3,500 calories a week through exercise, such people are half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes, when compared to those burning less than 500 calories a week. There are benefits in exercising even in people with type 1 diabetes.
It is therefore advisable to lose weight especially if you are obese or are overweight, as this is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar can be kept in check by consuming whole grains, plenty of fruits, and vegetables and avoiding high sugar foods.
Bilberry, 160 mg two times daily. Standardized to contain 25% anthocyanosides.
Vitamin B complex, One pill every morning with meal. Use a B-100 complex with 100 mcg of vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg of folic acid; and 100 mg of all other B vitamins.
Chromium, 200 mcg three times daily with food. Chromium may alter insulin requirements.
Copper / Zinc, 2 mg copper and 30 mg zinc daily. Copper should be added when using zinc longer than one month.
Gymnema sylvestre, 200 mg two times a day. Gymnema sylvestre may alter insulin requirements.
Taurine, 500 mg L-taurine two times daily on an empty stomach. Add mixed amino acids if using longer than one month.
Antioxidants, 400IU vitamin E, 1,000 mg vitamin C, and 150mg alpha-lipoic acid every morning. Alpha-lipoic acid can affect blood sugar.
Essential fatty acids, 1,000 mg evening primrose oil three times daily; 1,000 mg fish oils two times daily. 1,000 mg borage oil once a day may be used instead of primrose oil.
See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies
The blood sugar level in many children may be stabilized by the use of Siberian ginseng - also known as eleutherococcus. In children it is good to start with a low dose. This Siberian ginseng can be used for long term treatment, once every other week. Breaks can be taken once every two months.
The active component GLA in the oil of evening primrose herb has been shown capable of preventing nerve damage, where it has arisen due to the fluctuations in the blood sugar level. Dosages for children over the age of twelve are about one capsule a day.
For you attention: children who have a fever are not to be given evening primrose oil.
