Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism – the way our bodies use digested food (primarily glucose) for growth and energy. There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Blood sugar control is at the center of any diabetes treatment plan. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a major concern and can affect people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
A diet high in refined sugars forces our body to produce more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. With more insulin in the system, cellular resistance to insulin increases. When the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin to influence the cells to take up blood sugar, the person will require additional insulin in the form of drugs and injections.
High blood sugar levels is dangerous because it increases the viscosity of blood. Viscous blood cannot travel trough capillaries, especially near the eyes and the extremities, leading to blindness and amputation in extreme circumstances. As blood is filtered in the kidneys, the kidneys are especially at risk and diabetes regularly leads to kidney failure and dialysis. Diabetes with its associated viscous blood issues mean that risks commonly associated with constricted blood vessels such as heart disease and atherosclerosis will become more and more prevalent.
Given the risks, the control of blood sugar is important not only for diabetes patients; but also for preventing diabetes. It is important to reduce exposure to high glycemic index foods such as cane sugar, white rice and other refined carbohydrates. Fruit is not to be avoided strictly (given the abundance of enzymes and phytonutrients in them), but should be taken together with easily absorbed proteins to reduce the glycemic load.
A plan to reduce the risks and consequences of diabetes will involve sugar control, reducing insulin resistance through exercise and all the things needed to reduce risks of heart disease.
Applied nutrition
- Morning fruit
- Water soluble fibre
- Nutrition breakfast without body key
- Nutrition breakfast before meals
- Avoid carbohydrates for lunch and dinner – get the carbs from breakfast and protein powder before meals.
- Eat fibre first and couple proteins with sugar
- excercise (aerobic) to reduce sensitivity to insulin (20-30 minutes)
- Chromium
- Primrose to create prostaglandin
- Green tea extract