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Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Elevated blood glucose

by Dr. Tamara Browne - Penticton Naturopathic Doctor

Disorders of blood glucose are reaching epic proportions and account for a great number of chronic degenerative diseases such as Diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cataracts, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Diabetes is very much a disease of modern western civilization.  Ninety percent of cases are non-insulin dependent or type II Diabetes which is caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices. Diabetes is relatively uncommon in undeveloped areas of the world. 

Many diabetics are overweight indicating that high blood glucose levels hinder weight loss and encourage weight gain.  Elevated blood glucose is toxic to organs, especially the heart, kidney, and eyes.  Pre-diabetes, also known as Insulin Resistance, is a wake-up call that will progress to Diabetes if not caught and treated early.  In this condition due to constant elevated insulin levels, cells stop responding to insulin which is normally used to transport glucose into the cells for use as fuel.  This down regulation of insulin receptors causes the cells to demand more glucose (translating to more hunger and sweet cravings) which in turn causes more insulin production, and a vicious circle is created that results in elevated blood sugar and insulin which are both toxic to bodily cells and tissues.  Weight gain occurs yet cells are starving for energy!

The following criteria are used to categorize impaired blood glucose tolerance:

• A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of <5.6 mmol/litre is normal.  5.6-7.0 is impaired, and > 7.0 is considered a provisional diagnosis of Diabetes.
• A 2 hour post-prandial plasma glucose of < 7.8 is normal.  7.8-11.1 is impaired, and > 11.1 is a provisional diagnosis of diabetes.
• Any reading over 11.1 is diagnostic of Diabetes.
• Glycosolated hemaglobin (HgA1c) is a measure of average blood glucose levels over the past three months.  A reading over 6.1 is highly suggestive of Diabetes.  This is a good measurement of treatment progress over time.  The target for HgA1c is 4.8.

Naturopathic treatments:

Naturopathic Doctors are uniquely trained in all aspects of chronic disease management and care, focusing on science, prevention, holistic treatments, finding the cause of disease, wellness, and safety.

• Exercise:  This is critical in the management of Diabetes.  Exercise increases the sensitivity to insulin and one hour of aerobic exercise will decrease blood sugar levels for 5 hours.  This is a potent effect.
• Diet:  The keys are: Low refined carbohydrate, high good fat/low bad fat, high fiber from vegetable sources, and moderate intake of good protein.  Sugar, white flour, white rice, pasta, bread, cookies, cake, other baked goods etc. must be avoided. Also avoid margarine and processed oils and fried foods.  Increase intake of low carbohydrate vegetables, apples, dark berries, fish and fish oils, olive oil, flax seed oil, whole oats, legumes, eggs, yogurt, and lean meat.  The “Zone” diet is a good one to follow for guidelines and recipes.  Drink plenty of water and green tea.  Stay away from sweet drinks.  Use natural sugar substitutes such as Zylitol and Stevia.

Supplements to be considered in the treatment of Diabetes, Insulin resistance, and disorders of elevated blood glucose levels:  (To be taken only under the supervision of a qualified doctor)

• Gymnema sylvestre:   This is a herbal medicine which has the effect of enhancing the endogenous production and activity of insulin, normalizing glucose levels, increasing cellular glucose uptake, decreasing HgA1c, and decreasing triglycerides and bad cholesterol. It is dosed at between 400 and 2400 mg per day in divided doses.
• Chromium:  This mineral improves glucose tolerance, decreases the need for insulin supplementation, decreases triglycerides and bad cholesterol, decreases fasting blood sugar, and decreases HgA1c.  200-800 mcg/day
• Vanadium:  Another mineral that improves glucose transport into cells and stimulates storage of glycogen in the liver.  Dose at 50mg twice daily of vanadyl sulphate.
• Biotin:  Increases insulin sensitivity and increases the use of glucose in the liver. 8mg twice daily significantly decreases fasting blood sugar.
• Magnesium:  Also a mineral. Magnesium is often deficient in modern diets and its effect on blood glucose levels is similar to the effect of biotin.  It has the added benefit of improving cellular metabolism, energy, and decreaseing overall risk of heart disease and stroke. 1-2 grams/day or to bowel tolerance.
• Taurine:  An amino acid that decreases both blood glucose and insulin.  Increases glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis.  L-arginine and L-carnitine are other amino acids that also help in this regard. 
• DHEA:  This is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland but which declines with age and is often low in diabetics.  It is essential for maintaining quality of life and optimal performance.
• Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA):  Reduces blood leptin levels, blood sugar, and weight.  1000mg 3x per day.
• 5HTP : (5-Hydroxytryptophan). A safe and effective form of the amino acid tryptophan that works by increasing levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters to balance brain chemistry. 5HTP acts as an appetite suppressant, anti-depressant, and anxiolytic.  Due to the fact that it increases seratonin levels it must not combine with seratonin enhancing drugs. 50-100mg 3x/day , 20 minutes before meals
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA):  A fat-soluble anti-oxidant that is auccessfully used to treat diabetic neuropathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration.  It aids in glucose utilization and can reduces reliance on insulin.  Usual dose is 50-100 mg per day but has been dosed safely up to 600 mg per day to treat symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

These are the main treatment options used in conditions of elevated glucose levels but are by no means the only ones.  Many other treatments are being studied or have been proven useful.  A Naturopathic Doctor has the expertise to design a protocol that is unique to each individual.  Everyone is different and no one treatment will work for all.  Make an appointment to visit an N.D. today to find out how to optimize your health and prevent serious complication related to lifestyle and environmental factors.  We all have the power to obtain and retain optimal health throughout our lives.

By Dr. Tamara Browne - Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Browne graduated from Bastyr University of Naturopathic Medicine, Seattle, Wa., in 1996 and has had an active general family Naturopathic practice in the South Okanagan area ever since.  She was a board member for the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC for two years.  Her current practice is called The Natural Family Health Clinic and is located at 3048 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, BC.  She specializes in heart disease prevention and treatment, Chelation and metal detoxification, vitamin and mineral injections, chronic disease management, prevention, nutrition, herbal medicine, constitutional homeopathy, weight loss, and women's health.  The clinic facilitates extensive lab testing, physical medicine including pain management techniques, and includes an extensive dispensary of high quality natural supplements.  Dr. Browne is board certified in Chelation Therapy. 

The Natural Family Health Clinic Dr. Tamara Browne, Naturopathic Physician 3048 Skaha Lake Road Penticton, B.C., Canada V2A 7H2. 250 485-7227 cell , 250 493-5377 ph,  E-Mail

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