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• The two major types of diabetes are: type 1 and type 2.  I am writing about type 2 which is non-insulin dependent.  The most common of the two is type 2 diabetes.  Approximantely 90 to 95 percent of sufferers have the type 2 form of diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes is most popular in affecting people in their later years but has become common recently with younger people being diagnosed with the disease.  The lack of exercise, and poor diet helps contribute to this shift in younger people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
• With type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces insulin but not enough to fuel the cells.  Many people do not realize they have type 2 diabetes.  Some know risk factors are:

1. Age (risk increases with age)
2. Being overweight
3. High blood pressure (140/90 or higher)
4. Abnormal cholesterol levels
5. Ethnicity (American Indians, African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Asian-Americans, Alaska natives, and Hispanics have a greater risk than Caucasians)
6. Birth weight (less than 5.5 lbs or more than 9 lbs)
7. History of diabetes in pregnancy (Gestational diabetes)
8. Inactivity (lack of exercise)

Complications that arise, over time,  from adult on-set diabetes are:

• Blindness
• Heart disease
• Nerve damage
• Kidney failure
• Limb amputations

Constant monitoring of blood sugar levels is the key to managing the disease.  By keeping blood sugar levels within range set by the doctor a person can stand a good chance of reducing the risk of possible complications.  By making changes in ones lifestyle, diet, and exercise a person can actually prevent, reduce, or delay the danger of developing adult-onset diabetes.

Suggested supplements to consider using to help with the managing of adult-onset diabetes are:

1. Alpha-lipoic acid – can help with the treatment of peripheral nerve damage and helps control blood sugar levels.
2. Garlic – Improves circulation, boost immunity, helps reduce and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
3. CoQ10 - Enhances circulation, and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
4. Manganese – Is useful in repairing of the pancreas.
5. L-glutamine – Helps reduce the craving of sugar.  L-glutamine taken with taurine assist in the release of insulin.
6. Chromium picolinate – Increases insulin’s efficiency which helps reduce blood sugar levels.
7. Vitamin C – May help slow or prevent complications that can occur in diabetes.
8. Vitamin A with carotenoids – Very beneficial in maintaining healthy eyes along with being an important antioxidant.
9. Vitamin E – Helps improve circulation.

• There is detailed information about the above listed supplements in the book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”, along with many recommendations to consider when managing adult-onset diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes is a very complex, requiring much education to understand how to manage the disease.  The most important consideration is to work with a doctor in getting the right treatment for you, specifically, if you are diagnosed with adult on-set diabetes.

Reference:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

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