Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
Do You Have These Symptoms?
If you are experiencing a combination of some of the symptoms above, you may be suffering from Diabetes Meliitus.
What Is Diabetes Exactly?
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, characterized by abnormally high blood glucose (sugar) levels, resulting from the inability of the body to produce or respond to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the movement of glucose into the cells of the body. There are two major types of diabetes.
Persons afflicted with Type 2 or Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) have tissue resistance to insulin and may also have reduced pancreas secretion of insulin, causing an increase in blood sugar. Type 2 Diabetes accounts for 90% to 95% of cases of Diabetes mellitus.
What Types of People Get It and What Are the Risk Factors?
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About 90% of people that develop Type 2 Diabetes are obese
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Family history of Diabetes - If you have a blood relative with Type 2 Diabetes you are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes yourself. However Type 2 Diabetes sometimes occurs in people who have no one in their family with the condition.
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Age greater than 45 years
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High blood levels of triglycerides
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Low activity level (exercising less than 3 times a week)
In New Zealand, about 270,000 people have Type 2 Diabetes. About one third of cases of Type 2 Diabetes are undiagnosed. The numbers of people developing Type 2 Diabetes is rapidly increasing. In some groups of people up to 12% of them will have Type 2 Diabetes once they are aged over 40 years.”
Diabetes New Zealand
How It Starts and Develops
Blood sugar problems are strongly associated with a diet that is rich in refined sugar, poor quality saturated fats, and animal products and low in dietary fibre.
It is widely accepted that refined carbohydrates are among the most important contributing factors to diabetes, reactive hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) and obesity.
Refined sugars are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar. The body's response is to greatly increase the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. The excessive secretion of insulin drives the blood sugar down and often causes the symptoms of hypoglycaemia to appear. In response to the rapid fall in blood glucose levels, the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, which causes a rapid increase in the blood glucose level. Over time the adrenal glands become exhausted by the repeated stress and cannot mount an appropriate response. This lack of response leads to reactive hypoglycaemia. If blood sugar control mechanisms are further stressed, the body will eventually become insensitive to insulin or the pancreas will also become exhausted, and the reactive hypoglycaemia will turn into diabetes.
How Can You Get Over It?
Dietary modification and treatment is fundamental to the successful treatment of diabetes.
Dietary Considerations
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Dietary fibre - Fibre helps to stabilise blood sugar levels by slowing the release of sugar.
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Eat smaller meals - it is difficult for people with diabetes to process large amounts of food at one time. Excessive food intake can cause blood sugar elevations. Smaller meals reduce the demand on an inadequate insulin supply system.
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Choose healthy foods that contain a low glycemic index (GI) and minimise foods containing a high GI.
The glycemic index, or GI is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.
Supplements
Chromium
Chromium deficiency may impair glucose tolerance and insulin response. Adequate chromium can help improve glucose tolerance by reducing blood insulin as insulin binding increases, leading to normal blood glucose.
Zinc
Zinc assists the action of insulin. Studies indicate low zinc levels in people with Type 2 Diabetes.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 oils enhance insulin secretion in Type 2 Diabetes patients, offer significant protection against hardening of the arteries and have been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Herbs
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)
Gymnema works by reducing elevated blood sugar levels. It also assists in repairing and regenerating the cells of the pancreas which are responsible for the production and secretion of insulin.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo has been shown to improve the blood flow to peripheral tissues in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes. This is an important effect, as poor blood flow to the extremities is common in people with diabetes.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
There are several active ingredients in cinnamon that help the body handle the insulin it needs. Cinnamon can also help with the level of glucose by converting it to energy.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum)
Fenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in experimental and clinical studies.
Note: All herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as there are many occasions when particular herbs should not be used.
Lifestyle advice
Weight loss
If you're overweight and have Type 2 Diabetes, losing weight has been shown to lower your blood sugar, improve your health, and help you feel better.
Exercise is vitally important in a treatment plan
The many benefits of exercise include
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Improved glucose tolerance
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Enhanced insulin sensitivity
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Reduced total serum cholesterol and triglycerides with increased HDL levels
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Promotes weight loss
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Improves mental outlook and self-esteem
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Induces relaxation and improves sleep
Reduce stress
The problems of diabetes are compounded by stress. On a direct level, stress raises the blood sugar.
Decide properly on excessive scheduling. Cut down some activities which are not very important to you.
Always remember to relax. The relaxation response is one of the best, natural stress antidotes. Try doing simple breathing exercises in stressful situations.
Aromatherapy
Many essential oils can help to bring on a calm, relaxed state of mind. A mixture of lavender, geranium, and patchouli relieves tension and anxiety; chamomile and melissa act as antispasmodics and nerve sedatives.
Getting the Help You Need to Get Well
Let us help you achieve a better quality of life with Type 2 Diabetes.
If you would like help NOW with a treatment plan that is designed specifically to get YOU well, you can email us or phone 09 473 8283 to make an inquiry or appointment.
To book an appointment time that suits your schedule, visit our online booking page here NOW.
Improve your energy levels and manage your busy life easily, with natural solutions to excellent health.
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