Diabetes – November Is Awareness Month

November is the Diabetes Awareness Month, and as a result, we’d like to do our part and discuss what diabetes is a little bit along with pointing out some healthy foods, herbs and supplements that have been shown to be helpful with regard to regulating blood glucose levels.

There are actually three types of diabetes. One is temporary and occurs during pregnancy and can affect about 4 percent of all women who are pregnant. This type of diabetes is referred to as gestational diabetes and if not treated, can increase the chances of both or either the baby or mom to develop one of the other types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and teenagers. This is when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin and therefore there is limited ability to regulate and control glucose in the bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes occurs mostly in adults and it is diagnosed when the pancreas does produce insulin but not enough of it and therefore glucose levels are not controlled properly. Both types of diabetes require a very close monitoring and management of diet. For those that have Type 1, insulin injections are also required. Insulin may be required for those that have Type 2, but sometimes other medications as well as diet management is enough to control the condition.

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is growing the world over. There is doubt as to what causes Type 1, but the general consensus is that poor diet and excessive weight are contributors to Type 2 diabetes.  As a person becomes more obese and stores more and more fat, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate glucose in the blood. This is partly due to the fact that as one gains weight, their bodies become resistant to the insulin that is being produced.

If diabetes is not treated in time, serious damage may occur. This includes nerve damage, kidney, eye and heart disease. In men, it may also cause impotence.

If you are an adult, you should be checked for diabetes at least every three years if you belong to the high risk group of people who are overweight, or if you have parents or siblings with the disease. As well, having high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels put you at a higher risk.

Prevention of diabetes is the best way to tackle it, and this includes taking a look at your lifestyle including diet and exercise and choosing to live in a way that includes reducing junk foods, eating healthy foods and getting physically active.

There are definitely some foods, herbs and supplements that can help prevent diabetes or assist with managing blood glucose levels when used and eaten on a regular basis.

Salba has been shown to assist with reducing glucose levels with a serving of 2 Tablespoons per day, in a published study that was headed by the University of Toronto’s Dr. Vuksan.

In 2003, a study showed that 1 gram of cinnamon per day significantly reduced blood glucose levels and there is also evidence that consumption of yogurt on a regular basis may be beneficial in treating Type 2 diabetes as well as act as a preventative. Let’s not forget that Vitamin B’s are important for everyone’s overall health. Those with Type 1 diabetes may need to supplement with B6 as it has been shown that this type of diabetes can interfere with the absorption of B6.

Diabetes is becoming a major problem throughout the world and you can make a difference by choosing to eat properly and adopting a more healthy lifestyle.

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