Diabetes
Information on diabetes is found in three parts:
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Part 3: Nutrients and Herbs
Part 1: Introduction
Diabetes here refers to diabetes mellitus. Other uncommon forms of diabetes are not covered in this discussion.
People with diabetes cannot properly process glucose, a sugar the body uses for energy. As a result, glucose stays in the blood, causing blood glucose to rise. At the same time, however, the cells of the body are starved for glucose. Diabetes can lead to poor wound healing, higher risk of infections, and many other problems involving the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Adult-onset diabetes is also called type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). With NIDDM, the pancreas makes enough insulin, but the body has trouble using the insulin. NIDDM responds so well to natural medicine that even conventional medicine recommends starting treatment with dietary and lifestyle changes.
Childhood-onset diabetes is the other form of diabetes mellitus. It is also called type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). In IDDM, the pancreas cannot make the insulin needed to process glucose. Natural medicine cannot cure IDDM, but by making the body more receptive to insulin supplied by injection, it may help.
People with diabetes have a high risk for heart disease. As a result, information in the section on atherosclerosis is also important to read.
Continue reading Part 2: Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC
It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only.