Two million Canadians have been diagnosed with diabetes according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. That’s one in 17 and the diagnosis continues to grow in numbers with one third of individuals currently unaware they have this chronic disorder. Diabetes is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include excess thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision; poor wound healing and frequent infections to name a few. Complications are vast, especially with uncontrolled blood sugar regulation. They include heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy and blindness, and autoimmune disorders (arthritis, thyroid disease, etc). How can you best manage this disease? Since diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use and store food for energy, a healthy diet along with regular exercise is vital for diabetics and individuals with pre-diabetes and Syndrome X. Balanced meals containing whole foods (fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fibre and lean quality protein) are vital. Eating three times a day at regular times helps manage diabetes. Whey Protein †an excellent form of lean protein, whey is immune-enhancing as it increases antioxidant protection. Whey helps minimize infection, improve gut health and when used in combination with exercise helps improve muscle mass and healthy body composition. Healthy Fats †Omega 3 EFA’s (essential fatty acids) from fish oil rich in EPA and DHA protect against heart disease, help reduce triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes) and improves mood. Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines) are excellent sources of omega 3 EFA’s. For those unable to consume adequate amounts of fish, the nutrition house omega 3 extra EFA supplement is the highest potency EPA/DHA in the natural health market. Exercise and physical activity is essential to help manage (and prevent) diabetes. Weight loss including a decrease in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Exercise can boost cardiovascular health, improve good cholesterol and mood. Since early times, natural health supplements have been used to help improve quality of life or ease suffering in some capacity. Today, research continues to shed new light on the benefits of many natural remedies in various disorders and conditions. This is true of diabetes and its healthy management. Nutritional and Herbal Supplements Specific to Diabetes High Potency Multivitamin Essential for most individuals, a high potency multi-vitamin is a must for diabetics. Many of the vitamins and minerals contained in these formulations carry a protective and necessary role for good health. For instance, vitamin E is considered the most potent and important fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects the lipid membrane of the cell walls (especially nerve cells) preventing free radical damage. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that amongst its many functions is vital for collagen production and wound repair. Its cardiovascular benefits include its ability to slow atherosclerosis and reduce blood pressure. Many diabetics are deficient in vitamin C. This important vitamin is normally found in high concentration in the eyes, so proper intake of this nutrient will support eye health. Speaking of deficiencies, diabetics often have low magnesium levels and those suffering from severe retinopathy appear to have the lowest levels. Magnesium plays an essential role in a wide-range of biological functions and deficiency appears to aggravate insulin resistance and predisposes diabetics to heart disease. The B vitamins are important for neurological health. Vitamin B6 helps prevent diabetic neuropathy while vitamin B12 supplementation may improve pain in patients suffering from neuropathy. Chromium is a trace mineral that is required for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells. Deficiency of this nutrient is a factor in diabetes and obesity. Supplementing with additional chromium can help improve blood sugar control, decrease triglyceride and LDL levels. For individuals suffering from a chromium deficiency, the use of chromium may aid in weight loss and improve healthy body composition. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is both fat and water-soluble. It is known for its ability to protect brain and nerve cells from free radical damage. Research shows that it may help regenerate nerve fibres as it is known to improve blood flow to peripheral nerves. Lipoic acid helps improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity and can help increase energy levels. Gymnema Sylvestre is an herb that has can support metabolic control through its ability to reduce intestinal absorption of glucose and enhances insulin function. Gymnema improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics. The above are only some of the nutrients to support diabetics and their specific health needs. Proper blood glucose control is imperative to reduce the likelihood of complications in order to improve quality and length of life. Becoming informed is the first step in any prevention program to fully understand your options. For more information on supplementation visit your local nutrition house store or visit us on-line at NutritionHouse.
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