Tag Archives: diabetes

Vitamin D is Particularly Important for Children

The vitamin D studies just keep on coming. Previous research has linked the sunshine vitamin with bone health and enhanced immunity, along with lowered risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline and depression. New research shows that this critical nutrient can also help lower the risk of diabetes and asthma in kids.

Meanwhile, other research shows our intake of vitamin D from foods has dropped substantially in the last 30 years, and that many people don’t get enough D from the sun.

A September 2011 study by researchers from the University of Minnesota is the first to evaluate how much vitamin D Americans get from food. Researchers took information from the Minnesota Heart Survey, which collected data between 1980 and 2009. They found that overall, survey participants got 15 percent less vitamin D from food in 2009 than they did in 1980.

The average daily D intake in 1980 to 1982 was 7.24 mcg for men and 4.77 mcg for women, compared to 6.15 mcg for men and 4.53 mcg for women in 2007 to 2009. Researchers said this is “somewhat consistent” with studies that have tracked vitamin D blood levels in the U.S. population during the last 25 years.

Noting that one-third of Americans have inadequate or deficient blood levels of vitamin D, the researchers believe the drop can be partially attributed to our declining consumption of milk, which is often vitamin D fortified. Few other foods contain D—mainly fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna and cod; shiitake mushrooms; and eggs.

Sun exposure helps our bodies manufacture vitamin D, but a study published in October 2011 in Cancer Causes and Control looked at 1,200 participants and found that 730 had a suboptimal blood level of D—defined as below 60 nanomoles per liter. Researchers noted that in order to reach that level, people need an average of six hours a day of summer weekend sun exposure, which can be difficult for sun-sensitive individuals to reach. Consequently, the researchers concluded that people with very fair skin or skin cancer consider taking vitamin D supplements year-round.

Vitamin D supplementation may be particularly important for children, according to two recent studies.

A British study published in September 2011 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine analyzed 86 children and found that those with severe therapy-resistant asthma (SRTA) had significantly lower levels of vitamin D than those without SRTA. Researchers concluded that low levels of the vitamin are associated with poorer lung function and an increase in airway smooth muscle mass, which can make breathing difficult.

Another children’s study, published in December 2011 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, is among the first to examine vitamin D levels and diabetes risk factors in kids. Researchers measured body mass index and vitamin D, blood pressure, blood sugar and insulin levels in 411 obese and 87 normal-weight children, ages 6 to 16. Half of the obese kids had vitamin D levels below 50 nanomoles per liter, compared to 22 percent of the normal-weight kids. The obese children with low D levels also had insulin resistance and high blood sugar, but didn’t have elevated blood pressure. Low D levels are associated with risk factors for type 2 diabetes in obese children, the researchers concluded.

Grapeseed Extract Important Recommendation for Type 2 Diabetes

Increased oxidative stress is a major risk factor for the chronic complications of diabetes. People with diabetes typically have elevated levels of free radicals and oxidative compounds. These highly reactive compounds bind to and destroy cellular compounds. They also greatly increase the inflammatory process through the formation of inflammatory mediators like C-reactive protein.

One of the critical goals in diabetes prevention and treatment is to flood the body with a high level of antioxidants to counteract the negative effects of free radicals and oxidative compounds. Two critical antioxidants for diabetics are alpha-lipoic acid and flavonoid-rich extracts.

Grapeseed Extract in Diabetes

There are numerous beneficial effects of proanthocyanidin-rich flavonoids, such as grapeseed and pine bark (Pycnogenol) extracts, in battling the complications of diabetes. Proanthocyanidin flavonoids:

Are more potent and effective against a broader range of oxidants than the traditional antioxidant nutrients vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc
Increase intracellular vitamin C levels and preserve important antioxidants like gluthathione
Protect against damage to arteries and other blood vessels
Decrease the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, which prevents easy bruising and promotes wound healing

New Data

One of the major complications of diabetes is an increased risk for heart attacks and stroke. In a very detailed four-week, double-blind study, grapeseed extract (600 mg a day) was compared to a placebo in 32 patients with type 2 diabetes. Results showed impressive reductions in markers for inflammation and oxidative stress. For example, whole blood glutathione levels were 3,595 mmol per liter in the grapeseed extract group, compared to 2,359 mmol per liter in the placebo group. The level of C-reactive protein was 2.2 mg per liter in the grapeseed group and 3.2 mg per liter in the placebo group. Achieving these reductions within one month is significant.

Reference

Kar P, Laight D, Rooprai HK, Shaw KM, Cummings M. Effects of grape seed extract in Type 2 diabetic subjects at high cardiovascular risk: a double blind randomized placebo controlled trial examining metabolic markers, vascular tone, inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin sensitivity. Diabet Med. 2009 May;26(5):526-31.

Natural Support for Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by elevations in blood sugar levels. There are two major categories:Type 1 and Type 2.Type 1 diabetes is associated with complete destruction of the cells in the pancreas that manufacture insulin. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes will require lifelong insulin for the control of blood sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes insulin levels are typically elevated indicating a loss of sensitivity to insulin by the cells of the body. More than 90% of the 17 million American with diabetes have Type 2.

Diabetes is a serious disease because it is associated with an increased risk of life threatening complications such as a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. Overall, the risk for death among people with diabetes for these catastrophic complications is about 4 times that of people without diabetes. In addition to an earlier death, diabetes carries with it significant risks for serious complications such as blindness, the need for dialysis, and limb amputation.

Can natural medicine help people with diabetes?

Absolutely, in fact the most effective treatment of diabetes and other blood sugar problems requires the utilization of key lifestyle, dietary, and nutritional supplement strategies. When used properly, the natural medicine approach to diabetes can:

Significantly reduce the risk for developing diabetes – even if many of your family members or ancestors are or were diabetic.
Possibly reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Improve the sensitivity of cells to the action of insulin thereby improving glucose tolerance and normalizing blood sugar.
Promote weight loss and slow down or block the absorption of sugar from the intestinal tract.
Effectively reduce the complications of diabetes including heart disease and retinopathy.
Improve the actions of drugs and insulin while at the same time reducing their side effects.

The book How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine that I coauthored with Dr. Michael Lyon, MD, provides clear guidance for anyone with diabetes or concerned about developing it.

What specific natural products do you recommend to help improve blood sugar control?

Along with Dr. Lyon and Natural Factors, I have created the WellBetX™ product line – a family of nutritional and herbal products designed to address special nutritional needs of people with diabetes. The WellBetX products are designed to be used in conjunction with proper dietary, lifestyle, and medical treatment of diabetes. WellBetX is not designed to “treat” diabetes, instead it is designed to support the proper utilization of blood glucose and insulin as well as deal with some of the nutritional challenges and deficiencies that many diabetics suffer from. The various WellBetX products are designed to impact one or all of the following goals:

Reduce after meal elevations in blood sugar levels.
Provide optimal nutrient status.
Improve insulin function and sensitivity.
Prevent nutritional and oxidative stress.

The WellBetX product line consists of the following formulas:

PGX™ with Mulberry – A proprietary fiber blend with remarkable properties along with a special extract of mulberry leaves.
WelBetX Revolutionary Appetite Control & Glucose Balance with PGX™ – A delicious way to improve blood sugar levels and promoting satiety.
WellBetX Complete Multi for Glucose Balance.

WellBetX Complete Multi for Glucose – Balance a high potency formula that provides optimal levels of nutrients to support people with diabetes.
Herbal Glucose Balance – A unique formula of herbal extracts with scientific support for their role in promoting human health.
RxOmega-3 Factors A pharmaceutical grade fish oil that provides over 600 mg omega-3 fatty acids per capsule.
Vitamin E – 400 IU of natural Vitamin E
Alpha-lipoic Acid – 200 mg of “nature’s perfect antioxidant.”

What is PGX™?

PGX (short for PolyGlycopleX) is a unique blend of selected, highly viscous soluble fibers. Fiber supplements have been
shown to enhance blood sugar control, decrease insulin levels, and reduce the number of calories absorbed by the body. When taken with water before meals, PGX binds to the water in the stomach and small intestine to form a gelatinous, viscous mass which not only slows down the absorption of glucose, but also induces a sense of satiety (fullness) and reduces the absorption of calories.

While other soluble fiber complexes have been shown to produce similar effects, unfortunately, the dosage required is often difficult to achieve and impractical to take (e.g. 20 grams or more vs 3 grams of PGX. In contrast, because of the synergistic effect of the proprietary blend of soluble fibers in PGX, it is able to produce results at a dosage as low as 3 grams per day.

Clinical studies with PGX have displayed an ability to lower after meal blood glucose by approximately 20 to 70% and improve blood sugar control and stability that is unequalled by any drug or natural health product.1,2

Why is it important to achieve optimal nutritional status?

The person with diabetes has higher requirements for many nutrients. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with key nutrients can improve blood sugar control as well as help prevent or reduce the development of the major complications of diabetes. Furthermore, taking a multiple vitamin and mineral supplement has also been shown to boost immune function and reduce infections in diabetics. The WellBetX Complete Multi for Glucose Balance is designed specifically to provide key levels of vitamins and minerals for individuals with diabetes.

What herbal extracts have been shown to be useful in diabetes?

The two most active herbal extracts are Gymnema sylvestre and Bitter Melon. Gymnema extracts have been shown to enhance glucose control presumably through helping to increase the production or activity of insulin.3 Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) on the other hand has been shown to contain an insulin-like substance that promotes improved blood sugar control.4 Other herbal extracts useful are American Ginseng, Fenugreek, Milk Thistle, and Yacon Leaf.

What is Alpha-Lipoic Acid and why is important for diabetics?

One of the critical goals in nutritionally supporting individuals with diabetes is to flood the body with a high level of antioxidant compounds to counteract the negative effects of free radicals and pro-oxidants. In addition to taking a high potency multiple it is important to take additional Vitamin E (400 to 800 IU) and 400 to 600 mg of Alphalipoic
acid – a vitamin-like substance that is often described as “nature’s perfect antioxidant.” Unlike Vitamin E which is primarily fat-soluble and Vitamin C which is water soluble, alpha-lipoic acid can quench either water or fat soluble free radicals both inside the cell and outside in the intracellular spaces. Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to lead to
an improvement in blood sugar metabolism, improves blood flow to peripheral nerves, and actually stimulates the regeneration of nerve fibers. 5,6

Final Comments

Knowledge and awareness are the greatest allies for people with diabetes. An individual with diabetes who makes a strong commitment to learning about their condition and who accepts the lead role in a carefully supervised blood sugar monitoring program greatly improves the likelihood that they will lead a long and healthy life.

At the present time, individuals with Type 1 diabetes absolutely require conventional treatment with the hormone insulin. We consider this approach consistent with natural medicine – after all, the goal is simply to provide the body with a critical natural hormone. When using the natural products that impact blood sugar control, the Type 1 diabetics will need to work closely with their physician and adjust insulin dosages accordingly.

In individuals with Type 2 diabetes, when blood sugar levels cannot be controlled satisfactorily with weight loss, exercise and diet therapy; oral antihyperglycemic agents or, when necessary, insulin are utilized for additional support. Just as in the individual with Type 1 diabetes, the Type 2 individual on these drugs will need to work with their physician in adjusting the dosage of any medications. The difference however, is the goal in Type 2 diabetes is to achieve satisfactory blood sugar control without the aid of drugs. In fact, in most cases of Type 2 diabetes there can be a complete reversal of the disease.

References

1. Brand-Miller JC, Atkinson FS, Gahler RJ, et al. Effects of PGX, a novel functional fibre, on acute and delayed postprandial glycaemia. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2010 Dec;64(12):1488-93.
2. Jenkins AL, Kacinik V, Lyon MR, Wolever TMS. Reduction of postprandial glycemia by the novel viscous polysaccharide PGX in a dose-dependent manner, independent of food form. J Am Coll Nutr 2010;29(2):92-98.
3. Baskaran K, Ahamath BK, Shanmugasundaram KR, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharmacol 1990; 30: 295–305.
4. Srivastava Y, Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H, Verma Y et al. Antidiabetic and adaptogenic properties of Momordica charantia extract. An experimental and clinical evaluation. Phytotherapy Res 1993; 7: 285–289.
5. Reljanovic M, Reichel G, Rett K, et al.Treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy with the antioxidant thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid): a two year multicenter randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (ALADIN II). Alpha Lipoic Acid in Diabetic Neuropathy. Free Radic Res 1999;31:171-9.
6. Jacob S, Ruus P, Hermann R,Tritschler HJ, et al. Oral administration of RAC-alpha-lipoic acid modulates insulin sensitivity in patients with Type-2 diabetes
mellitus: a placebo-controlled pilot trial. Free Radic Biol Med 1999;27:309-14