Adult onset diabetes (type II) is an insidious disease creeping into our society at an epidemic rate. The principal cause being diets encumbered with refined carbohydrates, sugar and saturated or hydrogenated fats combined with sedentary lifestyles. Such indulgences over a long period of time can lead to insulin resistance, a common underlying cause of type II diabetes and obesity.
Insulin resistance instigates a path of destruction that damages body tissues susceptible to the undesirable effect of too much sugar. Sugar not metabolised by the body is rapidly converted into body fat – here begins the climb to obesity. Complications of obesity such as hypertension then exacerbate complications of diabetes, namely retinopathy, neuropathy, kidney failure and heart disease.
There is no question when it comes to type II diabetes, prevention is better than control, (there is no real “cure” as such). The key challenge is renouncing our sedentary habits and embracing nutritious, whole foods. Studies have established that when a diet low in saturated fats and simple carbohydrates with plenty of dense, whole grains, vegetables and legumes is followed for several weeks, 80% of type II diabetics can stop taking insulin. Addressing the need to overindulge is important!
Nature’s Way® Cinnamon contains a concentrated form of the warming, aromatic spice that is creating more than a culinary stir with regard to its benefits for diabetes. Exciting research found cinnamon significantly reduced blood sugar levels in diabetics through mimicking insulin and improving cell responsiveness to insulin, an action enhanced by antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering activity.
Diet and lifestyle changes is the first challenge, the next is protection – it is believed that excess glucose forms abnormal substances within the body that damage tiny capillaries and nerve fibres found in the extremities, kidneys and retina of the eye. Neuropathy (nerve damage) and circulatory problems disrupt function and sensation in the areas affected, retinopathy (retina degeneration) can lead to blindness, and poor circulation can cause impotence and diabetic foot ulcers. Such destruction may progress to larger blood vessels, initiating development of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Antioxidants that protect against inflammatory damage to these vulnerable areas are imperative in opposing the course of diabetes. Natures Way® HeartCare™ provides cardiovascular protection with a clinically proven extract of the antioxidant-rich herb hawthorn. Hawthorn helps counteract inflammatory damage within the cardiovascular system, may help reduce high blood pressure and improve coronary circulation.
Natures Way® AlphaProtect contains alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant nutrient that has been shown to prevent nerve degeneration and improve symptoms of neuropathy in diabetic patients. Supporting peripheral circulation and vascular strength with Nature’s Way® Leg Veins may reduce neuropathy and retinopathy and keep blood flowing to an area of particular importance to men!
Let the challenge begin!
(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 18, Issue 1)