Naturopathic Solutions For Type 2 Diabetes Part 2

In our last article in this series on type 2 diabetes, we looked at the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of this disease, as well as the complications – if you haven’t read that one, we recommend taking a look to determine your risk factors for this disease or if you are experiencing symptoms.

We’ve also reviewed the impact of a high-sugar diet, which includes a higher propensity for developing diabetes later in life.

Today we are going to have a look at how type 2 diabetes is diagnosed and some of the treatment options which can be used to manage this disease.

Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes

If you are worried you may have type 2 diabetes, you will need to see your doctor or health professional to be tested.

There are a series of tests which can be used to determine if you have type 2 diabetes, these include the following:

• Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This test indicates your average blood glucose level over two to three months by measuring the percentage of glucose attached to hemoglobin; levels of 6.5 percent or higher indicate diabetes, although pregnancy can make this test inaccurate.

• Random blood glucose test. A blood sample taken at a random time, showing levels of 11 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) (or 200 milligrams per deciliter {mg/dL}) or higher indicate diabetes, regardless of the last time a person ate, especially when paired with other symptoms such as frequent urination.

• Fasting blood glucose test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast, and if the blood glucose level is over 7 mmol/L (or 126 mg/dL) on two separate occasions, this in an indicator of diabetes.

• Oral glucose tolerance test. After an overnight fast your blood glucose is measured. Then, after drinking a sugary liquid,levels are tested periodically over two hours.

Routine fasting blood glucose testing is recommended for everybody, and at the age of 45 and older additional testing is recommended, especially in overweight individuals.

Naturopathic Approach To Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

Although a diagnosis can be scary, there are ways to manage diabetes and potentially stall, or in some cases, reverse the effects.

Left untreated, type 2 diabetes can result in organ damage, cardiovascular disease, and even limb amputations due to the nerve damage which can result.

Let’s have a look at some of these treatments.

1. Eliminate Refined Sugar From Your Diet

Sugars, as well as white and processed grains can cause blood glucose to spike, which contributes to insulin resistance and weight gain.

Removing sugar, as well as sources of simple carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, and white rice, is essential to managing this disease.

2. Physical Activity

Being more active can help improve insulin-resistance.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight will help, as one of the risk factors for diabetes is obesity.

The centre for disease control recommends a minimum of 2.5 hours per week of moderate-to-intense cardiovascular activity per week, as well as strength training.

If you are new to physical activity, always consult your doctor or health-care provider before starting a new routine.

3. Increase Your Dietary Fibre

Food which are high in fibre will slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Whole fruit, vegetables, and beans are all good options of high-fibre foods.

4. Correct Any Mineral Deficiencies

Some studies have shown type 2 diabetics are more likely to be deficient in minerals, including chromium and magnesium.

Choose food sources which are high in these minerals, including leafy greens such as kale, chard, broccoli and bok choy to aid in replenishing these vital nutrients.

Call The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you worried you might have type 2 diabetes?

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and want to look at natural alternatives for treatment?

At the Mindful Healing Clinic we can help.

Contact us today to set up an appointment.

We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

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Naturopathic Solutions For Type 2 Diabetes Part 1

Type 2 diabetes, sometimes called “adult onset” diabetes is the most common form of this disease.

A diagnosis can seem scary, however there are a number of naturopathic treatments which can help manage it.

In this 2-part series, we will first examine what type 2 diabetes is, how it is caused, and the risk factors and complications that may result from it.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition which affects the way the body metabolizes sugar.

Insulin is a hormone that promotes the uptake of sugar, in the form of glucose,into your cells. Intype 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels, or cells resist the effects of insulin.

Although typically more common in adults, type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent in children as rates of childhood obesity rise.

Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes

The exact cause is unknown, however it seems to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Symptoms Of Type 2 Diabetes

The onset of symptoms for type 2 diabetes can be very slow.

Without testing, it is possible to have type 2 diabetes for years without realizing it.

Symptoms may include the following:

● Increased hunger, as cells don’t receive glucose to turn into energy.

● Increased thirst, due to glucose in your bloodstream pulling fluid from tissues, and as a result, dehydration.

● Frequent urination.

● Fatigue due to cells being deprived of glucose.

● Vision problems, including inability to focus and blurred vision.

● Frequent infections.

● Patches of darkened skin.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and cannot explain them, it might be time to see your doctor or healthcare professional.

Risk Factors For Type 2 Diabetes

There are a number of factors which can add to increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Here are some of the risk factors to be aware of – if you fall into any of these categories, prevention is key. Also, be sure to maintain awareness of the symptoms and be vigilant for changes which may indicate you are developing the disease.

● Weight. The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese, as the increase of fatty tissue can cause insulin resistance.

● Fat distribution. In addition to being overweight, those people who tend to store fat in their abdomen are at greater risk.

● Lack of physical activity. Individuals who are inactive are at greater risk for type 2 diabetes. Activity helps increase sensitivity to insulin.

● Heredity. Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes are at greater risk.

● Age. Typically type 2 diabetes has been more present in those over the age of 45; however, it is becoming more common among younger generations.

● Polycystic ovarian syndrome. This condition, which is characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, and obesity,can increase the risk of diabetes.

● Gestational diabetes. A person who has developed gestational diabetes during pregnancy, or who gives birth to a baby who weighs more than 9 pounds is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

● Ethnicity. Individuals who are African-American, Native American, Hispanic or Latinx, and Asian experience higher rates of type 2 diabetes.

Complications From Type 2 Diabetes

Because type 2 diabetes generally has a slow onset, it can be easy to ignore, especially in the early stages; however, its effects can be disabling, and potentially life threatening.

Complications from type 2 diabetes can include:

● Heart disease and increase risk of cardiovascular problems.

● Nerve damage, due to damage to blood vessel caused by excess glucose.

● Kidney damage

● Eye damage, including damage to the retina and blood vessels, potentially leading to blindness.

● Foot damage caused by nerve damage and poor blood flow.

Call The Mindful Healing Clinic

Are you worried you’re exhibiting signs of type 2 diabetes?

Do you have some of the risk factors listed above, combined with some of the symptoms listed?

Contact the Mindful Healing clinic today, and we will work with you to create a treatment plan which fits your life and your unique needs.

The post Naturopathic Solutions For Type 2 Diabetes Part 1 appeared first on Mindful Healing.

Naturopathic Solutions For Type 1 Diabetes Part 2

In our last article, we covered the causes for type 1 diabetes; in part 2, we will start to dive further into what naturopathic diabetes treatments you can ask your local naturopath about.

Diagnosing Type 1 Diabetes

We already know how type 1 diabetes presents, from our previous article on the subject.

When the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, we see symptoms such as:

• Frequent urination or bed-wetting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Weight loss
• Mood fluctuations and irritability
• Blurred vision

Now scientists consider type 1 diabetes an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, by the time is diagnosed most of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed.

Almost all type 1 diabetics will be required to monitor glucose levels and treat themselves with insulin for the duration of their lives.

Because insulin cannot be taken orally – stomach enzymes break down the insulation, rendering it unusable – it must be administered by either injection or with an insulin pump.

Naturopathic Approach To Type 1 Diabetes Treatment

While type 1 diabetes isn’t curable, it can be managed quite effectively through the following treatments.

It should go without saying that nothing you read in this article, or on this website in general, should be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please do not cease taking any medication or alter your prescription because of what you read in this article or on this website.

Instead, come talk to me and we’ll work on how to help you incorporate them into your lifestyle

1. Chromium Supplements

Supplements can also be of assistance with controlling your diabetes.

Zinc and magnesium are both helpful, and this study
has also shown positive results from using chromium.

Scientists noticed that several previous studies had linked decreased levels of chromium, zinc and magnesium with type 1 diabetes, and specifically with poor glycemic control.

Once these levels are replenished, insulin signal transduction improves, as well as glucose metabolism and your cellular antioxidative defense.

Supplementing with chromium helps by alleviating diabetes-induced complications and by preventing diabetes-related oxidative injuries.

2. Gymnema Sylvestre Supplements

Naturopaths use many different types of treatments in supporting your health and wellness, including supplements – as described above – and herbs.

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that has been shown in studies to decrease blood sugar.

Gymnema sylvestre is generally well tolerated and can be an effective treatment, and has no side effects associated with its use.

3. Dietary Changes

For diabetics especially – although this is also an excellent diet for the rest of the population – it is important to build their diet on a low-saturated fat, high-fiber foundation.

Start with including primarily fruits, vegetables and whole grains, while also eliminating refined carbs such as sugar, bread and candy.

With type 1 diabetes, you’ll need to learn to monitor your carb intake so that you can be sure to dose yourself with enough insulin to metabolize properly.Many people who are first learning to manage type 1 diabetes find it helpful to have a naturopath on hand to help them build a meal plan that keeps them safely in range.

4. Physical Activity

The important thing to remember about exercise is that physical activity will actively and effectively lower your blood sugar.

Always check with a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen, and then feel free to find something that gets you moving that you also enjoy.

Fit in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week, with no more than two days between workouts; children need more activity, however – at least an hour every day.

Call The Mindful Healing Clinic

Because the side-effects of type 1 diabetes can be so debilitating, I can’t urge you strongly enough to seek knowledgeable, experienced advice on how to manage your lifestyle for best results.

My name is Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, and I am a naturopathic doctor in Mississauga who has over 15 years’ experience helping patients by treating their diabetes.

Call now for a consultation with me, in order to get to the bottom of your lifestyle challenges and how best to adjust in order to live a long, healthy life with type 1 diabetes.

The post Naturopathic Solutions For Type 1 Diabetes Part 2 appeared first on Mindful Healing.

Naturopathic Solutions For Type 1 Diabetes Part 1

Although type 1 diabetes is common enough in the population, science has not yet managed to find a cure.

For now, doctors commonly recommend patients manage their blood sugar levels by testing and injecting insulin, by overhauling diet, and by adjusting lifestyle in order to reduce the severity of symptoms and to prevent complications.

One excellent way of managing your diabetes is to see your local naturopathic doctor in Mississauga for help in learning and adapting your diet and lifestyle to be as effective as possible in avoiding complications of diabetes.

What Is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that may be caused by several different factors, including genetics or a virus.

Because people typically see onset during childhood or adolescence, it was once called juvenile diabetes; however, it can also develop well into adulthood.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces very little or no insulin, which is a hormone needed by the body’s cells to utilize sugar and convert itinto energy.

Symptoms Of Type 1 Diabetes

You may not be aware of a predisposition to type 1 diabetes, so it is good to be aware of the following symptoms, as they can appear quite suddenly:

• Frequent urination or bed-wetting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Increased thirst and hunger
• Weight loss
• Mood fluctuations and irritability
• Blurred vision

Key Players Of Type 1 Diabetes

The key players in how likely you are to develop type 1 diabetes include genetics, geography, and age.

Genetics studies have narrowed down the likelihood of developing this type of diabetes to very specific genes.

Furthermore, if you have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes, this is a red flag for doctors, and often correlates with an increased risk of developing it yourself.

Interestingly, those living around the equator are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes than those living further away; in fact, the further away from the equator you move, the more likely your chances of developing it.

The most common times of life for seeing the onset of type 1 diabetes seem to be at 4-7 years old, then 10-14 years of age.

While anyone of any age might see diabetes develop, these are the two most common periods, and there are significantly reduced chances you will see onset at other ages.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas.

As your pancreas secretes insulin into your bloodstream, it circulates, causing sugar to be internalized into cells, ready to be converted into energy.

Once insulin has lowered the amount of sugar in your bloodstream, insulin secretion will also slow in response.

Problems begin to occur when the pancreas is prevented from producing insulin or in sufficient quantities; this can be caused by having too many of your islet cells destroyed.

Glucose

Glucose is the sugar source that your body’s cells convert into energy in order to perform all cellular activities.

Glucose comes from both food as well as from your liver, which stores glucose as glycogen.

When you don’t eat for a longer period of time,glucose levels in your bloodstream drop; your body reacts by breaking down the stored glycogen in your liver in order to stabilize your blood levels.

In type 1 diabetes, lack of insulin does not allow glucose to enter the cells; instead, it continues to build up in your bloodstream, which can be very dangerous.

Complications From Type 1 Diabetes

There can be quite severe complications when type 1 diabetes goes unchecked, including:

• Kidney damage, possibly leading to kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• Nerve damage, which can cause feelings of tingling, numbness or pain in the extremities.
• Nerve damage within the gastrointestinal tract that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, as well as erectile dysfunction in men.
• Cardiovascular problems, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and stroke.
• Eye damage, including conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
• Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, high blood pressure, retinopathy and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Skin and mouth conditions such as bacterial and fungal infections, and increased chances of gum disease.
• Foot damage caused by poor blood flow that can lead to blisters or amputation.

Call The Mindful Healing Clinic

Complications from type 1 diabetes can be critical – in that the onset can be sudden and quick – or complications can present long-term effects from chronic blood sugar regulation issues.

This is why doctors, while they can’t yet cure diabetes, urge their patients to do their utmost to maintain a normal blood sugar level – it can drastically reduce the risk of many complications that can be not only disabling but life threatening.

One way to be sure of making the correct lifestyle changes is to see a naturopathic doctor, who understands the science, the physiology and the nutritional & lifestyle angles to managing diabetes.

Call the Mindful Healing Clinic now to take advantage of a consultation and find out how I can help you be healthy, stay on track, and live life well, despite the constraints of type 1 diabetes.

Next week, we’ll talk about some of the solutions a naturopathic approach can offer for type 1 diabetes.

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