Type 2 Diabetes: Avoid Becoming Part Of The Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic By Making Simple Dietary And Lifestyle Changes Now

Diabetes is fast turning into a serious problem, with the leading charity Diabetes UK estimating that 1.4 million people in this country suffer from the disease - with over three-quarters of these having Type 2 diabetes.

Worse still, it is thought that up to one million people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes, without even knowing it. This is largely due to the gradual onset of the disease, which doesn't always produce any symptoms.

The main signs are fatigue, weight loss, nausea, the frequent need to urinate, constant thirst, blurred vision, frequent infections and wounds that are slow to heal. It's vital that you consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as left untreated, diabetes can cause kidney damage and heart disease.

Diabetes - what is it that causes blood sugar levels to soar?
A sedentary lifestyle, combined with a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugary foods is largely to blame for the rapid increase in Type 2 diabetes. The amount of sugar in your bloodstream is normally kept under control by the hormone insulin, which is produced by your pancreas. After a meal, the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in your blood stream naturally increases.

Even if you follow a low-carbohydrate diet, there is still a certain amount of sugar in the food you consume that needs to be broken down. In response, your body increases its production of insulin, which helps break down the sugar and encourages it to enter your cells where it can be used for energy.

With age, and also due to genetic reasons, this process may become unbalanced. In the case of Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, meaning that large amounts of sugar are allowed to circulate freely in your blood stream. It is common in children who are born without a fully functioning pancreas, and requires treatment with regular insulin injections.

In contrast, sufferers of Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes have adequate levels of insulin, but the body is unable to utilise it properly - this is known as insulin resistance. Although Type 2 diabetes can run in families, the greatest risk factors for developing the disease are obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and age. In fact, Type 2 diabetes is commonly referred to as 'maturity-onset diabetes', because most people who get it are over 40 and overweight.

Conventional drugs can put your health at further risk
Conventional medicine usually treats Type 2 diabetes with drugs, such as metformin, gliclazide or roglitazone. These work by encouraging your pancreas to produce more insulin and also by helping the insulin that is produced to work more efficiently. However, these drugs can cause a range of unpleasant side effects including drowsiness, skin rashes, dizziness, shaky hands, headaches and stomach pains.

This is a high price to pay considering that one of the best ways to prevent and manage Type 2 diabetes is to take regular exercise and cut down on sugar and refined carbs (which are present in many processed foods as well as biscuits, white bread and pasta). Instead, eat plenty of vegetables, beans and pulses, which release sugar into your bloodstream at a slower rate (Balance Diabetes UK Nov/Dec 2001).

These natural remedies can successfully reduce your blood sugar levels
The following supplements have been found to help fight type 2 diabetes. In fact, some of these are so effective that, in some cases, they banish the need for medication altogether. However, it is extremely important that you do not stop taking any medication without consulting your doctor first. Even if you are not taking any medication, it is still vital that you keep your doctor fully informed of any natural remedies you decide to take, as your blood sugar levels need to be closely monitored.

• Momordica charantia. Also known as bitter melon, this plant extract is generating a great deal of excitement among scientists. A recent study conducted to assess the effectiveness of momordica and exercise for Type 2 diabetes, has revealed how taking both these measures can significantly lower blood sugar levels (Miura T, Itoh Y et al. Biol Pharm Bull 2004, 27(2):248-250). Not only that, but it has also been found to be just as effective as the prescription-only drug glibenclamide at reducing blood sugar levels (J Ethnopharmacol 2003, 88(1):107-111). The recommended dosage for Momordica is one 500mg capsule of standardised extract taken two to four times a day (or as otherwise directed on the product's label). Sufferers of hypoglycaemia and pregnant women should not take Momordica.
• Goat's rue. This plant has a chemical structure similar to the conventional diabetes drug metformin and works in much the same way but without the side effects (Vitamin Research News 2001, 15(3):4-5). It restores insulin sensitivity in your cells and boosts their ability to take up glucose from your blood and use it more efficiently. In addition, animal studies have found that it can promote weight loss (J Pharm Pharmacol 1999, 51(11):1313-1319). The recommended dosage for goat's rue is 200mg a day.
• Vanadium. This is a rare mineral found in fish and shellfish. The biologically active form of vanadium is called vanadyl sulphate, which has been found to make cells more sensitive to the actions of insulin and assists in the breakdown of sugar. An animal study has revealed that it can help prevent diabetes and shift excess weight (Cheta D et al. J Cell Mol Med 2003, 7(4): 447-454). The recommended dosage for vanadyl sulphate - available as Vanoxyl 25 - is two 25mg capsules a day.
• Gymnema sylvestre. This plant has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic (ancient Indian) medicine in the fight against diabetes and now modern research findings are confirming its benefits for sufferers of the disease. One way gymnema is thought to work is by protecting the pancreas against free-radical damage, allowing it to produce insulin unhindered (Anathna R, Latha M et al. Nutrition 2004, 20 (3):280-285). The recommended dosage for gymnema is 200mg a day.
• Biotin. This vitamin helps facilitate the conversion of glucose into energy in your liver and it can be taken alongside the herbs already mentioned. The recommended dosage for biotin is 10mg a day.