Description
- Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects carbohydrate,
protein, and fat metabolism. Carbohydrates are normally broken down in the body
to glucose, the bodys main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone produced in the
pancreas, is essential for the transport of glucose into the cells for energy and
also for glycogen storage. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty
acid storage in the adipose (fat) tissues. In diabetes, insufficient production
of insulin or insensitivity to insulin impairs the bodys ability to convert glucose
to energy, and compromises the body cells access to essential nutrients for fuel
and storage.1
Types
- Type I (juvenile) or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is caused by the destruction
of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By the time the disease becomes
apparent, up to 80% of the beta cells have been destroyed. This process is theorized
to be the result of an autoimmune disorder.
- Type II (adult onset) or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is a defect
in insulin utilization. Normal amounts of insulin are made, but cannot be properly
utilized by the body. 2
At Risk
- The tendency to develop diabetes can be hereditary, other factors that can contribute
to the development of type II diabetes include diet and lifestyle, pregnancy, surgery,
physical and emotional stress, and obesity.
Prevention and Management
General:
- Diet and lifestyle are the most important factors for the prevention of non-insulin
dependent diabetes and in management of insulin-depended diabetes. Regular aerobic
excerise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling, will improve
how the body uses insulin and aids in the regulation of blood sugar and lipid levels.4
Nutritional Influences:
- A high fiber diet is associated with an improved ability to handle blood sugar.5 When
the diet is high in fiber, cells are more sensitive to insulin and increase the
number of insulin receptor sites for burning glucose.6
- Antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, bioflavanoids, and
B-complex vitamins can help protect against free radical damage.7
- Vitamin E levels in the blood of diabetics are lower than levels found in the
blood of subjects without diabetes. Poor dietary intake of vitamin E may alter
blood sugar levels, while an adequate intake may help to modulate blood sugar levels.8
- Vitamin C metabolism and tissue levels are altered in diabetes.9 Optimal
vitamin C intake may help to regulate blood sugar and aid in the prevention of
diabetes.10
- Minerals may also play a role in protecting against the damaging effects of diabetes.
Diabetics tend to lose magnesium through their kidneys more than non-diabetics.
Type I diabetics who get at least 450 mg of magnesium are able to improve insulin
production and maintain better control of blood sugar levels.11
- Trace minerals such as chromium are essential for insulin and glucose metabolism.12
Abstracts
Liu V, Abernathy R. Chromium insulin in young subjects with normal glucose tolerance.
AM J Clin Nutr 1982;35:661-7. This study investigated the chromium-insulin
relationship in young subjects who had normal glucose tolerance at different levels
of insulin secretion during their glucose loading. Their findings were consistent
with the hypothesis that chromium may facilitate sensitivity to insulin. When chromium
was found to be low, there was an increase in abnormal glucose tolerance, which
the authors felt could be reversed in some cases with chromium supplementation.
References
1 Diseases. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993 p 50.
2 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898.
3 Golan R. Optimal Wellness. New York:Ballantine Books; 1995 p 359-40.
4 ODea K. Marked improvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabetic
Austrailian aborigines after temporary reversion to traditional lifestyle. Diabetes
1984;33(6):596-603.
5 Jenkins DJA et al. Dietary fibers, fiber analogues, and glucose tolerance:
importance of viscosity. British Medical Journal 1978,1:1392.
6 Fukagawa NK et al. High-carbohydrate, high fiber diets increase peripheral
insulin sensitivity in healthy young and old adults. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
1990 Sep;52(3):524-8.
7 Packer L. The Role of Anti-Oxidative Treatment in Diabetes. Diabetologia
[Unvi. Of California, Berkley] 1993;36(11):1212-1213.
