What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to manage the sugars in your blood. Today, over 9 million Canadians and 26 million Americans suffer from Type 2 diabetes and these rates continue to rise at alarming rates.
There are actually three different types of diabetes. Gestation diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. Type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in children and adolescents. This form of diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar by allowing your body to utilize and convert it into energy. This form is not preventable and affects about 10% of the population.
It’s the third type of diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, over which we have more control. In this form of diabetes, our cells don’t produce enough insulin, or our body is unable to use it, causing glucose (sugar) to accumulate in the blood where it is unable to be used as energy.
The primary risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are:
- Genetic Predisposition
- High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol
- Unhealthy Eating Habits
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Obesity
Many of these risk factors are controllable and are due to poor lifestyle choices. Generally, it was thought that Type 2 diabetes was an adult-onset disease, however in recent years, as obesity rates increase and poor lifestyle habits are more evident in young adults, Type 2 diabetes is now being observed in children and teens. And, the consequences of this condition are not to be taken lightly, with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, damage to the retina of the eye and increased risk of cataracts and glaucoma, as well as nerve damage, especially to the legs and feet.
When it comes to treatment, the most common approach is medication, as keeping those blood sugar levels under control is vital!
However, there are other ways to approach this condition. Obviously, lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating and active lifestyles, play an enormous role in prevention AND treatment of imbalanced blood sugars. Exercise and increasing lean muscle mass has even been found to increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Supplementation is a very effective way to keep those blood sugar levels in check. Let’s take a look at some of the natural treatment forms out there.
Chromium is an essential mineral that plays a role in insulin and blood sugar levels. Chromium is very poorly absorbed from food sources, it naturally decreases as we age and is found to be lower in those suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Studies have found that not only does chromium enhance insulin activity (meaning better management of our blood sugar levels), it may also lower the risk for cardiovascular disease and reduce insulin resistance. Chromium supplementation was also found to improve HbA1c levels, which is a value that measures the long-term control of blood sugar.
Supplementing with levels from 200 to 1000 mcg has been found to improve blood glucose control and it is extremely safe in supplement form.
Gymnema sylvestreis a plant that has been found to have hypoglycemic (blood glucose lowering) effects. Studies have found that it may act directly on the pancreas and stimulate insulin levels in the blood. At doses of 400 mg, studies have found that gymnema sylvestre may be able to reduce blood glucose and even allow some individuals to reduce and even completely discontinue their medications.*
An excellent option for blood sugar control is Truestar’s TrueGLUCO Control. It contains high doses of both chromium and gymnema sylvestre, along with powerful antioxidants for organ protection. Add TrueGLUCO Control to a healthy and active lifestyle to stay healthy and keep those blood sugars in check!
* Please note: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not take the place of the advice of your physician. Please consult your health care provider before making any changes in your medication and supplementation regimes.