September 2011
Balancing Blood Sugar and Triglycerides
By: Jerry Hickey, R.Ph. Follow on Google+
Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that causes the blood sugar and triglycerides to become continuously and severely elevated. This excess circulating blood sugar is very destructive, causing inflammation in the heart and circulatory system, as well as in the eyes, brain, kidneys, and nerve tissue. Diabetes may lead to a myriad of other serious health conditions, as well.
Diabetes occurs when your cells become resistant to the effects of the hormone insulin for various reasons. Insulin normally stores sugar in your cells. However, long before full-blown diabetes occurs there is a period of what is referred to as “pre-diabetes”.
Pre-Diabetes Vs. Diabeties
In the pre-diabetes stage, your blood sugar is already modestly increased and damage to the kidneys, blood vessel walls, and eyes is beginning to take place. Perhaps it should be renamed “early stage diabetes,” as even a modest elevation in blood sugar should always be taken seriously.
Type 2 Diabetes is the more common form of the disease that occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. This results in elevated levels of sugar and triglycerides in the blood. The most common cause of Type 2 Diabetes is truncal obesity, or having an apple-shaped body instead of a pear-shaped one. New evidence indicates that an increase in the circulating levels of CRP (C-reactive protein), an enzyme tied into inflammation and heart disease, is a major indicator of impending diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes refers to an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 Diabetes is much less common, and those who suffer from this condition always require insulin.
Symptoms of Diabetes May Include
- Feeling tired or ill
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of infections
- Genital itching
Know Your Test Scores
Impaired Fasting Blood Glucose
To determine your risk of developing diabetes, your doctor will perform a test on your blood after you fast for 12 hours. If your blood sugar is lower than 99 after fasting, it is unlikely that you will develop diabetes. However, if the blood sugar is between 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have impaired fasting blood glucose and are at a higher risk of developing diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease. Proper diet, exercise, and specific nutrients are beneficial to many individuals at this point, and can help restore blood sugar levels down to a normal level. Some drugs may also prescribed for this effect. If your blood sugar after fasting is above 125mg/dL, you are considered to have full-blown diabetes and must begin aggressive treatment for this very serious condition.
A1C
This is a blood test that measures your average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months. A1C is the best method of monitoring overall glucose control, and the test should be repeated 2 to 4 times per year. Ideally, the blood glucose level should be less than 7 percent. Speak with your doctor about this blood test.
Natural Approaches to Diabetes
Phase 2 is the first nutritional ingredient proven both scientifically and through human clinical studies to neutralize the starch found in your favorite foods. This unique nutrient is derived from the white kidney bean. The beans are non-GMO and made following the highest quality manufacturing practices (cGMP - current Good Manufacturing Practices). The latest technology is used to extract the nutrient through a water distraction process. The result is an absolutely pure and safe nutrient that works with the body’s metabolism to neutralize excess starches and carbs. Instead of allowing the body to absorb the extra carbs where they can be stored as fat, they pass directly through the system. Taking two Phase 2 capsules before each meal allows the ingredient to modestly bind to the starch-digesting enzyme, alpha-amylase. The result is improved weight loss if needed, and improved blood sugar control.
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin clinically proven to support healthy blood sugar levels. Biotin also supports the health of the nail and hair follicles.
Chromium is a mineral referred to as an “essential trace element” because very small amounts of chromium are necessary for human health. It can help to keep blood sugar levels normal by improving the way your bodies uses insulin.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that is known to break down carbohydrates and make energy for other organs in the body. It works to restore your levels of vitamin E and vitamin C, improving the function and conduction of neurons in those with diabetes. It may also alleviate certain diabetes-related symptoms such as burning, pain, and numbness in the legs and arms.
Bitter Melon is an herbal remedy known to contain at least three active substances with anti-diabetic properties. These include charantin, which has been confirmed to have a blood glucose-lowering effect, as well as vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. These substances work either individually or together to help reduce blood sugar levels.
Gymnema Sylvestre, a woody climbing shrub native to India and Africa, is known to contain substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also improve insulin production in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made. This can improve insulin sensitivity to blood sugar.
Fenugreek Seed Extract is known to slow the absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulate production of insulin. Both of these effects may lower blood sugar in those who suffer from diabetes.
Speak with your primary doctor or a nutritionist for assisance with diabetes today. The longer you wait to start listening to your body, the more damage will be done to it.
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Assisting Jerry Hickey, R.Ph is a team of nutritional professionals - a group of hand chosen, dedicated experts, available at each and every InVite® Health retail location - there to provide you with a FREE, personalized, and professional nutritional consultation. Visit an InVite® Health retail location near you for assistance in selecting the correct nutrients to address your health concerns.
You can also e-mail an InVite® Nutritionist or call us directly with any of your nutritional questions. The InVite® Health team is always available to assist you.
