According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, more Canadians are now at risk for diabetes than ever before! And more than 2.4 million Canadians already have diabetes!
Diabetes dramatically raises the risk of severe health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation! Canadian adults with diabetes are twice as likely to die prematurely, compared to those without diabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association also says that "cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke are the most common, most serious complications associated with diabetes... up to 80 per cent of people with diabetes will die from heart disease." (See www.diabetes.ca)
Besides these, up to six million more Canadians have prediabetes.
WHAT IS PREDIABETES?
Prediabetes refers to impaired glucose tolerance, or blood sugar levels that are near, but not quite yet, at the level that officially becomes a diagnosis of diabetes.
The Canadian Diabetes Association's guidelines define prediabetes as a fasting plasma glucose level of 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L. Simply put, blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, approaching the higher levels of blood sugar that are found in those with diabetes.
Prediabetes increases the risk for developing diabetes and all its serious complications, including heart disease. Research shows that long?term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already occur before a person is diagnosed with diabetes.
If left untreated, approximately 25 per cent of those with prediabetes will develop diabetes within three to five years! That is not a long time!
However, if appropriate action is taken on time, type 2 diabetes may be delayed or even prevented. Studies are very encouraging, indicating that through lifestyle changes, including moderate weight loss and regular exercise, the onset of type 2 diabetes can be delayed by up to 58 per cent.
Obviously, people with prediabetes must get serious about taking charge of their health right now! There is no time to lose! If you have prediabetes, you need to start an aggressive health plan immediately to prevent the onset of diabetes.
A NATURAL APPROACH
There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including a family history of diabetes, being part of a high risk population, existing complications associated with diabetes (such as eye, nerve or kidney problems), having heart disease or high blood pressure, a history of gestational diabetes and being overweight.
A natural approach to controlling blood sugar levels includes removing or controllable risk factors, for example, achieving a healthy weight and managing your blood pressure.
Research indicates that the risk of heart disease can be lowered by more than 50 per cent through a combination of lifestyle approaches and taking supportive substances that protect against cardiovascular disease.
Plan healthy meals, increase physical activity, quit smoking if you smoke and manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
Increase resistance exercises. Strengthening exercises help you build muscle, which is a very important in preventing diabetes. The reason is that as we age, we lose muscle mass. The more muscle mass we have, the more places glycogen can be safely stored. Also, it is easier to manage our weight if we have sufficient muscle mass, since muscle burns more energy than fat. Also, aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, is fabulous! Physical activity can result in better blood sugar control in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
Get a copy of the glycemic index. This is available in bookstores, at the library and online. Eat mostly foods that have a low glycemic index. A high complex carbohydrate, high fiber diet will allow a gradual absorption of food. This can prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking, then dropping, too quickly.
Also, always have a little protein with your carbohydrates and reduce your fat intake.
HELPFUL FOODS
Onions and garlic help regulate blood sugar and protect the heart. Alfalfa, bitter melon and Jerusalem artichoke can assist in lowering blood sugar levels. Potassium rich foods seem to increase insulin sensitivity. So does 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, taken with meals. Nutritional yeast contains B vitamins and chromium, which are needed to balance blood sugar levels.
SUPPLEMENTATION
Many supplements may help you sustain healthier blood sugar levels. Homeopathic and gemmotherapy remedies also benefit people with diabetes or prediabetes. A doctor of natural medicine can help you determine your specific needs. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, call me for assistance. Do not delay. The clock is ticking...Let's design your new health plan today!
Dr. Gail Smolinski, Doctor of Natural Medicine, has her Doctor of Naturopathy degree and is Board Certified in Traditional Naturopathy and in Nutritional Wellness.
She is a Certified Low Intensity Laser Therapist, Master Herbalist, Registered Nutritional Consultant, Professional Homeopath and Holistic Iridologist.
Dr. Gail offers Low Intensity Laser Therapy, health consultations, bio-energetic therapies, detoxification footbaths and a wide variety of professional health products at her natural health clinic. You may contact her at 306-783-1261 on weekdays from 9 to 5 or visit her website at www.drgail.ca
This column is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It provides general information about health and nutrition. It is run bi-weekly, space permitting.
