Description of the blog
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. When there is not enough insulin, or the body becomes resistant to its effects, blood sugar levels can become too high, leading to a variety of health problems.
Traditionally, individuals are diagnosed with diabetes when they present a fasting glucose level of 126 mg/dL and prediabetes at levels of 100 to 124 mg/dl. However, it is well documented that damage associated with type 2 diabetes can begin at a fasting glucose level of 75 mg/dL decades before an actual diagnosis. The resulting damage caused by diabetes can compromise the circulatory system, eyes, kidneys and brain functions.
There are currently three types of recognized diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is hereditary and means that the person’s pancreas does not produce insulin. This is less common and accounts for approximately 5-10% of people with diabetes. It is an autoimmune issue in which the body produces either low levels of insulin or no insulin at all.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin released by the pancreas. Insulin allows cells to metabolize sugar into energy. This is the most common type and accounts for approximately 90% of people with diabetes. Researchers recognize type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices: diets high in sugar and processed foods, lack of exercise and overweight individuals. All contribute to causing insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who were not previously diagnosed with diabetes. It may go away after the baby is born.
When there is excess glucose in the blood, it leads to a variety of complications. High blood glucose levels reduce the elasticity of blood vessels which means they narrow inside causing a blockage, and blood flow around the body is restricted. Common side effects include:
The critical first step in addressing type 2 diabetes includes lifestyle changes: increased activity, reduced sugar and highly processed food consumption, and weight loss. The goal in preventing diabetes is to address rising fasting glucose levels long before they reach 100 mg/dL. There are several nutritional and herbal supplements that have been shown to help regulate glucose levels and address problems before they start.
ALA 300 Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that has been shown to help maintain blood sugar levels and minimize some of the neurological side effects of diabetes, such as diabetic neuropathy. Berberine, found in our Berberine Support product, may help regulate glucose levels and lipid levels. †Diabetes Balance (RF) is a complete balanced formulation of herbs, vitamins and minerals designed to help support healthy blood sugar metabolism and regulation.†
Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age and family history, but some can and it’s important to address concerns and ways to minimize diabetes challenges for living healthier.
References
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.