body's ability to manufacture and use insulin, a hormone necessary for the
conversion of food into energy. The disease greatly increases the risk of
blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, neurological disease and other
conditions for the approximately 16 million Americans who are affected by
it. Type I, or juvenile onset diabetes, is the more severe form of the
illness.Type I diabetes is what is known as a 'complex trait', which means that mutations in several genes likely contribute to the disease. For example, it is now known that the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM1) locus on chromosome 6 may harbor at least one susceptibility gene for Type I diabetes. Exactly how a mutation at this locus adds to patient risk is not clear, although a gene maps to the region of chromosome 6 that also has genes for antigens (the molecules that normally tell the immune system not to attack itself). In Type I diabetes, the body's immune system mounts an immunological assault on its own insulin and the pancreatic cells that manufacture it. However, the mechanism of how this happens is not yet understood.
About 10 loci in the human genome have now been found that seem to confer susceptibility to Type I diabetes. Among these are (1) a gene at the locus IDDM2 on chromosome 11 and (2) the gene for glucokinase (GCK), an enzyme that is key to glucose metabolism which helps modulate insulin secretion, on chromosome 7.
Conscientious patient care and daily insulin dosages can keep patients comparatively healthy. But in order to prevent the immunoresponses that often cause diabetes, we will need to experiment further with mouse models of the disease, and advance our understanding of how genes on other chromosomes might add to a patient's risk of diabetes.
Natural Treatments:
Vitamin E
People with diabetes have a higher than usual need for vitamin E, which improves insulin activity and acts as an antioxidant and a blood oxygenator. Research has shown that people with low blood levels of vitamin E are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Double-blind studies show that vitamin E improves glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Vitamin E was found to improve glucose tolerance in elderly non-diabetics.
A vitamin E deficiency results in increased free-radical-induced damage, particularly of the lining of the vascular system. Supplemental vitamin E may help prevent diabetic complications through its antioxidant activity, the inhibition of the platelet-releasing reaction and platelet aggregation, increasing HDL-cholesterol levels and its role in fatty acid metabolism. Vitamin E protects animals from diabetic cataracts.
The most impressive study on vitamin E and diabetes used a total of 1,350 international units of d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate daily, divided into three doses. Begin by taking 400 international units each morning. After two weeks, add another dose of 400 international units in the evening. After two more weeks, add another 400 international units in the afternoon.
It may require three months or more of supplementation for
benefits to become apparent. The trace mineral
selenium functions synergistically with
vitamin E.
Note: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental
vitamin E to a total of 400 international units daily. If you are taking an
anticoagulant (blood thinner), consult your physician before taking
supplemental vitamin E.
Vitamin C
People with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM) have low vitamin C levels. Vitamin C lowers sorbitol in diabetics. Sorbitol is a sugar that can accumulate and damage the eyes, nerves, and kidneys of diabetics. Vitamin C may improve glucose tolerance in Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
The transport of vitamin C into cells is facilitated by insulin. It has been postulated that, due to impaired transport or dietary insufficiency, a relative vitamin C deficiency exists in the diabetic and that this may be responsible for the increased capillary permeability and other vascular disturbances seen in diabetics.
If you are diabetic, supplement your diet with 1-3 grams per day of vitamin C.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Diabetics with neuropathy have been shown to be deficient in vitamin B6 and benefit from supplementation. Peripheral neuropathy is a known result of pyridoxine deficiency and is indistinguishable from diabetic neuropathy. Vitamin B6 supplements improve glucose tolerance in women with diabetes caused by pregnancy. Vitamin B6 is also effective for glucose intolerance induced by the birth control pill. 1,800 mg per day of a special form of vitamin B6-pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate-improves glucose tolerance dramatically.
Pyridoxine is also important in preventing other diabetic complications because it is an important coenzyme in the cross-linking of collagen and inhibits platelet aggregation.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 supplementation has been used with some success in treating diabetic neuropathy. It is not clear if this is due to the correcting of a deficiency state or normalizing vitamin B12 metabolism.
Vitamin B12 is needed for normal functioning of nerve cells. Vitamin B12 taken orally, intravenously, or by injection reduces nerve damage caused by diabetes in most people.
Oral supplementation may be sufficient, but intramuscular vitamin B12 may be necessary in many cases. Take up to 500 mcg of Vitamin B12 three times per day.
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin needed to process glucose. It has been shown to work synergistically with insulin and independently in increasing the activity of glucokinase. This enzyme is responsible for the first step in glucose utilization. Glucokinase is present only in the liver, where, in diabetics, its concentration is very low.
Supplementation with large quantities of biotin may significantly enhance glucokinase activity, thereby improving glucose metabolism in diabetics. When people with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM) were given 16 mg of biotin per day for just one week, their fasting glucose levels dropped by 50%. Similar results have been reported using 9 mg per day for two months in people with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM). Biotin may also reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage.
Take 16 mg of biotin for a few weeks to see if blood sugar levels will fall.
Niacin
High levels-several grams per day-of niacin, a form of vitamin B3, impair glucose tolerance . So, avoid it if you are diabetic. Smaller amounts (500-750 mg per day for one month followed by 250 mg per day) of niacin may help some people with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM).
Chromium
As a key constituent of the 'glucose tolerance factor', chromium is a critical nutrient in diabetes. Supplementation in the form of chromium chloride (200 micro g daily) or high-chromium-containing brewer's yeast (9 g a day) has been demonstrated to decrease fasting glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance, lower insulin levels and decrease total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.
Double-blind research shows that chromium supplements improve glucose tolerance in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, apparently by increasing sensitivity to insulin. Chromium improves the processing of glucose in people with pre-diabetic glucose intolerance and in women with diabetes associated with pregnancy.
The typical amount of
chromium used in research trials is 200 mcg per day. Some doctors
recommend up to 1,000 mcg per day of Chromium for diabetics.
Niacin administered at relatively low levels (100 mg) along with 200 mcg of
chromium has been shown to be more effective than chromium alone. Exercise
increases tissue chromium concentrations.
Manganese
Manganese is an important cofactor in the key enzymes of glucose metabolism. A deficiency of manganese was found to result in diabetes in guinea pigs. It also resulted in the frequent birth of offspring who develop pancreatic abnormalities or no pancreas at all. Diabetics have been shown to have only one-half the manganese of normal individuals.
Magnesium
Magnesium levels are significantly lowered in diabetics, and lowest in those with severe retinopathy. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may worsen the blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body's tissues. Studies suggest that a deficiency in magnesium may worsen the blood sugar control in Type 2 diabetes. Scientists believe that a deficiency of magnesium interrupts insulin secretion in the pancreas and increases insulin resistance in the body's tissues.
Supplementation with magnesium leads to improved insulin production in elderly people with Type 2 diabetes. Elders without diabetes may also produce more insulin as a result of magnesium supplements. Insulin requirements are lower in people with Type 1 diabetes who supplement with magnesium.
Diabetes-induced damage to the eyes is more likely to occur to magnesium-deficient people with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM). In pregnant women with IDDM who are magnesium deficient, the lack of magnesium may even account for the high rate of spontaneous abortion and birth defects associated with IDDM. Low magnesium levels appears to be a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary artery spasm.
Many doctors of natural medicine recommend that diabetics with normal kidney function supplement with 300-400 mg of magnesium per day.
Vanadium
Vanadium is a compound found in tiny amounts in plants and animals. Early studies showed that vanadium normalized blood glucose levels in animals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. A recent study found that when people with diabetes were given vanadium, they developed a modest increase in insulin sensitivity and were able to decrease their insulin requirements.
Potassium
Potassium supplementation yields improved insulin sensitivity, responsiveness and secretion in diabetics. Insulin administration often causes a potassium deficiency.
Zinc
Zinc deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the development of diabetes in humans. Zinc is involved in virtually all aspects of insulin metabolism -synthesis, secretion and utilization. Zinc also has a protective effect against beta cell destruction, and has well-known anti-viral effects.
People with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM) tend to be zinc deficient, which may impair immune function. Zinc supplements have lowered blood sugar levels in people with IDDM. People with Type 2 diabetes (NIDDM) also have low zinc levels, caused by excess loss of zinc in their urine.
People with NIDDM are recommended to supplement their diet
with moderate amounts of zinc (15-50 mg per day) as a way to correct for the
deficit.
Note: Take
zinc with food to prevent stomach upset. If you take over 30 milligrams
of zinc on a daily basis for more than one or two months, you should also
take 1 to 2 milligrams of copper each day to maintain a proper mineral
balance.
Coenzyme Q10
People with diabetes cannot adequately process carbohydrates. Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is needed for normal carbohydrate metabolism. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that fights free-radical damage and is a blood oxygenator.
Animals with diabetes are CoQ10 deficient. In one trial, blood sugar levels fell substantially in 31% of people with diabetes after they supplemented with 120 mg of CoQ10 per day.
Because the eye is so richly supplied with tiny blood vessels, this is another nutrient that can help in cases of retinopathy. Take 50 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 twice daily for up to three months, then reduce the dosage to 30 milligrams daily.
Inositol
Inositol is needed for normal nerve function. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy. Some of these abnormalities have been reversed by inositol supplementation (500 mg taken twice per day).
ALA and GLA
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful natural antioxidant. It has been used to improve diabetic neuropathies (at an intake of 600 mg per day) and has reduced pain in several studies.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, and evening primrose oil, has been shown to be helpful for improving damaged nerve function, which is common in diabetes.
Supplementing with 4 grams of evening primrose oil per day
for six months has been found to reverse the cause of diabetic nerve damage
and improve this painful condition. In double-blind research, 6 grams per
day helps reduce nerve damage in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
(IDDM and NIDDM).
Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of any of these oils twice daily.
Carnitine
Carnitine is a substance needed for the body to properly use fat for energy. When diabetics are given carnitine (1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight), high blood levels of fats-both cholesterol and triglycerides-dropped 25-39% in just ten days. In addition, carnitine improves the breakdown of fatty acids, possibly playing a role in preventing diabetic ketoacidosis.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found in protein-rich food. People with Type 1 diabetes (IDDM) have low taurine levels, that leads to "thickened" blood-a condition which increases the risk of heart disease. Supplementing taurine (1.5 grams per day) restores taurine levels to normal and corrects the problem of blood viscosity within three months.