DIABETES
MELLITUS
(back to nutrition
facts A to Z menu)
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes
Mellitus results from a defect in the production of insulin by the pancreas.
When there is insufficient or no insulin, the body cannot use blood sugar
(glucose), which is the body’s main energy source.
Without insulin, glucose can’t be absorbed by the cells and remains in
the blood at too high a level. This
can cause damage to the blood vessels, kidneys, nerves and eyes, and make
sufferers more susceptible to infections such as candidiasis.
Genetics may make a person susceptible to diabetes, but the largest
causes are probably a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars, and excess
weight. With children and young
adults who develop Type I diabetes there may be viral or autoimmune links.
Nutrition Facts & Diet
Advice for Diabetes
The following nutrition facts and health
supplements can help with diabetes, however, please read the
notice in red below:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always
work with your medical Doctor or specialist nurse if you have been diagnosed
with Diabetes Mellitus and ask for guidance regarding diet and supplementation. This
is a complicated and serious health problem which requires education and proper
medical supervision. Please consult
a medical Doctor before employing any of the recommendations below.
-
Generally,
eat a high-complex-carbohydrate, low-fat, high-fibre diet, with lots of
raw and lightly cooked vegetables, some fruit, fresh vegetable juices,
oats and brown rice and nuts and seeds, as well as lots of beans and
pulses.
-
Avoid
sugar, saturated fats and alcohol.
-
Getting
a couple of good cookery books especially for diabetes can be very
helpful, as can learning as much as possible about the condition.
Health Supplements
- Diabetes
Often, a combination of
supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may
wish to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice.
Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are
shown below:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement medical
claims)
Check
with your primary health care provider before taking supplements, as some of
them, particularly chromium and vanadium, can reduce your insulin requirements.
Recommended
Health Books
health book - Diabetes Cookbook, The
health book - Low Sugar Cookbook, The
health book - Low Sugar Handbook, The
health book - The X factor Diet
see also
weight management |
