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DIABETES
Description
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Carbohydrates are normally broken down in the body to glucose, the bodys main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, is essential for the transport of glucose into the cells for energy and also for glycogen storage. It also stimulates protein synthesis and free fatty acid storage in the adipose (fat) tissues. In diabetes, insufficient production of insulin or insensitivity to insulin impairs the bodys ability to convert glucose to energy, and compromises the body cells access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.1
Types
Type
I (juvenile) or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is caused by the destruction
of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By the time the disease
becomes apparent, up to 80% of the beta cells have been destroyed. This
process is theorized to be the result of an autoimmune disorder.
Type II (adult onset) or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is a defect
in insulin utilization. Normal amounts of insulin are made, but cannot be
properly utilized by the body. 2
At Risk
The
tendency to develop diabetes can be hereditary, other factors that can contribute
to the development of type II diabetes include diet and lifestyle, pregnancy,
surgery, physical and emotional stress, and obesity.
Prevention and Management
General:
Diet and lifestyle are the most important factors for the prevention of non-insulin dependent diabetes and in management of insulin-depended diabetes. Regular aerobic excerise, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling, will improve how the body uses insulin and aids in the regulation of blood sugar and lipid levels.4
Nutritional Influences:
A
high fiber diet is associated with an improved ability to handle blood sugar.5
When the diet is high in fiber, cells are more sensitive to insulin and
increase the number of insulin receptor sites for burning glucose.6
Antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, bioflavanoids,
and B-complex vitamins can help protect against free radical damage.7
Vitamin E levels in the blood of diabetics are lower than levels found in
the blood of subjects without diabetes. Poor dietary intake of vitamin E
may alter blood sugar levels, while an adequate intake may help to modulate
blood sugar levels.8
Vitamin C metabolism and tissue levels are altered in diabetes.9 Optimal
vitamin C intake may help to regulate blood sugar and aid in the prevention
of diabetes.10
Minerals may also play a role in protecting against the damaging effects
of diabetes. Diabetics tend to lose magnesium through their kidneys more
than non-diabetics. Type I diabetics who get at least 450 mg of magnesium
are able to improve insulin production and maintain better control of blood
sugar levels.11
Trace minerals such as chromium are essential for insulin and glucose metabolism.12
Healthier Lifestyles Product Recommendations
Usana Fibergy Drink or Usana Fibergy Bars
Usana Nutrimeal or Usana Nutrition Bars
Abstracts
Liu V, Abernathy R. Chromium insulin in young subjects with normal glucose tolerance. AM J Clin Nutr 1982;35:661-7. This study investigated the chromium-insulin relationship in young subjects who had normal glucose tolerance at different levels of insulin secretion during their glucose loading. Their findings were consistent with the hypothesis that chromium may facilitate sensitivity to insulin. When chromium was found to be low, there was an increase in abnormal glucose tolerance, which the authors felt could be reversed in some cases with chromium supplementation.
References
1
Diseases. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993 p 50.
2 Diseases. 2nd ed. Springhouse (PA):Springhouse Corporation; 1993. p 898.
3 Golan R. Optimal Wellness. New York:Ballantine Books; 1995 p 359-40.
4 ODea K. Marked improvement in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diabetic
Austrailian aborigines after temporary reversion to traditional lifestyle.
Diabetes 1984;33(6):596-603.
5 Jenkins DJA et al. Dietary fibers, fiber analogues, and glucose tolerance:
importance of viscosity. British Medical Journal 1978,1:1392.
6 Fukagawa NK et al. High-carbohydrate, high fiber diets increase peripheral
insulin sensitivity in healthy young and old adults. American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition 1990 Sep;52(3):524-8.
7 Packer L. The Role of Anti-Oxidative Treatment in Diabetes. Diabetologia
[Unvi. Of California, Berkley] 1993;36(11):1212-1213.
Information provided by Usana Health Sciences (www.usana.com)