ABOUT DIABETES
By Dr. Hugo Rodier M.D

Also read below: Defeating Diabetes (what to do)

Anatomy and Physiology

The hormone insulin, normally secreted from the pancreas, is needed to drive sugar from the bloodstream (it got there from the intestines, which breaks most food down to sugar) into the cells. Insulin attaches itself to the cell membrane, thus opening up " gates" or receptors, that allow sugar to enter the cell, where it serves as the main fuel to generate energy.

Sugar also is used to modulate, or tailor proteins to fulfill specific functions. This process is called "glycosylation." An example of this is our blood types, which are determined by proteins sticking out on the surface, or cell membrane, of the red blood cells. These proteins get specific sugars added on, thus determining our blood type (more on glycosylation below).

Most people know that a deficiency of insulin will cause sugar to build up in the bloodstream, resulting in "sweet blood and urine," or DM (Diabetes Mellitus). What is not generally known is that this cause of DM is becoming more and more rare. Other mechanisms of increased sugar in the bloodstream are becoming much more common. What are those other mechanisms? You can probably guess: inflammation! (See below.)

Before discussing that concept, let's take care of three other mechanisms:
1) Excessive absorption of simple, refined sugars from the intestines. We eat such highly processed foods that literal bursts of sugar invade our bloodstream, overwhelming our capacity to handle it adequately: too many Twinkies and candy bars.
2) Toxins and elevated insulin (from struggling to cope with the sugar explosion described above). Toxins and high insulin so overwhelm our liver that its ability to regulate sugar is impaired. This causes more sugar to be dumped into the bloodstream, creating a vicious cycle.
3) Insulin resistance, in which the cell membrane doesn't open its gates to insulin so that sugar cannot get into the cell. Sugar then builds up in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance happens because of inflammation of the cell membrane.

Latest Research: Inflammation

By now you are getting the picture. Inflammation is at the core of virtually all diseases afflicting people. Again, you must remember the basic connection, or holistic functioning of our bodies. The neuro-endocrine, immune system (J. Immunology Today, 1994, 15:504) is just the tip of the iceberg.
In an article titled "Biocomplexity: Look at the Whole, not the Parts" published in the journal Lancet (2001, 357:288), the author said, "Biological systems are too complex to be fully understood through conventional experimentation.... Understanding biocomplexity - how the components that make up a cell, organism or ecosystem interact to make the system function as a whole- is one of the biggest challenges facing biologists today.... Biocomplexity research is by nature multidisciplinary."
These are tall words for a profession that has overemphasized the reductionist approach. Once we understand that our bodies function as a single unit, even in concert with our environment and other organisms, we see that the mechanisms of disease are going to be pretty much the same (Fabric of Reality, by physicist Davis Deutsch). So why should DM not be an inflammatory condition? Scientific proof is overwhelming. The Journal of the American Medical Association (July 18, 2001, 286:327) showed the association of inflammatory markers in an article titled "CRP, Interleukin 6 and Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Inflammation of the cell membranes, cite of the insulin receptors, leads to dysfunction of these receptors. which causes the cell membrane to become "stiffer" and deny entrance to insulin and sugar. This condition, called "insulin resistance," has become the no.1 mechanism of DM. You already know that diet, toxic environments and poor attitudes inflame cell membranes. It is well known that obese people have more insulin resistance. Accordingly, the obese have been shown to have more inflammation in their tissues (J. Atherosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 2001, 21:88 1), probably from their poor diet, which is high in transhydrogenated, or processed, fats that wreak havoc with cell membranes. Also, fat stores more toxins, adding to the xenobiotics that cause more inflammation.

Excessive sugar in the bloodstream causes inflammation of the lining of all organs, particularly the lining of arteries. We already discussed how the liver can become inflamed from excessive insulin. This inflammation at all levels of our body leads to the release of molecules that trigger clotting and stickiness of the lining of organs. Together with spasms of irritated muscles enveloping arteries, the stage is set for poor circulation to those organs. Without good circulation, these organs do not get adequate nutrition or oxygen, nor do they efficiently eliminate toxic byproducts. This is why DM is associated with heart disease, strokes, blindness, nerve impairment (particularly in the lower extremities), gallstones, kidney stones, high cholesterol, hypertension, ovarian dysfunction, reproductive problems, pre-eclampsia, depression, thyroid dysfunction, arthritis, asthma, allergies, difficult menopause, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, and so forth.

In other words, virtually all diseases share the same mechanisms. And inflammation is a big one, wouldn't you say?

What Happens When Insulin Levels Go Up?
Look what happens when insulin levels go up because of stiffness and resistance to insulin in the cell membrane. Insulin goes into the liver, messing up the metabolism of cholesterol and driving up triglycerides, a form of cholesterol.
Insulin goes into the kidneys, which affects the handling of uric acid (a protein metabolism byproduct) and sodium. This leads to gout, kidney stones and hypertension.
Insulin goes into the ovaries, which creates ovarian cysts and hormonal problems, including infertility and PMS.
Insulin goes into the brain, increasing inflammation and the chance of developing Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. And so the story goes. We know exactly how it happens and it all begins with our poor diets.

The journal Diabetes (2001, 50:1311) shows how a neuronal form of nitrous oxide synthase (NOS) malfunctions in pancreatic B-cells. This means that the cells that make insulin in the pancreas, the beta cells, have a connection to the nervous system. As such, they can be inflamed by "you know what". This activates the NOS system, which is part of the immune system-again, the neuro-enclocrine-immune system dancing together! In other words, even our minds and attitudes can influence how our pancreas works. Incidentally, the NOS system discovery won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998.

This is how we got the drug Viagra. Why are you smiling? Can you guess how Viagra works? It reduces the inflammation in blood vessels, thus allowing dilatation, leading to better circulation.

More evidence that DM is an inflammatory condition:
1. Gamma globulin levels predict DM in Pima Indians (J. Diabetes, 2001, 50:1598).
2. Melatonin, another hormone, is related to the immune system and inflammation. All hormones work together
(J. Annals of New York Academy of Science, 2000, 917:376).

The Real Problem

So much for how inflammation causes DM. But what causes inflammation? Let's start with our atrocious diets. According to the journal Annals of Internal Medicine (1999, 130:1034), a survey of Americans showed that doctors should be the main teacher of nutrition. But who really is our main teacher?
The food industry, which spend $33 billion a year on "education" via advertisement.

Listen to Kelloggs:
"We don't apologize for putting sugar in cereals. There is no scientific evidence to implicate sugar as an independent risk of any disease, except for cavities. The last word about sugar in cereals is that children like it." Great. Now "Mikey" is going to be the main teacher of nutrition! This is the real problem.

The sentiment continues to grow that government and industry should be more socially responsible. Only a public campaign such as we saw against the tobacco industry is going to reverse the tide of cookies, Twinkies and candy bars threatening our well-being in catastrophic proportions (British J. Nutrition, 2000, 83:181).
"It's our lifestyle and high-energy foods. It is one of the greatest challenges in public health of this century. We need a public health approach, and the need is urgent" American Medical Association, 2000, 284:820).

This "sweet death' is reaching epidemic proportions. The NEJM (1989, 320:733) calls the problem "Insulin Resistance-a Secret Killer, "and one-half of us struggle with it, drowning in a sea of refined sugar, placing ourselves at risk of becoming diabetics (J. Lancet, 1996, 347:949). This is why there has been a 70 percent increase in DM in the past 30 years (J. Diabetes Care, 2000, 23:1278).

And it is not just because of our diets.
An epidemic of insulin resistance has been documented in India due to pollution and infection (J. Nutrition Review, 2001, 59: 1) Remember the "Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Syndrome": When our immune systems are overwhelmed by polluted environments, other immune problems will develop because the immune system is on its heels.

Most people would blame their sugar problems and resulting obesity on their genes, but the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1999, 70:456) has shown that less than 15 percent of eating habits are genetic. Rather, our problems result mostly from the environment our sugar-addicted culture creates around us, from pollution jamming our immune systems, and from our stressful lifestyles driving up our cortisol levels. Remember that cortisol causes DM.

Lack of exercise makes the problem worse. Less then 2 percent of Americans work out on a regular basis (J. Diabetologia, 1991, 34:891). Obesity begets DM, and DM begets obesity through insulin resistance.

What is it going to take to stem the tide? Government involvement? Perhaps.
The New England journal of Medicine (2000, 342:1441) feels that the key to change is doctors teaching nutrition during each patient visit. I agree. But doctors are going to have to change the way they view DM to get the job done: "Many clinicians see DM as a simple yes-or-no issue, which is inconsistent with the current knowledge about the progression from normal glucose to overt DM" (J. Family Practice Recertification, 2000, 22:25).

Defeating Diabetes
Reprinted from Sunshine Sharing

The herb industry is unsurpassed in its variety of single and combination herbs that treat diabetes. Herbal formulations help alleviate the symptoms of diabetes and the many complications that stem from this disease. Consider the following lineup of powerful nutritional supplements.


Single Herbs

Goldenseal, known to many as a cure-all, was first used for its healing properties by Native Americans, who named this herb “yellow root” after its bright yellow color. To the diabetic, goldenseal’s ability to lower blood sugar levels is its most desirable feature, along with its effect as a natural form of insulin. In this way the pancreas is supported in its job to decrease high blood sugar levels due to goldenseal’s hypoglycemic properties.
Goldenseal also treats many of the complications that come from diabetes. For instance, the alkaloids in goldenseal work as a natural antibiotic to fight infections. To treat cardiovascular problems, goldenseal strengthens the heart. Another health problem of this condition, excessive weight, can also be lessened by using goldenseal (when combined with healthy dietary practices). What’s more, goldenseal works with other herbs to treat eye conditions that stem from diabetes, such as in the eye wash EW. (See Sunshine Sharing Vol. 5 No. 3 for tips in treating myopia, blurred vision and other eye problems associated with diabetes.)
Although goldenseal provides many positive effects for the body, this herb has negative effects on intestinal flora when used for long periods. Therefore, goldenseal should be used alternately with forms of friendly bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus.

Garlic, another herb that helps treat diabetes, contains allicin, a natural antibiotic that eliminates toxic bacteria, viruses, fungus, staphylococcus and E. Coli bacteria. Another component in garlic, selenium, helps treat arteriosclerosis. Well known for treating infection and circulatory problems, garlic also helps reduce high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol, fortifies blood vessels, removes toxins from the liver and all body systems and removes plaque from arterial walls.

Combination Herbs

Blood Sugar Formula — AyurVedic.
The herbs in this combination have special qualities that aid the liver and pancreas in controlling blood sugar and diabetic tendencies. One of the major ingredients in this formula, gymnema sylvestre, blocks the taste and absorption of sugar without hampering pancreatic action. Not only this, but the need for insulin is also reduced, thereby requiring less from the pancreas. Other herbs in this formula help treat a variety of conditions that result from diabetes and its many complications. For example, this formula contains the herb enicostemma littorale, which reduces blood sugar, thus exhibiting a hypoglycemic action. This particular herb is also useful in treating kidney disorders, which also trouble diabetics. Finally, Blood Sugar Formula helps treat infections as well as cardiovascular and circulatory problems.

PBS (Pancreas and Blood Sugar) normalizes blood sugar levels as it supports the pancreas and liver. The cedar berries found in this formula help to reduce a diabetic’s insulin requirement. PBS also helps reduce high glucose levels in the bloodstream since it contains goldenseal. (Check with your doctor before you reduce insulin.) Other herbs found in this formula include burdock, a powerful blood purifier, and Siberian ginseng, an adaptogen to normalize blood sugar and blood pressure.

Target P-14, another pancreatic combination, supplies the following 14 herbs that support the pancreas in reducing high glucose levels, as well as treating some of the complications of diabetes:
* Uva ursi supports the kidneys, bladder and helps reduce urinary tract infections common to diabetics.
* Capsicum and garlic ease infection and circulatory problems.
* Licorice supports the adrenals and energizes the body.
* Yarrow speeds the healing of wounds, typically slow to heal in diabetics.
* Goldenseal helps lower blood sugar.
* White oak returns the action of the kidney to normal.
* Juniper berries support the pancreas, adrenals and kidneys, encouraging the flow of urine and relieving congestion in the kidneys and bladder.
* Huckleberry is an astringent herb that tones the body, while mullein helps relieve glandular swelling, spasms and pain.
* Garlic regulates high blood pressure and restores blood sugar levels to normal.
* Dandelion is a famous blood purifier that also energizes the pancreas and spleen, while supporting the kidneys and urinary tract.
* Marshmallow soothes kidney and bladder problems.
* Buchu, a mucilant, works as a urinary tonic and also treats circulatory and kidney problems.

For further support in treating diabetes, this formula provides chelated minerals for greater bioavailability, thereby improving nutrition. To lessen the likelihood of diabetic complications, diet appears to be the most important consideration, more so than insulin or other factors. Assess your diet to see how it stands up to these dietary requirements—especially for diabetics.

Other Nutritional Helps

Vitamin A
Diabetics may have difficulty in converting carotene into vitamin A because diabetes affects the production of bile, necessary for absorption of vitamin A. Therefore, diabetics can supplement their diets with the pure form of Vitamin A.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1). (Aloe Vera Freeze Dried)
This vitamin has helped diabetics who are unable to sleep due to pain or irritation in the feet. Daily dosages of 50-100 mg can help in one to two weeks.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C can keep hardening of the arteries in check, so diabetics might consider supplying more vitamin C in their eating regimen. However, vitamin C can also give inaccurate urine test results. If you get dubious test results, avoid vitamin C for a few days and re-test.

Vitamin E
Diabetics require a greater quantity of vitamin E for their body tissues, more so than non-diabetics. Vitamin E combined with lecithin supplements also improves a diabetic’s poor circulation.

Chromium
The pancreas requires chromium for proper blood sugar regulation.

Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is frequently found in the diet of diabetics, and supplying a diabetic with adequate amounts of this mineral can reduce convulsive muscle contractions and jerky movements. Another benefit of providing magnesium is the prevention and treatment of retinopathy, a common eye complication of diabetes. To assure plenty of magnesium in the diet, eat plenty of grains and nuts.

Fiber
The major complications, kidney failure, heart disease, blindness, neuropathy can be avoided by keeping blood sugar levels at normal levels. One way to ensure this effect is adequate fiber in the diet. One form of fiber, guar gum, is an extract from the bean of a plant from India, which delays the surge of blood sugar levels after eating carbohydrates. Other foods rich in fiber include dried beans, spinach and broccoli.

When considering the amount of these nutrients that you should consume daily, check with a healthcare professional (such as a registered dietitian). Large doses of some nutrients can clash with medications or other supplements you may be taking for this condition. Investigate to be sure.

Sources
“NBS-AV by Linden Wood in Nature’s Field, A Journal of Holistic Healing .
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen.
The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide (Crown Publishers, Inc., 1989).
The Complete Book of Vitamins and Minerals (Rodale Press, Inc., 1992).
The How To Herb Book by Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon
The Natural Health Book by Dorothy Hall.
The Nutrition Desk Reference by Robert H. Garrison, Jr., M.A., R.Ph. and Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
The Unauthorized Guide to NSP Products.

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified health practictioner for all serious or persistant illness. Copyright © 1999 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066. This material may be duplicated for educational purposes only (not for resale) provided it is not altered in any way.

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