What is Diabetes?
The Centre for Disease Control defines diabetes as, “the condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy”. The pancreas organ creates insulin to aid in the process of moving glucose into our cells. When a person has diabetes, their body creates one of two scenarios depending on the type of diabetes. Either the body does not make enough insulin or the body cannot utilize insulin as efficient as it is supposed to causing a build up of sugar in the blood.
- Type 1 (Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
This type is often referred to as insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes. The risk factors associated are difficult to determine although genetic and autoimmune factors are often the cause.
- Type 2 (Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
This type of diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes. Science has proven that Type 2 accounts for close to 90-95 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 is preventable as onset is linked to lifestyle habits. Risk factors include age, physical activity levels, obesity, family history and race/ethnicity.
What are the Symptoms?
To accurately diagnose diabetes it is best to consult with your doctor. Typically individuals with diabetes may experience a combination of these symptoms:
- Vision changes
- Dry skin
- Excessive hunger
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Inability to heal hounds
- Numbness in hands/feet
- Unexplained weight-loss
- Urgency to urinate
Prevention and Treatment Tips
- Healthy Eating
Despite what many believe there is no standardized diet for diabetics. The key factor to keep in mind is to maintain a diet high in fibre and low in fat. This means animal sources in the diet should be reduced significantly as well as refined sugars and carbohydrates. Keeping food options natural and fresh (fruits, vegetables and whole grains) is the best way to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
- Regular Exercise
Everyone can benefit from exercising regularly. People should strive for a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least 5 days per week. If it has been awhile since you last were active, start slow and gradually increase your intensity. Stretching and strength training are just as important as aerobic activity so do not forget to add these to your exercise routine.
Keep in mind that physical activity does lower blood sugar so it is very important to check your blood sugar before beginning. You may have to eat a small snack prior to getting started to keep sugar levels regulated during your workout.
- Medication
Ideally people should be able to regulate their sugar levels through diet and exercise alone. However, there are some people who do need help by the use of medication or insulin.
- Colonics
Regular colon cleansing aids in the function of digestion allowing for nutrients to be better absorbed. Nutrient absorption is one of the key aspects of health that plays a role in the management of diabetes. Colonics are a safe and effective way to eliminate undigested food and other toxic matter. When the body cannot digest food efficiently, the undigested particles sit in the colon and decompose releasing bacteria and other toxins in colon. This inhibits the absorption process leaving an individual unable to receive the healthy benefits of foods consumed.
Overtime, a person’s strength and health can be deteriorated from this toxic bacteria leaving one with a weakened immune system and the inability to fight disease. Once the colon is fully cleansed the overall health of the body is restored. Partaking in regular colonics has been to proven to help reduce or eliminate the dosage of medication a person needs based on the severity of their condition. It is recommended to always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Posted by Meaghan LaFranca, M.Sc, Nutritionist, Colon Therapist
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/782618_4
