You’ve just been diagnosed as a diabetic, and your doctor has advised you to improve your diet and lifestyle for better health. What do you do?

Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to either produce and/or properly utilize insulin. Insulin is vital for normal metabolism and without it the body cannot effectively use and store the glucose (sugar) from our food for energy. Initial symptoms may include excess thirst, frequent urination and infections, fatigue, blurred vision and poor wound healing. Long-term complications are vast, especially with uncontrolled blood sugar regulation. They include heart disease, high blood pressure, depression, kidney disease, neuropathy, retinopathy and blindness, and autoimmune disorders, such as arthritis, thyroid disease, etc. Proper management of diabetes and optimal blood sugar control is crucial to reduce the risks associated with this illness.

How can you best manage this disease?

Sound nutritional choices are an important component of any diabetic’s treatment strategy. Healthy eating is paramount to keeping blood sugars and excess weight under control. Since diabetes is a condition in which your body cannot properly use and store food for energy, a healthy diet along with regular exercise is vital for diabetics and individuals with pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Balanced meals containing whole foods (fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fibre and lean, quality protein) are vital. Eating three times a day at regular times helps manage diabetes.

Whey Protein – an excellent form of lean protein is immunity-enhancing as it increases antioxidant protection. Whey helps minimize infection and improve gut health. When used in combination with exercise, whey helps improve muscle mass and healthy body composition.

Healthy Fats – Omega-3 EFAs (essential fatty acids) from fish oil rich in EPA and DHA protect against heart disease, help reduce triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes) and improve mood. Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines) are excellent sources of omega 3 EFAs. For those unable to consume adequate amounts of fish, the nutrition house omega 3 extra EFA supplement contains the highest potency EPA/DHA in the natural health market.

Nutritional and Herbal Supplements Specific to Diabetes

High Potency Multivitamin — Essential for most individuals, a high potency multivitamin is a must for diabetics. Many of the vitamins and minerals contained in these formulations carry a protective and necessary role for good health. For instance, vitamin E is considered the most potent and important fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects the lipid membrane of the cell walls (especially nerve cells), preventing free radical damage. Many diabetics are deficient in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that, among its many functions, is vital for collagen production and wound repair. Its cardiovascular benefits include its ability to slow atherosclerosis and reduce blood pressure. This important vitamin is normally found in high concentration in the eyes, so proper intake of this nutrient will support eye health. Another mineral deficiency that diabetics are prone to is low magnesium levels, and those suffering from severe retinopathy appear to have the lowest levels. Magnesium plays an essential role in a wide-range of biological functions, and its deficiency appears to aggravate insulin resistance and predispose diabetics to heart disease. The B vitamins are important for neurological health. Vitamin B6 helps prevent diabetic neuropathy, while vitamin B12 supplementation may improve pain in patients suffering from neuropathy.

Chromium is a trace mineral that is required for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into the cells. Deficiency of this nutrient is a factor in diabetes and obesity. Supplementing with additional chromium can help improve blood sugar control, decrease triglyceride and LDL levels. For individuals suffering from a chromium deficiency, the use of chromium may aid in weight loss and improve healthy body composition.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is both fat and water soluble. It is known for its ability to protect brain and nerve cells from free radical damage. Research shows that it may help regenerate nerve fibres as it is known to improve blood flow to peripheral nerves. Lipoic acid helps improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity and can help increase energy levels.
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that can support metabolic control through its ability to reduce intestinal absorption of glucose and enhance insulin function. Gymnema improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics.

The above are only some of the nutrients available to support diabetics and their specific health needs. In order to improve quality and length of life, proper blood glucose control is imperative to reduce the likelihood of complications. Exercise and physical activity are essential to help manage and prevent diabetes. Weight loss, including a decrease in fat mass and an increase in muscle mass, can improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. Exercise can boost cardiovascular health, improve good cholesterol and mood.

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