Type 2 Diabetes: 8 Nutritional Recommendations

July 22, 2010

by Alan Muir

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 20% of Americans are pre-diabetic and have a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, of the 24 million Americans with diabetes, approximately 6 million are unaware that they have Type 2 diabetes. The growing rate of diabetes is not only affecting Americans, but a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found 92 million people in China have diabetes. With 1.3 billion living in China, diabetes is now affecting 10% of the population.

Type 2 diabetes is also a factor in metabolic syndrome, which includes several health ailments including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and being overweight. If left untreated, individuals can develop stroke, heart, kidney disease, nerve and/or eye damage.

TYPE 1 VS. TYPE 2 DIABETES

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, in which glucose levels are too high causing hyperglycemia. There are two different forms of diabetes – Type 1 & Type 2.

Type 1 Diabetes – Known as an autoimmune disease, Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Simply, the body does not produce insulin. This condition more commonly develops in adolescents, and accounts for 15% of diabetes conditions.

Type 2 Diabetes – Accounting for 85% of diabetes patients, Type 2 diabetes occurs when cells do not respond correctly to insulin being produced by the body. This is also known as insulin resistance. The development of Type 2 diabetes happens over an extended amount of time. The first signs of this disease are indicated by elevated insulin and glucose levels. As it develops, insulin levels decline and glucose levels continue to rise.

Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 is preventable through proper nutrition and exercise. Most individuals that contract this condition are overweight, lack physical activity, and consistently eat high-fat, nutrient-deficient foods. Other risk factors include a family history of diabetes, ethnicity (Hispanic, Black, Native American, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander), and being over 45 years old.

PREVENTION – DIET, EXERCISE & NUTRITION

The best way to prevent Type 2 diabetes is by implementing a healthy diet, regular exercise, and nutritional supplementation. Furthermore, reducing body weight by 5 to 7 percent can greatly lower diabetes risks.

Diet - Eat more complex carbohydrates, lean protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to balance blood sugar levels. Avoid simple carbohydrates (pasta, white bread, sugar, etc.)

Exercise - 30 minutes of regular physical activity, five days each week

NUTRIENTS TO STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR

Carnitine – By increasing insulin sensitivity, decreasing blood glucose levels, and improving fat and carbohydrate metabolism, carnitine can reduce Type 2 diabetes conditions.

Chromium – As an essential trace mineral, chromium is highly involved in metabolizing sugar and controlling blood sugar levels. It can improve carbohydrate, protein and lipid utilization. Furthermore, it can reduce fat accumulation and body weight.

Cinnamon – Blood sugar ailments can be improved with cinnamon, as this common spice has been shown to regulate insulin and increase glucose utilization to lower blood sugar levels.

Coenzyme Q10 – Naturally produced in the body, CoQ10 levels decline dramatically as we age. Additionally, the development of diabetes decreases CoQ10 levels even more. Restoring CoQ10 levels can help balance blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Oxidative stress is inhibited with CoQ10 to improve blood flow in the vascular system.

DHEA – When DHEA levels are low, glucose levels tend to be high. As a primary hormone, DHEA improves glucose metabolism in the liver and increases insulin production in the pancreas.

Ginkgo biloba – By improving insulin metabolism in the liver, ginkgo biloba can reduce high insulin levels. It also improves glucose metabolism in muscle fibers and vascular blood flow in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Selenium - Selenium has been shown to support blood sugar levels in men. Researchers followed 1,162 adults for nine years to understand if selenium levels affected the development of diabetes. The study found that higher selenium concentrations lowered blood sugar imbalances specifically in men. Women did not experience the same effect, in which researchers suggested this may be attributed to women typically consuming a higher amount of antioxidants.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C can reduce diabetic complications by increasing blood vessel elasticity and blood flow, while decreasing inflammation. This nutrient also inhibits glycation, which can slow the development of diabetes.

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