Type 1 Diabetes affects
millions of people around the world, so having a clear picture of the symptoms
and potential treatment options for this disorder is important, including the
use of honey, avocado, goldenseal, red clover, dietary restrictions, regular
checkups and lifestyle changes, among others.
Type 1 Diabetes
By definition, Type 1 diabetes is a metabolic disorder
characterized by unusually high levels of blood sugar in the body. Type 2
diabetes is a much more common form, and can be brought on by lifestyle,
obesity and other factors, Type 1 does not have a clear cause. Instead, it
appears in most cases to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors
that prevent your body from producing insulin in the pancreas. More than 50
genes are associated with Type 1 diabetes in varied ways, making it difficult to
determine a precise genetic pattern or cause. Many experts consider Type 1
diabetes to be the ultimate result of an autoimmune response from
your own body. Without insulin being produced by the body, blood sugar levels
cannot be modulated, and these fundamental energy packets cannot be distributed
throughout your organ systems.
Some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
(and thus high blood sugar) include excessive urination, constant thirst, hunger, exhaustion, blurred vision and unexplained weight
loss. If you notice any combination of these symptoms,
you should get yourself checked by a doctor immediately. Most people experience
a rapid onset of Type 1 diabetes symptoms, over the course of days or even
weeks, and there is no known cure. Lifelong insulin injections to do the job of the failed
beta cells in the pancreas are the most common treatment and management method.
However, there are a number of lifestyle changes and natural remedies that can
significantly moderate the symptoms and help sufferers live a more normal life.
Now, let’s look a bit closer at some of these treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
Treatment Strategies
For Type 1 Diabetes
Quit Smoking: There may not be a cure for Type 1
diabetes, but there are a number of ways to effectively treat it and mitigate
its effects. Smoking can
increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients by almost 3
times, so if you do consume tobacco products, consider quitting to avoid that
heightened risk. Diabetes affects many different parts of your body, and any
additional stress or carcinogen deposition can
complicate the disorder.
Avocado: Early studies on avocado have shown
that the nutrient-rich extract from avocado can measurable reduce blood sugar in
the body, and this is believed to be due to the rejuvenation of islet cells in
the pancreas that produce insulin. While this is still undergoing testing, it
does show promising results for a reversal or serious moderation of the
symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. If you weren’t eating avocados before, perhaps you
should start!
Dietary Restrictions: Aside from a rather long list of food and herbs that you should add to your diet,
there is also quite a bit you should eliminate. This includes the close
limiting of carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars. When these basic sugars
are broken down into the body, they cause a rapid spike in blood sugar that your body cannot
naturally handle. By keeping your carbohydrate intake under control, you are
better able to manage fluctuating blood sugar and the consequent symptoms.
Red Clover: The biggest problem with Type 1
diabetes is the inability to cure the disease, since it is typically caused by
the destruction of the key beta cells in the pancreas that can produce insulin.
However, red clover, a relatively unknown herb, has a compound called genistein that
can stimulate the regrowth and protection of pancreatic beta cells,
allowing your body to produce some of the insulin it needs.
Regular Checkups: Whenever you are struggling through
a health crisis, it can often be easier to pretend it doesn’t exist than face
the frightening reality, but regular checkups if you suffer from Type 1
diabetes are essential. Diabetes can have a number of different long-term side
effects, including vision and circulation problems.
In addition to your annual health checkup, you should have individual exams
specifically looking for diabetic complications, and possibly adjust your
treatment regimen accordingly.
Honey: Although most people think of honey
as a sweet flavoring agent that may not be the best for blood sugar levels, the
sugars in honey are actually complex carbohydrates, which do not break down as
easily. Furthermore, the rich density of nutrients, antioxidants and organic
compounds in honey have been linked to the rejuvenation of pancreatic beta cells, meaning that your body could begin
making insulin again.
Lifestyle Changes: Exercising more and living less of
a sedentary lifestyle is important if you want to moderate the symptoms of Type
1 diabetes. Obesity, cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure are all
associated with diabetes, but if you can stimulate your
metabolism and keep
your body running at a
higher level, you are far more likely to enjoy a longer, more active life with
diabetes.
Goldenseal: As an herbal remedy for Type 1
diabetes, few things are better than goldenseal, which possesses an active
ingredient, named berberine, which has been directly linked to the production of
pancreatic beta cells, the lack of which is the fundamental cause of this
metabolic disorder.
Nigella Sativa: A slightly more obscure herb, but
powerful and respected around the globe, nigella sativa is often called “black seed”, but has a number of unique properties. It can
not only stimulate the regrowth of those beta cells in the pancreas, but also
improve the function of existing ones, making this both a preventative measure
and a treatment option.
Lower Stress: High anxiety and
stress levels can wreak havoc on the body, causing elevated blood pressure,
sleeplessness, poor metabolism, depression, unpredictable eating habits and a weakened immune system. When compounded with diabetes, chronic stress
can be downright deadly, particularly with such a varied and dangerous set of
side effects. Use techniques like yoga, acupuncture, meditation, massage, breathing techniques and regular exercise to keep your stress levels down and
ensure that your body has a fighting chance to perform normally, despite the
diabetes.
Final Word of Warning: While many of these home remedies can
help lessen the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, this is a lifelong disease with no
known cure. Regular injections of insulin will likely remain a necessary part
of your life. However, these treatment suggestions are complementary lifestyle
and dietary tips that should fit within the treatment framework laid out by
your doctor.
Comments
Post a Comment