ALTERNATIVE

THERAPIST

PRE-DIABETES

Health Information

Prediabetes and Insulin Resistance

Pre-diabetes – means that you are verging on the edge of full blown Type II diabetes.  This is a warning sign and not too late to do anything about it.  It can be effectively managed by dietary and lifestyle changes.  Diabetes has a knock on effect on the rest of the body’s systems and functions and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, eye problems and vascular changes, such as peripheral nerve and blood vessel damage, associated with diabetes.

 

Insulin-resistance – is a type of glucose overload due to increased level of carbohydrate and fat overload.  When blood sugar levels rise, after a meal high in carbohydrates, the pancreas releases insulin which triggers the body’s cells to take up glucose, reducing the glucose circulating in the blood, lowering blood glucose levels.  However, over time the pancreas pumps out more and more insulin and the receptors become resistant to it, leading to blood sugar levels remaining abnormally high.  Over time the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas may become exhausted and at this point unable to produce sufficient quantities of insulin.

 

Common signs and symptoms of pre-diabetes

Overweight – especially around the middle

High blood pressure

High cholesterol levels

Increased incidence of fungal infections

Tiredness, fatigue, lethargy, low energy levels

Mood swings due to fluctuating sugar levels

Brain fuzziness, poor memory, poor concentration and focus

Numbness and tingling in fingers and toes

Eye related problems

Poor circulation

Increased urine output

 

 

Dietary advice for pre-diabetes

A low glycaemic index diet is recommended, that is slow release carbohydrates that breakdown slowly, releasing glucose into the body steadily, not spiking the sugar levels.  The following may seem like a huge change in your diet, but the rewards will pay off.  Start to cut foods out slowly to avoid a ‘healing crisis’, such as headaches from caffeine and sugar withdrawal.  It is important to try and eat protein at every meal.  See the meal planner for ideas.

 

Reduce (and eliminate if possible) the following:

White flour (wheat) foods – pasta, bread, cakes, pastries, some breakfast cereals

Dairy (cheese, milk, cream, butter)

Sugar (chocolate, sweets, processed foods, puddings, sweetners)

Processed foods & fizzy drinks – these foods ‘hide’ huge amounts of sugar, salt and fat (often hydrogenated)

Alchohol

Tobacco

Tea & coffee

 

All of the foods above are acid forming in the body and will increase the symptoms of pre-diabetes, including joint pain and fatigue.

 

Increase the following:

Fish (mackerel, salmon, basa, haddock, plaice, sole, shellfish occasionally)

Grains (brown rice (basmati or long grain)

Root veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, beetroot, parsnips, swede)

Green leafy veggies – lightly steamed (cabbage, kale, spinach, broccoli)

Colourful veggies (peppers*, butternut squash, mixed salads)

Sprouted seeds (alfalfa, broccoli, leek, radish, mung)

Fruit (pears, pineapple, apples, berries*)

Seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, flax or linseeds)

Herbs & spices (garlic, ginger, basil, parsley, oregano, coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon & fenugreek)

Olive oil

8 glasses of water a day (squeeze of lemon/lime optional)

Herbal teas, Green tea, Fruit teas, hot water with a slice of lemon and/or grated fresh ginger

Vegetable juices with a little fruit (carrot, beetroot, celery, ginger, lime, apple or pear)

*   avoid if you suffer from arthritis

Complementary treatment strategi

 

1          Herbal Medicine

There are various herbs to help in the treatment of pre-diabetes, insulin resistance and unbalanced blood sugar levels, as well as treating the pressures put on the rest of the body’s systems such as high blood pressure.

Fenugreek – is a warm and bitter tasting herb.  Research has shown it to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels and high cholesterol levels.  It appears to be more effective when included in the diet or taken as a decoction, than taken as a herbal tincture, due to the mucilaginous carbohydrates which are not extracted efficiently using alcohol.  (High doses not recommended if hypothyroid, do not use with Warfarin or other blood-thinning drugs, large doses may inhibit iron absorption)

 

Galega (Goat’s rue) – is used traditionally in Western herbal medicine to lower blood sugar levels and to help in weight loss.  It was this plant that the medical drug metformin was developed from.  Galega has been shown to have a regenerative effect on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

 

Cinnamon – is a warming, aromatic spice that has been found to have positive effects on balancing blood sugar levels and helping to calm digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence.  Research has shown that cinnamon may help to activate insulin receptors, increasing insulin sensitivity.  (Contraindicated in known allergy to cinnamon and Peruvian balsam, not recommended for use in pregnancy)

 

Gymnema – has the amazing ability to ‘deaden’ the taste of sweet foods making them unpalatable.  It also regulates blood sugar levels, increases the uptake of glucose into glycogen and has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. 

 

Globe Artichoke – is a bitter herb used in the treatment of digestive complaints.  It promotes the production and release of bile, which helps with the breakdown of fats in the blood, lowers cholesterol levels in the body and encourages elimination of waste products via the bowel.  As a bitter it improves digestive function by stimulating the digestive enzymes responsible for the breakdown of food.  This improvement in the breakdown of fats and the efficiency of the digestive function may aid weight loss.

 

Hawthorn – Diabetics have a much higher risk of heart disease than non- diabetics.  Hawthorn is one of the best cardiovascular tonics and is a potent antioxidant.  It stabilises the integrity of the blood vessels which are at risk due to the high blood sugar levels and prevents the build up of cholesterol in the arteries.  It normalises the functioning of the heart increasing the strength and efficiency of the heart beat and decreasing the heart rate.  It normalises blood pressure; high blood pressure is a common problem associated with diabetes.  (Seek medical advice if taking any heart medication)

 

Gotu kola – Research has shown gotu kola to be beneficial in diabetic microangiopathy (damage to the capillaries especially in the eyes and kidneys) improving microcirculation and decreasing capillary permeability. 

 

Ginkgo biloba – is a powerful antioxidant, a circulatory stimulant and improves memory and focus by improving blood flow to the head and prevents macular degeneration and diabetic neuropathies.  Ginkgo has antiplatelet activating factor activity, ie it thins the blood helping prevent strokes.  (Do not use if taking blood thinning medication)

 

Ashwagandha – is a traditional Ayurvedic rejuvenative tonic, used to promote deep, dreamless sleep, nourish the nervous system and reduce inflammation.  Research has also found that it decreases blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels – although this is not its traditional use.  

 

Panax ginseng – is used in the treatment of all deficiency diseases to revitalise and strengthen the body and mind, benefiting digestive function and appetite.  Research has shown it to improve the fasting blood glucose levels in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes.

 

2          Suggested supplements

 

Omega 3 fatty acids – research has shown that Omega 3’s have positive effects in:

·              heart health

·             lowering cholesterol levels

·              reducing inflammation in the body

·              joint mobility

·              brain development

·              keeping skin healthy

·              immune function

 

It is important to buy fish oils that have been screened for heavy metals and pollutants.  Good quality fish oils can be purchased from the following suppliers:

·              Eskimo 3 oils

·             Lamberts Healthcare

·              Nutri

·              Biocare

 

Multi-vitamins – containing Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), Chromium, Magnesium and Alpha lipoic acid.

Glucose tolerance factor (GTF) enhances insulin activity and takes part in glucose utilisation and the production and storage of glycogen (store of complex glucose in the liver, broken down to release glucose when required).

Chromium is essential in the regulation of blood sugar levels as it works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar, is a constituent of GTF.

Magnesium is essential to support cardiovascular health, the smooth functioning of muscles and nerves, central to energy release and is important in the maintenance of bones.  Healthy magnesium levels have also been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity.

 

Alpha lipoic acid is a potent anti-oxidant and studies in individuals with blood sugar imbalance have shown an improvement of glucose uptake by enhancing insulin sensitivity. 

Probiotics contain ‘friendly’ bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium.  These bacteria inhabit the digestive tract and help to break down the products of digestion, keep the ‘bad’ bacteria at bay, produce certain vitamins, metabolise cholesterol and help maintain the health of the immune system.  However in times of stress, illness, taking antibiotics and changes of diet the balance of the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria can become destabilised allowing the ‘bad’ bacteria to proliferate causing ‘dysbiosis’.  If blood sugar levels are not being controlled, this will exacerbate the situation.  A good healthy bacterial population in the gut is also responsible for maintaining the health of the immune system.   

Rutin (plus bioflavonoids) – found in buckwheat, skins of berries and pith of citrus fruits is a potent antioxidant and intensifies other antioxidants such as vitamin C.  It is essential for maintaining the blood vessel walls, therefore being very important in the treatment of complications of diabetes.

3          Suggested spices to add into your diet

Cinnamon & fenugreek have both been found to have positive effects on balancing blood sugar levels

Garlic has many positive functions on the body including lowering cholesterol levels, lowering high blood pressure, thinning the blood, anti-microbial properties, boosting the immune system, good for digestion and the list goes on…..

 

4          Excercise

A sensible exercise programme should be made part of your regular routine, such as walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi, qi gong etc.

Please note that none of the information given above should be used to replace insulin medication in the treatment of diabetes.  Always consult a GP or therapist before taking any of the above.

About Ana Durning

Ana Durning trained in herbalism and naturopathy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is a member of the Association of Master Herbalists. Her approach combines western herbalism, ayurvedic herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine

Ana combines a scientific approach to herbalism with a holistic, naturopathic approach to well-being. She treats the person not the disease and a typical first session will take more than an hour as she investigates all aspects of your lifestyle in order to get a detailed understanding of your problems and the causes behind your ailments.

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