According to the CDC, 34.2 million people in the United States have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This amounts to 10.5 percent of the population. Moreover, the Diabetes Research Institute estimates than an additional 7 percent have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes.
As far back as the 1950s, Dr. Royal Lee predicted that diabetes would hit epidemic proportions over the next 50 years. Obviously, he was correct. His clue was one specific chemical introduced to the U.S. supply chain—chlorine bleach. This destructive toxin has been added to our cleaning supplies, disinfectants, swimming pools—even our drinking water and food (in the form of bleached flour). Whether it’s food grade or derived from other sources, bleach in any form triggers a specific chemical reaction in the human body. It converts vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, into a poison (alloxan) that targets, destroys, or alters the group of beta cells in the pancreas known as the islets of Langerhans. These beta cells are part of the endocrine system and make up to 95 percent of the pancreas. With an estimated one million of such cells producing insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in the pancreas, any damage they encounter becomes more significant over time. Unfortunately, they have a limited capacity to regenerate.
Dr. Lee also explained that the primary antagonist or cause of type 1 diabetes is parasite infestation, particularly in adolescents, due to stress on pancreatic enzyme production. In every case of type 1 or type 2 diabetes, this possibility should always be ruled out via a stool purge. If positive, it should then be dealt with appropriately. (I recommend the GI-2 panel from DiagnosTechs.com.)
As wholistic practitioners, we work in cooperation with any diabetes pharmaceuticals the client may be using, such as synthetic insulin or Metformin. These are not the final solution, but they do assist in maintaining blood sugar control. Additionally, we recommend changes in diet, lifestyle, and supplementation to support the body in dealing with this chronic condition. The Paleo diet (the hunter-gatherer way of eating) can be extremely important and effective. No grains, starches, or fruit are allowed, and all caffeine, alcohol, and sugar substitutes should be eliminated. Fresh eggs and raw milk cheese are practical additions to the Paleo approach. Daily weight-bearing exercise, especially walking 30–60 minutes a day, is crucial in balancing high or low glucose (blood sugar) levels.
Both types of diabetes are autoimmune syndromes. To prevent them from becoming debilitating conditions, two supplements from Standard Process and two formulations from MediHerb are essential for finding balance:
- Pancreatrophin PMG (3 twice daily on an empty stomach): A protomorphogen (nuclear protein) that promotes recovery and healing by alleviating the immune assault on the endocrine gland and exocrine organ.
- Cataplex B-Core (2 each at breakfast and dinner). The pancreas works in cooperation with the B vitamin complex to regulate carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, Cataplex B-Core is an important addition to this protocol. For instance, B1 (thiamin) and B4 (adenine) are needed for cellular respiration, which converts carbohydrates into energy. B2 (riboflavin) is known for its vasodilation and nerve-healing properties, which are commonly deficient in diabetics. B3 (niacinamide) promotes pancreatic beta cell integrity and stimulates insulin secretions, which increases insulin sensitivity within the cell. (Be aware that synthetic niacin causes insulin resistance.) B6 (pyridoxine), known as the “women’s vitamin,” prevents nerve damage. B8 (inositol) normalizes nerve function and has been known to reverse nerve damage as well. B16 (choline), the memory vitamin, emulsifies fat in the liver and blood, which reduces triglycerides. You cannot normalize high blood sugar without the full spectrum B complex. All store-bought and online B vitamin products are synthetic. B vitamins occur together in nature from food sources such as liver, nutritional or brewer’s yeast, rice polishings, and defatted wheat germ, to mention a few. Dr. Lee said at least a dozen B vitamins have yet to be discovered.
- MediHerb Gymnema (1 per meal). This sugar-destroying herb has been used for thousands of years. It’s been known to reduce sugar cravings and support and restore pancreatic beta cell function. Diabetes is so rampant in India that the government provides it free of charge to its citizens.
- MediHerb Milk Thistle Forte (2 twice daily). Also known as silymarin, this multi-beneficial herb helps with glucose release and normalizes blood sugar levels so they are kept steady and constant. This formulation also assists the liver in storing and manufacturing glucose, depending on the body’s needs.
Though the wholistic approach is similar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, one nutrient is specific to the care of type 2 diabetes. This is the Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF), which can be found in the following supplement from Standard Process:
- Cataplex GTF (3 daily on an empty stomach). The primary challenge in type 2 diabetes is insulin sensitivity. Insulin (a hormone released by the islets of Langerhans) helps cells absorb glucose and reduces high blood sugar by acting as a door monitor, triggering the cell receptors to allow the glucose into the cells where they can be burned for fuel. If blood sugar levels are too low, the pancreas releases glucagon (another hormone released from the pancreatic beta cells). Glucagon instructs the liver to release stored glucose, causing blood sugar to rise. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells resist the entry of glucose, which then builds up in the blood. If excessive sugar in the blood gets out of control and isn’t normalized, specific body tissues are destroyed, particularly the kidneys, eyes, and nervous and vascular systems. GTF is the biologically active form of the mineral chromium, which is derived from high chromium yeast. (No other source is effective.) It is a crucial factor in the cellular entry of glucose.
Discipline is the primary mantra for the diabetic client to heal. There is no leeway if restoration is to return. Everything that diabetics put into their mouth is either a blessing or a curse. Their outcomes are fully a result of the choices they make, which in turn will impact both the immediate and long-term effects on their lives. Straight and narrow is the way to live for these wonderful souls. “A note to self” for all of us.
Images from iStock/wildpixel (main), Jason Finn (chlorine sign), Rasi Bhadramani (pancreas).
