| Type II Diabetes by Bert Mathieson N.D. |
Type II diabetes has unarguably reached epidemic proportions in the United Sates. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and many more have the disease and are unaware of it. The good news is that type II diabetes is often preventable if lifestyle changes are instituted early enough. Although there is a strong genetic component to type II diabetes we are not slaves to our genes. Life style and dietary factors strongly influence the expression of our genetic potential.
Healthy eating, exercise and stress control should be the cornerstones of any diabetes prevention or treatment program. Much has been written about the role of diet and exercise in the prevention and treatment of type II diabetes. Much less information has been written about the role of various micronutrients in its prevention and treatment. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that are needed in small amounts by the body. Several micronutrients are integral players in the elaborate system of blood sugar control.
Low intake of antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenes) can increase the risk of developing diabetes. Antioxidant deficiencies allow free radicals (compounds with an unpaired electron) to damage body cells. When cells become damaged they become less sensitive to insulin, and diabetes can develop. The cells of the pancreas that produce insulin (beta cells) may also become damaged by free radicals. This will result in a reduced ability of the body to produce insulin. Since diabetes is associated with higher levels of free radicals it is important for diabetics to consume a diet rich in antioxidants. To increase food sources of antioxidants choose a "rainbow" of different colored vegetables and fruits. Green drinks (powdered products with ingredients such as barley grass, wheat grass, spirulina and vegetable powders) are also excellent food sources of antioxidants. Other types of antioxidant nutrient supplements are also warranted in many cases.
Like all nutrients vitamin B6 has many functions in the body. In diabetics it is needed to protect the nerves against the development of diabetic neuropathy (some symptoms of which include pain, burning and numbness). Vitamin B6 and vitamin E are also needed to get magnesium into the cells. Some good food sources of B6 include bran cereal, watermelon, banana, avocado, tomato juice, sunflower seeds, turkey and salmon. In my opinion vitamin B6 supplements are often warranted in diabetics, especially if they are developing neuropathy. Check with a nutritionally orientated healthcare provider for a dose that may be appropriate for your situation.
Chromium is a mineral that is part of a compound called Glucose tolerance factor which is involved in blood sugar balance. Low chromium status is common in the USA possibly due to high consumption of refined grains and simple sugars. Refined grains are stripped of their chromium content and simple sugar intake increases urinary excretion of chromium. Good food sources of chromium include brewers yeast, oysters, liver and potato. Foods with an intermediate level of chromium include: whole grains, cheeses, chicken, meats, fresh fruit and vegetables. Chromium supplementation is often appropriate for diabetics and those with prediabetes. Dosages of diabetes medications may need to be adjusted if chromium supplementation is initiated. Check with a nutritionally orientated health care professional whenever you are starting a new supplement.
Magnesium is another mineral that is needed for blood sugar metabolism and to help prevent diabetic complications such as heart and eye problems. Studies have shown that magnesium supplementation improves the effectiveness of insulin and improves blood sugar control. Many people with diabetes are deficient in magnesium. It is found in a wide array of whole foods but is often lost when foods are processed. Good food sources of magnesium include tofu, nuts, legumes, seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. In my opinion, the bulk of scientific evidence supports the idea that many diabetics would benefit from magnesium supplementation except for those who also have kidney disease. Magnesium supplements in the form of magnesium aspartate or magnesium citrate are highly absorbable.
Zinc is a cofactor in many enzymes in the human body and it is crucial for proper insulin metabolism. Diabetics often excrete more insulin in their urine than they should. Zinc also functions to protect the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. Good food sources of zinc include nuts, whole grains, seeds and oysters.
Manganese is also involved in enzymes that affect blood sugar control. Diabetes has been induced in animal studies by creating a manganese deficiency, although this has not yet been demonstrated in humans. Manganese is also involved in the production of an important antioxidant called superoxide dismutase. Some good food sources of manganese include: Brazil nuts, banana, brown rice, barley and buckwheat.Bert Mathieson, ND, RD, CDE is a Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Dietitian, and Certified Diabetes Educator. He received his nutrition degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a masters degree in sports psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario and his doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ. He completed a dietetic internship through the Canadian Dietetic Association and a naturopathic residency at the Alaska Center for Natural Medicine in Fairbanks Alaska. Dr Mathieson has a general practice in naturopathic medicine and has a special interest in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, weight management and sports nutrition. He can be reached at:
Bert Mathieson N.D.
Pinewood Healing Arts
255 Route 108
Somersworth, NH 03878