Diabetes Mellitus

What Is It?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to control blood sugar levels because of a problem with the production of insulin (produced by the pancreas). Insulin is an important hormone that transports glucose from the blood to the cells where it is then broken down into energy. With diabetes, the body is unable to break down the glucose into energy, which results in high blood sugar levels.

The mention of a rare disease that causes rapid weight loss and frequent urination was found in an Egyptian papyrus as far back as 1550BC and is thought to be the first reference to diabetes. Since 1996, the number of people living with diabetes has more than doubled. Statistics show that in 2010, there were approximately 3.1 million people aged 16 or over with diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) in England. This figure is expected to rise to 4.6 million by 2030 with 90 per cent of those affected having Type 2 diabetes.  www.diabetes.org.uk

Cause and Effect

According to the NHS’ website, there are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, although there are other forms of the disease such as gestational diabetes which can occur during pregnancy.

Type 1: This is when the pancreas does not produce any insulin. Occurring mainly in children and young adults, the onset is usually sudden and can be life-threatening. With Type 1 diabetes, there is severe deficiency or absence of insulin secretion due to the destruction of beta-islet cells of the pancreas. The exact causes remain unknown although in most people there is evidence of an autoimmune mechanism involving autoantibodies that destroy the beta-islet cells. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including viral infections are also implicated. Treatment is by regular insulin injections (Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness 11th Edition – course text Module 2)

Interestingly according to Diabetes UK, coeliac disease (which is an autoimmune disease), is more common in people with Type 1 diabetes, where the body reacts to gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye), damaging the gut lining and making it difficult to absorb food. Anyone with Type 1 diabetes should be assessed for coeliac disease but shouldn’t start a gluten-free diet until they have a definite diagnosis, as this may give an inaccurate result.

Type 2: Known as ‘insulin resistant’, Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not react to insulin. According to statistics, about 90 per cent of all adults with diabetes have Type 2.

Causes of Type 2 can be multifactorial and predisposing factors such as age, ethnic background (there is an increased risk among South Asian, Afro Caribbean and Black African ethincities) and family history. These can’t be changed, but other factors such as obesity (especially those with a large waist circumference) and sedentary lifestyles can be improved.

You are also more at risk if you have ever had a heart attack or a stroke; have schizophrenia, bipolar illness or depression; if you are receiving treatment with antipsychotic medication; you’re a woman who’s had polycystic ovaries, gestational diabetes, or a baby weighing over 10 pounds. Clinical research has established that a calcium deficiency may also be a possible cause.

Juice Pharmacy Recommendations

The information provided here is based on those suffering with Type 2 diabetes but may still be a consideration for those with Type 1.

There is thinking among Natural Juice Therapists and nutritionists that treatment for Type 2 can be as simple as a change in lifestyle (for example eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and taking regular exercise). However, if this is not effective, medication may be required.

What to Avoid

Carbohydrates - Especially highly processed grains which can cause blood sugar issues as, once they are broken down in the body, they turn to simple sugars which can again affect your blood sugar levels.

Dairy - Conventional dairy can cause problems with blood sugar levels in some people so again is best avoided whilst looking to balance your blood sugar levels. Some reports have found a link to cow’s milk protein triggering an unusual immune response which attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. www.news.bbc.co.uk

For some people, the carbohydrates in milk can be too much for their system and cause an insulinogenic response. www.diabetes.co.uk

Stress - Stress levels need to be kept low as elevated levels of stress affect your hormones and cortisol levels which in turn affect your insulin levels. So look at ways to destress and even consider an Epsom salt bath (a great way to increase your magnesium levels) with a favourite essential oil to help your body and mind relax.

Sugar - It's the obvious ingredient to avoid, especially processed sugars which don’t come with any fibre or nutritional value.

What to Include

The ideal meal for a diabetic would contain protein, fat and fibre, all of which can easily be incorporated into a juice to ensure it meets all your needs, to control your blood sugar levels whilst also flooding your body with nutrients which the body can then use to do its own repair work. Diabetics should exercise caution when preparing juices to avoid any rapid rise in blood sugar levels. While there is little doubt that too much fruit is not advisable if you are a diabetic, in moderation it should not drive up sugar levels. If you are concerned with the amount of fruit in a recipe, you can reduce it and add more vegetables; regular blood sugar checks will help you find out how much your body can tolerate. An initial 7-day juice programme introducing more nutrient-rich fruit and vegetables would be very beneficial, ensuring you adhere to the tips provided by adding the buffering ingredients and monitor your blood sugar levels after each juice. It will also help reduce your cravings for the foods that may be exacerbating the condition.

Extensive clinical research has been carried out confirming the link between diet and diabetes mellitus. There have also been many studies done on vitamins and minerals showing supplementation of thiamine, B6, B12, E, chromium, copper, phosphorus, biotin and coenzyme Q10, which can be helpful in the management of the disease.

Cabbage - Juices made with cabbage have been found to have a slowing effect on blood sugar level rises.

Cherries - Fruits containing anthocyanins help to boost insulin to control your blood sugar levels. Cherries give the biggest hit, with the anthocyanins inside of them potentially helping lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production by around 50 per cent. This chemical is also found in many other foods, including red grapes, pears, vegetables and berries. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cinnamon - Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to your juices to support your pancreas (make sure you blend it in well) is one helpful ingredient to help you manage your condition. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coriander - Juicing fresh coriander to support your liver in balancing your blood sugar levels may also help you manage your condition. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise - Movement is life and by combining the right nutrition with exercise, amazing things can happen. It's all about finding something that works for you - just do something everyday and remember, small steps over time can make a big change.

Magnesium - Research has found that magnesium deficiency is very common among those suffering from diabetes as well as low levels of manganese. Eating foods rich in these and also chromium can help balance blood sugar levels.

Omega-3 - Good sources of omega-3 are vital for reducing inflammation in the body and this could include a good quality fish oil. Alternatively look to add the humble avocado or flax seed oil to your juices. The fat will also slow down/buffer the absorption of any natural sugars and help keep you balanced. Adding avocado helps boost your fibre intake too.

The Juice Recipes

Shot: The Cabbage Shot
1 Apple
¼ Small Red Cabbage
Juice and down in one.

Juice: Diabetes Aid - taken from the Funky Fresh Juice Book
1 Handful of ‘Living’ Lettuce Leaves
1 Handful of Green String Beans
2 Brussels Sprouts
2 Golden Delicious Apples
2 Medium Carrots
½ Ripe Avocado (peeled)
2 Heaped tsp of Cinnamon
Ice
Pack the lettuce, string beans and Brussels sprouts tight into the chute of the juicer behind one of the apples; put the other apple on the top. Juice these ingredients and then juice the carrots. Pour the juice into a blender then add the avocado, cinnamon and ice. Blend to perfection.

Blend: Cocoa Cherry Heaven
1 Cup of Almond Milk (or Non-dairy Milk of your choice)
1 Cup of Frozen Cherries
1 tbsp Raw Cacao
1 tbsp Hemp Protein
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tbsp Coconut Oil
¼ tsp Vanilla Extract
Blend together and enjoy!

Disclaimer

Please note, it is impossible to give a definitive list as what supports one person can be a trigger food or allergen for another. You must stay your own juice detective at all times and listen to how your own body responds to certain foods and always consult with your healthcare provider when making changes to your diet which may affect your medication. Please be aware that we are not doctors, so it is important to consult with your GP or medical practitioner BEFORE making any changes to your diet. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, are provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.

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