Naturopathic Treatments For Diabetes

Diabetes is a sadly common disease in Canada.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it’s one of the most common chronic diseases among children and youth.

So, you may be asking “What, if anything, can be done about this?”

Today we will look at some natural health solutions for managing diabetes, and hopefully also preventing type 2 or late-onset diabetes from occurring in the first place.

Below, you’ll also find my video on naturopathic solutions for managing diabetes. So whether you prefer video or reading, you’ll get you the info you need on the subject.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease caused when blood sugar levels are too high.

Complications can included loss of nerve sensation, heart disease, blindness, and more, which makes being able to manage it incredibly important.

Today we will discuss the different types of diabetes, risk factors, and ways to manage this disease naturally.

What Are The Different Types Of Diabetes?

There are two types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is when the body does not have enough insulin.

A diabetic person with type 1 diabetes must manage it through self-injections of insulin.

This is the type most often seen in children.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when sugar in the blood is not absorbed by your system and cells become resistant to insulin.

Although type 2 is often referred to as “late onset” or “adult onset” diabetes, more and more cases are being seen in children, which is concerning for parents and health professionals alike.

What Are The Risk Factors For Diabetes?

Risk factors for diabetes include sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, not exercising enough, and genetics.

In individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity and high levels of belly fat have shown an increase in resistance to insulin.

This means that uptake of sugar from the blood into the cells doesn’t work as well as it should.

Can Type II Diabetics Control Their Condition With Their Diet?

It is possible for type II diabetics to control their condition with a proper diet.

Foods to avoid include simple carbohydrates such as bagels, muffins, or white bread.

A carefully planned diet can be very important for improving the outlook of someone with late onset diabetes.

We will discuss specific aspects of diet for those with diabetes a little later.

Naturopathic Solutions For Diabetes

There are a number of naturopathic approaches which can be used to manage diabetes.

Here we’ll take a look at some of these solutions and how they can be used.

1. A Multivitamin

In addition to helping supplement vitamins which we may not be getting through diet alone, a multivitamin can help with management of diabetes.

People with low levels of niacin (vitamin B3) and low levels of magnesium are more prone to diabetes, so ensuring sufficient levels of these is important, especially for those who are at risk due to other factors.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments may be beneficial for people with diabetes.

A 2018 study showed it to be effective for lowering glucose levels, and increasing insulin levels in rats.

It can also help with nerve stimulation to counteract the nerve damage which sometimes accompanies a diagnosis of diabetes.

3. Diet

Diabetics should avoid simple carbohydrates, and aim to include more complex carbohydrates in their diets.

Simple carbs include bagels, white bread, pasta, and white rice.

These foods are quickly turned into sugar by the body, causing blood sugar to spike.

Complex carbohydrates such as multigrain breads, brown rice, and other high fibre foods take longer to digest and don’t cause blood sugar to spike.

Other foods to focus on include lean protein, vegetables, and poultry.

4. Ginseng

A 2013 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that taking ginseng can reduce insulin resistance and promote glucose uptake.

5. Bitter Melon

A 2013 study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease looked at the use of bitter melon for treatment of diabetes.

It has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects, however it should be noted that clinical trials in humans are limited at this point.

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ!

As every person is different, working with a naturopathic doctor to manage diabetes and blood sugar levels is important when using any of the remedies listed in this article, to avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

If you are looking for a health partner to help manage your diabetes, or want more information because you think you may be at risk of developing diabetes I’m here to help. Call me today and let’s set up a consultation.