By Kay Leaman, Health Architect, HealthyDay HealthyLife
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t know someone who is either pre-diabetic or diagnosed with type II diabetes. I decided to write about it in hopes of equipping people to take charge of their health and be equipped to support those they know.
We have insulin receptors throughout the body. Insulin, which is released by the pancreas, stimulates these cell receptors which allows glucose to leave the bloodstream and enter the cell. The receptors can be damaged by free radicals. These free radicals steel electrons from molecules of cells and tissues and this includes the receptors. When this happens, it causes oxidative stress which results in inflammation.
Oxidative stress and inflammation are the underlying pathologies to nearly every chronic degenerative disease.
The lifestyle choices that can contribute to this cycle are smoking, lack of vitamin and mineral intake, environmental toxins, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles.
Glucose is used as fuel by the mitochondria of the cells to give us energy. When we eat and/or drink, insulin is released in response to rising sugar levels. Think of insulin as the key and the receptors as the lock. Once this process happens the glucose is metabolized in the mitochondria and converted to ATP (adenosine triphosphate-energy currency molecule).
As inflammation grows and persists due to an overabundance of sugar intake the lock becomes deformed and can no longer hold its molecular shape. This prevents the key from being able to open the lock (receptor).
And it’s not only the receptors which are damaged but the arterial walls and the LDL cholesterol. This cycle leads not only to type II diabetes but loss of kidney function, loss of circulation to extremities, stroke or heart attack are also of concern.
Type I diabetes happens when the beta cells are not producing enough insulin; the keys are missing. Type II diabetes occurs when the receptors become ‘rusty’; they no longer have the correct molecular shape to receive insulin. This is insulin resistance.
To overcome this cycle, drugs are used to reduce blood sugar levels or insulin is given to overwhelm the receptors and force the glucose into the cells. However, any rapid rise of insulin, either artificially or naturally, occurring from eating high glycemic foods causes even more oxidative damage!
The cell continually makes new insulin receptors and IF the new ones are correctly shaped, they can be protected by a constant source of antioxidants so insulin sensitivity can prevail.
Here are the lifestyle choices to get and keep this important cycle in shape:
• Exercise 30-60 minutes daily
• Consume 30-40 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber daily
• Avoid trans fats
• Eat low glycemic foods
• Reduce stress
• Quality sleep -7-9 hours
• Supplementation
If you have compromised kidney function, you must be careful regarding mineral intake. It should be decreased, but can still offer benefits.
If you would like to view the supplemental protocol prescribed by a doctor you can reach out to me via email. Please put DIABETES in the subject line.
Here’s to Heath!
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