What you can do to mitigate damage
Partially I am writing as penance for the pie-plug on my last post about Pi(e). So here goes. I am obligated to take continuing education credits, and I recently took a course on ‘Reversing Diabetes’ and the different types – 1,1.5, 2 and 3. “Really” you may wonder how many ugly faces can Diabetes have? Before getting into that, we should realize that none of us should ignore it – even those who are not diabetic. WHY? Because aside from the many problems and risks [1] that Diabetes conveys, there is another name for Diabetes Type 3 – Alzheimer’s. And what you don’t know can hurt you on this one.
If the word diabetes catches your attention because you or family or a friend has it, you may know the different types already. It isn’t surprising if you or loved ones are in the unwholesome category because we are verging on a pandemic, with about a third (1/3) of Americans either diabetic or ‘pre-diabetic’ (see below).
Sugar is a major problem; we all realize this. Personally, I am not as pleased with my own glucose (sugar) levels as I might be. [For those who didn’t like the pie post you might think ‘see I told you so’.] Just because we don’t have diabetes or that we are told our sugar tests seem ‘within normal levels’, there is still more we may want to do for protection. And who among us wouldn’t take a few extra steps to minimize the on-coming fear of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Also, I don’t know about you, but I have to remind myself that ‘knowing the way is not going the way.’
Nature vs. Nurture (again) – the big picture
I used to live a block from the Pima Indian reservation in Arizona, and only steps from the ‘wash’ that was the transportation avenue of choice for many critters from that area into our neighborhood. It was pretty cool. So when Dr. Shane Morris, Phd in Biochemistry started his lecture with a story about the Pima Indians of Gila it had a personal connection for me.
He spoke about ‘epigenetics’ (a word you may have heard in the last couple of years) which encompasses both nature (genetics) and nurture (our environs). Many people are familiar with the phenomena that the First People (my term not his) have struggled greatly with obesity after adopting western diets. Dr. Morris pointed out that the Pima of the Gila (pronounced ‘Hee-la’) have a 36% rate of diabetes while the Mexican Maycoba have only 6%. Both groups have followed similar food eating patterns. But apparently the transfer of certain Pima traits to fetus increase the onset. The Pima are pre-disposed to the problem because they have a THRIFT gene. Due to their harsher climate, they could store food elements (in the body) better than Europeans – and I want to personally attest to the ‘harsher climate’ in that Arizona land.
‘EPIGENETIC’ encompasses both nature AND nurture. More than that it is exploration of how our genes turn on and off. Yes, it is still the conversation of nature and nurture. However epigenetics is more about how they work together rather than the decades-old debate about which has the greater impact on us.
So what is the point for us? We want to turn good genetic material on and the bad off. And yes it can be changed and often is throughout our lives. We might laughingly rename the whole concept of trigger activation as ‘effects of good habits and bad habits,’ although that is not quite reasonable since the triggers aren’t exactly the same for everyone – due to the original genetic endowment from mom and pop.
We could get into very detailed explanations (some beyond my understanding) about sugar and fat process in diabetes such as the workings of the pancreas, islet cells, the mitochondria and nucleus of the cells, related hormone production and hormone controllers like the prime adiponictin, Insulin receptors, IGF – insulin-like growth factor, how oxidation leads to inflammation, the part good-flora plays in this, intracellular and extracellular activity…………………..blah blah blah blah blah (no disrespect to the science) But I am merely going to briefly explain the different types. Then I can share with you some of the things I have learned that any of us might consider changing depending on our risks and concerns.
I confess. This post is a bit long but it truly has something important for everyone to consider.
Briefly, the different Types of Diabetes
(–Hang in there)
Type 1 (aka Juvenile Diabetes or IDDM-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus). Autoimmune. Destroys intra cells and happens when a substantial amount of pancreatic ‘beta cells’ have been destroyed. Often described as ‘the kind you are born with.’
Type 1.5 (aka Pre-Diabetes). A ‘bridging’ type between normal and type 2. In pre-diabetes the cells very gradually lose their insulin-producing capacity. Officially this is a sub-chronic level, often ignored (beyond a suggestion to ‘lose weight’). The longer or stronger it exists, the harder to reverse.
Type 2 (aka Adult-Onset Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus or T2DM). Considered a ‘lifestyle disease’ (as affected by diet, over-processed foods, and lack of exercise). Panaceas and liver fat cells not responding correctly. Increased levels of sugar build up. Beta cells do not produce enough insulin – result is called insulin resistance. T2DM is managed by insulin. While often called ‘adult-onset’ diabetes, kids younger and younger are suffering due to obesity epidemic. This latter statement points out again how ‘sugar & fat’ are combined culprits in this whole process. T2DM is type with which most people are familiar.
Type 3 (aka Alzheimer’s or ‘Brain Diabetes’). While Insulin is needed by and produced in the brain, in Type 3 situations LOWER-than-normal levels of ‘brain insulin’ are produced. Deprived of insulin the brain cells can die leading to neurodegeneration and “plaquing” in the brain (beta amyloid plaques to be exact) — which in turn leads to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. HOW? The brain uses insulin to make and protect its memories at communication connection spots called synapses. In order for it to continue the process it needs insulin. The spidery plaques we mentioned above can destroy the signaling at these connection spots (called receptors). Think about how an old-fashioned telephone (for communicating) could go dead if you twisted the cord too often while chatting; it would drop the signal and lose the call. In other words we need insulin to keep our memory intact and communication lines open.
Another important thing we need to know is that if someone already HAS diabetes they are at least twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s or dementia. And the obesity connection (see below) is even stronger.
Want more facts? The link here is to one of the most distinguished evidence-based research articles on Alzheimer’s disease reframed as type 3 diabetes: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769828/ It is (as ‘they’ say) DRY, but a fascinating look at both animal and human post-mortem brain tissue trials (you can also see an abstract summary by the author). In this research, Dr. Suzanne de la Monte and her colleagues from Brown Medical School demonstrated that insulin (and related proteins) ARE produced in the brain, something theretofore not proven. If these levels are reduced it is linked to Alzheimer’s and dementia diseases. Also validated by other researchers is that the brain’s capability to process and use sugars is negatively affected by diabetes. One way to think about it is that good insulin levels help good memory.
So if your eyes are about to glaze over and your brain is ready to fall asleep let’s make it a bit easier.
To Simplify
I find it difficult to simplify these issues surrounding diabetes, and certainly I could be accused of leaving out some huge piece. BUT basically diabetes in ALL its forms comes down to two (2) concepts: dysglycemia and dyslipidemia. Meaning a dysfunction of how we stabilize, process, build, breakdown or move sugar (glucose) and fat (lipid) in the body.
The thing is that both of these dysfunctions can happen LONG before you (or your doctor) see any symptoms. Your physician may tell you your sugar levels are fine for decades but then all of a sudden you show other symptoms or are diagnosed with Diabetes. Yet it doesn’t have to happen. You can harvest some low-hanging fruit here!
While there may be some quick tricks like liposuction to remove fat from certain parts of our body, there are no external approaches to ‘cure’ Diabetes. Medicines (to date) cannot REVERSE diabetes; they only ‘control’ and slow down the risks and side-effects (see end note #1). In part this can be very important as some drugs have success in slowing kidney disease and neuropathies (nerve system problems). I will mention some of the medication claims and benefits below. Still many of the approaches recommended by both holistic and allopathic physicians are continually geared toward “Macro” modifications (think of them as the ‘your choice’ changes). These changes need our input to slow metabolic systems and help in brain health. Translation? If we are interested in prevention, we have to do some of the tough work ourselves.
DRUG choices for those who prefer your doctor’s quicker approach
People sometimes assume that if you have any type of diabetes you are going to always require insulin (an unpleasant thought). For some patients that may be sadly true, but luckily it’s available. However, there is much literature regarding ways to prevent or reverse certain types that aren’t too far gone, and if the patient is motivated.
For those who are not so motivated, at least it is clear that insulin is effective for those types of diabetes that are ‘dependent on it.’
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of effective drugs for Alzheimer’s (type 3) — as many family members know. Some drugs do demonstrate more potential than others. Interestingly enough some of the effective drugs are those used to treat type 2 Diabetes. One that uses a nuclear receptor PPARgamma (insulin-sensitizing rosiglitazone) [2] which is a mouth full and I am certain you will look into only if you have a pressing need. Or an intranasal application of insulin which seems to improve memory in human experiments. Since I have already mentioned the lipid (fat) connection, you won’t be surprised to learn that numerous research trails are finding that certain lipid lowering drugs (used to fight high cholesterol) are finding another use – combating Alzheimer’s. So these drugs are out there.
In a National Review of Medicine article, Owen Dyer explains how brain insulin stimulates ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) which makes another big-word-element – acetylcholine. This is found to be markedly decreased in Alzheimer’s. [Much research is exploring this substance in a search for the magic-bullet drug.]
Over a 3 year period French researchers studied 342 Alzheimer’s patients targeting the link between cognitive decline and cholesterol, and how those on lipid-lowering drugs like statins or fibrates had less decline. Paradoxically, it didn’t seem to correlate to how well their cholesterol levels responded. Something else was at work. One theory is that it may be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these drugs that is doing the trick. [This can be interesting to remember when considering any alternative remedies as well.]
On the other hand there are a great number of side effects from synthetic drugs for diabetes. Complications, divided into common (such as hypoglycemia, sweating, tremor, shakiness, mental confusion, risk of stroke, and GI tract problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, bloating, edema or fluid in ankles and legs and heightened levels of bad cholesterol – LDL); uncommon (such as congestive heart failure, anemia, and allergic reactions) and; rare side effects [3] (such as decreased blood platelets and white blood cells, build-up of lactic acid, macular edema and liver disease or failure), all demonstrate that it is reasonable to consider these medications carefully.
Spanning the worlds of Medicine, Holistic & Home Remedies – STRESS REDUCTION
Alzheimer’s is a convergence of risk factors. The relationship between glucose and lipids can’t be separated when dealing with diabetes and particularly not in prevention of it. Neither can oxidation, emotional or environmental stresses or inflammatory issues.[4] Too much or poor processing of them leads to an inflammation response. We need to decrease inflammation in general for numerous disorders. Specifically, if possible, we need to avoid both neural (meaning related to your nervous systems) and ‘zeno’ stress (or that of your external environment). Difficult to do in this day and age, but it is no shock that these ‘stresses’ all play a part and may be underestimated in their effect. Once again, even the tiniest step made in reducing stress factors is an important MACRO element of change for diabetes groups and Alzheimer’s.
Home Tools – Harvesting the Low Hanging Fruit again
There is so much to say about what we COULD do right for preventing Diabetes and its cohorts. That sounds tough, BUT at least there is good news. Behaviors we adopt to reverse pre-diabetes, or prevent Type 2 or Alzheimer’s are the same. I am unable to cover all of them here and am willing to hear your favorites. Yet I want to give you a home kit of some do-it-yourself (or close to DIY) activities that may help. As always, if you only pick one it is better than nothing.
Home Glucose monitoring 
Buy yourself an easy-to-find glucose monitor. You can purchase them in any drug or discount store. One word of advice about cost – don’t look at the price of the unit alone; look for the price of the strips or other reusable pieces you will have to purchase. That is where they get you! See consumer’s report for an evaluation for glucose meters.
Another tip: while fasting samples may be necessary to add to your personal medical file, “post-prandial” (meaning after eating) SPIKES in the glucose number give us even more powerful information – and have a far greater consequence. Such acute spikes (even if we are in somewhat ‘normal’ or pre-diabetic stages) can tell us that down the road we could be headed for trouble. [If you become aware of these spikes and are able to adopt any behaviors that reduce them it’s a good step on the path.] Being told that mild symptoms equate to ‘no urgency’ is NOT TRUE. Hopefully we will be motivated to take some kind of action.
Healthy Fasting Glucose Levels may be defined differently by various sources. Here is the range from my latest course. Mid 70s to Mid 80s is BEST. Some of my other studies agree. Below 60 can indicate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Approaching 100 (while listed as normal) is not great. If we are constantly at (or near) this stage it is an indicator that the body is in type 1.5 (Pre DM) and will sometime or another escalate if we don’t do anything Blood tests as the gold standard for diabetes can totally miss Pre-diabetes if used or read in the more traditional ways (meaning ignoring this sub-clinical stage).
Other Testing
If your glucose level is always reported back to you as ‘normal,’ a valuable test is the Hemoglobin A1c often abbreviated as either HbA1c or just A1c. While glucose testing measures your sugar level at that moment; A1c measures the average blood sugar you experienced over the past 2 to 3 months. It is the difference between a snap shot and a time-lapsed video (both have their place). A1c doesn’t take the place of glucose monitoring, but it doesn’t have to be done that often either.
For Type 1 diabetics, the American Diabetes Association recommends A1c testing at least twice a year, or 4 times a year if there are problems stabilizing your blood sugar. If you want to be effective in managing your numbers, a few times a year is sufficient data. So here is the question. Do you buy a home unit?
I am not certain. If you live in an area where it is easy to get blood tests at an outside location or a lab, I would say don’t waste your time and money on a home unit. If you go to the doctor regularly, again you might not want to waste your money on a home unit. Yet, there are home units available. And if you want to know your A1c result when you want to know it, check out this link for equipment information or this one comparing quality of testers.
Not many home units (which do everything ‘in house’) have received FDA approval (A1cNOW SelfCheck is one). There ae several that use a lab after you send in the sample from home, which may be a good compromise. Some brands include: Appraise Alc Test Kit; Flexsite A1C Test Kit; and ReliOn Alc Test Kit.
Oh, one last thing is reading results. When reading the Hb A1c test a goal of less than 7.0 is probably a good one. As with most disclaimers of health information, values should also be monitored by your physician to track your blood levels effectively.
Cholesterol still worth watching
Dietary Cholesterol is not the boggy man it has been labeled over the years and we may ‘talk’ more about that another time, but it still helps to monitor it in relationship to Diabetes, especially Type 3. Cholesterol build-up is one more similarity between diabetes of all types and perhaps especially Alzheimer’s.
When monitoring your own tests, the best levels are (roughly) listed as:
HDL (good stuff) greater than 60 and
Triglycerides less than 100.
Readings of your ‘total’ cholesterol are not very helpful. The ratio (which is listed on a full cholesterol test, Lipid profile or ‘chem panel’) is more important. Always ask your doctor that number, whether you are told your total seems high or not.
MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
There may be many more minerals that are associated with diabetes, but I am winnowing it down and only mentioning the few (4) that I found in numerous sources. Predominately, researchers who evaluate herbal or other holistic remedies often mention that COMBINATIONS are more effective for diabetes-group conditions. Thus you may see commercial over-the-counter blends that combine synergistic herbs, with multiple (cooperative) minerals and frequently antioxidants as well. This means that you may not want to run out and buy all these items separately but evaluate products that combine all or some of them. [Helpful herbs are mentioned below.] Here I have listed the minerals that seem to have the most research and validity, and are well-known in the alternative care of diabetes for actions such as increasing insulin responsiveness.
Chromium [5]
Biotin
Zinc
Vanadyl sulfate (inorganic compound of Vanadium).
EXERCISE
Almost goes without saying, huh? Still…..in regard to ALL diabetes, there are two (2) major benefits of movement. It helps keep weight in check (see sections below) AND it helps to maintain good sugar levels. Just keep moving. [And don’t miss one of my recent posts on the fun and effective activity of rebounding.
HERBS
Complications. Herbs aren’t magic pills. I mentioned side effects of synthetic drugs, likewise herbal ‘medications’ can present complications. Many times they have strong active compounds that are the basis of other synthetic drugs. The more common complaint (especially if it is not a quality product) is no effect at all, resulting in a waste of money. Most effective trials have used ‘poly-herbal’ formulas – combinations of herbs (sometimes proprietary formulations). Additionally when self-prescribing not only is the quality of the product sometimes suspect, but you may be unaware of possible interactions between it and other drugs. As an example, while perhaps obvious Type 1 diabetics who take insulin should not add herbs that have the effect of lowering blood-sugar (this could cause exceptionally low blood sugar and medical complications).
If it’s a car, online prescription viagra without you can be as adventurous as you wish in it. You could buy as a cute-n-tiny.com viagra order online lot of or as number of those shares as you’d like. The custom designed nutrition plan provided after the nutrition response testing will provide you with fruitful results. generic viagra discover my drugstore Other risk factors for erectile dysfunction include various medical problems such as hypertension (abnormally high blood 5mg cialis generic pressure), it affects your Johnson.
Unfortunately sometimes your own physician doesn’t really know the contraindications of an herb and will just say ‘no’ from lack of knowledge. You can’t totally blame them. Alarmingly, there can be liver and kidney problems if certain herbs are taken in excess (vast) quantities or over too long a duration. In addition, side-effects can be unique or patient-specific. Of course, the same is true for synthetic drugs as well.
All that being said many herbs have potential to help EACH type of diabetes maintain blood sugar and promote antioxidant process.[6] Some have been proven to regenerate beta cells and overcome insulin resistance.[7] Working in tandem, certain herbs increase the sugar uptake in muscle or increase metabolism of lipids. They can help lower cholesterol or provide symptomatic relief from secondary complications of other drugs or diseases.
Frankly, this article is long enough now and there are too many herbs to cover. And in case you think I am exaggerating, there are over 800 listed in Indian literature just for antidiabetic properties and in surveys of other herb-pharmacological reviews there are more than 1200 referenced for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Yikes. I am going to pick out just four (4) major players which can help in preventing later problems or sometimes mitigate or even reverse current ones. Also best not to include ones that are so exotic as to be hard to find. I am taking the rather conservative approach and including those with long history of use and traditional-testing trials.
Fenugreek (aka Trigonella foenum) stimulates pancreas cell insulin production. Fenugreek is often ‘prescribed’ by dividing doses with meals for a total 10-15 grams per day. [I have seen some warnings that patients who are allergic to other plants like soybeans or peanuts MIGHT be allergic to this.] Dr. Shane Morris (Systemicforumulas.com) confided that Fenugreek is one of the main herbs that Synulin adds to their chromium proprietary formula.
Bitter Melon [8] has long been referred to as ‘vegetable insulin’ in places like Asia, Africa and Latin America. It has several elements that have the ability to lower blood sugar but also aids in metabolism of fat. One of its elements, Gurmarin is a polypeptide said to be similar or related to bovine insulin.
Cinnamon Bark (Cassia Cinnamon – the real stuff). Works both by lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The benefits have been seen in human trails but ONLY with the real stuff, Cassia Cinnamon. It is claimed that as little as a daily dose of ¼ to ½ teaspoon can have a powerful effect. [9]
Pterocarpus (aka Pterocarpus marsupium or Red Sandalwood). Dr. Jonathan Klemens in ‘Herbs that Lower Blood Sugar’ touts Pterocarpus (which remarkably is the more common name) as an herb that rejuvenates pancreatic beta cells to produce insulin. It is also purported to have great ability to repair tissues. Dr. Klemens cites other researchers who have favorably compared the herb Pterocarpus to a synthetic drug called metformin, used by many diabetics.
Small herbal tips for the kitchen. Tumeric (which I use liberally in multiple dishes – vegetables, fish, main dishes and eggs) apparently blocks enzymes that convert carbohydrates into glucose – so may lower blood sugar (and cholesterol). Stevia, the sweetener, has a constituent called ‘stevioside’ that is claimed to reduce postprandial (after meals) sugar levels by up to 18% in type 2 folks. I can’t say whether the little green packets of sweetener actually contain this at all. Ginger may very well increase insulin levels, and is sometimes used in combination with certain diabetic drugs.
Hesitant? If you are confused about finding quality herbs, wait until an upcoming post for a tip or two. But if you are serious about using herbs for the diabetes group and wish to know more beyond what I presented above, check out this article link. It gives a good pro/con explanation of what to look for and what to look out to avoid in herbal uses. Evidence based herbal drug standardization approach in coping with challenges of holistic management of diabetes: a dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century [10]
FOOD CHOICES & WEIGHT ISSUES
I didn’t begin the Home Kit ideas with this section because so few really want to hear it – AGAIN.
Here is a given – weight is not a simple topic. We return to Epigenetics. Nature represents the pre-disposition from our genes. Nurture, (our environs and choices), includes so many factors: food choices and habits, food availability, income, education, (un)employment, modes of transportation and on.
Still, needing to discuss food issues is not going to be a huge surprise, right? The bottom line for immediate behavior is pretty simple. Try to reduce sugar intake and that means not only normal sweets but BAD (vs. good) carbohydrates. And if that seems too hard to remember just think cut down on processed foods. This reduction alone would be a huge step in the right direction because it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Just cut down to some degree. If you haven’t yet read my booklet 100 Choice Smorgasbord, it contains many ideas.
One research paper states it about as clearly as you can get:
“High caloric intake has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment.” [11]
A chronic high fat and sugar diet which some call the SAD – or Standard American Diet – is a death null for most of our bodily systems without exception, especially when combined with sedentary lifestyles. If the risk of diseases like diabetes never motivated you (not sure it motivated me) Alzheimer’s might.
As I mentioned above if someone already HAS diabetes (Type 2) they are at least twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s or dementia – and the connection between type 2 diabetes and obesity is even stronger. But what about the connection between Type 1.5 (Pre-Diabetes) and 3 (Alzheimer’s)? There is not a lot of evidence focused on this question specifically, but it seems like a safe bet that the more normal your weight is, the less chance for dementia you have regardless of your genetic markers.
The entire matter of life-style diseases is growing faster than one might imagine. I would like to say that I am personally unfamiliar with our SAD American fatty/sugary /processed diet – that would be a lie. I am better than some, but not good enough. Not only is this fatty/sugary/processed diet increasing obesity but it also stimulates Diabetes, and other non-communicable PREVENTABLE diseases. According to the United Nations, they account for MORE deaths worldwide than all the other tracked causes combined.
In the harsh terms of agony and heartbreak this is incalculable as more than 32 million people struggle with behaviors just related to diabetes. But it is tough to look at the calculable part as well (the money). Right now the figure tossed around is $299 BILLON /year on Alzheimer’s and obesity-related illnesses. If the predictions are correct – that this is quickly doubling (or worse) – the heartbreak comes with a major price tag. In taxpayer terms that is bad enough, but it takes a huge toll on the pocketbooks of individual families, especially those in the middle class.
Additives (or those to avoid) are not something usually thought of in relationship to diabetes. But expert (and one credited with the type 3 label), Dr. de la Monte says “Sugar is clearly implicated, but there could be other factors as well, including nitrates in food.” Check out more related info in my posts entitled Avoiding Just 5 will Get you By. Conversely, on the positive side for a big advantage comes a small tip, although not a unique bombshell. Add omega fatty acids to your diet (easily available in tablets or yummy fish). Think of them as the good additives (obviously natural however).
Preach or No Preach
I won’t preach anything particular here, but this connection between our lifestyle choices and dementia can be looked at in two ways. Either you don’t like it because it keeps you from blaming Alzheimer’s on pure chance and you fear it is too late now, and frankly you would rather just take your chances. OR…..due to this new line of research you can see there is something you can do to reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s and all its awful complications. Now the ‘no-preach’ part is that considering individual genetics we don’t know exactly WHAT you have to do or HOW MUCH you have to do it. But like I always think, anything is a good step forward and a worthwhile effort at any point.
Pick ANY idea in this section for an added prevention boost. I already do a bit of it myself, and I will soon report back on some additional plans I have for myself as well.
References:
- Cute video at http://www.dealingwithdiabetes.org/ . Good diabetes overview, even for kids.
- An interesting source of guidelines for reversing diabetes (has book for sale). http://www.first-signs-of-diabetes-symptoms.com/type-3-diabetes.html
- Regarding Ginseng. I didn’t include Ginseng in my list of 4 herbs, but it has support from testing (in several different forms). Here is one: University of Maryland Medical Center (2006) Siberian ginseng. Retrieved June 5, 2006 from http://www.umm.edu/altmed/ConsHerbs/GinsengSiberianch.html
- Insulin and insulin-like growth factor expression and function deteriorate with progression of Alzheimer’s disease: link to brain reductions in acetylcholine. Rivera EJ, Goldin A, Fulmer N, Tavares R, Wands JR, de La Monte SM. J. Alzheimer’s Dis. 2005; 8 (3):247-268
- Biological complementary therapies: a focus on botanical products in diabetes. Shane-McWhorter, Laura. Diabetes Spectrum 14:199-208, 2001 Retrieved for reprint: February 23, 2006 from http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/14/4/199
- Relative intake of macronutrients impacts risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Roberts RO , Roberts LA, Geda YE, Cha RH, Pankratz VS, O’Connor HM, Knopman DS, Petersen RC. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32(2):329-39. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2012-120862. NIH: Relative Intake of Macronutrients Impacts Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia
- Herbs that Lower Blood Sugar. Jonathan Klemens, B.S. Bio, RPh, FAAIM Journal for American Assoc of Integrative Medicine http://www.aaimedicine.com/jaaim/sep06/Blood_Sugar.pdf
- Study on Obesity in midlife at The Whitehall II Cohort Study;
- From Rhode Island Hospital: A Link Between Brain Insulin Resistance and Neuronal Stress in Worsening Alzheimer’s Disease
ENDNOTES
[1] Some risks of diabetes (and Insulin Resistance) include: Arteriosclerosis leading to heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases, high blood pressure, neurological changes and disorders, kidney disease, urinary frequency, cardio myopathy, increased intracellular abdominal fat, low HDL (good kind), polycystic ovarian diseases, sleep apnea, increased blood sugar (in a cyclic way), inflammation of liver and cirrhosis, elevated triglycerides..
[2] Therapeutic use of agonists of the nuclear receptor PPARgamma in Alzheimer’s disease. Landreth G. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2007 Apr;4(2):159-64. Review http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17430241
[3] Modi, P; Diabetes beyond Insulin: Review of new drugs for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. Curr.Drug Discov Technol 2007, 4(1):39-47. http://www.eurekaselect.com/90033/article Good reference for reviewing new and older drugs for DM.
[4] Martins IJ, Hone E, Foster JK, Sunram-Lea SI, Gnjec A Fuller SJ, Nolan D, Grandy SE, Martins RN. Apolipoprotein E, cholesterol metabolism, diabetes and the convergence of risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. Mol Psychiatry. 2006;11(8):721-736. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16786033
[5] J. Nutr Biochem 2014 May: 25(5) 565-72 doi:10,1016/j.jnutbio 2014.01.007. Epub 2014 Feb 20. Chromium enhances insulin responsiveness via AMPT. Hoffman NJ1, Penque BA1, Habegger KM2, Sealls W1, Tackett L1, Elmendorf JS3.
[6] Journal of Diabetes Research: Traditional Indian Medicines Used for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus. Syed lbrahim Rizvi and Neetu Mishra.
[7] Jarald E, Joshi SB, Jain DC: Diabetes and herbal medicines. Iran J Pharmacol Ther 2008, 7(1):97-106.
[8] Basch, W, Gabardi, S. Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia): A Review of Efficacy and Safety Am J Health-Syst Pharm—Vol. 60, Feb 15, 2003 Retrieved Feb 23,2006 from http://www.charanteausa.com/ampalaya_archive/studies/3.doc
[9] Nutr Res.2012 June:32(6):408-12 doi: 10.1016/j. nutres 2012.05.003 Epub 2012 June14. Cinnamon extract improves fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin level in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.
[10] Evidence based herbal drug standardization approach in coping with challenges of holistic management of diabetes: a dreadful lifestyle disorder of 21st century by Raman Chawla, Pallavi Thakur, Ayush Chowdhry, Sarita Jaiswal, Anamika Sharma, Rajeev Goel, Jyoti Sharma, Smruti Sagar Priyadarshi, Vinod Kumar, Rakesh Kumar Sharma and Rajesh Arora Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders 2013, 12:35 doi:10.1186/2251-6581-12-35. Abstracts are frequently found online, but a complete electronic version of this article can be found at: http://www.jdmdonline.com/content/12/1/35
[11] Relative intake of macronutrients impacts risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Roberts RO , Roberts LA, Geda YE, Cha RH, Pankratz VS, O’Connor HM, Knopman DS, Petersen RC. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;32(2):329-39. doi: 10.3233/JAD-2012-120862. NIH: Relative Intake of Macronutrients Impacts Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia .
—
Picture credit: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
