First let's talk about blood sugar.

Everything we eat (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) eventually gets converted into glucose, a simple sugar.

Normally, the body regulates blood glucose levels with insulin, a molecule that is produced in the pancreas. When blood glucose levels increase, insulin is released into the blood, attaches to receptors on cell membranes and this signals the cells to uptake the glucose from the blood to be used for normal cellular functions.

Without insulin, the glucose remains in the blood and the cells are unable to use it for energy. Glucose is the cell's primary source of energy. Glucose is the only energy source used by the brain in a healthy individual.

Hyperglycemia: High blood glucose. Symptoms are: Excess thirst and hunger, excess urination (urine smells sweet), fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, persistent infections (especially yeast, or Candida albicans, infections).

Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar. Symptoms are: sweating, nervousness, shakiness, palpitations, hunger, confusion, affected vision. The symptoms usually improve with food.

Take this Quiz

Answer Yes or No

1. Are you have excessive hunger or thirst and cannot satisfy either?
2. Are you experiencing increased urination?
3. Does your urine smell sweet?
4. Are you losing weight rapidly for no apparent reason?
5. Do you experience excess fatigue?
6. Do you experience frequent yeast infections or oral thrush?
7. Do skin wounds heal slowly?
8. Do you feel light headed, irritable, weak or foggy between meals?
9. Does food affect your symptoms?
10. Do you have a history of diabetes in your family?
11. Are you obese or significantly overweight?
12. Do you have other gland problems (such as pituitary, thyroid, hormonal)?
13. Do you have a depressed immune system, auto-immune disease or have been on high dose or long term steroid therapy?

If you answered Yes to 3 or more of the above questions, blood glucose regulation may be an issue for you. A naturopathic doctor will perform a simple blood glucose test as well assess your risk factors and current health status.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes, is a condition where the pancreas makes very little or no insulin, therefore injectable insulin is necessary. Type 1 commonly develops in childhood, but it is possible for it to develop in adults. Family history and certain immune conditions are risk factors. Clinical experience has shown that adults who developed Type 1 Diabetes were taking certain medications or had experienced significant illness or life event prior to their diabetic symptoms and diagnosis.

Type 2, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, is a condition that arises out of one of two situations:

1. The pancreas makes inadequate amounts of insulin
2. The pancreas makes adequate or excess amounts of insulin, but the cells do not respond to the insulin. This is also referred to as hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance.

Treatment depends on the severity of Type 2 diabetes. Management of type 2 diabetes can range from diet and exercise alone, the need for oral glucose lowering drugs, to injectable insulin (in severe cases). Type 2 usually develops in adulthood but it is becoming increasingly common to see teenagers develop this condition. Although family history plays a part, diet, lifestyle and excess body weight are all direct contributing factors.

Other Blood Glucose Conditions:

Reactive hypoglycemia: The body produces an exaggerated response to food by releasing too much insulin so that signs of hypoglycemia occur after a meal. This condition is associated with the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Non-specific blood sugar regulation problems: There are many people who experience blood sugar highs and lows but will not meet criteria for any of the above conditions. Symptoms are fatigue, brain fogginess, irritability and weakness.

Complications from diabetes:

The complications from diabetes result from poor blood glucose control causing damage to organs. The most vulnerable organs are: the eyes, kidneys, arteries, skin and nerves.

The progression of diabetes is directly affected by how you take control of your health.

Naturopathic medicine can be a crucial aid in:

1. Preventing the onset of diabetes if you have a family history, a pre-diabetic condition or are experiencing non-specific blood sugar problems.
2. Managing your existing diabetic condition. This can be regulation of blood sugar, optimizing your body's use of medication and in appropriate cases, lowering your need for certain medications.
3. Reversing or controlling damage caused in advanced diabetes.

In developing an effective healthcare plan for you, the ND will consider the following important factors:

1. Your physical symptoms and other existing health conditions
2. Your current medications
3. Your diet, stress levels and lifestyle.
4. The prescriptions and recommendations made by your doctor,
5. endocrinologist and dietician

"I have been newly diagnosed with Diabetes"

If you have been newly diagnosed with diabetes, this can be an overwhelming time for you. You are required to make significant lifestyle changes, meet with different medical professionals, take medications and learn about your body and how it functions.

The One-On-One Naturopathic and Nutritional Counselling Program may be right for you. Step by step I'll be you lifestyle coach, helping you make sense of all the new information and helping you integrate and develop a plan that will ensure your future good health. For more information please e-mail me for program details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it