Taking Control of Your Health – The Stern Chiropractic Newsletter
DIABETES
Referral Corner:
My business grows primarily by personal referrals from my satisfied patients and as the sign says on my front counter, “The Greatest Compliment Our Patients Can Give is the Referral of Their Friends and Loved Ones. Thank You For Your Trust.” This month, I would like to thank the following people for their trust: Jodi Berke, Stacey Menheer, Doug Reed & Lee Brownstein.
Charity Corner:
I am looking for local charities to team-up-with and help their cause. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Topic of the Month : DIABETES
I would like to start out by saying that the long-term effects of diabetes can be extremely devastating. One of the most important things to remember about diabetes, especially Type II, is that the appropriate lifestyle, diet and exercise can make all the difference in the world.
Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism characterized by fasting elevations of blood sugar (glucose) levels and a greatly increased risk of many other diseases. Diabetes can occur when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or if the cells of the body become resistant to insulin.
Types of Diabetes
Type I (IDDM – Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) – (approximately 5-10% of all diabetics)
· Most commonly begins in children in their early teens
Type II (NIDDM – Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus or Adult Onset Diabetes) (90-95%)
· Most common in adults over 45 years of age
Secondary Diabetes – caused by another disease, condition, or occurrence
Gestational Diabetes – glucose intolerance that occurs during pregnancy (should no longer be present by 6 weeks after pregnancy)
Warning Signs of Diabetes
Type I
Frequent Urination
Unusual Thirst
Extreme Hunger
Unusual Weight Loss
Extreme Fatigue
Irritability
Type II
· Any Type I symptoms
· Frequent Infection
· Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
· Blurred Vision
· Slow Healing
· Tingling in hands or feet
Who is at Risk?
· People with blood relatives with diabetes.
· People with high blood pressure or very high cholesterol
· People who are obese
· People 45 years old & older
Summary of Type I
· Associated with complete destruction of the pancreatic beta cells which make insulin
· Suspected cause – environmental trigger such as virus, food allergy, chemical exposure, …
· Frequently requires life long monitoring of blood sugar levels and insulin injections
· Recommendations: Maintain consistency of meals and snacks and incorporate regular exercise into your life
Summary of Type II
· The body’s cells have a decreased sensitivity to insulin.
· Obesity is a major contributing factor.
· Frequently treatable by diet and exercise alone.
· Predisposing Factors: Genetics, obesity, age, lack of exercise, & ethnicity.
· Recommendations: Keep weight under control, monitor your diet, & get regular exercise.
The most detrimental effects on the body occur when blood sugar levels yo-yo up and down between extreme highs and lows, so consistency is very important.
Type I diabetics are at risk of acute Hypoglycemia (dramatic drops in blood sugar) and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (toxicity d/t excessive fat break-down), but if careful monitoring is done, this can be avoided. The major health concerns (that may not be able to be totally avoided but can be slowed down with proper lifestyle and chiropractic care) are the chronic complications which include the following:
· Advanced Glycosylated End Products (AGE) – the byproduct of excessive excess glucose in the blood – creates a film over the inside of the small blood vessels inhibiting the proper transfer of materials to and from the tissue ® retinopathy, neuropathy, slow wound healing, …
· Atherosclerosis due to high LDL Cholesterol
· Diabetic Neuropathy – nerve problems
· Diabetic Retinopathy – can lead to blindness
· Diabetic Nephropathy – Kidney problems
· Poor healing
A good diet which avoids simple carbohydrates and saturated fat and focuses on complex carbohydrates, high dietary fiber (vegetables, legumes, whole grains) and essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6 fats such as flax seed and certain fish’s) can be very beneficial. Also, incorporating regular cardiovascular exercise into your life will do wonders.
Products of the Month : CHROMIUM PICOLINATE
Chromium is a trace mineral that helps with insulin tissue sensitivity, cholesterol, weight, and sugar handling in people who have chromium deficiencies and is also a key part of glucose tolerance factor.
I hope this information helps you take control of your health and your life! If you have any questions, feedback or have any suggestions for future topics, please call or email me.
If you know someone who would be interested in receiving this newsletter, if you would like to receive this newsletter via email, or if you would prefer to no longer receive this newsletter, please let me know.
Don’t forget the importance of maintaining your health with regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.
Sincerely,
Gregg Stern, D.C., FICPA