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A Holistic approach for Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month across the globe

The symbol for World Diabetes Day (WDD) is a blue circle; blue signifying the sky all around the world, as well as the United Nations flag and the circle is a symbol that is accessible to all, even those who cannot read or write.3

The year 2021 is very special as it marks the 100th anniversary of the revolutionary and life-saving Canadian discovery of insulin. Of particular significance November 14th celebrates Sir Frederick Banting birthday. Banting, a Canadian medical scientist co-discovered insulin and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 for the discovery of insulin. Banting sold the patent rights for insulin to The University of Toronto for $1, famously claiming: “Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world.” This allowed insulin to be mass-produced, making it widely available to the public for the treatment of diabetes. His generosity has saved millions of lives globally3.

Diabetes Awareness Month is almost here! It’s time to raise awareness and take action to tackle the diabetes epidemic2.

Everyone has the same number of hours in a day, but people living with diabetes must dedicate a significant amount of their time to managing this chronic condition2.

About Diabetes in Canada

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting people living in Canada.

Around 3.6 million people in Canada over a year old live with diagnosed diabetes (9.5% of the population). This number excludes gestational diabetes. In addition, over 6% of adults in Canada live with prediabetes, which gives them a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

The number of people living with diabetes is expected to continue to increase as Canada’s population ages and grows.

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and youth. Most children and youth with diabetes have type 1. However, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to the rise in childhood obesity.

Every three minutes one person in Canada is diagnosed with diabetes. By telling your stories, you can help others understand the realities of living with this too-often “invisible” complex condition.2Diabetes Canada is leading the charge in improving the quality of life for the almost 12 million people living with diabetes or prediabetes in Canada. Through education, research and advocacy, we are working towards a future without diabetes. This Diabetes Awareness Month let’s all make time to learn about the realities of living with diabetes and advocating for a better future for everyone who is affected2.

Holistic Approaches

Treating diabetes holistically involves a combination of homeopathic remedies, tissue salts, vitamins and minerals, supplements, herbs, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, as well as insights from medical astrology and numerology. This integrative approach addresses the physical, emotional, and energetic imbalances associated with diabetes.

Homeopathic Remedies for Diabetes:

Homeopathy offers several remedies based on individual symptoms and constitution:

  1. Our successful High Blood Sugar Formula is made with:
    • Argentum Metallicum: Frequent and profuse urination. May be passed unconsciously, day and night. Dribbling of urine. Urine may contain sugar or may not contain sugar. It is useful for polyuria in diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. The patient should have great desire for sweets. Useful in restoring power to the weakened ciliary muscles.
    • Cephalandra Indica: It works in both types of diabetes. There is profuse urination-weakness and exhaustion after urination, sugar in the urine. Best results obtained by giving before meals three times a day. For cure of old ulcers In Diabetic patients.
    • Gymnema Sylvestre: It is a great sugar killer excellent medicine for diabetes mellitus profuse urination loaded with sugar. It is especially useful when the patient has an abolished taste for bitter things. The passing of large quantity of urine causes marked weakness. There is burning all over the body. Useful for diabetic carbuncle
    • Helonias Dioica: There is great tiredness, general feeling of malaise, languor, unusually tired, yet knows no reason sense of profound debility with copious urination. It is useful in first stage of diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus
    • Insulinum: It may be used in the beginning of the treatment and thereafter intercurrently. It helps production of adequate quantity of insulin. Epileptic convulsions and mental derangements, persistent skin irritation, boils, carbuncles, and itching eczema.
    • Lycopodium clavatum: Ideal for people with digestive complaints alongside diabetes, especially those with a craving for sweets and bloating.
    • Natrum Muriaticum: For individuals with a salt imbalance, sugar cravings, and emotional stress linked to the development of diabetes.
    • Phosphoricum Acidum: Useful for diabetes with mental and physical exhaustion, particularly when accompanied by weakness and excessive thirst.
    • Scilla Maritima: Urine is passed several times during the day and at night. Much urging to urinate. Involuntary spurting of urine while coughing or sneezing.
    • Sulphur: for metabolic disorders and for symptoms of excessive thirst, frequent urination, burning sensations,
    • Terebinthina: for diabetes kidney complications.
    • Syzygium Jambolanum: One of the most frequently used homeopathic remedies for managing blood sugar levels. It’s effective for reducing sugar in the urine and controlling sugar spikes.

Tissue Salts for Diabetes

Tissue salts help balance cellular function and can support the body in managing diabetes:

  1. Natrum Phosphoricum (Nat Phos): Regulates acidity in the body, helping manage sugar metabolism and improving digestion.
  2. Kali Phosphoricum (Kali Phos): Supports the nervous system, especially helpful when stress or emotional issues contribute to blood sugar fluctuations.
  3. Calcarea Phosphorica (Calc Phos): Helps balance metabolism and improve calcium regulation, which can be disrupted in diabetic conditions.

Vitamins and Minerals for Diabetes

 Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for regulating blood sugar levels and improving overall health:

  1. Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D are associated with insulin resistance, so supplementing with vitamin D can help improve blood sugar regulation.
  2. Chromium: A crucial mineral for enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance.
  3. Magnesium: Helps regulate insulin action and glucose metabolism. People with diabetes often have low magnesium levels, so supplementation can be beneficial.
  4. Vitamin B Complex: Supports energy production and nerve health, especially for those experiencing neuropathy as a complication of diabetes.
  5. Zinc: Essential for insulin synthesis and function, zinc helps maintain proper insulin levels in the body.

Supplements for Diabetes

Several supplements help manage blood sugar levels and improve overall health in diabetics:

  1. Our DMS Blood Sugar formula contains:
  • Irvingia gabonensis (African Mango): Several other animal studies suggest that African mango can be effective against diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders. Extracts from the leaves and roots of the tree also have powerful antimicrobial properties. They inhibit the activity of bacteria and fungi and can be used for antiseptic treatments.6
  • Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Bark Extract: Proven to help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity.
  • Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed Extract: Contains soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
  • American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Panax ginseng (Root): Ginseng contains a natural pharmacological component that experts call panaxosides or ginsenosides. Ginseng could help manage diabetes in several different ways. These may include regulating insulin secretion: Ginsenosides may help the pancreas modulate how much insulin it secretes, to achieve better glycemic control and help a person manage their blood sugar levels. Regulating uptake of glucose: These compounds may help the body properly transport glucose into cells, preventing it from building up in the blood. This can also help people keep their blood glucose within optimal ranges.

Reducing inflammation: Ginsenosides may decrease insulin resistance, which is a source of inflammation. Reducing inflammation can help manage inflammation-related conditions, such as diabetes, and prevent complications.

Lessening effects of free radicals: Uncontrolled diabetes can result in an excessive production of free radicals, which can damage cells and lead to complications. With its antioxidant properties, ginseng can lessen the effects of free radicals.

  • White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus Vulgaris): widely used traditional remedies against diabetes mellitus because of their fiber content and an alpha-amylase inhibitory effect.
  • Gymnema Sylvestre leaves extract: Known as the “sugar destroyer,” this herb reduces sugar absorption and helps improve insulin function.
  • dl-ALPHA LIPOIC ACID: A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative stress and improves insulin sensitivity. It also aids in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
  • Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) root: it contains 97% Berberine an herbal compound that helps regulate glucose metabolism, comparable to some pharmaceutical drugs for diabetes.
  • Oat Beta glucan: Beta glucan moves slowly through your digestive tract. It can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol absorption to support heart health.
  • Chromium: A crucial mineral for enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving glucose tolerance.
  • Vanadium: Several animal studies and a few small human studies suggest that vanadium may lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to insulin in people with type 2 diabetes. In one study of people with type 2 diabetes, vanadium also lowered total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
  • Bitter melon fruit (Momordica Charantia): Helps lower blood sugar by improving the body’s use of glucose and increasing insulin sensitivity.

Probiotics: Promotes gut health, which is linked to better glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

CoQ10: Supports heart health, which is crucial for diabetics due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Herbs for Diabetes:

Herbs have been used traditionally to support blood sugar management:

  1. Bitter Melon: Helps lower blood sugar by improving the body’s use of glucose and increasing insulin sensitivity.
  2. Fenugreek: Contains soluble fiber, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
  3. Gymnema Sylvestre: Known as the “sugar destroyer,” this herb reduces sugar absorption and helps improve insulin function.
  4. Turmeric (Curcumin): Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce insulin resistance and regulate blood sugar levels.
  5. Holy Basil: Known for its adaptogenic properties, it helps balance blood sugar and reduce the effects of stress, which can exacerbate diabetes.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes:

In Ayurveda, diabetes is known as *Madhumeha*, linked to an imbalance of *Kapha* and *Vata* doshas. Treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, detoxification, and herbs to manage the condition.

Herbal Formulas:

  • Vij Aysar (Pterocarpus marsupium): Often called the “Indian Kino,” this herb is highly effective in lowering blood sugar and preventing complications.
  • Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this herb helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of complications.
  • Bitter Gourd (Karela): Known to have insulin-like properties, it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Neem: Purifies the blood and helps control blood sugar levels, especially when used regularly.
  • Panchakarma Therapy: Ayurvedic cleansing treatments, such as *Basti* (herbal enemas) and *Virechana* (purgation), help detoxify the body and restore balance.
  • Diet and Lifestyle: Ayurveda emphasizes a *Kapha*-pacifying diet, avoiding heavy, oily, and sugary foods while incorporating bitter, astringent, and light foods like greens and legumes.

Chinese Treatment for Diabetes

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views diabetes as a depletion of *Yin* and excess heat in the body, particularly affecting the lung, stomach, and kidney meridians.

  1. Herbal Formulas:
  • Yu Quan Wan (Jade Spring): A classic formula used to replenish fluids, cool heat, and nourish Yin, helping manage thirst and excessive urination in diabetics.
  • Liu Wei Di Huang Wan: A common formula for nourishing the kidneys and Yin, particularly helpful in cases of type 2 diabetes.
  • Rehmannia Root (Sheng Di Huang): Used to cool the blood and tonify Yin, it helps manage excessive heat and thirst in diabetes.
  1. Acupuncture: Stimulates points related to the pancreas, kidneys, and spleen to improve blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.
  2. Dietary Therapy: Emphasizes cooling, Yin-nourishing foods such as cucumbers, seaweed, and tofu to balance internal heat and support fluid retention.

Conclusion:

A holistic approach to managing diabetes combines homeopathic remedies, tissue salts, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and treatments from both Ayurvedic. An integrative strategy helps address the root causes of diabetes, promotes balanced energy, and supports long-term health. Always consult with healthcare professionals to personalize treatment plans based on individual needs.

References:

  1. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/diabetes.html
  2. https://www.diabetes.ca/let-s-make-time-to-end-diabetes
  3. https://diabetesbc.ca/november-is-diabetes-awareness-month.
  4. Hira Choudhury, Manisha Pandey, Chua Kui Hua, Cheah Shi Mun, Jessmie Koh Jing, Lillian Kong, Liang Yee Ern, Nik Ahmad Ashraf, Soohg Wai Kit, Tan Sin Yee, Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika, Bapi Gorain, Prashant Kesharwani, An update on natural compounds in the remedy of diabetes mellitus: A systematic review, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Volume 8, Issue 3,2018,Pages 361-376,ISSN 2225-4110,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.08.012.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017301049)
  5. https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v10i8/MR21728135153.pdf
  6. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_benefits_of_african_mango/article.htm
  7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ginseng-and-diabetes-type-2
  8. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Axel-Helmstaedter/publication/41406904_Beans_and_Diabetes_Phaseolus_vulgaris_Preparations_as_Antihyperglycemic_Agents/links/00b7d5180e1fd66536000000/Beans-and-Diabetes-Phaseolus-vulgaris-Preparations-as-Antihyperglycemic-Agents.pdf
  9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20132042/
  10. https://www.healthline.com/health/beta-glucan-heart-healthy
  11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4728652/#:~:text=Many%20individual%20studies%20on%20oat,were%20identified%20among%20those%20results.
  12. Poucheret P, Verma S, Grynpas MD, McNeill JH. Vanadium and diabetes. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998 Nov;188(1-2):73-80. PMID: 9823013.
  13. José L. Domingo, Mercedes Gómez, Vanadium compounds for the treatment of human diabetes mellitus: A scientific curiosity? A review of thirty years of research, Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 95,2016,Pages 137-141,ISSN 0278-6915,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.07.005.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691516302253)
  14. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vanadium

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