Type 1 diabetes has a
genetic component that is
more difficult to overcome,
but it only represents a small
percentage of diabetes cases. The
good news is that Type 2 diabetes is the most pervasive, but preventable
and treatable form—giving us great
hope that we can turn around the
statistics in this country.
A disorder related to sugar and
fat metabolism, Type 2 diabetes
frequently develops after a long
period of insulin resistance. Insulin
is responsible for transporting
sugar and protein into cells. Insulin
resistance is the decreased ability
of certain cells to recognize normal
amounts of insulin, which tricks
the body into producing more
insulin needlessly. Eventually, this
overproduction exhausts the cells in the pancreas that produce it,
resulting in insufficient insulin levels.
This causes blood sugar to rise at
constant, unhealthy levels, eventually
leading to a diagnosis of diabetes.
Diet and exercise are always at the
foundation of diabetes prevention
and treatment. Certain nutritional
supplements may also help keep
blood-sugar levels stable and prevent
the early stages of insulin resistance
from progressing into diabetes. Here
are some suggested products that
should be considered by anyone who
needs help regulating their blood-sugar
levels.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
