Metabolic Disorder

Sugar dis-regulation is the number one most common ‘metabolic disorder’ worldwide. Sugar dis-regulation is at the root of many health concerns, including immune system dis-regulation. Immune system dis-regulation results in poor immune response and, when you are infected with virus, bacteria and fungi, poor health outcomes.

Find out the essential oils and natural solutions that studies have confirmed as effective for promoting sugar regulation and treating diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common ‘metabolic disorder’ worldwide. It is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high (hyperglycemia). This state of sugar dis-regulation results in improper cellular metabolism and abnormal fat accumulation with long term poor health consequences and disease states for your entire body mind system and most especially for the retina of your eyes, kidneys, nervous system and brain.

For many of us at this time, the most important impact to our health that sugar dis-regulation leads to, is a weakened immune response. When infected by virus, bacteria and fungi the body is unable to respond and defend itself against foreign pathogens with resulting poor health outcomes. And, most shockingly, you may not even know you suffer from sugar dis-regulation.

Do You Have It?

According to CDC, approximately 88 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—are prediabetic. More than 84% of those with this condition of prediabetes don’t even know they have it. 

Pre-diabetes is a very serious health condition in which your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is now recognized as a growing worldwide epidemic by many health advocacy associations, including WHO. The WHO has estimated that diabetes will be one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability within the next quarter century.

What Causes Pre-diabetes?

Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Food is broken down into a simple sugar called glucose. Glucose is your main source of fuel for producing energy in your body. After digestion, the glucose reaches your blood stream. Insulin is needed to transport glucose into your cells. Insulin is a hormone secreted by your pancreas. If your pancreas does not function properly you will not produce enough insulin and the glucose cannot enter your body cells. The buildup of glucose in your blood cells causes your blood sugar level to rise higher and higher. 

This means that, even though there are sufficient amounts of glucose available, your body is unable to convert it into energy. When glucose is not metabolized, high amounts of it circulate in your blood. Your kidneys must overexert themselves to remove the extra sugar from your blood and excrete it in the urine. Since your body is not able to metabolize glucose, it is starved for fuel to produce energy. This produces a desire to eat more frequently to produce energy.

This vicious cycle produces symptoms of tiredness and lethargy which results in decreased activity and linked to falls in the elderly.

Types of Diabetes

1. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. Type 1 diabetes involves an inherited predisposition to developing the disease. In other words, if a family member has (or had) type 1, then you are at greater risk.
2. While in the case of type 2 diabetes, the more common and prevalent type, your body does not produce or utilize insulin efficiently. In this scenario glucose just hangs out in your blood and builds up.
3. Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that occurs when your body is unable to produce the extra amount of insulin that’s needed during your pregnancy. 

Future Health of Society

It's absolutely crucial that we reverse this health trend for the development of Type 2 Diabetes. The future health of society at large will be affected by the increased incidence of Type 2 Diabetes today. This is because the development of type 2 diabetes in adults that we are currently experiencing can predispose and lead to an increase in Type 1 diabetes for our future generations worldwide. Remember you are much more likely to be born with the inherited Type 1 Diabetes if a family member is diabetic.

Prevention and control of type-2 diabetes by changing lifestyle and dietary pattern

Diabetes Type 2 is considered a lifestyle disease. In other words, diabetes Type 2 is associated with the way in which a person lives. High sugar content in the diet has been linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the high sugar content of processed foods can contribute to insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Processed foods are especially unhealthy as they affect your ability to control blood glucose levels. 

Studies show that healthy lifestyle changes and adopting a healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet, along with regular physical activity are foundational to the prevention of diabetes type 2. It's recommended that future health interventions for managing and even reversing type 2 diabetes should emphasize "promoting a healthier lifestyle."

Another issue facing health professionals, is getting their patients to adhere to healthy lifestyle modifications once undertaken, especially for high-risk individuals. Thus, the Mediterranean diet is thought the ideal diet for its public health benefits, as well as because its tasty flavors makes it easier for people to continue long-term.

Carvacrol partially reverses symptoms of diabetes

Studies show that carvacrol partially reverses symptoms of diabetes, as well as shown to play a protective role on liver enzymes.

According to the Mayo clinic, fatty liver occurs in about half of those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver is a condition of excess fat buildup in the liver. 

Dr. Kwon, a clinical professor in hepatology at the University of Michigan says, “Our liver performs 500 tasks to keep your body healthy. Anything that is eaten or consumed, whether it's food, alcohol, medicine or toxins, gets filtered by the liver.”

Oregano EO has the highest carvacrol level (up to 80%). Carvacrol is a phenol and present in significant amounts in cinnamon, clove and thyme oil. Find out more about the phenol chemical constituent carvacrol and EOs in this class. 

Effects of a Novel Formulation of Essential Oils on Glucose-Insulin

A study on using various combinations of essential oils were shown to enhance insulin sensitivity. Essential oils studied included cinnamon and oregano among others.

The Role of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) in the Management of Diabetes

Another study conducted on the therapeutic effects for the ingestion of dill herb showed a significant anti-diabetic effect. The report concluded by suggesting the use of dill for the management of diabetic patients. 

The glycaemic outcomes of Cinnamon, a review of the experimental evidence and clinical trials

A study evaluated cinnamon for its ability to improve glycemic levels and for use in the treatment of DM. The study concluded that cinnamon has the potential to be a useful add-on therapy in the discipline of integrative medicine in managing type 2 diabetes. The study cited that, “Cinnamomum zeylanicum with its low coumarin content would be a safer alternative.”

Alternative therapies useful in the management of diabetes: A systematic review

Alternative therapies are increasingly being sought out by diabetic patients. It’s widely known that alternative therapies are most widely used for treating chronic disease, which typically are only symptomatically relieved by conventional forms of treatment. Herbal medications are the most commonly used alternative therapy for blood sugar control. 

Yoga

Yoga is a traditional Indian exercise modality. It has been studied for its role in the management of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Studies suggest yoga can play a significant role in the management of diabetes, as well as in its prevention. Studies show yoga helps regulate body's systems and functions, as well as psychological processes. Yoga also reduces stress and supports relaxation with few side effects. 

Massage therapy

Massage has been recommended for diabetes for almost 100 years. Studies confirm the positive effects of massage. It is beneficial for normalizing blood sugar. A 56% improvement in diabetic neuropathy has been reported. Massage is recommended for controlling stress hormones and supporting the body to use insulin more effectively.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional treatment for diabetes in China and is gaining popularity in the United States for the treatment of diabetes and associated complaints. Positive effects of acupuncture on diabetes have been observed in clinical studies. Acupuncture produces effects by acting on the pancreas to enhance insulin production and synthesis. It’s been observed that acupuncture works holistically to produce therapeutic effects on diabetes.

Medicinal herbs

Studies have confirmed the hypoglycemic effect of some herbal extracts. The active molecule of these medicinal plants have been used for the development of conventional drugs like Metformin.

Summary of most studied and commonly used medicinal herbs

Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) - used in traditional folk medicine as a diabetes remedy. Studies have shown the juice, or unripe fruit, has blood sugar lowering action.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) - popular for its pungent aroma and use as a food flavor, fenugreek has been used traditionally in India as a treatment for diabetes. Several studies have confirmed the antidiabetic potential of T. foeneum graecum.

Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) - has a long history of use as a remedy for diabetes. On the US market its sold as a “Sugar blocker.” In a diabetes type 2 study, 22 patients were given 400 mg Gymnema sylvestre extract daily along with their oral hypoglycemic drugs. All the patients showed improved blood sugar control. Twenty one of 22 were able to discontinue oral medication and maintain blood sugar control with the Gymnema extract alone.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) - A treatment for diabetes with a long history of use, an extract of neem leaves has been shown to help significantly decrease blood sugar level and prevent both adrenaline and glucose-induced hyperglycaemia.

Dietary Supplements

Micronutrients in the form of vitamins and minerals have been investigated for both type 1 and 2 diabetes and its complications. Studies have shown that micronutrients can help support metabolic function and cellular reactions.

Chromium

Required for the maintenance of normal glucose metabolism, the effects of chromium on glycemic control, weight management and bone density have all been studied. Studies have shown that chromium level is a major determinant of insulin sensitivity.

Studies show supplemental chromium can help decrease fasting glucose level, improve glucose tolerance, lower insulin levels, and decrease total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol in normal, elderly, and type 2 diabetic subjects. Caution: Potential for hypoglycemia. Monitoring renal/kidney function is suggested.

Magnesium

An essential mineral for the functioning of more than 300 enzymes, Magnesium is one of the more common micronutrient deficiency in diabetes. Studies show that low magnesium levels is associated with an increased rate of type 2 diabetes in some individuals.

Intermittent Fasting (IF)

When undertaken for health reasons in patients with DM, both types 1 and 2, were shown to reduce insulin requirements.

The Effectiveness of Intermittent Fasting to Reduce Body Mass Index and Glucose Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In conclusion, IF significantly improves glycemic control and insulin resistance with a reduction in BMI.

Find out more about intermittent fasting. 

CAUTION: Please consult with your professional health care provider regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.