Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health problem caused by elevated blood sugar levels. The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, directly or indirectly, leads to the production of glucose, a substance also known as blood sugar. Glucose is essential for providing energy to the cell of the body. Very high glucose levels can become toxic and cause harm to the brain and other organs of the body. There are two main issues with diabetes. One problem is the lack of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is involved in the transport of glucose into cells. The second problem is the cells' resistance to insulin, so the blood sugar cannot enter the cells. It is estimated that 6% of the population suffers from diabetes while one-third of them do not know they have it.

Diabetes is classified into three main types. In type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes, the production and secretion of insulin by the pancreas is extremely reduced. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence. Because insulin levels are either zero or extremely low, type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections and daily monitoring of blood sugar levels. This condition may be due to an autoimmune reaction, in which the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5 to 10% of cases of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, often referred to as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is the most common type: it affects about 90 to 95% of all cases of diabetes. It is established in adulthood and most often in the elderly or obese people over 40 years. Of course, its manifestation appears more and more in young people, due to lack of exercise, obesity, and bad eating habits. Patients with type 2 diabetes can produce enough insulin, but insulin and glucose cannot enter the cells effectively. This type of diabetes is most often associated with a diet rich in processed carbohydrates and low in fiber, but can usually be effectively controlled with diet, exercise, and the intake of the right nutritional supplements.

The third category of diabetes mellitus is known as gestational diabetes and occurs during pregnancy in some women.

All three types of diabetes are very serious conditions. When left unchecked and untreated, blood sugar levels can range from extremely low (hypoglycemia) to dangerously high (hyperglycemia). Hypoglycemia occurs rapidly and causes dizziness, pale skin, sweating, and confusion. There may be poor coordination of movements or heart palpitations. If blood glucose levels do not return to normal, the symptoms may worsen and the patient may fall into a coma. Hyperglycemia is not much better. It can occur gradually over hours or days and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition. In the long run, both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney and neurological disorders, vision loss, and many other problems. High blood sugar levels can also make the body vulnerable to infections.

Patients with type 1 diabetes must follow a lifelong treatment plan that includes appropriate medication, diet, and exercise. Complementary therapies, while unable to replace conventional medical therapies, can provide significant support to the endocrine and other systems of the body and provide significant help in reducing the need for medication and reducing long-term complications of the disease.

Patients with type 2 diabetes should not neglect their health. Patients with type 2 diabetes, with the help of a comprehensive diet plan, exercise, and appropriate supplements, can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication.

Symptoms and signs of diabetes mellitus

Because the symptoms may not seem very serious, many people with diabetes remain undiagnosed.

Frequent urination (polyuria)
Intense thirst (polydipsia)
Excessive appetite (polyphagia)
Weight loss
Fatigue
Irritability
Blurred vision

Deeper causes of diabetes

Heredity
Poor diet (mainly in type 2 diabetes)
Autoimmune reaction (due to viral infection, environmental toxins, food allergy, or intolerance), in cases of type 1 diabetes
Chronic stress and the resulting hormonal imbalance
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in chromium, B vitamins, zinc, vanadium, and vitamin D
Obesity

Laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor diabetes mellitus

The following tests are useful for the investigation of diabetes:

TrophoScan®- Food Intolerance Test. Includes the most common foods that can trigger the onset and the exacerbation of diabetes
EnteroScan® - Control of the Energetic Microbiome and its Functions. It includes many different and important tests to investigate the possible causes of the onset or worsening of diabetes
Diabetes Screening by Determination of Blood Glucose, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, and Insulin
Thyroid Extended Profile
Hormone Tests (DHEA, Cortisol, Testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, IGF-1)
Leaky Gut and Urine Indican tets
Oxidative Stress Basic Profile
Micronutrient Elements Profile
Trace Elements Test (especially Magnesium, Chromium, Vanadium, and Zinc)
Vitamin Basic Profile
Vitamin Comprehensive Profile