November is American Diabetes Month and this is a disease that seems to be affecting everyone, most of us know someone who has diabetes.  Diabetes occurrence is at epidemic levels in our country, an estimated 7.8% of the population has diabetes.  According to the American Diabetes Association 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed yearly in people 20 years and older.

There are three major types of diabetes.  Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood is caused by an auto-immune disease that destroys cells in the pancreas.  The most common form of diabetes is Type II and it commonly occurs in adults.  In Type II diabetes the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.  Type II diabetes is becoming more common due to increasing obesity and failure to exercise.  Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when a woman who does not have diabetes develops high blood glucose.

Type II diabetes is caused by genetic factors along with controllable factors which include obesity, hyperlipidemia, lack of exercise, and a nutrient depleted diet that includes refined grains, low fiber and high sugar consumption.  A naturopathic doctor can approach diabetes with a comprehensive initial evaluation to identify and address these causative factors.

A diabetic patient has to be ready to partner with their naturopathic doctor and introduce many changes into their diet and lifestyle.  The naturopathic doctor will order screening and preventative testing to help address the patient’s overall health.  A naturopathic doctor can help patients change their dietary habits, assisting them in meal planning and also with weight control.  A diabetic patient can be control of their blood glucose levels by educating themselves and self testing of blood glucose levels.  An addition of exercise at minimum of 1 hour 5 times a week is a minimum to help with weight management is essential.

A naturopathic doctor will prescribe supplements to address deficiencies in nutrients, to help manage blood glucose levels, to decrease inflammation and decrease insulin resistance.  Supplements can also help manage lipid levels and blood pressure.  Many studies have shown that diabetics lack a number of vital nutrients.  Botanical medicines can be used to decrease insulin resistance and sugar cravings.

Diabetics are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and eye, kidney and nerve damage.  Using naturopathic therapies to help supplement the pharmaceutical medication that a patient is prescribed can greatly help lower their risk for developing diabetics complications in the future.  Many times with conjunctive naturopathic treatment patients may be able to reduce their pharmaceutical medication dosages.