blood sugar low, but another reason is to help with the progression of the disease. It is thought that prolonged over activity of the pancreas, a result of making extra insulin, may cause the pancreas to ‘wear-out’. In some people, pancreatic exhaustion can occur, in which the insulin-producing cells become overworked and decline in function.
. .. One of the best ways to help treat pre-diabetes is through regular exercise. It has been shown that 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can produce benefits. Regular exercise can help to increase insulin sensitivity and use up excess blood sugar. It can also help to reduce cholesterol and blood lipids. . .. Furthermore, regular exercise increases your energy levels and helps you sleep better. The list of benefits goes on and on. Before you start any new exercise routine you should first consult your Physician, to determine what level of activity is appropriate for you. Exercise is also a great way for you to lose weight. |
Being overweight is one of the major contributing factors in the development of type 2 diabetes and other health problems.
. .. There are some supplements that can help treat pre-diabetes. Perhaps the most promising vitamin therapy for diabetes is chromium. Chromium is a mineral found in wheat, wheat bran, rye bread, potatoes and green peppers. Some evidence suggests that our diets may be deficient in this mineral. This has lead some to believe that this deficiency may be the cause of some cases of type II diabetes. While the evidence for this theory is not very strong, it sounds reasonable. Chromium is used by the body to help transport glucose into the various cells of your body, so a deficiency in chromium could lead to higher blood glucose levels. Doses of 200mcg or less appear to be safe and effective in lowering blood glucose. It might be best to take chromium in a GTF (glucose tolerance factor) form. This is the complete form of chromium used by your body. |
. .. Another mineral that may be helpful is vanadium. Preliminary evidence suggests that vanadium can have an insulin-like effect. It is not advisable to take this mineral in higher doses. Most multivitamins contain enough vanadium to be helpful. I think taking a multivitamin is helpful for almost everyone.
. .. Gymnema, Gymnema sylvestre, is an herbal used in Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine to help lower blood sugar. Some small studies have backed up its long historical use. Gymnema is believed to reduce glucose uptake from the stomach and reduce the tongue’s ability to taste the sweetness of sugary foods. The usual dose of gymnema is from 400 to 600 mg daily of an extract standardized to contain 24% gymnemic acids. This medicine works slowly and can take several weeks to show its effect. Its main side effect is an upset stomach, which is why gymnema is best taken with food.
. .. There has been some recent press about cinnamon and its abili
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