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Diabetes Diabetes is a disorder caused by insufficient or absent production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas gland or by increased resistance to the action of insulin by the body's tissues. In this situation glucose in the bloodstream cannot be absorbed into the cells which require it for energy, not the liver and fat cells which require it for energy storage. Glucose therefore accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to cardinal symptoms of diabetes which include excessive thirst, then the respondent passing large amounts of urine, weight loss, hunger and fatigue. If your body is not getting the energy it requires, and you are eating but feel fatigued all the time .. this could be your clue to get checked out. Diabetes is on the increase. Poorly controlled, it is the leading cause of blindness, amputations and nervous system damage. Diabetics are also four times more likely than others to develop stroke or heart disease. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is more severe and sudden in onset, usually occurring in younger people and requires daily injections of insulin to treat it. Type II comes on more gradually and generally affects people over the age of 40. Many Type II diabetics may be able to control their disorder by dietary adjustment alone. This requires regulating their carbohydrate intake more carefully and losing weight. Some may however need daily tablets to lower blood glucose levels, or small doses of insulin. Nutritional Healing For most diabetics diet is of the utmost importance. The aim is a low-fat, high-fibre diet with as much as possible of the energy-providing foods coming in the form of complex carbohydrates. These foods, like bread, cereals, pasta, potatoes, rice and fruit, release their glucose content slowly and avoid causing the rapid peaks of blood sugar levels that can be damaging. Sweets, cakes, confectionery, jams and other sugary foodstuffs are best avoided or kept to a minimum. Do you really need a dessert after your meal? Save it for special occasions. Drink water instead of that fizzy drink. Have plenty of raw vegetables. Onions can lower blood sugar. Cucumber is also helpful for diabetics. Alpha lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant which can normalise blood sugar levels in diabetes. The richest natural sources of alpha lipoic acid are: brussel sprouts, tomatoes and peas. Ginger, onions, sprouts, cranberries and sour fruit will stimulate your pancreas to produce more insulin. Add garlic to your cooking wherever you can. With an adjusted lifestyle diabetics can live long and normal lives. Adjust the following: Diet
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