Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes and 86 million have pre-diabetes. (1)
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have numerous differences and are managed in different ways!
There are common differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly targets insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. It is unknown why this occurs and at this point it is unknown how to stop it. Recommended treatment is insulin injections in order to make up for the death of their beta cells. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood, is not associated with excess body weight, associated with higher than normal ketone levels, is treated with insulin injections or a pump and cannot be controlled without insulin. (2)
Type 2 diabetes is different, it is often undiagnosed until over 30 years old, is associated with excess body weight, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol, can be treated initially without medication and is possible to reverse. Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune disease but instead is characterized by the body losing the ability to respond to insulin. The body then produces more, placing strain on the beta cells and destroying them. (2)
Plant hormone, abscisic acid, found to reduce chronic stimulation of beta cells and increase survival and function of these cells!
New research reports that the treatment for managing type 2 diabetes could be as close as your local health food store. Scientist from Italy have found that low doses of plant hormone, abscisic acid, reduces glycemic levels. The research has found that this hormone reduces the chronic stimulation of beta cells and may prolong the survival and function of these cells! (3)
Researches examined the presence of abscisic acid in plants and fruit and then explored the affects on glycemic in rats and in humans. This study proved that your mom was right and eating fruits and veggies can not only protect your health but now can control the progression of diabetes and give your body a chance to heal and recover!(3)
Onions and garlic show positive effects at lowering blood sugar levels!
This is not the first study that has pointed to plant-based foods as a positive way to manage diabetes. Onions and garlic have also been found useful in lowering blood sugar levels due to Allyl Propyl Disulphide (APDS) and Diallyl Disulphide Oxide (allicin) and other flavonoids. (4)
Onions are also a good source of chromium which is necessary for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Research has found that APDS found in onions lower glucose levels by “competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating points within the liver.” The study found that 125 mg/kg of APDS when fasting causes a fall in blood glucose level and an increase in insulin. When using allicin, the study found that 100 mg/kg had the same effect. (4)
Onion extract reduces blood sugar levels when taken orally. Studies show that onions of the same effect whether raw or boiled. Onions impact hepatic metabolism of glucose and increase discharge of insulin. (4)
Garlic is helpful in preventing damages to the kidneys, blood vessels, skin and eyes that are associated with diabetes. It slows down glycation that occurs as a result of high blood sugar. (4)
If you are seeking natural ways to manage type 2 diabetes, consider your diet and exercise and eat foods that are found to help control and manage insulin production and protect the beta cells in your pancreas!
Sources included:
(1) http://professional.diabetes.org/admin/UserFiles/0%20-%20Sean/Documents/Fast_Facts_3-2015.pdf
(2) http://www.diabetes.co.uk/difference-between-type1-and-type2-diabetes.html
(3) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/12/151201115045.htm
(4) http://admin-curesfordiabetesinfoz.blogspot.com/2012/01/onions-and-garlic-are-quite-effective.html
