Diabetes type II is one of the top 10 conditions of chronic disease in this country. It is the inability or lowered ability to metabolize sugar (also known as glucose) in the body for usage. Sugar is not only the table sugar added to foods and recipes, but it also exists in its simple form when carbohydrates are broken down during digestion. More surprisingly, some fruits can also be problematic for metabolism as well. The pancreas is the organ that releases the hormone insulin which is responsible for carrying the sugar molecule to the cell for fuel. If there is too much sugar being consumed by the person, in a short period time and in a consistent manner, the pancreas will not be able to keep up with the demand. In this case, a doctor will able to see that your body is not efficiently using glucose in your lab results in several ways.
A naturopathic doctor will be able to thoroughly discuss diet, medication and supplements to help control blood sugar. Along with the pancreas, other vital organs such as the heart, liver and eyes should be monitored because they play a role in the physiology of controlling blood sugar. This understanding allows naturopathic doctors to apply one of our important principles of treating the body as a whole.
Diabetes doesn’t have to be a life sentence because it can be reversed with diet and lifestyle modifications.
Dr. Magda Peronel, ND