Diabetes Mellitus

Explanation

Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by a deficiency of the pancreatic hormone, insulin. Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) is an autoimmune disease, where the cells that produce insulin are attacked. In addition, Type II diabetes (adult-onset diabetes) can result from obesity when insulin supplies are inadequate to meet the expanded tissue demands. Diabetes can also occur in late pregnancy via a similar mechanism, i.e. demand outpaces supply.

Considerations

Large amounts of sugar accumulate in the blood because of insulin deficiency and have to be excreted into the urine. This leads to increased output of urine and causes a severe loss of water-soluble nutrients, especially vitamin B-6, as well as magnesium, potassium and zinc. Ketoacidosis develops due to hyperglycemia. This causes problems with circulation and oxygenation of the tissues. Major complications can result: small vessel disease, retinopathy, retinal detraction and blindness. Correction of the underlying chemical imbalance is crucial in treatment and prevention of complications.

Treatment

Refined carbohydrates are the major dietary culprits in the etiology of diabetes. These products should be removed for the most part from the diet. Because nutritional requirements of the diabetic are greater than those of a healthy individual, strict attention must be given to providing adequate and specific nutrients of the right kind. Supplements in large amounts are vital to recover from diabetes. The vitamin C requirement is very high and need for vitamin B-6 and magnesium is paramount. Diabetics also have high requirements for protein, lecithin, vitamins B-2 and B-3, pantothenic acid, potassium and zinc.