Diabetes Blogs

There’s bad bacteria and there’s good bacteria. Known as probiotics, beneficial bacteria can account for boosting immunity and beating depression. Uncover more good news about good bacteria.

Psoriasis triggers inflamed, itchy patches of skin, and the skin condition could be a sign of diabetes, too. A new study reports that people with psoriasis may be twice as likely to develop diabetes than others. Find out how to reverse your risk.
 

Teens who stay up too late may be at greater risk of diabetes, according to a new study. Sleepless adults could be at risk, too. Encourage the teens in your life to get enough sleep and try a few of these sleep-inducing strategies yourself.
 

Do you have a tendency to wolf down your food? Here's an incentive to slow down: A recent study found that eating too fast can increase your chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

We know that there is good gut bacteria and bad gut bacteria. Now, a certain bacteria in your belly may signal diabetes, according to a new study. Find out how to nurture the good bacteria in your gut for a healthier you.

No matter what a new study suggests, statin drugs aren't safe. Don't be fooled into putting more money into drug maker's pockets. Instead, try one of the far safer natural solutions for high cholesterol.
 

Pairing aerobics and weight training can reduce your risk of diabetes greatly, according to a new study. Find out why and try some of these simple fitness tips to get the most out of your workout.
 

According to a new study, an apple a day (and blueberries), keep diabetes at bay. Find out how eating more apples and blueberries lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and other diseases.

 

Could your soap cause diabetes? New research links phthalates found in personal care products like soap and lotion to higher instances of diabetes, particularly in women. Find out how to avoid this risk.

Your vision is already at risk if you have diabetes, and now a study says drugs used to treat diabetes may put your eyes in even more danger. Here's how you can use natural therapies to lower your blood sugar and reduce your risk.

I've always said diabetes drugs don't work and a new study proves it, finding that a popular diabetes drug fails to work in teens with type 2 diabetes. There's no substitute for healthy living to beat diabetes. Find out how.

Many people dealing with diabetes admit that they never saw the disease coming because they never felt sick. There are, however, a few common type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms you should be aware of.

Study provides more evidence that statin drugs can cause diabetes. Asks Dr. Whitaker: Why would you want to increase your heart risk of taking a drug that has shown the potenital to cause diabetes?

A review of 10,000 smokers found that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes actually went up when people quit smoking, most dramatically in the first three years after quitting. Here's how to avoid falling into that trap.

We’ve long known exercise can help to prevent diabetes—but a study in the just the past few years shows that even less than 10 minutes a week may be enough to make a difference.

Regardless of other factors, the men with the lowest testosterone levels were nearly two and a half times more likely to have developed diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Berberine is a plant alkaloid poised to become one of our most powerful natural therapies for preventing and treating diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here's what you need to know.

Diabetes drugs give doctors and patients a false sense of security and get in the way of solving the real issues. The only way to “solve” diabetes is to eat right, lose weight, and exercise. Here’s my drug-free solution for doing just that.

Among your most powerful weapons against both high blood sugar and heart disease are regular exercise and the right nutritional supplements. And folks, we have nutrients whose benefits can run rings around prescription drugs—and that’s without the high price tag or harmful side effects.

Many people don’t realize is that diabetes significantly raises heart disease risk. In fact, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die from heart disease or suffer a stroke than those with normal blood sugar levels.

Learn why people who regularly drink coffee may be at lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Novo Nordisk has essentially taken a celebrity whose show features dishes loaded with butter, sugar, and heavy cream and turned her into a spokesperson for one of the most insidious diseases in America.

A brisk 10-minute walk alone has been shown to lower blood sugar levels dramatically in some people, and if it's done after a meal it can help prevent the elevation in blood sugar that is so common among people with diabetes after eating.

A diet high in fish can help to lower the concentration of glucose in your bloodstream and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The inverse is also true.

In the media coverage gearing up for November’s American Diabetes Month, here’s a breakthrough you won’t hear about—especially from the drug companies. New research has found that simply getting enough vitamin D can help to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The journal Neurology released new evidence showing that type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, performed by Japanese doctors, followed volunteers age 60 and older for 15 years.

I can’t even imagine how many conventional physicians across the country have worn out their prescription pads writing scripts for diabetes drugs. In fact, as a society we’ve become so focused on the pills that we’ve forgotten the real issue with type 2 diabetes: insulin sensitivity.

One of the toughest parts of diabetes management—or maintaining good health in general—is remembering to take your nutritional supplements every day.A colleague of mine said she can’t remember how many times she’s stood in the kitchen and asked her husband if she took her vitamins yet, or not.

I cringe every time a patient tells me their doctor fell into this common trap: As soon as a patient’s blood test comes back with elevated glucose numbers, they put them on an oral diabetes medication, end of story. I say, not so fast.

Water supports your weight so your joints don’t take the pounding they receive when you exercise on land, making it ideal for people with arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries. In addition, you can swim or exercise in water regardless of your age or physical condition.

Researchers studying the effects of vinegar on people with diabetes found that two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (mixed with water and a non-caloric sweetener) reduced glucose and insulin response when taken just before a high-carbohydrate meal consisting of a bagel and orange juice.

When it comes to supporting healthy blood sugar levels, the first thing you need to become aware of is how quickly your body breaks down certain foods into glucose. Here's how to do that.

Swedish scientists who reviewed several published trials examining magnesium intake found that for every 100 mg increase in daily magnesium, there was a 15 percent decrease in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

One of the most important things you can do to get a handle on diabetes and its related complications is to maintain a healthy weight. And that means making important lifestyle changes that include regular exercise.

Insulin is bad news. Not only does it actually cause weight gain, but this commonly prescribed therapy has also been linked to high blood pressure.

As the challenge ends, our battle with diabetes and obesity does not. If you know someone who has problems with weight or blood sugar control, please encourage them to follow my mini-fast with exercise program.

If you have diabetes, managing your diet can be tricky . To help keep you on the right track  follow these simple do’s and don’ts.

I designed the mini-fast with exercise program to be a lifestyle change, not a “diet” per se. In other words, you can follow this protocol indefinitely for the rest of your life.

It’s true what they say: Laughter is the best medicine. In addition to reducing stress, it increases circulation, reduces muscular tension, and just plain feels good. It’s impossible to experience genuine humor and feel angry, depressed, or anxious at the same time. 

Choose a friend or family member that you can regularly check in with regarding your diet and exercise plan. You can share tips and recipes, keep each other motivated, and turn to one another for support if you find yourself slipping or wanting to give up.

Fiber slows absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a gradual rise in blood sugar levels, followed by a gradual release of insulin. It also improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Thermogenesis is the process of generating heat. When it comes to weight loss, several thermogenic agents can help you burn fat and shed pounds. But before you run out to the health food store, check your kitchen. Some of the most effective thermogenic diet aids may already be in your cupboards.

Stress can deplete your adrenals, leading to a sluggish metabolism, and can completely wipe out your willpower, causing you to overeat or eat emotionally. This makes weight loss a real challenge. One way to deal with stress that I use and recommend to my patients is meditation.

Centenarians who took 2 g of L-carnitine every day for six months reported significantly less physical, mental, and overall fatigue. They also experienced markedly lower cholesterol levels, increased muscle mass, enhanced fat loss, and improved endurance. 

With all of the temptations that abound during the holidays, it’s easy to fall off the weight loss wagon. But don’t worry. You can get back on track today by making my mini-fast with exercise protocol a part of your daily routine.

If you have resolved to lose weight and reverse diabetes, you need to focus on how you are going to attain these goals. This year, I want to give you a surefire way to get started and stay on track. I call it “instant discipline.”

Why not ring in the New Year with one of these non-alcoholic alternatives that will allow you to be a part of the festivities—without the extra calories or the hangover?

According to Harvard researchers, the people you associate with could be affecting your likelihood of becoming obese.

When you really think about it, the principle behind weight loss is pretty simply: eat less and exercise more. But there are nutrient deficiencies that can affect your weight, and one of those involves good old vitamin D.

Mother Nature has provided something to help us get through this demanding time of year—an herbal stress-fighter called Rhodiola rosea.

Riding an exercise bike, using a stair-stepper, or running or walking on a treadmill can be beyond boring. The most effective way of staying on track, especially when you’re forced to exercise indoors, is distraction.

Cinnamon’s medicinal benefits, as well as its culinary uses, keep it in high esteem—and for good reason .In addition, cinnamon has been shown to drive down triglycerides 23 to 30 percent and LDL cholesterol 7 to 27 percent over a 40-day period.

No matter what shape you’re in, a sense of gratitude will make you feel better.

HCA is an extract from Garcinia cambogia, a fruit native to India.

We've all been told that eating fruits and vegetables is good for us, but very few people actually consume even the minimum five recommended servings a day. This is a travesty, as these foods play an integral role in getting—and staying—healthy.

Genetic tests are available, but my recommendation to anyone living with diabetes is to take at least 300 IU of natural vitamin E every day. In fact, because other studies suggest that this vitamin protects against the onset of diabetes, I encourage everyone, regardless of health status, to take natural vitamin E.

The stretching, breathing, and relaxation techniques of yoga are proven to decrease stress and anxiety.

Research published in the medical journal The Lancet confirms what I’ve been saying for years: Natural treatments for diabetes are more effective than drugs.

When I say “exercise” that doesn’t mean you have to be a jock…you just have to move. And my favorite way to get moving is to take a brisk walk with a little slow jogging and occasional bursts of running mixed in.

The latest research suggests that getting plenty of fiber may not only go a long way toward preventing type 2 diabetes, but can also lower blood sugar levels in those already diagnosed with the disease.

Glycine is an inexpensive, pleasant-tasting amino acid that stimulates fat burning and reduces appetite. In other words, it helps you keep your appetite in check, burn fat, and still have energy to get your morning exercise!

According to conventional wisdom, carbohydrates are lumped into two main categories: simple and complex. 

One of the most challenging elements of the Diabesity Challenge—at least initially—is not eating anything before noon.

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine examined the effects of a Mediterranean diet versus a low-fat diet in 215 overweight patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Half of the group was instructed to follow the Mediterranean diet and the other half went the low-fat route.

Tired of being overweight? Worried about diabetes? Need a little motivation to get out and get active? If so, I’d like to invite you to join hundreds of my patients and subscribers for my Diabesity Challenge this fall!

Type 1 diabetes results from the inability of the pancreas to produce adequate insulin. If you’re dealing with type 1 diabetes you should adhere to the recipes for diabetics, you should take supplements for diabetes, and you should strive to exercise regularly.

The most common side effects of drugs prescribed to people managing diabetes are weight gain, gastrointestinal upset, and, sometimes serious liver problems. One diabetes drug in particularwas demonstrated to more than double the death rate from heart attack or stroke! 

Type 2 diabetes, sometimes referred to as “adult-onset” diabetes, was once considered an adult-only condition has grown at epidemic rates in children. The CDC estimates that 1 in 3 children born in 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes.

There are a few common type 2 diabetes signs and symptoms: overweightness with the distribution of weight most commonly in the abdominal area and inactiveness. 

Within two weeks of his first infrared light treatment, William noticed less pain in his feet and ankles. A week later, he was able to get around the house and go up and down the stairs without relying on his cane. And at the end of his five-week stay in California, he was virtually pain-free.

Also called nicotinamide, it’s a form of vitamin B3 that has been shown to preserve beta cell function when administered in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.

As you strive to control blood sugar levels, it’s important to remember the role antioxidants play in managing diabetes. In order to get a handle on this condition, you’ll need to shore up on these important nutrients.

Diabetes is a nutritionally wasting disease. Massive amounts of nutrients are lost as the kidneys rid the body of excess glucose by increasing urination, so the first step is replacement of these lost nutrients.

Supplementation with vanadyl sulfate and other vanadium compounds markedly lowers fasting glucose and improves other measures of diabetes. In a number of animal studies, this mineral has actually eliminated diabetes.

Chromium is a trace mineral that improves the action of insulin and helps move glucose and other nutrients into the cells. It has also been shown to facilitate weight loss, making it a key nutrient if you have type 2 diabetes. 

While type 2 diabetes can sneak up on you, there are three type 2 diabetes symptoms you should be aware of.

Type 2 diabetes, sometimes referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is marked by elevated blood glucose levels. 

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as juvenile diabetes because it usually appears before the age of 20 (though it can crop up at any age), results from the inability of the pancreas to produce adequate insulin.

While several herbs have been proven to lower blood sugar levels, two in particular stand out.

In more than 30 years of treating thousands of type 2 diabetics at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, I’ve found that drugs are rarely necessary. Instead, I rely on alternative diabetes treatments, including a comprehensive diet, exercise, and weight loss program, and natural agents that lower blood sugar.

Think of your multivitamin supplement as insurance to counterbalance the inadequacies of your diet. This small measure can help fill in the nutritional “holes” created by our modern lifestyle. Believe me, it’s the cheapest diabetic treatment you’ll ever buy. 

Researchers at Stanford and the University of California, Berkeley who followed almost 6,000 men for 14 years determined that increased physical activity was especially protective for men with the highest risk of developing diabetes.

Refined carbohydrates and sugars are rapidly broken down into glucose, driving up blood sugar levels and placing an increased burden on normal metabolic processes. Please avoid them whenever possible. 

One of the primary reasons we’re seeing a worldwide glut of insulin-resistant diabetes is because more and more emerging nations are adopting the Western diet that we’ve “enjoyed” for years. 

Most oral hypoglycemic agents are no more than a Band-Aid approach to diabetes—they lower blood sugar, but do nothing to address the underlying condition. 

Diabetes is a fearsome disorder, yet one we take much too lightly. Few people flirting with borderline elevated blood sugar levels realize the urgency of managing diabetes in its early stages. 

f you’re living with diabetes, you’ll be interested in learning about these two treatments used at the Whitaker Wellness Institute—hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). They’re both all about oxygen.

Because it helps improve blood flow and promotes arterial health, EDTA chelation is also effective for treating diabetes. It is just one of the many alternative treatments for diabetes that is studied and used regularly at the Whitaker Wellness Institute.

With all the focus on treating diabetes with drugs, underlying causes of the condition are rarely considered. One potential contributor is low testosterone, which affects one in three diabetic men. 

After hitting rock bottom, R.B. came to the Whitaker Wellness Institute and started on a comprehensive nutritional regimen, which included high doses of antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and targeted nutrients and herbs to help control her blood sugar. 

For years, people dealing with diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, were advised to avoid fish oil supplements, due to their presumably negative effects on the body’s ability to control blood sugar. However, this is not true.

If you’re trying to manage diabetes and need a little extra help to control your weight, glucomannan may be just for you. This water-soluble fiber works by absorbing water, which increases bulk, helping to reduce appetite and produce feelings of satiety. 

Vitamin D deficiencies are linked with  impaired insulin secretion, and vitamin E improves glucose control and protects blood vessels and nerves from free-radical damage.

B-complex vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, are vital for the health of people who have diabetes. That’s because these vitamins support nerve health, which is critical when addressing conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.

Because alcoholic drinks contain a fair amount of calories derived from sugars, conventional wisdom has long held that people with diabetes should avoid alcohol. However we now know that judicious use of alcohol actually enhances insulin sensitivity. 

Numerous scientific studies support diet and exercise as a safe, natural remedy for diabetes. Yet the vast majority of physicians continue to jeopardize the health of patients seeking to manage diabetes by focusing strictly on lowering blood sugar with costly and dangerous drugs.

When comparing patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with either oral drugs or insulin, researchers found that patients using insulin had a higher prevalence of hypertension. And the longer they used it, the greater their risk.

Although most people think injected insulin is reserved for type 1 diabetes, more than one in four people with type 2 diabetes use insulin. And, in most of those cases, it just makes things worse.

As early as the 1920s, it was demonstrated that a high-saturated fat diet not only causes weight gain, but also decreases insulin sensitivity.

By far, the best sweeteners—especially if you’re trying to manage blood sugar—are the natural ones. Stevia is at the top of my list.

Cinnamon contains an ingredient called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP), which is very helpful for treating diabetes. You see, in addition to being a potent antioxidant, MHCP also improves insulin sensitivity. 

For years, doctors have known the potential dangers of oral hypoglycemic drugs. When are we going to learn—rather, when are we going to accept—that oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes actually do more harm than good?

To show you how making a commitment to lifestyle changes is one of the best preventive methods for reversing diabetes, I want to share one of my favorite diabetes success stories. It comes from a gentleman named J.D.

Walking downhill is more effective for controlling blood sugar than walking uphill—and other facts about diabetes you may not know.

There are a number of alternative treatments for diabetes that can help prevent nerve damage, including a few key supplements I know are effective. Let's take a look at them.

Preventing—and reversing—type 2 diabetes for many is as easy as achieving or maintaining your ideal weight.

Researchers studying the effects of vinegar on people living with diabetes found that two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar reduced glucose and insulin response and helped to better control blood sugar when taken just before a high-carbohydrate meal.

Researchers from Brown University compared the brain tissue with that of people who did not have a history of diabetes. In every case, insulin-related abnormalities normally associated with advanced stages of diabetes were noted.

Could these factors be putting you at risk for type 2 diabetes? Learn more about how you can prevent this life-robbing disease.

Regular exercise is a must if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight and control blood sugar levels. Aerobic exercise will lower blood sugar and burn calories, while resistance training, such as weightlifting, builds muscle and improves long-term insulin sensitivity. 

One of the most significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes is obesity. Statistics show that 90 percent of all people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. In fact, the link between diabetes and obesity is so strong that it’s led to the coining of a new term, diabesity.

There are two herbs that I recommend to help you manage blood sugar and protect against diabetes complications: Gymnema sylvestre and banaba leaf extract.

Vanadium, a trace mineral, is an excellent natural treatment for diabetes. I believe it is one of the most effective and intriguing blood sugar supplements. In fact, studies show that vanadium (as vanadyl sulfate) mimics insulin in the body and helps maintain blood sugar levels well within the healthy range.

While it is true that chocolate has fat and calories, its health benefits cannot be denied, even to people living with diabetes. Italian researchers have discovered that dark chocolate significantly improves markers of insulin sensitivity.

Just about anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but research has shown that certain individuals seem to be more susceptible than others. Let’s take a look at two common type 2 diabetes risk factors.

People with the type 2 form don’t experience the same diabetes signs and symptoms as those with Type 1. In fact, many of them have no symptoms at all. The disease is often discovered only during a routine blood test when a high fasting blood glucose reading, usually in the 150 to 300 mg/dL range, is noted.

The ability to manage blood sugar levels is largely an issue of lifestyle. Diabetes is a fearsome disorder, yet one we take much too lightly.

What you eat immediately after exercise can have a dramatic impact on your ability to control your blood sugar and maintain insulin sensitivity.

Quitting smoking reduces your risk of nearly every serious disease, including heart disease and an assortment of lung ailments and cancers. But the connection between smoking and diabetes is clear if you've ever known someone who quit or you've tried it yourself—it's the link between type 2 diabetes and weight.