Diabetes and Glutathione

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause serious complications.

Antioxidants are very Important in Diabetes

Glutathione is the body's most powerful antioxidant, and has many positive benefits in people with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Glutathione has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of antioxidants to reduce insulin resistance. Dr Lester Packer discusses the importance of glutathione in his bookAntioxidants in Diabetes Management:
“Administration of glutathione was found to be advantageous in type 2 diabetics and those with impaired glucose tolerance (iGT). Glutathione improved insulin secretion in patients with iGT. Glutathione also improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes after acute and chronic administration.”

Oxidative Stress and Diabetes
Glutathione status is closely tied to the progression and severity of diabetes. People with poorly controlled diabetes often have significant depletion of blood glutathione levels. Many of the complications of diabetes are linked to oxidative damage due to the elevated blood sugar levels.

Complications that may arise as a result include damage to the large and small blood vessels ("peripheral vascular disease"); diabetic retinopathy; kidney disease; nerve damage ("neuropathy"); skin problems; dental problems; and increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system.

As the body's "master antioxidant", glutathione helps to reduce oxidative stress and its consequences. Research studies have shown that supplementation with glutathione precursors may help to reduce oxidant induced diabetic complications such as those shown below.

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness

Up to 25% of diabetics develop foot problems due to reduced blood circulation or damaged nerves.

Diabetes can affect the microcirculation in the kidney
Diabetes Affects the Blood Circulation
Picture
Unhealthy red blood cells as seen under the microscope, sticking together in "Rouleaux" or stacks.

In a toxic environment, red blood cells stick together and form"Rouleaux" or stacks. This is a very unhealthy state and increases the risk of many diseases. Rouleaux formation occurs in diabetes and is one of the reasons diabetics develop peripheral vascular disease and diabetic retinopathy. Rouleaux formation is also seen in patients with infections, multiple myeloma, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

When red blood cells stack together, it is often an indication of inflammation in the body. Glutathione has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and also improves the endothelial function of blood vessels. Increasing glutathione levels helps the red blood cells to circulate more freely and transport oxygen more effectively.

Normal red blood cells circulating freely

Cellgevity™ is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement, designed to support your entire glutathione and cellular defence systems. Powered by RiboCeine™ and a blend of the purest plant extracts, Cellgevity dramatically increases glutathione production in every cell of the body.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Can Lower Blood Sugar

Antioxidants in Diabetes, L.Packer
Alpha lipoic Acid is a sulphur containing fatty acid that your body requires to convert sugar into energy.

Dr Packer discusses the beneficial effect of alpha lipoic acid in his book Antioxidants in Diabetes Management.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) can help lower blood sugar levels in diabetes and reduce complications.

Research has shown that ALA can improve insulin sensitivity and significantly decrease symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

Alpha lipoic acid is one of the many powerful natural ingredients in the glutathione boosting supplement Cellgevity™.

Nutrition and Exercise Are Important Too
Dr Don Colbert, author of Reversing Diabetes, discusses natural ways to beat the disease. In addition to glutathione supplementation, he stresses the importance of good nutrition and exercise.

Why Do Diabetics Lose Their Legs?

You have had problems with your foot for years. Your doctor now tells you that the foot needs to be amputated. How did this happen? Do you have to go through with the surgery? What will happen if you keep your foot?

Diabetes is a devastating disease. It can be managed, and many of the complications of diabetes are preventable. This takes much dedication of the patient and a team of doctors. Discovering you have diabetes and making life changes to prevent life threatening complication of the disease is very difficult. Thus, many people still run into problems associated to diabetes. Foot problems are among one the most common complications. 70% of all limb amputations are due to diabetes!

There are several reasons diabetics have foot problems but let’s talk about the three big causes. When the nerves are exposed to high levels of glucose or high blood sugars, they are slowly damaged. Thus, many diabetics suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a disease in which they slowly lose protective sensation in the feet. This can be very dangerous. I have had patients who had glass, needles, tacks and other objects stuck in their foot and they never remember how it happened. I have also had patients burn themselves in the bath tub. Their feet can no longer perceive temperature and they can easily burn or freeze their feet!

Diabetics also suffer from poor circulation. Blood carries many nutrients and oxygen that is essential to keep tissues healthy. Poor blood supply makes it extremely difficult for damaged tissues to heal. When a patient has a wound or ulcer on the foot, their poor blood supply makes it is so hard for the area to heal. Diabetics also have a compromised immune system. The body is weakened in its defense mechanism to fight off infections. Infections kill good tissues and leaves dead necrotic tissue behind. Infections can spread very fast from soft tissue to bone and joints and even into the blood supply. Infections can be life threatening.

When the threat of infection is too severe and can no longer be managed by antibiotics, the doctor may suggest an amputation. To remove all or as much dead tissue as possible helps prevent the infection spreading to other areas of the body. A doctor may also suggest amputation if the foot has become non-functional.

The thought of losing a part of your body is a very difficult concept to deal with. It is not uncommon for the doctor to suggest therapy to help the patient cope with process of surgery and rehabilitation. It is important to note that amputations are a part of medical plan to keep you as health as possible. It is important to discuss your fears and concerns with your doctor and to seek second opinions if you do not feel comfortable with your doctor’s advice. It is your leg and should be fully aware to the risk and consequences of keeping and amputating portions of your limb.