Blood Sugar, Part 2

Dr. Cherry continues the teaching on blood sugar. He stated that the number of children and teenagers being diagnosed with diabetes has risen dramatically in the last few years. In diabetes a person has too much glucose (sugar) circulating in their blood stream but not enough reaching their vital organs. Glucose is essential to every cell in the body. Insulin plays a very important role. The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream; it is insulin that causes glucose to go into every cell of the body. Insulin resistance can occur due to gaining too much weight and/or eating too many sweets. One of the earliest symptoms of diabetes is increased thirst because the body is trying to dilute the high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. Rapid weight loss is also an indicator of possible diabetes because the cells are not receiving the glucose they need. A blood sugar reading of 110 or over is indicative of glucose intolerance and high likelihood of developing diabetes.

Dr. Cherry states that there are 7 vitamins and minerals and 7 herbs that taken in combination are effective natural treatments for lowering blood sugar and stabilizing insulin levels.  The 7 vitamins and minerals are: Chromium, Vanadium, Biotin, Niacin, Magnesium, Zinc, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are DHA and EPA. The herbal ingredients are: Gymnema, Bitter Melon, Fenugreek, Bilberry, Silymarin, Aloe Vera, and fiber in the form of glucomannan from the Konjack root. Biotin is a B complex vitamin that increases cell sensitivity to the body’s own insulin so glucose can go into the cells. This is the way most of the new diabetic prescription medications work. Biotin works best in combination with Chromium and Vanadium. Niacin increases the metabolism, or breakdown, of carbohydrates. Magnesium is necessary to increase the insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. It backs the insulin out of the blood and into the cells and organs where it is needed. Studies have shown that 60 percent of Americans are magnesium deficient and 75% are under the recommended daily intake of Zinc. Omega-3 fatty acids improve glucose tolerance. Fenugreek is a fiber portion of a seed which has been shown in studies to decrease the intestinal absorption of carbohydrates. Bilberry has been shown in studies to decrease blood sugar levels up to 26 percent. It also is important for eye health and the eye complications seen in diabetes.