The numbers associated with the incidence of diabetes is starting to get scary.  Over the past decade, the statistics have continuously risen with new cases being diagnosed every day.  In the United States alone, 16 million Americans are tagged as diabetics.  Aside from this staggering number, there are still 10 million Americans with diabetes that are left undiagnosed.

Diabetes is a condition that should not be taken lightly.  Because of the fluctuating blood sugar levels, a person with diabetes could go from being good to being in a state of coma in a matter of a few hours.  There are serious health problems linked to diabetes, usually as a result of micro- and macrovascular disease, where various organ systems become affected.  Examples include peripheral neuropathy which causes a numb, tingling sensation; retinopathy which causes visual disturbances; nephropathy, a condition that damages the nephrons found in the kidney thereby interfering with normal kidney function; hypertension; stroke; and heart attack.

If you are able to notice any of these symptoms, it is advised that you set an appointment with your doctor and have yourself checked:

• Increased level of thirst
• You have higher frequency of urinating
• You experience extreme hunger
• You lose weight unexpectedly
• You experience extreme fatigue
• You have blurred vision
• Your sores are in a slow healing process
• Infections happen more frequently especially in the areas of gum, skin, vagina, and bladder

Type 1 diabetes can possibly develop at an early age and it normally appears during childhood. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is considered to be more common as it can develop at any age and can still be easily prevented.

Insulin is a hormone that “carries” sugar or glucose inside the cell. Without insulin, sugar cannot go inside the cell for processing. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system is left with no insulin and instead of the sugar being transported straight to your cells, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetes happens when the cells become more resistant to insulin’s action and the pancreas becomes incapable of producing sufficient amounts of insulin to get over the whole resistance. Once again, sugar accumulates in the person’s bloodstream.

The Link between Magnesium Supplements and Diabetes

A team of German researchers conducted a study which revealed that a 6-month supplementation of magnesium among volunteers improved insulin sensitivity levels as well as blood sugar levels with a marked improvement of approximately 7 percent, measured through fasting blood glucose, as compared to placebo. The findings of the study were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal.

The research team was led by Professor Frank Christopher Mooren from the Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen. 52 volunteers were involved in the study.  The group was divided into two:  one group received magnesium-aspartate-hydrochloride supplements while the other group received placebo, all in a period of six months. Mooren reported that the results of their study gave important evidence that supplementation of magnesium can improve insulin resistance in overweight individuals.

The main food sources of magnesium include leafy vegetables, starches, meats, nuts and grains. Dietary surveys made in the past show that majority of adults do not necessarily meet the required daily amount of magnesium which is 320 mg per day for females and 420 mg for males.

The Health Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is very important in the production of energy and the growth of our body’s cells, and nerves, as well as in proper muscle functioning. Even if our bodies each has 1 oz of the mineral, it still plays a very essential role in the other vital processes of our bodies. It also helps in the maintenance and repair of cells and even lessens the levels of blood cholesterol. It also has the capacity to calm the nerves. The foods that are rich and abundant in magnesium are wheat bran, cashew nuts, soya beans, beans and figs. If you happen to lack the required amount of magnesium, then you will notice symptoms of irritability, depression, cramps and spasms in your muscles, and even vertigo.

Natural Ways to Prevent Diabetes

In both cases of the two major types of diabetes, a healthy lifestyle makes all the right difference.

Eating sweet foods and refined carbohydrates do not necessarily cause diabetes.  The problem lies when there is an abuse on the intake of such foods and these can lead to unnecessary weight gain and obesity – one of the major risk factors for the development of diabetes. Hence, one natural way of preventing and treating diabetes is to be able to maintain the right body weight for you. You can start by cutting off on the white bread, cereals, and even beverages that have high contents of sugar. In terms of eating complex carbohydrates, it is important to know only your balanced portions.

A balanced supply of fruits and vegetables can also make a lot of difference in naturally treating diabetes. You should consume those that contain a lot of antioxidants and vitamins along with those that are rich in fiber. These will help in stabilizing your blood sugar level.   Some of these include herbs like onion, garlic, fenugreek seeds, bitter melon, and bitter gourd extracts.

Exercise remains one of the most important natural remedies for the ailment. You can indulge in activities such as swimming or jogging. However, exercise is not limited to these activities, or those that requires you to go to the gym.  The simple act of walking is already considered as exercise – especially if you do this regularly.  Making the decision to walk from the subway to work, or putting off riding the elevator and taking the stairs, are but simple ways to exercise.  For as long as there is movement which can regulate your blood’s circulation, then that can be good enough to help you out in fighting diabetes.

Above all, you must be committed to managing your diabetic condition. You must not stop researching and learning new discoveries about your disease. If possible, always keep in touch with a medical expert who has vast and comprehensive knowledge on diabetes and be able to seek help from them each and every time you need it.

Sources
mayoclinic.com
weightlossforall.com
nutraingredients.com
buzzle.com
wrongdiagnosis.com
diabetes.org
thehealthcarecenter.com