Nutritional Support for Hypoglycemia, Diabetes, & Weight Loss

      Glucose is the exclusive fuel of the human nervous system and the primary fuel of most of the rest of the systems in the body. Glucose is a type of sugar (a monosaccharide) that is derived from the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and proteins.

      A healthy level of glucose in the blood is therefore essential to life and health. If the glucose level is too low, the nervous system and muscular system is starved for fuel and begins to malfunction. The first symptoms include weakness, low energy, irritability, being excessively emotional, impaired ability to reason, etc. A blood sugar level below normal is called hypoglycemia. A blood sugar level above normal is called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is harmful to all internal organs and tissues and accelerates the aging process by facilitating the formation of chemical bonds between glucose and the proteins found in the body. A clinical condition resulting in hyperglycemia is called diabetes.

      There are two major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The primary defect in type 1 diabetes resides in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency and the resulting failure to metabolize glucose. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is predominantly attributable to the inability of the available insulin to work properly and this type of diabetes involves multiple organ systems, including abnormalities of insulin secretion, peripheral (muscle and adipose tissue) and hepatic insulin resistance. Most individuals with type 2 diabetes also suffer from excess body weight or obesity. Obesity often precedes type 2 diabetes and is now recognized as a major risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes which constitutes more than 90% of all cases of diabetes mellitus. Some estimates suggest that there are about 16 million Americans suffering from diabetes, over 90% of them being type 2.

      With type 2 diabetes, insulin is generally present but the ability of the cells to respond to insulin and take glucose from the blood is impaired. This situation comes about because of the wear and tear and abuse of the insulin / sugar regulating process. One strategy of correcting this situation is to restore the cellular insulin sensitivity. Another strategy is to remove or reduce the sugar / insulin stress.

      Hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia is a state of low blood sugar that results from a reaction to rapid absorption of sugar. Sugar in and of itself is not a bad thing, it occurs naturally in many foodstuffs. The body evolved over many generations to process the sugar consumed from natural sources. Sugar from natural sources is absorbed slowly and is metabolized as it is being released. Sugar from refined sources is concentrated, causing higher quantities to be consumed in a short time and without the associated fiber and other nutrients to slow down the absorption and release process.

      When excess sugar goes into the blood, the pancreas reacts instantly by releasing a large quantity of insulin into the blood. Since this is an "emergency" release, the insulin is generally in excess of what is required to maintain a steady state level and too much sugar is removed from the blood. When the blood sugar level swings below the threshold level, a different panic response is triggered because a low blood sugar level is a serious crisis in the body. This response causes the adrenal glands to release glucocorticoid hormones which cause the conversion of glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue into glucose. This causes the glucose level to rise again and, since this was a panic response, the glucose level will likely exceed its base level triggering yet another insulin release. This swing from high glucose levels to low glucose levels and back again may continue as a dampened oscillation for several hours.

      This is exactly what is observed in a glucose tolerance test. In a glucose tolerance test, the patient fasts for 12 hours, has a blood sample taken to determine their base line, then swallows 100 grams of glucose. The blood sugar level is taken at one half hour to one hour intervals for the next several hours. In an individual demonstrating the reactive hypoglycemia response, the glucose level will rise sharply within one half hour. This rise is followed by a sharp drop and in the one to two hour interval the blood sugar will be sharply lower. At this point women become irrational and hysterical, men become agressive and abusive and sweet old ladies curse like sailors. When the blood sugar level rises the mood and behavior return to normal. The same response occurs when large amounts of refined sugar are consumed, although it is usually not as extreme. The amount of sugar consumed may not be as large as the 100 gram hit of glucose, and other food which releases glucose slower is usually consumed with the sugar. When the insulin level is high, a lot of glucose is removed from the blood quickly, more quickly than it can be metabolized. This glucose is converted into fat in the cells. In addition, the individual craves food, especially sweets, when the blood sugar is low, causing excess food consumption.

      This pattern of blood sugar swings contributes to the development of obesity and cumulative stress on the pancreas, adrenal glands and liver. The prolonged stress of compensating for the blood sugar swings contributes to the development of diabetes.

      There is, however, more to this story than just sugar consumption. All proteins and carbohydrates can be digested and broken down into glucose. They are not converted into glucose at the same rate, however. Complex carbohydrates like the longer chain starches take longer to digest and convert into glucose than simple sugars. Proteins take even longer. Fats are not converted into glucose but can be metabolized by different pathways to produce energy. Most foods have been rated according to their rate of conversion into glucose by measuring the process in the human body itself. They are rated on a scale of 0-100 where pure glucose is 100. It is interesting to observe that some foods like rice, potatoes and carrots have a higher index than refined sugar and therefore produce a high degree of insulin stress when eaten as whole foods. Other whole foods have a much lower index and release glucose much more slowly giving a sustained, steady release of energy with minimal metabolic stress. By designing your personal diet to emphasize carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, you can loose weight, increase your general well being, and reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

      The glycemic index tables appy to carbohydrates but one does not live on carbohydrates alone. In fact, to maintain a healthy diet, a balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins is absolutely required. The maintenance of a steady state of energy and a stable blood sugar level require a balance of fats and proteins since both fats and proteins are converted to energy at a much slower rate than even the most complex of carbohydrates.

      Restoring insulin sensitivity in conjunction with dietary adjustments and exercise can help an individual lose weight and improve their health. Once you have established dietary habits that give your body a steady supply of glucose and relief from the stress of reactive hypoglycemia, your body may benefit from specific nutritional supplements intended to help re-establish insulin sensitivity.

Warning: Using these supplements can increase your insulin sensitivity. If you are taking insulin, your dose may have to be adjusted accordingly.

      Basic sugar handling Support includes the following supplements.

Chromium Picolinate - Research studies have shown that Chromium Picolinate can help stabilize blood sugar levels, burn extra fat, and stimulate for formation of lean muscle. In reserch with animals, chromium picolinate increased their lifespan by up to 60%. The chromium reserves in the body tend to decrease with age and need to be replaced. Suggested dosage is one 200 mcg. capsule twice per day.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - . Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a form of the essential fatty acit, Linoleic Acid. Studies show that supplementation with CLA increases insulin sensitivity, reduces fat deposition and increases the formation of lean muscle mass, especially around the midsection. Recommended dosage: one 1000 mg. capsule, three times daily, 30 minutes before meals.

Biotin - . Biotin is essential for the formation of glycogen and fatty acids. Biotin may be helpful to diabetics or for individuals who suffer from loss of insulin sensitivity. Biotin and Chromium Picolinate act synergistically to lower blood glucose and insulin levels. Recommended dosage: two 10 mg. capsules per day.

Ginko Biloga - . Research has shown that Ginkgo aids in the transport of glucose into cells and improves blood flow into the heart, brain and other organs. Recommended dosage: one to four 60 mg capsules per day.

R-Lipoic Acid - . Lipoic Acid is a powerful anti-oxidant that is both fat and water soluble. It may provide benefits in the prevention and/or support of diabetes, heart disease, cataracts, nerve degeneration, and liver disease. Recommended dosage: one to six 50 mg. capsules per day in divided dosages with meals.

GluControl - . GluControl is a combination products that includes quercetin, N-Acetyl-Cysteine, Vanadyl Sulfate plus extracts of the herbs Galega Officialis (Goats Rue) and Momordica Charantia (Bitter Melon). Goats Rue is a natural source of the active ingredients in the anti-diabetic and life extension drug Metformin. Bitter melon has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics and increase glycogen formation in the liver. Recommended dosage: four to eight capsules per day in divided doses.

Taurine - . Taurine is an amino acid needed by the brain, heart, central nervous system and skeletal muscles. It is often low in diabetics. Taurine improves the utilization of blood sugar and potentiates the effects of Insulin. Recommended dosage: one to five capsules per day.

Optimum D - . This formula is specifically designed as a nutritional base for people with diabetes or for those concerned about developing diabetes. It uses a balanced, comprehensive multivitamin/multimineral base with the additional antioxidant protection provided by taurine, N-acetyl-cysteine, lipoic acid, selenium, and vitamin E. Two forms of chromium (from chromium picolinate and glucose tolerance polynicotinate form) team with ginkgo biloba extract (for increased transport of glucose into cells) and gymnema sylvestre (to lessen insulin resistance and lower blood sugar) for superior nutritional support. Now with cinnamon extract. Recommended dosage: nine capsules per day.

Niacinamide - . In Type 1 diabetics, niacinamide helps regenerate pancreatic function by slowing beta cell death. These are the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetics notice reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) levels as a result of better glycemic control. In addition, niacinamide has anti-aging effects. Research has revealed a longevity gene known as Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) that produces the protein Sir2p that has been shown to extend cell life. Niacinamide enhances Sir2p activity by increasing NAD. Niacinamide is an inexpensive nutrient that is both safe and effective with a multitude of uses in optimizing physiology and controlling pathology. Recommended Dosage: one to six 500 mg. capsules per day in divided doses.

Porangaba Tea (Cha de Bugre) - . Highly regarded in Brazil as an appetite suppressant and weight loss aid, Porangaba Tea is actually served at stands along the famous beaches of Brazil. Although no published human trials have been conducted, centuries of tradition and anecdotal data have accumulated on Porangaba to support its appetite-suppressant and weight loss properties.

Glabrinex - . Glabrinex is a patent-pending standardized concentrate of bioactive, polyphenol flavonoid compounds and the unique flavonoid, glabridin. Animal and human research indicates supplementing with Glabrinex helps decrease visceral and abdominal fat. Preliminary research suggests it also helps prevent weight gain. Current research indicates Glabrinex works via regulating enzymatic pathways in the liver, reducing fat-storage. Over 10 years ago, researchers reported Glabrinex had antioxidant properties; it reduced oxidation of LDL-cholesterol particles. This is also helpful for circulation and heart health. Clinical and non-clinical research indicates Glabrinex has a good safety profile. The FDA has approved Glabrinex as a new dietary ingredient.

Cortisol Control - . Cortisol Control combines two of the most effective anti-stress blends, Relora® and Sensoril® for maximum control of stress and stress induced eating and snacking. Relora® is a proprietary blend of a patented extracts of Magnolia and Phellodendron. Relora® is used in stress management and for stress-related appetite control. This patented blend is the result of screening more than fifty plant fractions from traditional plant medicines. Relora® is a natural stress management ingredient that helps control stress-related eating. The plant extracts in Relora® bind to several important targets associated with stress. It does not bind to the benzodiazepine receptors that would cause sedation, yet has the relaxing qualities that have been demonstrated in both animal and human studies. In addition, it normalizes hormone levels associated with stress-induced weight gain and eating behavior. Most overweight adults have excessive abdominal fat from stress-related overeating. Relora helps maintain healthy levels of stress hormones and acts as an aid in controlling weight and stress related eating.

Where to Get Nutritional Supplements for Hypoglycemia, Diabetes and Sugar Handling Stress

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