Natural Therapies for Diabetes
Studies suggest that diabetes, often considered a chronic and incurable illness, may be reversible through the use of natural therapies. Addressing diabetes is highly beneficial, as it can be the underlying cause of many symptoms and addressing it early can help prevent negative effects on multiple systems in the body. A 2015 study found that a person’s blood sugar may affect over 120 different functions in the body (heart, brain, sleep, etc). For example, research has shown that a 1% drop in blood sugar can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke by 10-20%. These findings highlight the impact that blood sugar has on a person's health.
Can Natural Therapies Help?
Natural therapies for diabetes typically aim to regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health through dietary changes, herbal remedies, treating reversible causes and lifestyle modifications. The exact approach can vary between patients, but the goal is generally to support the body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall health through a combination of therapies:
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Herbs and supplements: Certain herbs and supplements have been found in research to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
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Implement exercise routines that can more effectively decrease blood sugar levels and reduce sugar spikes.
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Stress management: Stress can increase blood sugar levels, so incorporating stress-management techniques is important for regulating blood sugar levels.
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Blood testing to address nutrient deficiencies that can worsen diabetes
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Testing to monitor treatment progress and help prevent any complications that can develop as a result of diabetes (e.g. liver, kidney and heart health)
Dr. Baker's (ND) Diabetes Protocol
Dr. Baker, a naturopathic doctor, has studied and collected over 200 studies on diabetes and created a protocol using the most impactful natural therapies available. Research suggests that a drop of 2 points in blood sugar levels could mean that the average person would no longer be considered diabetic. Dr. Baker also creates custom tincture blends using over 300 herbal extracts, which have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
Dr. Baker (ND) has access to over 300 herbal extracts from a local company run by a group of naturopathic doctors. They use extensive quality testing and extraction methods that help to preserve the benefits of their botanicals. Using these extracts he creates his own custom tincture blends that use a combination of botanical medicines that have all been shown to reduce blood sugar.
In addition, Dr. Baker (ND) has created a dietary protocol based on a database that looks at over 1000 nutrient values and ranks foods based on various attributes. At the clinic, comprehensive testing is done to tailor the diet and monitor for deficiencies and side effects. Dr. Baker checks on the patient's nutrition, metabolism, and overall health every 3-6 months to ensure that their body is adapting well to the new plan. If you are interested in natural solutions for diabetes, please reach out to us or book an appointment with Dr. Baker, ND.
Common Symptoms of Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes can vary, but some common signs and symptoms include:
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Increased thirst and frequent urination
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Extreme hunger
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Unexpected weight loss
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Slow-healing sores or cuts
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Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
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Recurrent infections
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Dry, itchy skin
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Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)
It's important to note that some people with diabetes may not experience any symptoms, or their symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed. This is why regular check-ups and monitoring of blood sugar levels are important for people with diabetes.
Importance of Screening Diabetes
It is possible to have diabetes for a long time without knowing it because the symptoms can be mild or absent in the early stages. Some people may have elevated blood sugar levels for years without experiencing noticeable symptoms, and diabetes can often go undiagnosed until serious complications arise. Research suggests that about half of all people with diabetes have not been diagnosed and they are unaware they have it. Regular check-ups, including blood tests, can help identify diabetes early and prevent complications.