There are two major types of diabetes, namely insipidus and mellitus (types I & II)

• Insipidus – This is your rare form of diabetes which is due to an inadequate production of the antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) of the PITUITARY. The hormone that prevents excessive urination.
• Mellitus type I – This is your juvenile/child onset (insulin dependant diabetes mellitus; IDDM) diabetes, which is the destruction of the insulin producing cells (beta cells), in the pancreas by an AUTOIMMUNE process probably triggered by a viral infection or allergy etc. due to chronic systemic inflammation (CSI). Since the pancreas’ cells are destroyed, it is to be treated with insulin as replacement.

• Mellitus type II – This is your maturity onset which most diabetics sufferers undergo. Your NIDDM (non insulin dependant diabetes mellitus) is where the body produces small quantities of insulin but not adequate to fuel the cells with glucose. The process goes as follows: Insulin acts as “key”, stimulating the cells to open up its passages for glucose to enter which is then transported in a chemical energy for metabolism in the form of ATP (adenosine triphoshate. Now with insufficient production of this hormone insulin, the cells are deprived of its fuel and glucose spills over into the blood stream and is excreted by means of urination.

As we have just mentioned in above section that diabetes is a result of problems with the pancreatic hormone insulin. In people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being taken into and used by the cells.

• Over eating; regardless of how healthy the food may be. Temperance is a virtue. You are not born with it, you learn it!
• Too little rest; raises stress hormone levels, increasing the bodies resistance to insulin and thus making it more difficult for blood sugar to enter into the tissues.
• Obesity/ overweight; insulin is produced in larger quantities and so making the body more susceptible to resisting insulin absorption.
• Too many refined food sources e.g. greasy foods and excess vegetable oil, which is briefly put further down in the article.

Foods to be avoided…

• Carbohydrates and sugars (refined) – The habitual eating of refined foods is prone to lead you to develop diabetes as your blood sugar levels are constantly on a rollercoaster ride: white bread, white pasta, cakes, biscuits and cornflakes. Caffeine, nicotine, and stress also push the blood sugar levels up, therefore avoid as far as possible. Although there are combinations of genetic predispositions, a controlled diabetic should be able to live a long and satisfactory life...

• Whole wheat/ Rye bread (fibre rich),
• Porridges (Mealie/ corn meal, sorghum/maltabella, rolled oats.
• Dates, honey
• Whole Wheat Pasta
• Potatoes
• Brown rice
• FRUITS

Meats – White meat (Chicken, fish), Red meat, etc. It contains no roughage and therefore affects blood sugar levels. Many people believe it is the only source of protein, this is a myth.

Plant food certainties contain enough protein for the system as well as nuts and seeds. Get your protein from vegetable sources.

Alternative proteins and essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, 9):

• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
• Legumes (beans, chickpeas, lentils) 
• Seeds (pumpkin, sesame, linseed, sunflower)
  
  
• Dairy products – Cheese, Milk, Eggs should be avoided at ALL TIMES

So how do I put this together…?

In the morning, your breakfast is your main and most important meal of the day; “breakfast like a king” goes the saying. So you would have your…

• Fruit, as a salad or smoothy (at least 3-5 different kinds). Fruit plays a big role in the cleansing of the system, contains natural sugars, yet diabetics should not avoid eating fruits, only smaller amounts should be taken. It contains enough carbohydrates.
• Porridge, as mentioned above. The more whole, the more filling it is and the less you will have to snack, in between. It contributes to an efficient quality of your daily processes. The less you eat during the day the more stable your blood sugar therefore you are able to focus and concentrate more effectively. Please note, that over eating is also a cause of diabetes
• Seeds, as mentioned above, should be taken daily for your omega 3, 6, 9’s. It assists in a number of health disorders regarding to the cardiovascular systemic processes, and decreases the risk of developing those diseases.
• Nuts, a hand full of unsalted nuts.
• Supplementation:
  • Coenzyme Q10 is needed for normal carbohydrate metabolism
  • Chromium: Improves glucose tolerance.

“Lunch like a prince”

• Toss up a salad. (green leafy foods, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts etc.) The choice is yours. It aids in the digestion as the food is rich in enzymes. A diet high in raw food is also very helpful.
• Vegetable broths; a high – carbohydrate, high – fibre diet will reduce the need for insulin; it will also lower the amount of fat in the blood.
• Onions and green beans also appear to lower blood sugar.

Other information:

A lack of REST, SUNSHINE and EXERCISE may also induce diabetes

• Exercise: Get enough of it; it will improve circulation, which is always poor in diabetics. It will also lower blood sugar levels!
• Herbs:
•  Fenugreek regulates blood sugar levels.
• Dandelion, used limitedly, may substitute for insulin.

Encouragement

It is impossible for us, of our selves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. "Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one." Within myself I can do nothing, but Jesus gives us the promise that we can do all things through Him that strengthens us. Through Christ I can receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives leading a new life! 1 Peter 5:6