It seems to be inescapable, with nearly 10% of the population having diabetes just about every family is impacted by it. It is a serious disease that has a significant impact on the healthcare system and on our economy, and yet, we seem to be making little progress in controlling the effects of diabetes. Ever since 1922 when insulin was first used to control blood sugar, we have been looking for a solution in the form of medication. More and more medications are developed to control diabetes, and still, for too many people the medication is not effective in managing blood sugar.
Even for those who are diligent in trying to control their blood sugar, diabetes will bring a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, circulation problems, and nerve damage. These complications can cause severe disability and suffering for diabetics and their families. Could there be a better way to manage blood sugar?
Keeping in mind that controlling blood sugar needs to be the Number One Priority for every diabetic. Without good blood sugar control, a diabetic cannot maintain their health. But what if instead of focusing on medication, we tried to listen to what the body is telling us? For diabetic, their bodies are saying that they cannot utilize carbohydrates efficiently. Whether it is someone who is insulin-dependent or someone who takes oral medication, their body is not able to process carbohydrates in a normal way. And because of that, when carbohydrates are eaten and turn into sugar which should be used by the cells for energy, a diabetic’s body cannot turn the carbohydrate/sugar into energy. The sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of being used inside of the body’s cells. Having high levels of sugar in the blood is corrosive to blood vessels. And, because of that damage, the complications of diabetes are more likely to occur. Essentially, although this is a very simplistic explanation of diabetes, carbohydrates are a type of poison for diabetics.
Instead of eating poison and then hoping an antidote will work, wouldn’t it be better to avoid the poison? For diabetics, the poison is carbohydrates and the antidotes are the insulin and oral medications that are prescribed. But how was diabetes managed before the discovery of insulin? Many physicians prescribed a very low carbohydrate diet for their patients to control blood sugar. We would think of it as a Keto diet. Of course, diabetes is a complex disease, and merely eliminating carbohydrates is not the complete answer-especially for insulin-dependent diabetics. But it is worth learning about how the low carbohydrate diets may help you to control your blood sugar without adding more medications to your routine.
All medications come with risks and side-effects. It makes sense to try to find ways to manage our health without taking additional medication. But you must keep in mind, that controlling blood sugar is essential for all diabetics. And you should Always speak with your healthcare provider before you eliminate or change the way you are taking medication. Take some time to look up information about low carb or Keto diets and consider using this simple change to help to prevent high blood sugar and the devastating complications of diabetes.
