What causes Type 1 diabetes, and what can be done?

Question: What causes Type 1 diabetes, and what can be done, other than the usual insulin and sugar free foods?

Answer: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s pancreas is unable to produce the hormone insulin or sufficient insulin. Insulin is the hormone that controls the amount of sugar - glucose - circulating in the blood. When you eat, the digestive system breaks up the food releasing its nutrients - glucose included - into the bloodstream.

Insulin transports glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it’s used as energy. Today, insulin taken from animals, and synthetically created insulin, is used to treat diabetes. Sadly, both have drawbacks.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas is unable to produce sufficient insulin, which means that the circulating blood glucose is not moved from the bloodstream and into the cells, resulting in the condition we know as high blood sugar.

In type 2 diabetes, also an autoimmune disorder, many factors may be at play. Increased glucose production, cellular resistance to the insulin, or a decreased amount of insulin is secreted.

In autoimmune conditions, the body is fighting its own immune system, which is the body’s natural defenses against infection and illness. The immune system begins to see the insulin producing cells of the pancreas as harmful, attacking them, damaging them, and disrupting the production of insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is often inherited, and is therefore thought to have a genetic component that activates this autoimmune reaction. However, many researchers have uncovered a link to cow’s milk in type 1 diabetes in young children. A close relative with type 1 diabetes will offer about a 6 percent chance of developing the condition. But we know that the rates of childhood and early onset diabetes is so much greater.

Researchers have long believed, and have newly confirmed that, “In genetically susceptible individuals cow’s milk can trigger the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin.” A new study, published in the journal Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, sheds light on the mechanism behind this connection.

Type 1 diabetes can be greatly improved and reversed in many persons; Type 2 diabetes has been successfully reversed for many years. The revolutionary reversal of poor health and chronic disease, diabetes included, is in upgrading one’s nutritional status.

By removing toxins from the diet - anything artificial or synthetic - and then by flooding the body with high quality nutrition, only then is the body able to process and allocate resources to their appropriate applications, seek and destroy toxins, bolster the immune response, and to heal the body. Not overnight, of course, but with planning, education, diligence and persistence the body becomes incrementally stronger, healthier, better and able to defend against all threats.

Every part of the body is able to improve, the blood pressure, blood sugar, body strength, stamina and confidence. Food cravings are abated, weight is normalized, skin turgor improves, eyesight, circulation and kidney function improves. The mind body connection is also enhanced by upgrading the eating program, but importantly for you, many persons have found that their beta cells also begin to function properly. Begin by eliminating cow’s milk.

By eating a clean diet, the body is able to easily and efficiently control all its metabolic processes; the assimilation of micronutrients, the rhythm of heart beats, hormone production, fluid balance and temperature control - as well as the regular disposal of waste products produced by the body, all without outside intervention.

Magnesium deficiency, which decreases insulin production and increases insulin resistance, is common among persons with diabetes, so be sure to add more almonds, cashews and spinach to your diet.

Stay away from “sugar free” foods. These products tend to have an array of artificial, synthetic ingredients to make them taste and smell appealing. Avoid hormone disrupting processed oils, artificial sweeteners, white sugar and tap water containing toxins such as fluoride and chlorine. Avoid anything with MSG, fake vitamins and GMO ingredients.

Eat loads of fresh foods and green salads, add more gusto and excitement with fruits, veggies, seasoned vinegars, nuts and seeds. Add nuts and raisins to your cereals and snacks. Eat more berries, citrus fruits and whole foods in general.

When you go from eating processed foods to a clean foods program, you may feel a little lethargic and listless, that is the body preparing to eliminate toxins. When that has passed, you’ll feel better than ever! Drinking lots of water helps the process.

As you change your diet, you’ll need to check your blood sugar and blood pressure more often because these markers will change quickly - within days - and you’ll need to adapt your meds accordingly. If you don’t have a sliding scale regimen, call your doctor’s office to get one.

Thanks for a great question!

Carolyn Guilford is a 2008 Project LEAD Cancer Scholar, nutrition consultant, health and wellness advocate, author and workshop organizer. For more information To Learn More Click Here.