By Andrew Gaeddert
This is the second of a two-part article on diabetes. For part one, please refer to the newsletter Herbal Treatments for Diabetes and Syndrome X, Vol. 12 No. 1.
Over time, elevated glucose levels damage the nervous system, blood vessels, and organs. Sugar-based substances build up in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to thicken and leak. Therefore, there is less blood available to the skin and nerves. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled glucose levels cause the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels know n as atheroscleros is. Atheroscleros is, heart attacks, and strokes are more common in diabetics. Poor circulation through large and small blood vessels may harm the heart, brain, legs, eyes, kidneys, nerves, skin, and may slow the healing process. Damage to the blood vessels of the eye can cause diabetic retinopathy. Kidney damage may result in kidney failure that requires dialysis. Ne r ve damage may cause weakness, tingling, or burning pain to the hands, legs, and feet. Damage to the nerves makes injury more likely as a person cannot sense changes in temperature or pressure. Poor blood flow also leads to poor wound healing and leg and foot ulcers, which may become infected and necessitate amputation. Controlling blood glucose levels can prevent or delay these complications.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can result in severe hunger, headache, anxiety, irritability, sweating without exercise, confusion, tremor, or in severe cases coma. In diabetics, hypoglycemia is caused by an overdose of insulin or medication, lack of eating, or intense exercise without eating. There are two main types of hypoglycemia – reactive and fasting. Reactive hypoglycemia is characterized by symptoms that occur 2 to 4 hours after a meal or the use of certain drugs. Fasting hypoglycemia is very rare and usually accompanies various cancers, liver damage, or prolonged malnutrition.
Low blood sugar causes harm to many organs, especially the brain. To protect the brain, the body manufactures glycogen from the liver and makes glucose. This process causes adrenaline (epinephrine) levels to rise, which tends to cause the abovementioned symptoms. It is important to treat low blood sugar levels quickly, which is why diabetics are often instructed to carry glucose tablets, candy, or fruit to treat episodes of hypoglycemia. Type I diabetics are instructed to have glycogen with them at all times, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
In non-diabetics, hypoglycemia can be caused by the excessive intake of refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates tend to cause blood glucose levels to temporarily rise, and then fall rapidly, straining the body’s coping mechanisms. Hypoglycemia may also be caused by abnormalities of the adrenal and pituitary glands, or when non diabetics abuse diabetic medication. Hypoglycemia is associated with aggressive behavior, PMS, migraines, and psychological disorders. When subjects restrict their use of sugar and other processed carbohydrates, improvement is often seen.
The treatment of hypoglycemia involves eating less refined carbohydrates and eating lean protein sources with each meal. Many diabetics as well as non-diabetics will do better eating 4-6 small meals per day, rather than 2-3 large meals.
Tonic herbs seem to have a controlling effect on blood sugar levels. The author has had success using Astra Essence [astragalus root and seed (huang qi and sha yuan ji zi), ligustrum (nu zhen zi), ho-shou-wu (he shou wu), lycium fruit (gou qi zi), rehmannia (shu di huang), eucommia (du zhong), cuscuta (tu si zi), ginseng (ren shen), tang- kuei (dang gui), cornus (shan zhu yu)] to help balance blood sugar levels, as well as Adrenosen, a compound that contains adrenal extract which can help replenish stressed adrenals, and PAK, a nutrient shown to promote blood sugar regulation. Another tonic that may be useful is Astra 8, which may be considered because it contains a number of adaptogens which help the body adapt to stress.
CIRCULATORY DISORDERS
Both diabetics and people who eat excessive amounts of refined carbohydrates tend to suffer from circulatory disorders. In the US and many western countries, atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death. Commonly known as “hardening of the arteries”, atherosclerosis occurs when the wall of the arteries become thicker and less flexible. For most people, it may be controlled by increasing exercise, reducing refined foods and increasing fruit and vegetable intake, as well as eliminating smoking. Hypertension, high cholesterol, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and other heart diseases are more common in diabetics than the general population. In addition to the dietary and lifestyle measures mentioned above, herbs that increase circulation, and/ or reduce cholesterol are often helpful. Flavonex is a modern herbal formula that contains ginkgo leaf extract, which is used to promote heart blood circulation and is safe for long term use.
DIABETIC EYE CONDITIONS
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy than other people. Capillary repair and maintenance is particularly important to people with diabetic eye complications. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by a breakdown of tiny capillaries and blood vessels under the retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss for people between twenty-five and seventy-four years of age. The damage is a result of elevated blood glucose levels, which causes a chemical reaction between sugars and the blood vessel wall. Over time, the capillaries swell and become brittle, allowing blood to leak into the retina. Unfortunately there are no markers other than vision distortion. At this point there are currently no medical methods for reversing this damage. In uncontrolled trials, a bilberry extract equivalent to 3-9 capsules of Bil Lutein™ (80-260 mg of anthocyanins) per day improved diabetic retinopathy with a marked reduction in the disappearance of retinic hemorrhages (Orsussi, P., Rossi, M., Sabbatini, G., et al. Clin Ocul 1983; 4:377-381). In a placebo-controlled trial, bilberry extract equivalent to four capsules per day (115.2 mg of anthocyanins) of Bil Lutein™ showed significant improvements in angiographic and opthalmoscopic perimeters in 77 percent of patients diagnosed w ith diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy in one month (Perossini, M. Ann Ottolmol Clin Ocul 1987; 113(12): 1173-1190). Bil Lutein can also be used by diabetics to prevent cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
KIDNEY FAILURE
In diabetics, blood vessels in the kidney thicken and prevent blood from filtering normally. Nephritic syndrome results in loss of protein into the urine, decreased levels of albumin, increased lipids, and retention of sodium and water. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, fluid retention, muscle wasting, frothy urine, and shortness of breath. Chronic kidney failure may cause itching, muscle weakness and cramps, neuropathy, digestive disorders, and weight loss. The skin may turn yellow- brown due to the buildup of waste products. Kidney function can be assessed by measuring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Imaging procedures such as ultrasound or CT scans can also be used, as well as tissue biopsy. Biomedical treatments may include diuretics, steroids (corticosteroids), and enzyme inhibitors to decrease protein excretion in the urine and lipid concentrations in the blood. Finally dialysis may be administered. One of the most useful formulas for kidney failure is Rehmannia 8 [rehmannia root (shu di huang), poria sclerotium (fu ling), moutan root bark (mu dan pi), dioscorea rhizome yu), Alisma rhizome (ze xie), Eucommia bark (shan yao), cornus fruit (shan zhu yu), alisma rhizome (ze xie), eucommia bark (du zhong), cinnamon bark (rou gui)]. This formula is mostly used for clients who are yang deficient. For yin deficient symptoms consider Nine Flavor Tea. Cordyceps PS has also been found to improve kidney function in modern Chinese experiments.
NEUROPATHY
Nerve damage occurs when glucose is not metabolized normally and there is an inadequate blood supply. This leads to muscle weakness, loss of sensation, tingling and pain to the hands and feet. An example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome, which is more common in diabetics. Carpal tunnel syndrome results from a compressed median nerve that travels through the wrist on the thumb side of the hand, producing pain, tingling and numbness that can affect the hand, arm, and shoulder.
In the event of weakness or loss of sensation, the administration of herbs with qi and blood tonifying properties such as Marrow Plus are often recommended long term. In the event of tingling or pain, it is often best to move blood using Channel Flow. In the event of spasming type pain, SPZM can be considered. Topical remedies such as Resinall K, Po Sum On oil, and White Flower can be very helpful if applied several times per day.
DIABETIC ULCERS
Sores and infection may result when there is impaired blood flow to the skin. In addition to using circulatory strategies such as Flavonex, topical treatments may be used to promote the healing response. If it is determined through the four diagnostic methods that the client is weak and deficient, it is also helpful to use tonics such as Marrow Plus or Astra Essence to speed the overall healing process. Examples of topical treatments include Resinall K which can be applied to wounds after the area is cleaned first with soap and water followed by hydrogen peroxide. AC-Q wash is another remedy that can be used as a soak if there is pain or ulcerations.
CASE STUDY
Dennis was a 67 year old diabetic who had a leg sore the size of a quarter, as well as discoloration of skin throughout his feet and legs. After a six month treatment with Flavonex, and a topical application with AC-Q wash followed by Resinall K, Dennis’ sore healed, and normal color was restored to most of his feet and legs. In addition he had less tingling and cramping of the legs.
CONCLUSION
Diabetes has achieved epidemic proportions in the US. It is important that diabetics regularly monitor their blood glucose and have regular medical checkups. Reducing refined carbohydrates, exercise and stress reduction can prevent and even cure pre-diabetes (often called Syndrome X) and diabetes type II. Herbs help promote healthy habits. As it provides a natural boost, Adrenosen and other formulas with spleen tonics can be used to counter cravings so there is less desire to binge on sweets and other refined carbohydrates. It may be possible to intervene so that medication, often with side effects which contribute to the worsening of the diabetes, is not needed. If a client is showing some of the complications of diabetes, herbal intervention may help treat these symptoms, and prevent surgeries or other medical procedures. As herbs may interact with diabetic medication, it is essential that patients self-monitor their condition with the help of knowledgeable health professionals.