Complex Interactions for Blood Sugar Control

This is information assembled from the ADA website, and a number of other sources, written as I understand it. Cross reference and double check the accuracy of what I am presenting.

The human body is a very complex system. There are primary conditions, which can cause secondary conditions, which can then cause another layer of secondary conditions, which in turn worsen the primary condition, and round it goes! So many things on this site are not specifically blood sugar related.

Because the various body systems affect each other, and because there are so many conditions, both known and barely discovered, which can affect blood sugar, some of the items listed are aimed at general health, rather than just blood sugar. This is because if you have any progressive condition, it can worsen the ability to control blood sugar, or increase damage to the pancreas, or otherwise directly or indirectly affect your ability to minimize the affects of diabetes or insulin resistance.

If you have any condition which causes malabsorption, or if your diet is deficient in certain nutrients, those factors can negatively affect your body's response at many levels. If your hormonal balance is off, then your body may not be able to either effectively produce, or easily use the available insulin. Any disease which causes widespread cellular damage will worsen diabetes long term, and create a downward spiral that feeds on itself.

There are actually a LOT of conditions that do this. And some of the potential helpful remedies are very similar for some of them. Improvement in management of any condition that affects diabetes progression will help overall diabetes control.

Diabetes is also sometimes caused by autoimmune responses, so some of the helps are aimed at reducing those effects. Diabetes may cause, or be worsened by depression, so there are suggestions for that too.

I have learned in my quest to balance my blood sugar and improve my health, that there are no isolated conditions. When you have two disease processes simultaneously, or a disease process and a mental health issue, or any combination of conditions, they cannot be separated. They are intertwined, and WILL affect each other. Given the kind of damage that causes diabetes, and the kinds of damage it can cause, there are some common associated conditions which I have addressed to the best of my ability.

Look at your body as a whole unit, and not as separate systems. Then strive for treatments which help your body to function more efficiently on all levels. Doing so will not only improve your diabetes control, it will improve your health in ways you could not have expected.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.