The BLOOD SUGAR connection

[newguy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin. Series: UCSF Mini Medical School for the Public [7/2009] [Health and Medicine]

Very long, but very interesting .

[Tim468]

A very good video. I recommend reading "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes too.

Here is a video of him discussing this in a lecture.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4362041487661765149#

Tim

[Dammien Flemming]

Yes very nice information and good for everyone and it is a general information and thanks for sharing.

[George999]

Well, here we are back on a thread started August 21, 2005.  This thread was started to point out a piece by "Kevin" tying Dupeytren's to elevated serum glucose and insulin resistance/sensitivity.  This was intended to infer that IF Dupeytren's was caused by high serum glucose, then Peyronie's could easily have the same root cause.  From there this thread went in all directions, probably because NOBODY wants to believe that the root cause of Peyronie's could be high serum glucose.  And there IS some reason for doubting.  Many guys with Peyronie's have measured glucose levels no where near what ANYBODY would consider excessive.

BUT ... NOW there is new research coming out that turns all of that logic on its head and points to elevated serum glucose as the instigator of literally ALL chronic disease.  This is happening because a few researchers out there are very carefully documenting DYNAMIC serum glucose levels which has never been done before and what they are finding is shocking.  They are studying people with very NORMAL fasting glucose levels AND very NORMAL hemoglobin a1c levels.  BUT they are finding that many of those same people have postprandial levels that shoot to the stratosphere due to dietary and insulin sensitivity issues.  They are watching those people long term and comparing them to other people with the same fasting and a1c levels that do not have postprandial anomalies.  The results are dramatic with those with the postprandial anomalies experiencing steep increased risk of future IDIOPATHIC chronic disease issues.  What they are uncovering is a whole collection of people who are diabetics and don't know it because conventional testing cannot reveal it.  Once they are revealed to be diabetics, the diseases they end up with are no longer idiopathic but rather make perfect sense.  Reading this reallies confirms my earlier suspicions that glucose is THE KEY culprit behind Peyronie's.  What was hard to figure out was the cases that didn't seem to fit in any way.  But until postprandial readings are factored in, this remains an open question.  IF sugar IS the culprit, it would explain a lot and would also potentially point to a more effective therapy.  On the other hand, it would mean that those Peyronie's patients who are not dealing with glucose issues would get little or no benefit from any treatment while they are still literally pouring gasoline on the fire, albeit unknowingly.  I am now convinced that my own struggle to push down blood sugar has paid off handsomely in terms of controlling Peyronie's damage.  - George

[dioporcolorisolvo]

Well, here we are back on a thread started August 21, 2005.  This thread was started to point out a piece by "Kevin" tying Dupeytren's to elevated serum glucose and insulin resistance/sensitivity.  This was intended to infer that IF Dupeytren's was caused by high serum glucose, then Peyronie's could easily have the same root cause.  From there this thread went in all directions, probably because NOBODY wants to believe that the root cause of Peyronie's could be high serum glucose.  And there IS some reason for doubting.  Many guys with Peyronie's have measured glucose levels no where near what ANYBODY would consider excessive.

BUT ... NOW there is new research coming out that turns all of that logic on its head and points to elevated serum glucose as the instigator of literally ALL chronic disease.  This is happening because a few researchers out there are very carefully documenting DYNAMIC serum glucose levels which has never been done before and what they are finding is shocking.  They are studying people with very NORMAL fasting glucose levels AND very NORMAL hemoglobin a1c levels.  BUT they are finding that many of those same people have postprandial levels that shoot to the stratosphere due to dietary and insulin sensitivity issues.  They are watching those people long term and comparing them to other people with the same fasting and a1c levels that do not have postprandial anomalies.  The results are dramatic with those with the postprandial anomalies experiencing steep increased risk of future IDIOPATHIC chronic disease issues.  What they are uncovering is a whole collection of people who are diabetics and don't know it because conventional testing cannot reveal it.  Once they are revealed to be diabetics, the diseases they end up with are no longer idiopathic but rather make perfect sense.  Reading this reallies confirms my earlier suspicions that glucose is THE KEY culprit behind Peyronie's.  What was hard to figure out was the cases that didn't seem to fit in any way.  But until postprandial readings are factored in, this remains an open question.  IF sugar IS the culprit, it would explain a lot and would also potentially point to a more effective therapy.  On the other hand, it would mean that those Peyronie's patients who are not dealing with glucose issues would get little or no benefit from any treatment while they are still literally pouring gasoline on the fire, albeit unknowingly.  I am now convinced that my own struggle to push down blood sugar has paid off handsomely in terms of controlling Peyronie's damage.  - George

Yes, it's necessary a right diet. The first thing to fight Peyronie is the right food. I'm sure of this.

[mike67]

George
re DYNAMIC serum glucose levels
This is an extremely interesting post you have put out to our members. Are you aware of ongoing research that would add an additional degree of certainty as to cause/effect for Peyronies?
I will be sure to bring this up when next I see my GP and Urologist. I am fortunate in having a GP who is open to all new information and does not feel compromised by having a patient offer it up to him. He is open to learn from where ever the new information comes from.

I wonder  if this has been presented to  U.S. Urology noteables  such as Levine and Lue. What would be their response?

[LauRenT]

Thanks Georges for this useful message.
Since 3 months i changed the way i eat. I turn down sugar in my food ( and stopped definitly white sugar ), i removed all products which have a high sugar level rate.
As i said in an other post, now i see some improvement, healthy food is the base and i'm sure it makes treatment more effective, and VED too.
Remove products with a high sugar level rate may be the key ( just my opinion, i'm not a specialist.... ).

Laurent

 

[hornman]

I have never been a big sugar user yet my fasting glucose numbers are usually on the borderline high side.  My GP tells me to get the number down or I'll soon end up on medication. I'd be curious to know my numbers directly after a big dinner.  Diabetes does run in my family.

[George999]

Mike, this has been brewing under the surface at the research level for a LONG time now.  Here is an excerpt from an abstract from way back in 2005 (emphasis mine), CVDs=Cardiovascular Diseases, QT=QT Interval as measured via ECG:

Indirect evidences of the unfavorable role of acute hyperglycemia on CVDs are also available.  Hyperglycemia during a cardiovascular acute event is unfavorable from a prognostic point of view in the case of both myocardial infarction and stroke.  A worst prognosis has been demonstrated for both cases in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.  As far as infarction is concerned, it has been recently demonstrated by a meta-analysis that there is a continuous correlation between glucose serum levels and the seriousness of the prognosis even in nondiabetic subjects, while intensive insulin treatment during acute myocardial infarction reduces long-term mortality in diabetic patients.  This is consistent with the evidence that in normal subjects, an acute increase of glycemia significantly prolongs the QT and that during myocardial infarction, increased glucose level is capable of inducing such electrophysiological alterations as to favor the occurrence of arrhythmias whose outcome could even be fatal.

The above would indicate that elevated glucose levels, even in non-diabetic individuals, is damaging to health.  Most of these individuals would be convinced that they do NOT have a glucose problem since there fasting glucose AND a1c levels are normal.  The above, of course, is specific to cardiovascular examples, but if the heart can be damaged, so can other tissues.

Here are just a few of MANY cardio links citing postprandial damage:

http://www.ahjonline.com/article/S0002-8703%2803%2900857-3/abstract
http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/54/1/1.full
http://ajpendo.physiology.org/content/280/1/E171.full.pdf
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11594300
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15131534

Now here are some related to neuropathy believed to be caused by IGT (impaired glucose tolerance) in non-diabetic patients:

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/24/8/1448.full
http://www.neurology.org/content/60/1/108

Here is an abstract quote regarding neuropathy:

Glucose dysmetabolism, including diabetes and prediabetes with impaired oral glucose tolerance (a glucose level 140–199 mg/dL 2 hours after a 75-g oral dextrose load), is the most common identifiable associated condition, present in about one-third of patients with painful sensory neuropathy and in nearly half of those with otherwise idiopathic small fiber neuropathy.

So dynamic glucose swings in non-diabetic patients can cause neuropathy in addition to heart disease.

To these we can add:

Retinopathy:  http://docnews.diabetesjournals.org/content/2/8/1.2.full

All sorts of chronic diseases are linked to diabetes INCLUDING Peyronie's.  As the studies flow out linking typically diabetic diseases with IGC/prediabetes, it becomes more and more obvious that postprandial glucose swings are likely a risk factor for Peyronie's.

I realize, of course, that this does not constitute proof.  But the evidence IS accumulating.  It would certainly be very interesting to see some of the leading Peyronie's researchers begin screening their Peyronie's patients for IGC.  I really doubt that it has ever been done before.

And in fact, I don't think even these above studies are yet seeing the complete picture since I believe that even lower levels of postprandial serum glucose are causing tissue damage resulting in chronic disease.  Fighting this syndrome is like fighting obesity.  It is EXTREMELY difficult, because just like no one wants to believe or be told that they are obese, no one wants to believe or be told that they are eating too much sugary food.  And, in addition to that, neither the drug industry nor the food industry wants things to change since they are both making huge profits from the pain and suffering inflicted by undiagnosed, as well as diagnosed hyperglycemia.

I know that none of the studies I cited above are particularly recent, but what I am reading is giving me the impression that there are ongoing studies that are adding to the evidence already out there.  I will keep my eye out for more and post it here as I find it.

- George

[slowandsteady]

I can certainly agree that glucose is inflammatory and getting off of the standard American diet (SAD) and on to a more healthy diet will help anyone (I favor the diets put forward in 'The Paleo Solution' and the 'Perfect Health Diet'). I have about 90% compliance to these diets and I've maintained a healthy weight for years now, and my Peyronie's is not that bad. I don't know if I would say that high post-prandial glucose causes Peyronies, but it would muck up a lot of things. Peyronies Disease is an inflammatory response, and any additional systemic inflammation probably would be bad.

One test people on this board can do is to get a glucose meter and measure their blood sugar rise at intervals after a meal. You might find that some foods that you thought wouldn't provoke a response turn out to have a larger one than you thought.

[dioporcolorisolvo]

The current western diet is a very toxic diet.

Sweet food, alcohol, dough, frying, bread....these represent western diet.

But the last studies say that no drug can as the food.

You can take the best drug, but if you put crap in your body, drug works little, or nothing.

Nutrition is the most important science of our time, but nobody does attention to this factor.

Cronic disease will increase, because dietary regime worsenes day by day, and people eat more and more often artificial food.

Current western diet is full of calorie and empty of essential nutritious.

Paleo diet, for example, is a good solution to this problem.

This woman recovered from multiple sclerosis thanks to nutrition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICMhLLjXwRQ

[George999]

I have to agree with what dioporcolorisolvo just posted.  I am more and more convinced that diet is likely the turning point for this disease.  Doctors tend to obsess over fats and symptoms and are paying little attention to refined carbs and underlying metabolic processes.  The result is a real train wreck of chronic disease just as dioporcolorisolvo asserts.  Those who remain blind to this factor do so to their own detriment.  Just because you are not "diabetic" does not mean you will not suffer severe diabetic tissue damage.  - George

[james1947]

The thread is very interesting and useful. I read all from start. My problem is that I don't understand many of the terminologies and living in the Far East with not to many people that knows English in my area.
I even don't know what to ask to be checked for. I had never sugar problems but reading an other thread made me to check my glucose level and it was on 170. I stopped all sugars and sugar reach products and in one month was down to 126.
I am not overweight, 180cm/78kg, down from 92kg one year ago.
I would like to make a more comprehensive test but I just don't know what to check.
What is "Glucose Serum level" and how can be tested?
What are the "Fasting Glucose level" and "a1c" and how can be tested?
What is "Insulin sensitivity" and "Insulin resistance" and how they are tested?
Thanks
James

[George999]

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/fitness-food/nutritionnation/post/2012/01/Prediabetes-The-Silent-Menace/607968/1

And this doesn't even tell the half of it.  - George

[james1947]

George
Not half of it but explains fast glucose and a1c
I will make the test if they will understand what I want, until then I will stop any sugar intake.
James

[dioporcolorisolvo]

George
Not half of it but explains fast glucose and a1c
I will make the test if they will understand what I want, until then I will stop any sugar intake.
James

Everybody would have to eliminate sugar.
Our ancient fathers hadn't sugar. They didn't die for this reason.
Our DNA is the same of our fathers of 100.000 years ago.
But nutrition is totally different.
Western nutrinion doesn't communicate anymore whit our DNA.
DNA requires the right information from external.
External is food.
Only right food gives the necessary informations to our DNA.
The bad food doesn't give necessary information, and this, in the long term, provokes diseases.
When DNA obtains the right informations, DNA is able to convert these informations in right physical processes.
When DNA doesn't obtain the right informatons, DNA isn't able to convert informations in right physical processes.
This is the cause of the large majority of diseases, exspecially cronic diseases.

[George999]

Additionally, it is not only sugar that is the problem.  It is ALL refined carbohydrates which rapidly metabolize to serum glucose when consumed.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates/

- George

[james1947]

I understand my eating habits are bad (fat red meet etc')
What about beer? I read an article that says is very healthy. I would like to know opinions from the forum
Thanks
James

[dioporcolorisolvo]

Additionally, it is not only sugar that is the problem.  It is ALL refined carbohydrates which rapidly metabolize to serum glucose when consumed.

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates/

- George

Yes, of course.

[George999]

Also, in addition to the fasting glucose and a1c tests, there is also the IGT test:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impaired_glucose_tolerance
I believe that IGT can be just as dangerous as Diabetes and perhaps more dangerous than pre-diabetes AND it is NEVER tested for in a conventional medicine setting.  I believe that a lot of Peyronie's patients that have completely normal fasting glucose and a1c readings actually suffer from IGT.

Here is an example of IGT causing peripheral neuropathy and how conventional doctors don't understand IGT or its relationship with diseases typically associated with diabetes.  Thus they don't test for IGT and instead use expensive tests like MRI in a futile effort to find the cause of the neuropathy.  http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=660992  They SHOULD be testing for IGT and would likely find the cause of the neuropathy to be IGT.  Again, I suspect the same would be true for many cases of Peyronie's.  This is important because once you know the cause, you can more effectively treat the problem.    - George

[slowandsteady]

For those who feel this is part of the problem, metformin might be part of the answer. Some take it for life extension purposes. I'm on the sidelines at the moment.

In case you haven't heard, there is a new site on nutrition by Peter Attia at waroninsulin.com that was launched this month. I'm trialing this diet at the moment, mostly because of the endurance gains the author has had with it. To get over issues like low energy and weight loss plateaus he and others have had with low carb diets in the past, he advocates 1) getting enough salt (2-4 grams/day) and 2) not overdoing the protein (1 to 1.5 g of protein per kg body weight, which is less than you'd think; protein can provoke a glycemic response). This diet differs from versions of paleo in its sharp focus on insulin.

[George999]

It appears that Peter Attia is a follower of Gary Taubes.  Gary Taubes was a guest of Dr Oz at one point and vehemently disagrees with Dr Oz on the dangers of fat consumption.  As much as I respect Dr Oz, and I respect him greatly, I really think that Gary Taubes is right on this issue.  While I believe that fat is dangerous to the heart, I believe that most, if not all of this danger really stems, not from the fat itself, but from simultaneous excessive refined carb consumption, which I believe is what makes fat toxic by encumbering and distorting metabolic processes.  The problem with protein is that the liver can transform it into glucose rather easily which can drive up insulin.  So I think that Peter Attia is right on the mark in many ways.

[George999]

This link might also be interesting for those trying to control blood sugar:

http://blog.lef.org/2012/01/proof-carbs-good-for-you.html

[LauRenT]

Very interesant Link Georges, a high glycemic index product doesn't have necessery a hight glycemic impact. Focusing on the glycemic load seems to be very important. Good information.

[boomerang]

I have been researching how to lose weight because this would help my condition and help my pants to fit.
I now eat oily fish regularly and do not cook my potatoes too much (soft fluffy potatoes are high GI) I now eat one uncooked meal a day.
And avoid green veg (because of the high vitamin K). I no longer eat cakes or biscuits or sweets etc.

I am not obese but I am on the top of my weight for body height range and I do not look fit.

Having had chronic fatigue and joint pain has not helped with fitness with bouts of back problems too.

It appears that High GI is not always bad.  After intense exercise the body needs high GI and protein.
Insulin is apparently needed in the muscle building and repairing process.

However at all other times High GI is bad.

Body builders are very knowledgeable on diet and you will not see many fat body builders.

Muscle fights fat.

One thing I am going to do is build up my muscles to help remove toxic fat.

I will do this very gradually because I am prone to sporting injury.

Calf muscles are also known as the second heart.  
They help pump blood and lymph from the legs back up through the organs to the heart again.

I agree that our modern western diet (derived from the middle east and india) is too far away from our aboriginal paleo diets.

There is also a difference in blood groups between the aboriginals of some countries and those from the east.
Blood group O is the oldest group and prone to suffering from autoimmune disease.
This group is found in many Germanic groups but also in groups who have remained isolated for thousands of years.
Blood group O is thought to have been the original blood group and this blood can be use for transfusion into any of the more modern blood groups.

good wishes to all

[George999]

Do note that adequate vitamin K is essential to calcium metabolism.  Too little will result in any inflammation causing soft tissue calcification AND calcium loss from the bones resulting eventually in osteoporosis.  - George

[boomerang]

George, I know that the body recycles vitamin K quite effectively. Heres one for you.

Warfarin for instance breaks the vitamin K recyling process in two places hence why it acts as a blood thinner.  However people who take warfarin have trouble keeping a stable thickness of blood (INR). This is because it takes something like five days for the body to respond to warfarin so eating greens like kale in a meal will alter the blood thickness 5 days later.  It is very hard for people to remember what they ate 5 days ago.

I must be getting vitamin K because I don't seem to be suffering any more inflammation as a result or bone problems.

I eat all colours of vegetables and fruit so perhaps there is enough in those?  It would be nice to know the levels of vitamin K foods contain so that I do not overdose or underdose.

Boom

[George999]

I am really giving my glucose meter a workout.  I am shaping my diet around my glucose readings.  I am also making curious discoveries.  As one example, when my blood sugar rises over 110mg/dL, my legs start to burn from neuropathy.  I have also discovered that when I keep my blood sugar very low, my urinary tract inflammation goes away.  I would bet that Peyronie's follows the same pattern.  To that end, I have stopped taking Pentoxifylline and am going to manage my glucose levels and see what happens.  I am thinking that this will spell the end of my problems with Peyronie's.

The key metabolic pathway behind this is that as blood sugar levels go up, insulin levels also go up in response.  The presence of insulin resistance means that insulin levels go up even higher although actual blood sugar levels may remain well within a normal range.  When a person has insulin resistance, no dietary sugar is needed to cause blood sugar levels to rise.  As insulin goes up, serum DHEA levels are pulled down because insulin causes DHEA to go down.  DHEA is a key steroid in the human body that helps prevent excessive inflammation.  Without sufficient DHEA and a resulting DHEA/Cortisol imbalance, uncontrolled inflammation and unexplained tissue damage can result.

- George

[trevorrr]

Through my own research and testimonials from this forum I really like what I'm hearing about DHEA but I was shocked to find that it is on the NCAA's banned substance list considering I'm in the NCAA its a concern. Another concern I have is testicle atrophy. What do you guys think?  

[james1947]

George
I try to follow your ideas, sometime my background not enough in the subject. The 110mg/dL is the regular sugar blood test not fasting?
Boomerang
Regarding vitamin K intake I find a few sources. One of very detailed:
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112
James

[George999]

Through my own research and testimonials from this forum I really like what I'm hearing about DHEA but I was shocked to find that it is on the NCAA's banned substance list considering I'm in the NCAA its a concern. Another concern I have is testicle atrophy. What do you guys think?

DHEA is banned by the NCAA because it can improve performance by balancing DHEA/Cortisol levels.  It may or may not increase testosterone depending on the individual.  It can actually increase estrogen in some guys instead of increasing testosterone.  The only way to safely use DHEA is to get precise blood tests indicating your DHEA levels and to then supplement as needed.  It is also important to find out WHY your DHEA levels are low and deal with the root cause.  In my case I am making a concerted effort to get my insulin levels down and will stop taking DHEA as soon as my DHEA blood tests show my levels rebounding.

[George999]

George
I try to follow your ideas, sometime my background not enough in the subject. The 110mg/dL is the regular sugar blood test not fasting?
Boomerang
Regarding vitamin K intake I find a few sources. One of very detailed:
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112
James

At this point I am testing my blood sugar levels myself, sometimes every half hour or so.  Also when my legs suddenly begin to burn, I am immediately checking my blood sugar.  What I am finding is that when I am having a problem, it is when my blood sugar is high at that moment.  It is best to try to keep blood sugar levels within a range of 70-100ng/dL.

It is important to note that there are TWO major forms of vitamin K.  A lot of professionals don't even seem aware of that.  Vitamin K1 is primarily a blood clotting factor.  Other blood clotting factors include platelets (which can be modulated with aspirin or Plavix), fibrin (which can be modulated with Nattokinase), and many others.  Certain diseases can cause you to have either too many (thick blood) or too few (thin blood) platelets.  High blood sugar can cause you to have too much fibrin (thick blood).  You cannot make your blood too thick with too much Vitamin K1.  You can only thin it by reducing Vitamin K1.  Vitamin K1 is found only in leafy green vegetables.  Vitamin K1 is widely available as a supplement.  Vitamin K2 is a completely different vitamin.  Vitamin K2 primarily controls calcium metabolism and determines whether calcium gets stored in the bones or in the soft tissues.  Vitamin K2 is found ONLY in meats and soy.  Vitamin K2 is not nearly as widely available as Vitamin K1.  Vitamin K2 is found in multiple forms such as Vitamin K2 MK4 and Vitamin K2 MK7.  The different forms of K2 act slightly differently in the human body.

- George

[rd]

George, when you say your legs burn can you describe that more. The reason I ask is because a few years ago I noticed mainly when watching movies in a theater when I have to sit a lot my legs would burn like if I had just done a lot of exercises type burn and would actually hurt. The only relief I could get from it was by fidgeting bouncing my legs up and down and constantly moving around in my seat. I haven't had this in a while but just curious if what I experienced was like what you experience when you say burning legs.

[james1947]

Thanks George
I made a word document to save the information regarding vitamins.
My legs don't burn but I had burn, pain and itching in the fingers or finger tips, hands and feet's and they become dark red. Sometime for days. The only thing helping is cold water but can't keep the fingers in cold water if you want to do something.
When I am taking 2*400mg Pentox daily it is not happening (an other benefit from Pentox, for me in any case).
With the sugar, I am bellow the maximum and I am consuming much less sugar than  before to reduce it bellow 100mg/L. Just sometimes I can't keep my self, I feel like crazy so much I want something sweet.
James

[George999]

rd,  I am referring to small fibre peripheral neuropathy which is sensed as a burning in the skin or in the tissue just under the skin.  It also at times produces other aberrations such as numbness or creepy feelings.  - George

[George999]

Thanks George
I made a word document to save the information regarding vitamins.
My legs don't burn but I had burn, pain and itching in the fingers or finger tips, hands and feet's and they become dark red. Sometime for days. The only thing helping is cold water but can't keep the fingers in cold water if you want to do something.
When I am taking 2*400mg Pentox daily it is not happening (an other benefit from Pentox, for me in any case).
With the sugar, I am bellow the maximum and I am consuming much less sugar than  before to reduce it bellow 100mg/L. Just sometimes I can't keep my self, I feel like crazy so much I want something sweet.
James

James,  I have burning and redness in my toes as part of the neuropathic problem.  In my case, Pentoxifyline does not help that a lot, but it has gotten much better as I have gotten the blood sugar levels down.  I now have my fasting blood sugar level down from 94 to 71, a major accomplishment.  In order to really make progress on blood sugar, you have to poke your fingers and use a glucose meter.  There is just no way around it as much as I hate it, and I do hate it although I have sort of gotten used to it by now.  Only in that way can you see how a particular food or preparation is affecting you.  For example, I had a huge jump in glucose levels from a small bit of cheese which I really couldn't figure out until I searched on the Internet and found that saturated fat can dramatically increase insulin resistance, something I had never heard of before.  So now I have dramatically reduced my saturated fat intake (which really wasn't that much in the first place) and I am getting dramatic positive results from that.   - George

[james1947]

George
I find the article on Yahoo newses
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/top-5-diabetes-healing-supplements-204300805.html
I am going to read it. I was thinking maybe you are interested also.
James

[George999]

George
I find the article on Yahoo newses
http://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/top-5-diabetes-healing-supplements-204300805.html
I am going to read it. I was thinking maybe you are interested also.
James

James, this piece is right on the mark.  These, indeed, are all key supplements.  In fact, I am taking all of them except ALA at this point.  Actually some diabetic treatment centers here in the US infuse some of these intravenously to diabetic patients.  But diet IS the key.  If you are taking all the right supplements and your diet is off, it will negate anything the supplements might do for you.  The only supplements I would add to this list would be Vitamin B5 and Ceylon Cinnamon.  Optimal Vitamin D levels are also important in this equation.

What would be helpful additionally is something with the capability to bring your blood sugar levels down radically until diet and supplements kick in.  This would be tier 3.  Number 1 in importance is DIET.  Number 2 is the right supplements.  Number 3 is a targeted treatment.  It is the targeted treatment side (IN ADDITION TO #1 and #2) that brought my fasting blood sugar levels crashing down from 94 to 71.  The three choices I recommend in terms of targeted treatment are one of the following:  1) Metformin (a prescription drug in the US), 2) Gymnema Sylvestre (an ancient Ayurvedic Herb) and/or 3) Berberine HCI or Berberine Sulfate (a new innovative general health supplement that does a lot of stuff including radically lowering blood sugar).  (I am using a half dose of Berberine Sulfate at this point.)  Any of these three can EASILY lower blood sugar TOO MUCH and thus to use them you MUST have and use a glucose meter AND do it under doctor supervision (in other words, your doctor needs to know what you are doing and you need to be listening to his or her advice in the matter).  While all of these three are extremely safe as drugs go, they each can have serious side effects and interactions on rare occasions and you need to know that in advance and take appropriate precautions.  In any case, AVOID, the newer insulin stimulating drugs for blood sugar reduction as they can cause you more damage than benefit.  The same is true for insulin injections.  Some patients have no choice due to advanced diabetes, but they should be avoided if at all possible because insulin carries its own risks and they are serious.

Also, neuropathy can cause damage to the feet and hands and other areas of the body when it affects the nerves that control blood supply to those areas.  This can cause blood vessels to shrink and fail to supply enough oxygen to the affected area.  When this becomes extreme, gangrene can ensue and that is how diabetics end with amputations.

- George

[goodluck]

What jumps out at me about the article is they recommend Chromium picolonate rather than the GTF version.

What is up with that?

Other than that, it pretty much agrees with much of what I have read in the past.

[james1947]

Regarding diabetes
I came across an article with the name of "9 Sneaky Sources of Sugar"
It may be interesting reading it if want to reduce sugar intake.
http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/9-sneaky-sources-sugar
James

[George999]

Yup!  Very good!  Amazing that many of these masquerade as health foods.  Tea, yogurt, oatmeal, whole wheat bread.  But loaded with refined carbs, they are destroying people's health in a systematic fashion.  I, myself was eating some of these things and others like them until I finally got wise to all the marketing jive.  Over the past few days I am successfully keeping my blood sugar levels down below 100mg/dL 24hrs a day.  I am delighted.

My breakfast is simple.  When I get up in the morning I eat a wide variety of fruit thrown into the blender, oranges and lemons with their peels and all with coconut water, whey protein made from raw grassfed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.  I eat no more than 11oz of that.  Then 20min of treadmill.  One and a half to two hours later, one half english muffin made out of low glycemic sprouted multigrain combination with NO added sweeteners topped with a small bit of coconut oil.  Then a fiber rich (90% fiber!) muffin  Then off to work.

Lunch is assorted veggies RAW stalks and all blended with low sodium free range chicken broth, pea protein, turmeric, sage, oregano, miso, and salsa.  Again, 11oz max.  Afternoon snack #1 is a small (8g) protein fortified low glycemic chocolate and another fiber muffin.  Afternoon snack #2 is a half slice of pumpernickel bread or a small amount of unsalted mixed tree nuts.

Supper is, finally whole food and is different every evening.  Usually some sort of veggie and meat combination plus miracle noodles.  I try to keep it down to around 15oz or less.  Tonight was spaghetti squash and ground bison over miracle noodles.  Yum!

Evening snack is typically one fillet of herring these days.

And of course, plenty of water all day long.

I recently had a tooth extracted and had to blend my food for a few days as a result.  I got so enchanted with what I could do with it in terms of variety, ease of preparation, and the ability to include items I would NEVER eat whole (foods I detest!) and the ability to include parts of foods I would never eat whole (fibrous trunks etc).  For example now I am eating RAW beets, ordinarily I would never eat beets raw.  Raw asparagus as well.  As a result I find myself feeling fuller and more satisfied.  But I am NOT a fan of juicing since it removes lots of fiber and essential nutrients and concentrates calories at the expense of nutrients.

- George

[james1947]

George
I appreciate your commitment and capability to keep a diet like that.
For me as I was used to eat bread all my life is very difficult not to include a slice of whole wheat bread in every meal and some cheeses.
I have read a few positive things regarding beer in the last two weeks. I am drinking one can or two daily, in the weekends more.
Is beer affecting the sugar levels?
Next month will buy a blood sugar tester.
I will appreciate your answer regarding beer.
James  

[George999]

James,  ALL of your answers will come with a blood sugar tester.  The ONLY way to control blood sugar is eat a food and test and see what your blood sugar does.  That is the bottom line.  All the advice in the world won't answer that question the way a simple blood sugar meter will.  I can tell you it is going to be painful to make this happen.  It has been VERY painful to me.  A lot of foods I once savored are off limits now.  BUT, I feel a whole lot better in so many ways, it is VERY MUCH worth the sacrifice to me.  - George

[Noway]

My theory on the cause of peyronies disease is god gives it too you because he doesnt like you. I for one dont care anymore.

[George999]

Those who don't care about what the cause is are doomed to suffer.  In order to achieve optimal treatment one must know the cause.

FACT:  Diabetes is KNOWN to cause both Peripheral Neuropathy AND Peyronie's

NEW DISCOVERY:  IGT causes Peripheral Neuropathy

REALITY:  If IGT can cause the kind of tissue damage that results in Peripheral Neuropathy, it can also cause Peyronie's

REALITY:  Doctors always check for Diabetes, but they NEVER check for IGT

FACT:  IF Diabetes is causing Peyronie's, TREATING the Diabetes can stop Peyronie's AND more than likely reverse it.

FACT:  IF IGT is causing Peyronie's, TREATING IGT can stop Peyronie's AND more than likely reverse it.

I really don't know what is not clear about this line of reasoning.  Blood sugar has long been a suspect in thinking of some of us.  Now the research is rapidly supplying supporting evidence.  This is the new "vitamin D".  After a lot of controversy, a multitude of doctors are finally realizing the need to monitor vitamin D levels more closely.  The next elephant to be discovered in the doctors office is the need for a second look at blood sugar.

Acta Neurol Scand. 2011 Jul;124(1):1-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01425.x. Epub 2010 Sep 26.

Neuropathy and impaired glucose tolerance: an updated review of the evidence.

Rajabally YA.

Source
Neuromuscular Clinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK. yusuf.rajabally@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Abstract

There has been considerable interest in the possible association between impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and neuropathy.  A systematic literature search (Medline) and review was here performed.  Twenty-three studies were evaluated. Fourteen investigated for the presence of neuropathy in patients with IGT. Nine studied patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP), for the prevalence of IGT.  The findings suggest that a significant proportion of patients with IGT may have neuropathy, particularly of the small-fibre and painful type.  Similarly, a significant percentage of patients without another identifiable cause for painful axonal neuropathy may have IGT. This may however not be applicable to all populations.  There are issues relating to the reproducibility, reliability and timing of a single glucose tolerance test (GTT) in establishing a diagnosis of IGT. Furthermore, it is possible neuropathic damage may occur at lower glucose levels than those defining IGT. In conclusion, further prospective long-term study of large IGT cohorts with known prestudy IGT duration is required to confirm and answer the many remaining questions about this presumed association. However, at present time, consideration of IGT as potential cause of painful small-fibre neuropathy appears justified, especially as patients may benefit from dietary and physical exercise interventions.

© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

PMID: 20868430

AND ... NOTE the following statement! -> Furthermore, it is possible neuropathic damage may occur at lower glucose levels than
those defining IGT.

AND ... consideration of IGT as potential cause of painful small-fibre neuropathy appears justified, especially as patients may benefit from dietary and physical exercise interventions.


Thus elevated blood sugar and resulting elevated insulin are becoming notorious for tissue damage.  Those that do not pay attention will pay the price in terms of human suffering by way of a wide range of devastating diseases including, but not limited to Peyonie's.

- George

[james1947]

George
I am taking the issue seriously and next month I will buy a simple blood sugar tester.

Noway
I understand your frustration from the Peyronie's, especially because of your young age. But I want to tell you from my life experience of 64 years:
GOD does not make us bad things. He likes all of us. We are doing damages to our selves. GOD just helping us to repair things.
Better go out from this mood and do everything you can to help yourself.
A wise man told me many years ago: "Help yourself and GOD will help you"

James

[hornman]

George,

Have you been able to pin point what is causing your glucose spikes when you have them? Is it just simple carbs and sugars?  How about fats?  How about over eating?

Hornman

[George999]

As I mentioned earlier, I was astonished at how much a SMALL bit of cheese drove my blood sugar levels up.  AND, yes, portion control is EXTREMELY important.  At this point, ANYTIME I have ANY doubts, I immediately check my blood sugar, and, if it is a little high, if at all possible, I get on the treadmill and do the interval type program.  I have found that takes it down rather quickly when it is high.  Just the other day, for example, I found it at 112 and headed up.  After 20min treadmill, it was down to the mid 70's.  And of course, refined carbs and sugars are as nasty as they are reputed to be.  But I am still getting surprises.  After the treadmill, I rate my simple glucose meter as my best investment ever.  I really hated the idea, but its amazing how fast you get accustomed to it.  I can do it really quickly now and I wouldn't be without it at this point.  And I still haven't had any problem with peripheral neuropathy OR urinary tract inflammation since I have been managing the blood sugar.  That has been a huge relief for me.  And I have cut down the CoQ10 and once again quite the Pentoxifylline and have had no kick back from Peyonie's this time.  Yay!  - George

[Skjaldborg]

Cheese has lactose, which is the sugar found in milk, which would impact blood sugar.

Folks worried about blood sugar should keep in mind individual insulin responses are different depending on the person.

-Skjaldborg

[sgtnick]

NOWAY  -   God, as I understand him, created me and went to the cross at Mt. Calvary before he would go back to Heaven without me.  Isaiah 49:16(KJV) says  I am engraved in the palm of His hand.  He is a God of love.  ANYTHING that befalls me is a direct result of my own behavior.  I suppose this subject should be done with PMs, however, some things I must respond to publicly.