Kim,
I don't have diabetes, either, although my father does have insulin dependent diabetes. This info sort of came my way through the door with the discovery that my daughters had gluten sensitivity...and a whole big new world
opened up with the many things that are associated. I've learned many things over my past six years in the "medical underground" business that don't particularly pertain to me...and I pass them along to people who may be interested....including those lurkers who read but never seem to post.
In a nutshell, for anyone who has any autoimmune disease history in their family, they might want to pay attention to the research in this area. While celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease with a known trigger/cause (ingestion of wheat, rye, barley- gluten)...newer research is beginning to suggest that this leaky gut/ food sensitivity may play a role (or partial role) in other autoimmune disease including Type 1 diabetes, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, autoimmune liver disease, and more.
But...this really is ground breaking...I've been watching it unfold for six years already...and it may take years more to hit "the field" unless the miracle drug really proves to halt the process of developing diabetes and possibly other autoimmune disease. Then it will be huge news FAST.
So...people need to pay attention to family history, because even though our doctors always ask, they might not always pay attention and follow through.
For example, my family history is loaded with autoimmune disease and I had a B12 deficiency, yet when my daughter presented with seizures...neither autoimmune mechanism or nutritional deficiency were considered (even after I specifically asked!). I had to search all this out myself (with great Internet acquaintences helping me), but I found answers for my entire family...and they all came back to diet and nutrition.
If someone has a strong family history of autoimmune disease...especially, but not only if they have any GI problems, they may want to be tested for gluten (and casein sensitivity), and other foods. If food sensitivity shows, they may want to remove those foods from their diet. Not many of our doctors think preventatively, but those who do would recommend this prevenative course of action.
In terms of type 2 diabetes, others are probably better able to answer, although I can share my husband's experience. My husband has had type 2 diabetes for about five years. I urged him to see a doctor when the rest of my family were uncovering our health problems...I wanted him tested for thyroid disease (his mom has), diabetes (his dad had), and gluten sensitivity (our daughters had). Of these things, only the diabetes showed up. BUT...he discovered it early because he was tested early because he asked to be because of family history!! He has been able to keep it under control with weight control and exercise, although exercise seems to be the biggest factor for him. Even when his weight is a little high (20-40 lbs over ideal..'ideal' being unrealistic), if he swims two to three times a week...his blood sugar stays under control. He falls off the exercise wagon sometimes for a few months, but always gets back on. He has also used recommended supplements, like Diachrome (although this blend can be had cheaper by buying them as separate supplements). He has avoided prescription drugs thus far. While I am not against all prescription medication (as some are truly necessary and life saving), my personal helath philosophy is to always try lifestyle changes first, including a sensible diet, sensible nutritional supplements (vitamins/minerals) known to be beneficial, and exercise.
The book Reversing Diabetes by Julian Whitaker, MD, was recommended to us, and although I have not read it, my husband did. I would also recommend people read and learn both mainstream and alternative approaches in respect to their diseases. There is tons of information out there on the subject, but I am not personally well read on this subject. My subject is gluten :). Read everything with an open but sensible mind. When I say alternative, I don't mean anything crazy..but I do mean reading about nutritional supplements that may be useful. And of course, always let your doctor know what you are up to...
The SINGLE most important thing someone can do is to be informed....do their own homework... be an active participant in their health. I'm sure this isn't big news, but many people are content to take direction only from their doctors...and there is so much they aren't telling us!
Cara
Hi Cara. Sorry I had to remove the one link in your post as it went to a website that was selling the supplement.
Post Edited (jccglutenfree) : 8/24/2006 1:56:28 PM (GMT-6)