The Cure for Type 2 Diabetes

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Lady J</i>
<br />Carefix - suggesting that doctors in the NHS have a vested interest in making people ill is ridiculous beyond belief.

I think you have a severe problem with paranoia.

LJ
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Hi
Most of what carefix says makes sense. I am a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic and for many years have been mislead by the advice given by “healthcare professionals”. However like Lady J, I am not convinced that the medical profession are knowingly making their patients worse when it comes to diabetes. I have a very good GP who genuinely looks after my interests. I believe that the drug companies actually “brainwash” the medical profession into doing things their way, which obviously increases their grossly obscene profits. Diabetics as far as the drug companies are concerned must be real money-spinners. In this country we cost the NHS a small fortune on essentials like insulin and test strips. The average GP now vary rarely has a hands on approach towards medicine, when we go to see our GP we will invariably leave the surgery with a prescription. For example the medical profession as well as the poor unsuspecting public, have been led to believe, quite wrongly, that just about everyone needs to be on statins as they have got it into their heads that cholesterol is harmful. The pharmaceutical companies of course perpetuate this myth and they blatantly suppress any factual evidence to suggest that statins are positively harmful and that cholesterol and heart disease are not really linked. They convince us that normal child hood illness (which helped generations of children build up their immune system) are now dangerous and that children need to be injected with their very suspect potions even if the vaccines can kill off more children than the disease it is supposed to prevent. The over use of antibiotics is now producing strains of bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics. They tell us that we need an influenza injection every winter even though the benefits are extremely dubious. In fact it is really impossible to gauge any benefits at all from having the “flue jab”. The real benefit, of course is not to the patient but to their vast profits. A good example of how the system works is the treatment of stomach ulcers. Many years ago ulcers were treated either by surgery or by feeding barbiturates to the patients and keeping them in a near state of coma. It didn’t in any way prove effective but nevertheless that was how they did it and even in the light of this treatment having no benefit whatsover they continued with this treatment. Then came a long Tagamet, which was very effective in treating the symptoms but not the cause of stomach ulcers. I believe that it was in the late 90’s that an Australian doctor, Barry Marrshall discovered that stomach ulcers were caused by the H pylori bacteria and that most cases of stomach ulcers could be treated and indeed cured effectively and cheaply with one course of antibiotics. Until then it had been assumed that no bugs could live in the stomach because of the high concentration of hydrochloric acid. Of course the pharmaceutical companies did every thing the could to discredit this guy as at that time Tagamet was still under licence and was making a lot of money. It was many years before his findings were accepted. I do take a somewhat cynical view of modern medicine but nevertheless have to admit that I possibly would not be here without it. Nothing is all black or all white, I do believe that as an individual I should take the responsibility for looking into every aspect of medical treatments offered to me and then try and make informed decisions.

Regards

John



JOA

As a doctor, it would be useful to separate medicine in general from the pharmaceutical business. Both are linked, but are not the same. In the UK we are blessed with one of the worlds greated and open health care systems. However, it takes time to change the collective professional opinion.


Most diabetologists (including mine) describe Type 2 diabetes as a lifestyle disease. I know my complications are in my own hands and my behaviour will affect my lifespan and quality of life. It does irritate me that professional dietary advice potentially exaserabates my lifestyle disease. To be so tarred with that brush only to find the same professionals firing up the next batch of tar is mildly ironic.

There is so much more to illucidate about the pathophysiology of diabetes. The GLP-1 type drugs almost scare diabetologists as it doesn't fit into the lifestyle disease picture that well. Also, gastric bypass surgery, seems to be the only medical cure for type 2 diabetes. Patients often completely stop insulin the day after surgery, no time for weight loss to have its effect on insulin resistance. There is much more to the incretin hormone pathways than is known.

Marty B

Marty,

I couldn't agree more with your last point. It's unfortunate that what little research is being done into the newly discovered world of incretins seems to be aimed at the symptoms rather than the cause.

Sitagliptin is a case in point. It is known that the autoimmune enzyme DPP4 attacks GIP and GLP-1, so sitagliptin was developed to inhibit DPP4. But where is the research into why DPP4 should suddenly turn rogue and attack the body's natural incretins?

This link may be of interest.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/ ... h.genetics

Having read the above I would like to try the EFA diet and am in the process of buying the flaxseed oil but i find that it is in capsule form of 1000mg does one capsule equate to one spoon?

Can you give more specific guidance on what to avoid and what to buy?

I am T2 on a low carb diet taking 500mg metformin per day, what you say seems to make a lot of sense to me and my personal health experiences closely resembles a lot of what you have written, however I would like (if possible) to see a thread with help and advice on the specifics of this diet, whilst it may seem a simple matter to avoid the trans isomer fats I think that I will find this a steep learning curve and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Nice to see you made it back onto the new forum ,John, and that you are still pursuing the science of diabetes.

Yes John please can you post your website because the link which I originally had(geocities??)did not work so it was me that erased it!!I have also had members wanting to contact you by email so hopefully now you are back on this forum they can PM you and you can send them your email address.

I would also appreciate this link.

I am trying the cis-oil diet. I've been taking the oils for about 6 weeks so far and have just moved on from the flax oil-only stage to the second phase.

I get to see the results of last Friday's bloods next Friday, 25th May (I don't self-test).
Also, I can see if my BP has come down at all.

See my posts on: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2505

Will keep you all updated 8)

... Jim

Today's results (23/05/08):

HbA1c = 6.4 (was 7.7 originally)
BS = 6.0
Cholesterol = 2.4
BP = 136/74

Kidney / liver functions normal.

Simvastatin now reduced from 40mg to 20mg daily.

All heading in the right direction so far.
Still taking the bat-potion :wink:

Hi John

I recently done some research as I was trying to undersatand what causes and keeps people in diabetes.
I refuse to accept metformin for life and got into argument with a diabetes uk adviser. You have unlocked a door for me as I did not see myself going totally vegan.
It all makes sense now and yes doctors wont tell you this.
Avoiding trans fat foods in the reason why type 2 IS being reversed
I agree with you and support you.
My doctor says if I find out and come off metformin with diet/exercise he will tell other patients about it.
And guess what John you are the first one to say that trans-fat is the cause of type 2 diabetes during my 7 day storming research.
It all makes sense....thanks
For myself I am going to adopt an organic, EFA, low glycemic load, good animal protein, high fibre diet

Good to see the Subject back on the stage

Dave P

Having been diagnosed a year ago. Started off on Gliclazide, stopped taking it due to side effects, giddy spells and low b/s, went down to average of 3.0, so stopped taking anything for 11months. Then prescribed Metformin, 500mg a day for two weeks and then 1000mgs per day thereafter, (2 a day) which I started a week ago.

Results:

No drop in blood sugars at all. Last 21 days' readings:

Average per day 14.0, this morning 16.5.

Diet. High Carb, lo fat, Last night, as example, two slices of granary bread- lo fat spread, plate of smoked salmon, 2 small glasses dry white wine. Lunch, grilled skinless chicken breast, broccolli. Breakfast tinned tomatoes on granary toast, 2 poached eggs.

Day before similar, but grilled steak for lunch, large portion 8oz steamed broccoli, nothing for supper as had stomach cramps which I have been having for three days and now advised to stop taking the metformin.

Point is I have been overweight for 15 plus years, 17.5-18st, prior to that 14st, but started to gain weight when I gave up smoking, I have walked on average 1.5 hours per day with my dogs, been on a low fat diet for the same period, I have drunk heavily in the past, but for the last fortnight cut right back to nothing more than 2 units on average every 3 days, honest, I have my wife monitoring me.

I have lost no weight at all in the last two weeks, I have had, for the last 20+ years a blood pressure of 110/55 and an at rest heart rate of 45-50bpm.

Could it be the fact that I might have a metabolic problem, its just I can't seem to get my GP to test for it.

Where can I get the oils suggested and is there diet sheet one can download?

Henry W said:

Having been diagnosed a year ago. Started off on Gliclazide, stopped taking it due to side effects, giddy spells and low b/s, went down to average of 3.0, so stopped taking anything for 11months. Then prescribed Metformin, 500mg a day for two weeks and then 1000mgs per day thereafter, (2 a day) which I started a week ago.

Results:

No drop in blood sugars at all. Last 21 days' readings:

Average per day 14.0, this morning 16.5.

Diet. High Carb, lo fat, Last night, as example, two slices of granary bread- lo fat spread, plate of smoked salmon, 2 small glasses dry white wine. Lunch, grilled skinless chicken breast, broccolli. Breakfast tinned tomatoes on granary toast, 2 poached eggs.

Day before similar, but grilled steak for lunch, large portion 8oz steamed broccoli, nothing for supper as had stomach cramps which I have been having for three days and now advised to stop taking the metformin.

Point is I have been overweight for 15 plus years, 17.5-18st, prior to that 14st, but started to gain weight when I gave up smoking, I have walked on average 1.5 hours per day with my dogs, been on a low fat diet for the same period, I have drunk heavily in the past, but for the last fortnight cut right back to nothing more than 2 units on average every 3 days, honest, I have my wife monitoring me.

I have lost no weight at all in the last two weeks, I have had, for the last 20+ years a blood pressure of 110/55 and an at rest heart rate of 45-50bpm.

Could it be the fact that I might have a metabolic problem, its just I can't seem to get my GP to test for it.

Where can I get the oils suggested and is there diet sheet one can download?

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For someone who is overweight your BP is very good!Have you had tests at all on your heart etc.When I was diagnosed they did a whole battery of tests,echocardiograph etc.You have a very low resting heartbeat which probably means quite a low metabolism. "High carb"!!!not a good idea for a diabetic!!If you read the threads about carbs on here you will see that lowering your carb intake helps lower your Blood sugars.Yours are really high BTW and could cause problems if you don't start to get them under control.
People who have trouble with stomach cramps and Metformin often try taking the Metformin in the middle of a meal rather than before.What has your GP suggested if you can't take Metformin? You can't just stop taking diabetic medication,you need something to lower your blood sugars!
There is not a diet sheet as such for 'Carefix's' "The Cure".You would have to read through the thread and pick it up from there.Have a good browse through all the forum and you will come across other helpful threads as well.

I did have an ECG and was told everything was fine. In fact the only comment at the time of all the tests was that I was asked whether I was taking blood pressure pills. The answer to which was no, I have never needed them. My blood pressure and at rest heart rate have not changed in over 35 years!!! It was the same when I joined the Army in 1973, when I joined the Met Police in 1974, when I left in 1988 etc, etc.

I was diagnosed as a baby with having acidosis, something which I have since discovered apparently leads inevitaby to type 2 diabetes and obesity after the age of 30. Strangely enough it was from 40 onwards that I put on weight and at 51 was diagnosed with type 2. However my GP seems determined to ignore this fact, despite confirming from my notes that it was in fact true that I had acidosis as a child. I only remembered as I was not allowed to drink milk, have sugar, had to avoid sweets etc when I was young.

Am seeing the GP again on Monday, 1 month after the last lot of tests, to try and find a different drug to take. I am going to ask to be referred to a specialist, are there any such individuals? Can't hack the Metformin, the stomach cramps and feeling of nausea and reflux are too much to bear. Was taking them in the middle of the meal, as suggested, did not make any difference.

Henry W said:

Am seeing the GP again on Monday, 1 month after the last lot of tests, to try and find a different drug to take. I am going to ask to be referred to a specialist, are there any such individuals? Can't hack the Metformin, the stomach cramps and feeling of nausea and reflux are too much to bear. Was taking them in the middle of the meal, as suggested, did not make any difference.

Click to expand...

Hi Henry,
I sympathise with you about the stomach problems associated with metformin, as will many others. As I have just posted elsewhere on this forum, there is a version of metformin that is kinder on the stomach. This is Glucophage SR, which is metformin but in a slow release form - but see my comment below before you ask you GP to prescribe this, as metformin in any form may not be what you need. To answer your question above, yes there are certainly consultants that you can be referred to, either NHS or privately. Some like to call themselves diabetologists and some endocrynologists, but essentially they are the same breed. They will have forgotten more about diabetes and its treatment than your GP will ever have learned.

In response to your previous post, am I right in thinking that you were on gliclazide, then came off it, then went on to metformin 11 months later, but no longer have any reduction in your BS?

If so then that proves several things, but let me first explain the difference between gliclazide and metformin. Gliclazide forces your pancreas to produce insulin. The fact that whilst on gliclazide you experienced low BS is proof that it worked for you (ignoring the side effects) in terms of making your pancreas produce insulin. Metformin doesn't make you produce insulin, but it makes what insulin you do produce work more effectively by reducing insulin resistance (i.e. it makes it easier for the insulin to transport the sugar into your body cells where it can be stored as energy).

The fact that you are no longer seeing BS reduction since coming off gliclazide indicates to me that your pancreas doesn't want to produce insulin without needing a prompt to do so (which it got from the gliclazide). Your problem doesn't seem to be one of insulin resistance because the metformin doesn't seem to be making any difference, it is more a case of needing something to get your pancreas kick-started.

If that hypothesis is correct then there are several other medications that you could take instead of gliclazide and that you may not have the same allergic reaction to. This is certainly something that you would be far better talking to a consultant diabetologist about as he/she will have a far greater knowledge of the subtle differences between the different meds than your GP would be expected to have.

Also, as Sue mentioned, a high carbohydrate diet is the worst possible thing that a Type-2 with inadequate blood sugar control can eat. All carbohydrates convert to blood sugar, so when your body is having difficulty in metabolysing blood sugar, then you need to eat less of what causes blood sugar, not more of it. Its a simple matter of cause and effect - eating less carbs results in less blood sugar - results in less insulin needed to metabolise the sugar.

That doesn't mean that you should ditch carbohydrates altogether, but have a look at the highest-carb foods that you eat (like bread, cereals, pasta, rice, potatoes) and try reducing the portions of each - if you normally have cereal and 2 slices of toast for breakfast (around 65g carbs), try instead having scrambled eggs on a single slice of toast (around 15g carbs); with your main meal have half the potatoes but more of another veg.

Thanks for the advice. Will post again when a few days have elapsed.

Sorry for resembling a terrier with a bone (or rat) but...

Trans-fatty Acids Do Not Appear To Increase The Risk Of Diabetes