Tag Archives: Glycemic Manager™ by Integrative Therapeutics

The Glucose-Diabetes-Dementia Trifecta

The Glucose-Diabetes-Dementia TrifectaJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

While the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often used interchangeably, Alzheimer’s is actually a very specific common form of dementia. Often associated with aging, dementia is an umbrella term for brain abnormalities linked to advancing cognitive, behavioral and psychological decline. Signs and symptoms of dementia can include increasing confusion, memory impairment, behavioral changes and communication difficulties, as well as a loss of mental and physical abilities that interferes with daily living. For each person, the stages of dementia from mild cognitive impairment to severe decline progress on individual timetables.

As an irreversible, degenerative and currently incurable disease, Alzheimer’s is generally characterized by impaired energy metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic oxidative stress, DNA damage and cell apoptosis, as well as an abundance of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques located between and inside brain neurons. These plaques and tangles are abnormal accumulations of cell-damaging proteins that alter and disrupt cellular function and block neuronal communication. As neurons become injured and neuronal connections break down, brain regions begin to atrophy, eventually resulting in widespread loss of brain volume.

While there is no known cure for dementia and no definitive means of prevention, we do know that lifestyle factors have a profound impact on brain health. Adhering to wholesome lifestyle behaviors that promote healthy aging and reduce chronic disease risk may also inhibit or delay the progression of cognitive decline. General risk prevention and health maintenance strategies include losing excess weight, remaining physically and socially active, getting sufficient healthy sleep and reducing chronic stress. Along with regular physical activity, a healthy diet can lower elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Maintaining weight and blood glucose levels within the normal range may be the most advantageous for keeping the brain healthy and fit as one ages.

Although glucose or blood sugar is the primary source of fuel for the brain and all body cells, high blood sugar is linked to inflammation, obesity and the onset of glucose disorders, such as insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes in older individuals. Although studies have not shown that high blood sugar causes dementia, research does link elevated blood glucose levels with an increased risk of developing dementia and a faster rate of cognitive decline, even in individuals in the non-diabetic range. Numerous studies have documented a strong association between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other types of dementia.

The pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction remains only partially understood. While researchers continue to study and make significant gains in understanding the effects of diabetes on cognitive dysfunction, we do know that diabetic and prediabetic states consistently present as risk factors for cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. The good news is that diabetes and diabetes-related factors are modifiable, potentially allowing for interventions that may delay or prevent the onset of cognitive deterioration. Modern medicine recognizes the influence of diet quality, as well as lifestyle and environmental factors, on body composition and overall healthy function.

  • An eating plan that greatly reduces or eliminates processed foods, refined carbohydrates and added sugars, as well as incorporates nutrient, fiber and antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, plant-based proteins, nuts, healthy fats and fish may also promote long-term brain health and positively impact brain structure.
  • Scientific evidence has linked moderate intensity exercise and higher levels of endurance to sharpened memory and enhanced thinking skills. Even more encouraging, middle aged out of shape adults who improved their fitness levels showed the same substantial reduction in dementia risk as those who were fit before midlife.
  • Observational studies suggest that controlling blood pressure through lifestyle factors or medications may lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease by 16 percent and other forms of dementia by 12 percent.
  • As type 2 diabetes is believed to accelerate brain aging, avoiding obesity and insulin resistance through diet and regular physical activity may be the best investment for safeguarding long-term physical and cognitive health.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of healthy glucose metabolism:

GlucoFunctionGlucoFunction by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic formulation offers a comprehensive blend of key nutrients, antioxidants and herbal extracts in support of healthy glucose metabolism, microcirculation and pancreatic function. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

Vital ClearVital Clear® by Vital Nutrients: This powdered formula provides optimal amounts of high quality, naturally pure macro and micronutrients, including plant proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, herbs and essential fatty acids. Vital Clear® is designed to support a healthy inflammatory response and normal detoxification. Free of wheat, barley and rye gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, sugar, coatings and bindings.

Glycemic ManagerGlycemic Manager™ by Integrative Therapeutics®: This comprehensive formula is designed to lessen the impact of high-glycemic foods on blood sugar levels, as well as encourage healthy blood glucose metabolism. Ingredients include vitamins, minerals, botanicals and more. Free of sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy, ingredients of animal origin and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.

Gluco-ResponseGluco-Response™ by NuMedica®: This high potency formula provides a unique combination of bioavailable vitamins, minerals and botanicals in support of the maintenance of healthy blood sugar, blood lipid levels and insulin metabolism. Free of milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy. Vegetarian formulation.

GlucoSupreme HerbalGlucoSupreme™ Herbal by Designs for Health®: This synergistic herbal formula is designed to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Ingredients include standardized herbs, botanicals, and ginseng, as well as berberine, a plant compound highly regarded for its efficacy in supporting healthy blood glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
Above-normal blood sugar linked to dementia. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/above-normal-blood-sugar-linked-to-dementia-201308076596
The association of diabetes and dementia and possible implications for nondiabetic populations. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3240939/
What Happens to the Brain in Alzheimer’s Disease? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is Type 3 Diabetes-Evidence Reviewed. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2769828/
Sugar and the Brain. https://neuro.hms.harvard.edu/harvard-mahoney-neuroscience-institute/brain-newsletter/and-brain-series/sugar-and-brain
Higher brain glucose levels may mean more severe Alzheimer’s. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/higher-brain-glucose-levels-may-mean-more-severe-alzheimers
The Role of Diet in Brain Health. https://www.neurologytimes.com/dementia/role-diet-brain-health
Another Reason to Take Your Blood Pressure Drugs: Lower Dementia Risk. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/12/well/live/blood-pressure-hypertension-drugs-dementia-alzheimers.html

Can Type 2 Diabetes Be Reversed with Weight Loss?

DiabetesJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Strong evidence suggests that, yes, type 2 diabetes can be reversed, but a lot depends on the timing of the diagnosis. While every year more than 1.5 million adults learn they have diabetes, an estimated 7 million adults have yet to be diagnosed. Recent studies have shown that the best chance of diabetes reversal often occurs very early in the disease onset. However, some who have been previously diagnosed can potentially put their diabetes into remission with dietary adjustments and substantial weight loss. Analysis of several studies showed that individuals with a history of type 2 diabetes who significantly reduced weight experienced remission along with a decrease in liver and pancreatic fat. As well, researchers surmise that insulin-producing beta cells thought to be dead or obsolete in diabetics, may have essentially been hibernating. It now appears that achieving a healthy weight may be sufficient to reactive them.

Largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity, type 2 or adult onset diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. Impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting blood sugar are conditions relating to the transition from normal function to diabetes onset. Those diagnosed with high blood sugar are at high risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, although this is not inevitable as evidenced by lifestyle interventions. A common consequence of uncontrolled diabetes, high blood sugar leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems over time. Per the World Health Organization, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

Lifestyle approaches for the prevention, management and potential remission of an early type 2 diabetes diagnosis:

  • Reducing weight and healthy weight maintenance are cornerstones of metabolic health. Type 2 diabetes is most commonly associated with excess weight, obesity and insulin resistance. Per the BMJ, weight loss is linked to improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and lipids, which can delay or prevent complications, particularly cardiovascular events.
  • Energy balance is calculated by the amount of calories consumed compared to calories burned through physical activity, daily routine and bodily processes. Most guidelines recommend promoting weight loss by reducing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure.
  • Perhaps the most contentious issue on the prevention or management of diabetes is disagreement on macronutrient diet composition. While some clinicians tout a low carbohydrate diet for weight and glycemic control, others conclude that a low carb diet combined with low saturated fat intake is better. The best current approach may be a focus on a healthy eating pattern that limits caloric intake and improves macronutrient quality. Evidence supports avoidance of processed foods, refined grains, processed red meats, and sugar sweetened drinks, as well as an emphasis on whole foods, including fiber-rich colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, oily fish and dairy.

Recent findings suggest that lifestyle modifications may have a bigger impact on reversing type 2 diabetes than previously believed. For many newly diagnosed individuals the choice seems clear. One can either commit to intensely focused lifestyle changes or take lifelong medication and expect diabetic health complications in the future. Weight loss first, followed by weight maintenance through exercise and proper diet should remain the focus to avoid diabetes onset and a progressive decline in health. The future looks brighter for many of those who do overhaul their diet and prioritize exercise. It now appears that the loftier goal of reversing the condition may actually be attainable for many.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality products in support of healthy metabolism and overall wellness:

ChromeMate® GTF 600ChromeMate® GTF 600 by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic supplement is formulated for nutritional support of healthy glucose and lipid metabolism. Certified gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Glycemic ManagerGlycemic Manager™ by Integrative Therapeutics®: This vitamin, mineral and botanical formula is designed to lessen the impact of high glycemic foods and encourage healthy blood sugar metabolism. Free of sugar, yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, dairy and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegetarian formulation.

Berberine BlendBerberine Blend by Professional Supplement Center®: This product is formulated to support normal homocysteine levels, as well as the maintenance of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels already within the normal range. These factors provide support for overall cardiovascular wellness. Non-GMO formulation.

Metabolic ManagerMetabolic Manager™ by Vitanica®: This holistic formula blends antioxidant-rich nutrients and adaptogenic botanicals in support of the maintenance of a healthy glycemic and metabolic response.  Free of sugars, lactose, salt, wheat, gluten, soybeans, milk derivatives, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. Non-GMO vegan formulation.

References:
Reversing Diabetes with Weight Loss: Stronger Evidence, Bigger Payoff. https://www.endocrineweb.com/news/diabetes/60067-reversing-diabetes-weight-loss-stronger-evidence-bigger-payoff
Diabetes. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
Dietary and nutritional approaches for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2234
Is Type 2 Diabetes Reversible? https://health.usnews.com/conditions/type-2-diabetes/type-2-diabetes-reversible