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High-Carbohydrate Prescribed Diets for Diabetics have been found to cause Cardiovascular and Limb-loss Diseases
Part II of a Series
Opinions on dietary guidelines promoted in the media change constantly, leaving the public confused about what to eat, what is actually good for them, and what the true culprits are that cause obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Because food producers use the “low fat” craze to sell their products, doubt is cast in the minds of the public when even a bag of candy has a promotional piece on it’s cover which claims it is a “low fat food”. The truth, supported by hundreds of studies in what actually causes diabetes related diseases, are surprisingly only found in the outskirts of the medical profession. Even more surprising are what the studies reveal - that the diseases associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, limb-loss and blindness are caused by prescribed diets high in carbohydrates and high amounts of insulin, the very medicine prescribed to control blood-sugar levels in diabetics.
Insulin is a hormone which the body uses for nutrient storage. It is responsible for putting nutrients (proteins, fats and sugar) into cells. “This process of unloading sugar and other nutrients from the bloodstream into cells is vital for two reasons,” says Dr. Diana Schwarzbein in her book The Schwarzbein Principle. “As nutrients are put into the cells, the body is replenished and refueled, and blood-sugar levels are balanced, protecting the brain. Also, insulin tells the liver that too much sugar has entered, and the liver reacts by increasing fat production from that incoming sugar.”
This “fat production” is the key to cardiovascular diseases.
Required levels of insulin in diabetics is determined by their blood-sugar levels. But lowering the blood-sugar allows diabetics to lower their need for insulin. (eliminating insulin medications without lowering sugar-levels is dangerous. Before changing any prescribed medication, one should be under the advice of a healthcare provider)
Carbohydrates come in various forms of sugar molecules which break down in the body as sugar. When too many carbohydrates are ingested, raising the blood sugar levels, high amounts of insulin are produced to protect the brain and remove sugar in the blood by placing it into cells. After years of excessive accumulation of sugar in the body, cells become so filled with sugar that they cannot admit any more sugar molecules. Cells then protect themselves of this sugar overload by reducing the number of insulin receptors, causing insulin resistance. The pancreas reacts and secretes even more insulin in the bloodstream, a condition called hyperinsulinemia. This leads to further insulin resistance. This high amount of insulin tells the liver to increase fat production and because cells are then insulin resistant, sugar and fat are trapped in the bloodstream.
There are many causes of raised insulin levels besides too many carbohydrates. Nicotine in cigarettes, stress, caffeine, some over-the-counter drugs and most artificial sweeteners, such as those found in diet sodas, are some of the major factors.
According to doctors Richard and Rachael Heller, and Dr. Frederic Vagnini, authors of The Carbohydrates addict’s Healthy Heart Program, approximately 300 articles were written in 1983 describing insulin as the essential link to other diseases. Fifteen years later, more than 15,000 scientific articles have explored and reported this discovery. They noted the study by Dr. Robert W. Stout who reviewed 20 years of scientific studies that looked at a total of more than 11,000 people. Dr. Stout concluded that high insulin levels stimulate the production of fat in arteries and the production of cholesterol in the body, and high levels of insulin have been associated with hypertension, elevated triglycerides, elevated cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein, among others.
The American Heart Association issued a press release in the AHA’s medical journal, Circulation, which stated, “Over 22 years of follow-up, the predictive power of insulin levels was of the same magnitude as that of cholesterol levels.” They also added that during the scientific study itself, “when compared to other risk factors, insulin levels were the most statistically significant predictor of heart attack risk.”
Which explains why Type II Diabetics have the highest risk for heart disease.
“What seems odd to us, however,” said Doctor Heller and Dr. Vagnini. “Is the media’s apparent unwillingness to report to their viewers, readers, and listeners the results of so many documented, verified, and long-term scientific studies regarding insulin’s powerful connection to heart disease.”
Unfortunately, money and politics have “poisoned” the healthcare industry by financially supporting scientists who are driven to take research studies out of context for the primary purpose of drawing readers and viewers to their findings. According to Doctor Heller and Dr. Vagnini, these scientists, who accept great sums of money from food and drug manufacturers for putting their names on research they have never seen, are all given equal coverage alongside legitimate, credible, uncompromised scientific study.
This confusing onslaught of misguided information has lead the public to believe the main cause of cardiovascular disease is from eating fat. One very popular study in the scientific arena that was “taken out of context” is the Oslo Study.
This study called, Effect of Diet and Smoking Intervention on the Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease, (Lancet, December 12, 1981) was, according to Dr. Schwarzbein, the landmark study that launched the fear of cholesterol.
Researchers tracked a group of 1,232 men considered to have higher risk for coronary heart disease. They were split in to two groups, the first group was told to alter lifestyles by quitting smoking and drinking, eat less sugar and reduce cholesterol intake. Although the group was able to cut back on their smoking 45%, it was not recognized at the time that smoking altered cholesterol numbers. Therefore, the success of the study was attributed to the men eating less cholesterol instead of to smoking fewer cigarettes.
Controlling blood-sugar levels greatly reduces the amount of insulin needed to regulate sugar in the blood for both type I and type II diabetics, which in turn reduces cholesterol and its related diseases. “As high levels of insulin and insulin resistance decline, signs of atherosclerosis often decline or disappear; cholesterol and triglyceride levels drop; lower-density lipids (LDL—the ‘bad’ fats in the blood) drop; and higher-density lipids (HDL—the ‘good’ cholesterol) rise,” says Dr. Heller and Dr. Vagnini.
According to Schwarzbein, the body’s balancing hormone to insulin is a hormone called glucagon. Glucagon directs the liver to release sugar into the blood stream and directs cells to release fat that can be used as energy and to release proteins that can be used as building materials. “Glucagon is released in response to protein foods,” said Schwarzbein. “Insulin is released in response to carbohydrates and some amino acids. Neither is released when nonstarchy vegetables and fats are consumed.” Therefore, if carbohydrates are eaten alone, the insulin-to-glucagon ratio is too high. (click here for examples of starchy and nonstarchy vegetables)
Many studies support this theory that the high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet suggested for diabetics is not the most healthy for diabetics and actually leads to cardiovascular disease. One study titled, Why do Low-Fat High-Carbohydrate Diets Accentuate Postprandial Lipemia in Patients with NIDDM? published in Diabetes Care, January, 1995, stated, “A low-fat, high-CHO (carbohydrate) diet in patients with NIDDM (Type II Diabetes) lead to higher day-long plasma glucose, insulin, and TG concentrations ...and demonstrate that multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease are accentuated when these individuals consume diets recommended to reduce this risk.”
Click here for a carbohydrate comparison of American Diabetes Association diet vs. the Schwarzbein Principal
Schwarzbein offers a “healing program” in her book which consists of decreasing the carbohydrate consumption to slightly below current metabolic needs (see carbohydrate diagram). Length of time on the healing program is determined by the individuals state of health. The only difference between the “Healing Program” and the regular “Maintenance Program” is that carbohydrates are not decreased below metabolic needs. In the healing program, as the body turns to its’ stored energy, cells are emptied of sugar and insulin receptor doors are replaced, which reverses insulin resistance.
She suggests eating protein at every meal, such as eggs, beef, chicken, etc. Minimum requirement for a woman is sixty to seventy grams per day, and for a man is seventy to eighty grams per day. “Do not be afraid to eat more protein if your body wants it,” says Schwarzbein. “Your body has initial feedback mechanisms to prevent you from overeating proteins and fats.” (a hormone called cholecystokinin is released when eating protein causing the person to feel full. If too much protein is continued to be eaten, a feeling of nausea follows.) (Click here for Schwarzbein's carbohydrate table)
Good fats are also suggested to eat, such as avacados, flaxseed oil, butter, mayonnaise and olive oil. She suggests to avoid bad fats which are fried foods and hydrogenated fats. Always use “pure-pressed” oils which are not damaged during processing. Most oils on store shelves are damaged due to heat processes, except Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Other healthy oils can be found at healthfood stores. Schwarzbein suggests to eat as many non-starchy vegetables as you want, but to regulate starchy vegetables by counting their carbohydrates. (see non-starchy, and starchy vegetable tables) Never eat carbohydrates alone and eat a proportional amount to the protein and fat intake.
Many studies show that taking chromium supplements also helps reduce insulin-insensitivity. “We often describe it as insulin’s partner,” says Dr. Heller and Dr. Vagnini, in their book Carbohydrate Addict’s Healthy Heart Program.” They suggest to their readers that GTF chromium is the best. It is also inexpensive.
One 4-month, double blind study reported in 1997, studied 180 people with type 2 diabetes who were divided into three groups: the group taking the highest amount of chromium, 500 mcg twice daily, significantly lowered their fasting blood sugar levels. After 4 months, the group also had a significant drop in cholesterol levels and a significant drop in their glycosylated hemoglobin, a measure of long-term blood sugar control. Chromium has also been proven to reduce neuropathy, a nerve disease associated with Diabetes. Dosages of chromium from 200 to 600 daily is considered safe. Higher dosages should be under a healthcare provider’s supervision.
Research from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study and the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial has shown that lowering glycosylated haemoglobin ( HbA1c), reduces the risk for retinopathy and kidney disease. HbA1c is a test to tell how well sugar levels have been maintained over a 10 week period. (It is not the same as testing the sugar levels at any given moment.) Normal HbA1c levels are between 6.5-7.0% or below. These studies show that for every 1% HbA1c levels are reduced in diabetics, risk for retinopathy and kidney disease is reduced by an amazing 37%.
Controlling sugar levels for Diabetics is the key to avoid diabetic related diseases. High blood sugar and the metabolic products of abnormal glucose metabolism (free radicals) may cause neurological, vascular, kidney, and visual problems. One of the most common complications of sustained high blood sugar is diabetic neuropathy. Often the disruption of the protecting outer layer of the nerve occurs, which results in paresthesias or numbness, pins and needles and afterward, a severe burning and pain of feet, sometimes making it impossible to walk.
Alpha lipoic acid has been used in Europe for over three decades to treat diabetic neuropathy, to help regulate blood sugar, and prevent diabetic retinopathy and cardiopathy. It is successful in its effects through its very potent antioxidant capabilities. One study, which was published in Diabetes Care (1997; 20: 369-73) included 328 patients with type 2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy were randomly assigned treatment with intravenous doses of alpha lipoic acid. The total symptom score of the subjects decreased remarkably in the groups taking 600mg and 1,200 mg, daily over a 3 week period. Another study involving diabetic patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy were given 800 mg of alpha lipoic acid orally, per day over a four month period. Significant improvement of the heart rate variability were found. Neither studies found adverse effects caused by the nutrient.
It is disturbing to realize Diabetes as a disease is avoidable through eating right, natural supplements when needed and exercise. But even more disturbing is knowing that those diabetics who have incurred blindness, kidney disease or amputation had an alternative route to a healthier life which would have never directed them down a path of physical destruction.
The majority of physicians who make up the profession have no intention of investigating therapies other than those from pharmaceutical manufacturers. Even though 70% of all pharmaceutical drugs are synthetic copies of natural chemical compounds found in plants and herbs, a prejudice arises in many physicians when the terms natural supplements or alternative medicines are spoken. Working with a physician (or healthcare provider) who believes in natural supplements for the body is proven to have the healthiest outcome available for those with degenerative diseases, such as Diabetes.
(Click here for Part I of the Series)
[Because of the response of this series on Diabetes Prevention, the Native American Times has chosen to sponsor a Health Fair in the fall which will be located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.. Topics will include carbohydrate counting, natural supplements and treatment for Diabetes and related diseases. Talks will be given by experts in these fields. Watch the paper or website for more information in the weeks to come.]
Disclaimer: this article is designed to educate our readers on the alternative treatment for diabetes and it’s related diseases. It is not recommended to follow any of the information in this article without being under the guidance of a physician or healthcare provider.
[This article is free to reprint but only if the article is reprinted in its entirety without removing or adding to its content (unless otherwise permitted); and credit go toward the Native American Times at
www.nativetimes.com.]
Liz Gray
Prescribed High Carb Diets Blamed for Diabetic Amputations
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