Diabetes is a chronic disease involving the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein which leads to an increase in blood sugar or glucose levels and can greatly increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and loss of nerve function. Diabetes can occur when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin, or if the cells of the body become resistant to insulin. Thus resulting in blood sugar not getting transported into the cells and ultimately serious complications.

Diabetes is normally one of two types: Type I and Type II.

Type I diabetes is also called Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or just Diabetes Mellitus.

Type I is often diagnosed in children and teenagers. Type II diabetes is normally found in adults over the age of 40. The classic symptoms of diabetes are normally excessive and frequent urination, excessive thirst, and excessive appetite. A word about Carbohydrates, Fats and Starches. Carbohydrates can be divided into simple and complex forms. Sugar is a term used for certain simple carbohydrates. Foods that are high in sugar include fruit, refined sweeteners (table sugar, cane juice and high fructose corn syrup), beets, corn and honey. Complex carbohydrates are the larger molecule carbohydrates. They are often called starches. Foods that are high in starch include root vegetables such as potatoes and yams, and grains and grain products such as rice, wheat, oats, flour, bread and crackers. All carbohydrates, whether simple or complex, are converted into the simple carbohydrate glucose in our bodies.

To understand the affect that carbohydrates and thus glucose has on your body, you must first understand insulin. Insulin is a hormone released from the pancreas usually in response to blood glucose levels. It facilitates the movement of glucose into cells where it can be used for fuel. It also moves glucose into the liver for storage as glycogen, and whatever is left after that is converted into fatty acids for storage as fat in your body. Since all carbohydrates even complex starchy ones are converted to glucose in your body they all trigger the release of insulin.

The difference between complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates is that simple carbohydrates can elevate your blood glucose levels quicker because they are more easily absorbed. The body wants to maintain blood glucose levels within a healthy range, so when blood glucose levels spike quickly, a large amount of insulin, often too much, is released to deal with it quickly.

What Causes Type I Diabetes?

The exact cause of Type I diabetes is a topic of controversy but it is often the result of the body’s own immune system attacking the beta-cells of its own pancreas where insulin is manufactured. The reason why the body turns on itself is not universally agreed upon. Recent research has focused the spotlight on viruses as a possible cause of this destructive process. There has been research conducted that points to exposure to a protein in cows milk( bovine albumin peptide) as a baby, that can trigger this autoimmune response. Genetic factors also seem to pay a role in making one more susceptible to the disease. But it is often triggered by environmental factors, obesity, and severe nutritional deficiencies.

What Causes Type II Diabetes?

Not only do excess carbohydrates lead to heart disease they also contribute to diabetes. This is because high blood glucose causes high insulin levels. High insulin levels eventually cause cells to become insulin resistant which leads to type II diabetes. Since all carbohydrates are converted to glucose which triggers the release of insulin, it is it is important to limit their consumption, but since simple carbohydrates can do the most damage you should limit them even more. But how many grams of carbohydrates should we consume? Since carbohydrates are fuel for the body the answer depends on how active you are. If you are sedentary, you may only need 70 grams of carbohydrates per day whereas if you work out a lot or are training to run a marathon you may need 300 grams. Most people fall somewhere between the two. If you want to lose fat you can burn it by keeping your insulin levels low by eating less than 70 grams of carbohydrates and engaging in moderate exercise. A good plan is to take a look at the amount of carbohydrates you are eating currently. Gradually reduce your carbohydrate consumption over time for best results. Healthy fats and cholesterol can help balance your hormones, lower your risk for cancer, heart disease and diabetes, aid in digestion, improve learning and memory, prevent diseases caused by vitamin D deficiency (see below) and much more.

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Information on what role the mineral chromium plays in regulating insulin

Reducing the amount of grains and starches you consume will help with blood sugar issues, also reduce the amount of potatoes you eat or switch to sweet potatoes. Substitute brown sugar for potatoes.