Diabetes, immune balance and inflammation

We get our energy from glucose (sugar) circulating in our bloodstream. The body uses insulin, a hormone, to control circulating glucose levels. Too high a glucose level is just as bad as too little glucose. Those who cannot control their blood sugar level, for example diabetics, are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, eye, kidney, skin and nervous system complications.

Inflammation is a major contributor to diabetes. Inflammatory markers are higher in diabetics compared to controls, indicating chronic inflammation. Fat cells, especially those around the waist, release pro-inflammatory cytokines. These biochemical messages result in inflammatory responses that can eventually destroy insulin-producing cells.

Controlling excessive inflammation reduces the chance of developing chronic diseases, including diabetes. Diabetics who lower their levels of inflammation, lower their risk of having other conditions.

The key to excellent health is having the right balance of pro-inflammatory (molecules that drive inflammatory responses) and anti-inflammatory (molecules that dampen inflammation) cytokines. We need enough inflammation to defend the body against infection and cancer cells, but not so much that the body starts destroying healthy tissue, such as insulin-producing cells.

inflammation control

Restoring the inflammatory immune balance, homeostasis, can reduce the symptoms of diabetes, help protect against infection, and contribute to overall health by giving the body a chance to heal itself.

Reach your ideal weight.

Obese people have a higher risk of getting diabetes. Fat cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines, messages that cause inflammation. Many diabetic symptoms are reduced, even with minimal weight loss.

Make smarter food and drink choices.

Current dietary suggestions are to ignore the fat content of foods and focus on lowering total carbohydrate intake.

Limit your intake of:

• Liquid carbohydrates such as sodas, fruit juices, “energy” drinks, beer.
• Fried food.
• Starches, such as corn, white rice, French fries, nachos, French fries.
• White flour products such as breads, pastas, cakes, desserts.

Fill half your plate with colorful vegetables and fruits.

You may also want to include some of the following: Brewer’s yeast, broccoli, buckwheat, liver, okra, peas, and spinach.

Get physically active.

Exercise, even without weight loss, helps control blood sugar levels. Muscles release anti-inflammatory molecules every time they contract. To help balance inflammation levels in the body, try to be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week. Walk briskly. Standing instead of sitting. Work faster when you’re in the garden. Exercise while you watch TV. Just move!

Vitamin D may play a role in balancing inflammatory responses.

Vitamin D, actually a hormone-like biochemical, is involved in cell growth and immunity. Organ systems such as the liver, skin, thymus, small intestine, and pancreas have cells that bind to a form of vitamin D. It suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Diabetics often do not have enough vitamin D in their bodies.

The body makes its own vitamin D when you are exposed to the sun. Moderate sun exposure, until the skin is slightly pink, during the summer months stimulates the production of your vitamin D. In temperate climates, vitamin D supplementation may be necessary.

Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. It is recommended that people consume 2 to 3 servings of fish per week or omega-3 fish oil supplements. [Omega-3s from plant sources may not have the same benefits.] Diabetics have found these fatty acids helpful, but check with your health care professional to see if fish oil is right for you.

Moderate coffee consumption.

Certain compounds in coffee may help decrease inflammation, suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may be helpful in diabetes.

Hyperimmune egg.

Immunological researchers have shown that consuming multiple servings/day of hyperimmune eggs is a natural way to help the body restore its immune homeostasis.

Lifestyle changes, rather than medication, are the best ways to restore immune balance, immune homeostasis, and control blood sugar.