Blood Sugar Dysregulation / Metabolic Syndrome / CardioMetabolic Syndrome
General nutritional support strategies for individuals with any dysglycemic response. i.e. Metabolic Syndrome (lnsulin Resistance and Hyperinsulinemia), Type II Diabetes, Reactive Hypoglycemia. NOTE: “Type 1 Diabetes” see Autoimmune Section
Metabolic Syndrome Definition: Metabolic Syndrome describes a cluster of two or more related health problems. Central to the syndrome is insulin resistance, the inability to efficiently use insulin to help burn blood sugar. It is often accompanied by abdominal obesity. Here’s how it develops: The more refined carbohydrates you consume, the faster your blood sugar rises after a
meal. In response, your body pumps out large amounts of insulin to help move that blood sugar into cells. But insulin (a powerful hormone) also promotes fat storage, increased blood pressure and elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Approximately 55% of Americans are overweight, a sign of metabolic syndrome. In addition, 25% of thin people have insulin resistance, the cornerstone of metabolic syndrome. Based on these numbers, more that 65% of
American adults either have or are at risk of metabolic syndrome. All of this blood sugar and insulin generates large numbers of hazardous free radicals, which age the body and set the stage for heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
How is Metabolic Syndrome Diagnosed?
There are no well-accepted criteria for diagnosing the metabolic syndrome. The criteria proposed by the National Cholesterol Education Program(NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III(ATP III), with minor modifications, are currently recommended and widely used. The American Heart Association and the Nation Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend that the metabolic
syndrome be identified as the presence of three or more of these components:
Elevated waist circumference: Men – Equal to or greater than 40 inches (102 cm) Women – Equal to or greater than 35 inches (88 cm)
Elevated triglycerides: Equal to or greater than 150 mg/dL
Reduced HDL (“good”) cholesterol: Men – Less than 40 mg/dL Women – Less than 50 mg/dL
Elevated blood pressure: Equal to or greater than 130/85 mm Hg
Elevated fasting glucose level Equal to or greater than 100 mg/dL
Ideal Laboratory Indices
Fasting Insulin 0-4 mcIU/ml
Fasting Glucose 80-90 mg/dl
Fasting Triglycerides 80-115 mg/dl
Fasting Cholesterol 150-200 mg/dl
2-Hr Postprandial Insulin Less than 30 mcIU/ml
2-Hr Postprandial Glucose Less than 120 mg/dl
Diabetes Definition
A syndrome characterized by abnormal insulin secretion and elevated blood glucose levels, accelerated atherosclerosis, neuropathy and thickened capillary membranes, resulting from a variable interaction of hereditary and environmental factors. NOTE: Diabetes Mellitus is classified as Type 1 (insulin dependent) or Type 2 (non-insulin dependent). As Type 1 patient is treated, they should be warned that insulin requirements may diminish, and care should be taken to titrate the dose according to need, not habit.
Hypoglycemia Definition
A condition characterized by sudden drops in blood sugar, associated with symptoms such as fatigue, headache, irritability, depression, nausea, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, muscle pain, arthritis, or tinnitus.
Naturopathic Approach
A naturopathic approach to treating someone with blood sugar dysregulation, regardless if it is early in the progression with hypoglycemia, or later in the progression with metabolic syndrome or very late in the progression, Type II diabetes, we always start with food first as what you eat day in and day out will have a far greater impact on your blood sugars, than any nutritional supplement I could suggest. We start with a body composition test to measure your weight compartments, then a low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory meal plan is co-created with you that will support your lean dry mass (mainly muscle mass), yet balance your blood sugars and insulin response. Clinical nutrition to repair the insulin receptor sites may also be suggested and a personal training session may also be part of your plan if being sedentary in one of the things contributing to your blood sugar dysregulation.