Diet Solutions for Diabetics - Diet and Other Changes You Can Make Today!

Simple Solutions: Diabetes

By Celina G. Richards

Seven percent of residents in the United States have diabetes mellitus1. Diabetes is the third largest killer in America2. However, when examined by age group, less than ¼ % of those under the age of 20 have diabetes, whereas 1 in 5 over the age of 60 have it1. Elevated levels of blood glucose, resulting from failure of the body to make or use insulin results in diabetes2.The changes that occur in the body as a result of diabetes lead to increased rate of death from heart disease and stroke, as well as complications such as high blood pressure, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system disease, amputations, and dental disease1. There are three major types of diabetes mellitus:

1. Childhood onset- The cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed, necessitating insulin shots.

2. Adult onset- The cells of the body lose the ability to use insulin properly.

3. Gestational diabetes- Occurs in some women during pregnancy.

The focus of this article will be on adult-onset diabetes, because adult-onset diabetes results from stress, obesity, a diet high in refined sugar and white flour, and as a side-effect of certain medications2. Following are helpful hints from GOD”S PLAN for the prevention and reversal of adult-onset diabetes.

Open Air—“Full, deep inspirations of pure air, which fill the lungs with oxygen, purify the blood. They impart to it a bright color and send it, a life-giving current, to every part of the body. A good respiration soothes the nerves; it stimulates the appetite and renders digestion more perfect; and it induces sound, refreshing sleep3”. When insufficient oxygen is received by the lungs, “The blood moves sluggishly. The waste, poisonous matter, which should be thrown off in the exhalations from the lungs, is retained, and the blood becomes impure. Not only the lungs, but the stomach, liver, and brain are affected. The skin becomes sallow, digestion is retarded; the heart is depressed; the brain is clouded; the thoughts are confused; gloom settles upon the spirits; the whole system becomes depressed and inactive, and peculiarly susceptible to disease3”.

Daily Exercise—Daily exercise will help to reduce blood sugar levels and improve circulation, which is often poor in diabetics2. Begin by taking a walk for 15-20 minutes daily (preferably in the sunshine and fresh air) and increase to 30-60 min daily as you are able. Walk fast enough so that you cannot sing, but slow enough that you can still talk.

Sunshine—Exposure to sunshine helps to reduce blood glucose levels, because it enhances the body’s ability to convert the glucose to glycogen and be stored in the cells2. Diabetics who sunbathe 2-6 minutes per side daily will experience dramatic decreases in their blood sugar level, whereas those with normal metabolism will experience little effect2.

Proper Rest—“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep” (Psalm 127:2). It is good to get eight hours of sleep per night, with at least two being before midnight. Eat nothing for at least 2 hours before bed, so that your stomach can rest as well. A lack of sleep leads to stress (which can result in diabetes), lowered immune function, and a decreased efficiency in work.

Lots of Water—Dehydration causes the brain to signal the release of prostaglandins, which inhibit insulin secretion. This is because the brain is largely composed of water, and if insulin is secreted, allowing sugar and some proteins into the cells, the needed water will go into the cells instead of remaining in the bloodstream for use by the brain4. Thus, it is important to: “drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink” (Ezekiel 4:11). The sixth part of a hin is approximately 1 quart. Thus, you should drink at least two quarts of water daily.

Always Temperate—Consumption of coffee, refined foods, gluten foods (wheat, rye, oats, and barley), fruits high in sugar, greasy food, and exposure to tobacco smoke aggravate diabetes, and should be avoided2. A regular schedule containing the elements found in GOD”S PLAN will be beneficial for you. Include: daily devotion, exercise, water drinking, regular meals, recreation times, sleep times, work times, fresh air, and sunshine. Eat at regular mealtimes (5-6 hours apart), and AVOID snacking between meals.

Nutrition—Foods known to decrease blood glucose are: onions, green beans, and garlic2. In addition, a diet high in raw foods is highly beneficial. Eat grains such as buckwheat, rice, and corn, which have no gluten2. In general, whole grains, beans, fruits, nuts, and seeds are beneficial for the stabilization of blood sugar2. The more foods you eat in their natural state, the better. Eat raw food before cooked at a meal. It will help to fill you up with quality nutrition and prevent the immune reaction that occurs when only cooked food is eaten2.

Godly Trust—“And [Moses] said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). Ask the Lord to bring you into harmony with the principles of His Word, and he has promised to bless you with health. If you have committed sins, in not honoring your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20), confess and ask for forgiveness. God has promised that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

May the Lord bless you as you seek to walk according to His ways, and may He bless you with health!

Sources—
1. “National Diabetes Statistics.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/statistics/#7.
2. Ferrell, Vance, et al. “Diabetes.” Natural Remedies Encyclopedia. Harvestime Books, Altamont, TN: 2004.
3. White, Ellen. Ministry of Healing. pp. 272-3.
4. Batmanghelidj, F., M.D. Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. Global Health Solutions, Inc., Falls Church, VA: 1997; pp. 123-4.