High Blood Sugars, High Cholesterol, and High Blood Pressure, the Triple Threat
A primary concern for every diabetic person is with the management and control of blood sugar levels that characterize the disease of type-2 diabetes – and also to achieve normal blood sugar levels, or near-normal blood sugar levels that can minimize the many complications that are associated with diabetes, especially heart, eye, and kidney diseases.
Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight
In a large percentage of the diabetic population, diabetes is frequently associated with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and conditions of being overweight, all of which are likely to eventually lead to cardiovascular disease. In fact, diabetes is now recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a disease that is the largest cause of death among Americans. The American Heart Association reports that 82 million Americans have some form of heart disease and 2200 die each day, That means a death occurs every 39 seconds, day in and day out – but according to many cardiologists, there are ways to prevent cardiovascular disease and to reverse cardiovascular disease, that is what we discuss here.
The diabetic should therefore be aware of the need to adopt a lifestyle of a suitable diet and exercise, where possible, that helps combat both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease – often abbreviated to CVD, as its name implies, refers to heart disease and disease of the blood circulation system, the arteries and veins which can become damaged and blocked and can cause impaired blood flow to the heart and brain, a dangerous and life-threatening possibility For a wide range of information relating to heart disease, check out the American Heart Association’s website at AmericanHeart.org.
The prevention and treatment of heart disease
A well-known cardiologist who has written several recent books on the subject, Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, advocates an approach that incorporates the use of supplements, sometimes referred to as nutraceuticals, in addition to following appropriate procedures and medications of conventional and traditional medicine.
In the book titled The Sinatra Solution, published 2005 by Basic Health Publications Inc., Dr. Sinatra provides an explanation of what he terms “Integrative Cardiology” and describes what prompted him to adopt an integrated approach to cardiovascular treatment in which some non-prescription substances are used to treat and prevent heart disease. Dr. Sinatra also explains in detail, but in layman’s terms, how the heart depends on a large supply of energy and describes the metabolic activities that occur to provide the necessary energy and how some substances are especially effective in doing so in support if the cardiovascular system. Those specifically named substances include, Coenzyme Q-10, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose. This process involving energy production by the body’s cells for the heart is referred to as “metabolic cardiology”. The book is a good read, and provides an understanding for those of us who already have to deal with higher than normal blood sugar levels and now face the new challenges of CVD.
Diabetes and Coenzyme Q-10, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose
The Sinatra solution for strengthening the heart and aiding the diabetic condition recommends the following, available from most health food stores or from many pharmacies:
- a quality multi-vitamin with 1,000 milligrams of fish oil.
- 180 to 360 mg of Coenzyme Q-10
- 1,000 to 2000 mg of L-carnitine
- 5 grams of D-Ribose
- 800 mg of magnesium
Please note:
The above are the substances and amounts listed in the book titled The Sinatra Solution, information available to anyone with access the Sinatra book, however, I myself have no qualifications to pass judgment on them, although as a diabetic newly diagnosed with CVD, I hope to incorporate them with the pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals that I currently use to help control my blood sugar levels.
Also in the book, in reference to battling diabetes, insulin resistance and syndrome-X, Dr. Sinatra emphasizes the need to maintain a low glycemic load carbohydrate diet, with 40 % or less calories derived from low glycemic load carbs if possible, in order to prevent higher than normal blood sugar levels. Also recommended for diabetes are daily doses of:
- 100 to 400 mg of alpha-lipoic acid
- 100 to 200 mg gymnema sylvestre
- 1 mg. of vanadyl sulphate
In conclusion
While it is essential for persons with diabetes and CVD to be cared for by a physician, it also appears that much of the treatment of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease depends a great deal on personal responsibility and an individual commitment to follow appropriate advice that can help combat those conditions. It helps to read and learn of the ways to best prepare for and prevent or reverse diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if possible.
[...] I understand the difficulties faced by my fellow diabetics. For more on the above topic, check out The Triple Threat. For other diabetes subjects, select from the List of Topics at Normal Blood Sugar [...]
[...] difficulties faced by my fellow diabetics. For more on diabetes and heart disease, please check out Diabetes and Complications, for other diabetes subjects, select from the List of Topics at Diabetes Blood Sugars. This entry [...]