CARBOHYDRATE HANDLING

Carbohydrates are an excellent source of quick energy for humans because they are much easier to metabolize than fats and proteins. All carbohydrates that we eat are broken down into glucose. When we consume foods containing carbohydrates, the body recognizes an increase in blood glucose levels, and releases insulin from the pancreas into the bloodstream. Whatever glucose is not immediately used for energy is stored as fat for later use. Insulin is like the key that opens the door to the cells to allow glucose in.

Under normal conditions, the body releases the exact amount of insulin needed to keep a perfect balance of glucose in the blood, typically below 110 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Consistently high levels of blood glucose may indicate hyperglycemia. Low blood glucose is referred to as hypoglycemia. The most common disease related to chronic hyperglycemia is diabetes mellitus.

Type I diabetes mellitus

is often referred to as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, and onset is typically seen early in life. In this disease, the body doesn’t produce, or doesn’t produce enough insulin, so treatment requires injections of insulin. Common symptoms of Type I diabetes include:

Frequent hunger
Frequent thirst
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Weight loss
Poor healing
Dry mouth
Dry/itchy skin
Tingling in feet
Impotence in men
Recurrent infections
Cardiac arrhythmia
Stupor
Coma

Type II diabetes mellitus

is also known as insulin-resistant diabetes and is seen in both children and adults. With this disease, the body produces insulin, but the cells don’t recognize it, so the body is unable to use it properly. Signs and symptoms of Type II diabetes mellitus include:

Headaches
Increased hunger (especially after eating)
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Increased thirst

People at risk for Type II diabetes are those who have a family history of the disease, those who are overweight/obese (especially with excess belly fat) with a BMI over 25, and those who are inactive. A person can have Type II for years and not even know it. It usually is not diagnosed until health complications have occurred.

Gestational diabetes

is a third type of diabetes mellitus, which is seen during pregnancy. With this, women who have never had diabetes before will see elevated blood glucose levels, but levels will return to normal ranges after giving birth. Sometimes this may precede development of Type II diabetes mellitus later in her life. Studies have shown that women taking 4000 IU of Vitamin D during pregnancy, or the infant taking 1000 IU of Vitamin D can reduce the chances of Type I diabetes mellitus by 80%. Meeting with our registered dietician about your current diet to discuss changes could help your blood sugar levels.

Pre-diabetes

is also known as impaired glucose tolerance. It is estimated to affect more than 50 million people over the age of 20 in the United States. With this condition, blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not enough to be classified as diabetes mellitus. It has no symptoms, but is usually a precursor to Type II diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, some long-term damage to the body, especially the heart and circulatory system, may already be occurring during pre-diabetes. People with pre-diabetes can prevent Type II diabetes by eating healthier, losing weight, and being more physically active. Poor carbohydrate handling can lead to Syndrome X, also known as the Metabolic Syndrome. It is a group of symptoms that may be caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors that increase a person’s risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. A person with Syndrome X is defined as having three or more of the following conditions:

Waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women
A triglyceride level above 150 mg/L
HDL cholesterol below 40 mg/dL in men, or below 50 mg/dL in women
Blood pressure above 135mg/85mm Hg, or taking hypertensive medication
Fasting blood glucose above 110 mg/dL, or taking anti-diabetic medication

It is estimated that 24% of the US population has Syndrome X, and the percentage jumps to 43% in 60-69 year olds.

Typical blood tests analyze just glucose, which only tells you part of the story. Other factors such as insulin, hemoglobin A1C, and leptin will allow us to determine a protocol to fit your individual needs. Dietary and lifestyle changes may prevent and reverse Type II and Gestational diabetes.

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