Type 2 diabetes is a quickly growing problem in the United States. According to the CDC, nearly 30 million people are currently diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes. As many as 8 million more have Diabetes but remain undiagnosed.
Certainly implicit in the Diabetes epidemic is the staggering amount of sugar Americans consumes annually. On average, we consume over 100lbs of sugar per year! Many doctors and researchers agree that foods high in sugar––also know as high glycemic foods––are largely responsible for people developing Diabetes, combined with lack of exercise and certain genetic risk factors.
Interestingly, though, there are certain poisons made by mold that can induce Diabetes; one called streptozotocin is often used to actually induce Diabetes in lab animals. These mold poisons often contaminate certain parts of our food supply, including grains, corn, peanuts, and soy. Neither of these things––the fact that mold poisons can cause Diabetes, and the fact that these same poisons are inherent in many foods people eat every day––are frequently discussed.
The Kaufmann Diet may be a beneficial diet for those worried about Diabetes, for two reasons:
First, you are eliminating many of the carbohydrate and sugar-rich foods that many people consume every day, which are the kind that many believe may play a role in the incidence of Diabetes.
Secondly, The Kaufmann Diet eliminates many of the foods known to be contaminated with mold toxins, known as mycotoxins.
Both of these things may go a long way towards preventing type two Diabetes, combined with exercise and a healthy lifestyle. For added support, however, below are some supplements that may be beneficial at controlling blood sugar.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
ALA may assist in reducing the necessity for insulin, but has the additional benefit of reducing some of the damage caused by Diabetes to nerves and kidneys.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Taking apple cider vinegar with meals has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reducing blood sugar spikes.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a legion of benefits, but among them is that it has been shown to assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Just one gram a day was shown to improve fasting blood glucose and triglycerides.
Chromium
Many Americans are deficient in chromium because of the diet they consume, but this vital nutrient is critical for insulin function. Chromium can make insulin 100X more effective, but without it, cells become insensitive to insulin.
Eating lots of sugar can deplete chromium. The RDA is 200mcg, but for those with Diabetes, as much as 600mcg has been shown to be beneficial; in one study, fasting blood glucose levels were cut in half in participants who took 600mcg of chromium.
Garlic
Consuming garlic has been shown to lower fasting glucose levels.