Immune problems in people with IDDM have been tied
to other allergies as well,27 and the importance of focusing only on the
avoidance of dairy products remains unclear.28 Nonetheless, until more is
known, most doctors of natural medicine recommend abstaining from dairy products in
infancy and early childhood, particularly for children with a family history of IDDM.
Recent research also suggests a possible link between milk consumption in infancy and an
increased risk of NIDDM.29
Lifestyle changes that may
be helpful: Most people with NIDDM are obese.30 Excess abdominal
weight does not stop insulin formation,31 but it does make the body insensitive
to insulin.32 Excess weight even makes healthy people pre-diabetic.33
Weight loss reverses this problem.34 NIDDM improves with weight loss in most
studies.35 36 37
Being overweight does not cause IDDM, but it does
increase the need for more insulin. Therefore, people with IDDM should achieve and
maintain appropriate body weight.
Exercise helps decrease body fat38 and
improves insulin sensitivity.39 Exercisers are less likely to develop NIDDM.40
People with IDDM who exercise require less insulin.41 However, exercise can
induce low blood sugar or even occasionally increased blood sugar.42 Therefore,
diabetics should never begin an exercise program without consulting a healthcare
professional.
Moderate drinking in healthy people improves
glucose tolerance.43 44 45 46 However, alcohol worsens glucose tolerance in the
elderly47 and in diabetics.48 Diabetics who drink have a high risk
for eye49 and nerve damage.50 Until more is known, people with
diabetes should avoid alcohol. For healthy people, light drinking will not increase the
risk of diabetes, but heavy drinking will, and should therefore be avoided.
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