Vanadyl sulfate is a form of vanadium, a trace mineral. In Europe, vanadium is often used as a natural treatment for diabetes.

Vanadium has been found in human studies to imitate the effects of insulin in our bodies. This ability may allow some of those with diabetes, a natural method to help lower blood sugar, take less insulin, or in some instances stop taking insulin altogether.

Vanadium is believed to assist in the transfer of sugar in the blood (glucose) into muscles, similar to the function of insulin. It is also believed to increase insulin sensitivity in the muscles. This is important to Type 2 diabetics especially, in that one factor in the development of diabetes can be insulin resistance.

This transfer of glucose into muscle tissue has also been touted by weightlifters and body builders. Vanadium allows the body to store more energy in the muscles, therefore decreasing the need for conversion to triglycerides, for fat storage.

Diabetics should consult their physician prior to taking Vanadyl sulfate. They should also monitor their blood sugar regularly when taking a vanadyl supplement because of the potential to lower blood sugar and decrease insulin needs.

The effects of vanadium have been shown to last for weeks, even in the absence of further supplementation. Therefore, it is suggested that it be taken in cycles.

It is probably best to take vanadyl sulfate supplements for about three weeks and then discontinue their use for about three weeks. By utilizing this valuable adjunct to the treatment of diabetes in this manner, a diabetic can improve sugar control, and avoid any potential toxicity.

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Dr. Mark S. Johnson is a practicing doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializing in nutrition and exercise rehabilitation. He is a fellow of the Academy of Forensic and Industrial Chiropractic Consultants, a Qualified Medical Evaluator for the State of California, and a specialist in disability evaluation.

Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as mature onset diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type I. In Type 2 diabetes the pancreas either does not produce adequate levels of insulin or the body becomes resistant to its own insulin.

Type I diabetes, also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2 in that the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type I diabetes is generally diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed in older adults, however, it is becoming substantially more prevalent in the younger population.

With the onset of diabetes, whether it be Type I or Type 2, we lose our ability to adequately utilize sugar. When this occurs, blood sugar levels increase due to the body’s inability to transport sugar into the cells and out of the blood stream. Sugar is very important in that it is the basic fuel source for the cells in our bodies. Insulin is necessary for the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.

Diabetes is a serious condition and can lead to many other health problems. Some problems that diabetics commonly encounter are an increased risk for heart and circulatory problems, high blood pressure, visual problems and blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. With the diagnosis of diabetes, it becomes extremely important that blood sugar fluctuations are tightly controlled. With good control of blood sugar levels and the prevention of prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.

Fortunately for the newly diagnosed diabetic, there are more and more tools available to help monitor and control the condition. Glucose meters are becoming smaller and easier to use. Blood samples necessary for glucose meter use are much smaller than in the past. Painful finger pricks can now be avoided with blood samples being able to be taken from alternate, less sensitive areas, such as the forearm. In the relatively near future, non-invasive glucose monitoring devices not requiring a sample of blood at all will become commonplace.

A simple blood test, known as the A1c test, can measure the average blood glucose levels over the previous three months. This test is a very good way to monitor and critique how effective current treatments, diet, medications, etc. have been recently. This test is now available for home use and as such does not even require a visit to the doctor.

Type 2 diabetics have more options available to them for blood sugar control than do Type I diabetics. Not only are there oral medications, often eliminating the need for insulin injection treatment, but other methods that may eliminate the need for medications altogether.

Type 2 diabetics should look to multiple sources of information in order to determine the best methods available to deal with their condition. A good start is a physician specializing in the treatment of diabetes. Most physician specialists will have nutritional counseling available to help understand the relationship of various food items with blood sugar levels.

Additionally, diabetics should become very familiar with vitamin, mineral, and herbal options to improve blood sugar metabolism and control. A few examples of supplements that are well known to help in this regard are chromium, magnesium, and vanadyl sulfate. Various natural glucose transport factors can be very helpful in aiding the body’s transport of glucose from the blood and into the cells. Vanadyl sulfate has been shown to improve glucose sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance.

Various herbal preparations have been shown to significantly improve blood sugar levels, sugar metabolism, and reportedly even improve the function of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Notably, Gymnema sylvestre, known as “sugar destroyer” in Sandskrit, has been shown to have positive effects and benefits for diabetics.

Along with proper nutrition, appropriate supplements and vitamins, other important considerations are weight control and exercise. Excess weight tremendously increases the burden on the pancreas as fat requires much more insulin than lean tissue. Exercise not only helps control body fat and reduce weight, but additionally aids the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.

Diabetes is a very serious condition, but proper diet, glucose monitoring, and exercise can substantially improve our ability to control the condition. We should attempt to educate ourselves not only in the importance of tight blood sugar control, but also the various methods and options available to help in this regard. By utilizing good judgment in diet, weight control, exercise, and appropriate supplementation, diabetics can markedly reduce complications and lead long and healthy lives.

Gymnema sylvestre has been used as a treatment for diabetes for at least two thousand years. Its name is derived from the Hindi name Gurmar which translates to "sugar destroyer". It dates back to a time when the diagnosis of diabetes was literally made by sweet tasting urine, so called "honey urine".

Historically, Gymnema has been used in the treatment of various ailments and conditions from stomach problems and constipation, to snake bites, and urinary disturbances. Probably the most exciting use of this herb however, is for use in blood sugar balancing and glucose metabolism. Not surprising, is that the major portion of the research has been directed to blood sugar control, and use with diabetes.

Today, several studies have verified the beneficial effects of Gymnema sylvestre in helping to control blood sugar levels and thereby improve diabetic control. An additional benefit seems to be the ability of this substance to control sugar cravings and also reduce sugar absorption in the intestine.

Another positive benefit of this natural substance is the gradual effect it has in improving blood sugar metabolism and balance, rather that the not so subtle changes that occur with prescribed drugs. It also appears to be very safe in that the hypoglycemic effects do not lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, but rather act within a normal range.

Fortunately in this day and age there are many companies that sell preparations containing this valuable herb for diabetics and pre-diabetics. Gymnema's ability to stimulate existing cells in the pancreas to produce more insulin and function more effectively makes this a natural for those felt to be at risk for developing diabetes.

Knowing the importance of proper blood sugar control and having the tools to do it in a natural manner can be extremely helpful in preventing the various complications known to arise in uncontrolled diabetes.

November is Diabetes Awareness month, and actually November 14 is National Diabetes Day! It is a very important day for people to become aware of symptoms, treatment options, prevention and some updates on research. Knowledge and awareness are important to prevention, but research is critical to each and every diabetic out there! Everyone who suffers from chronic illness dreams of ‘the cure’, one is no less important than the other. For years, diabetes has maybe been portrayed as a disease of minor inconvenience and when things go wrong, the auto response is poor management or cheating on diet.

Yes, years! Would you believe the discovery of insulin was over 84 years ago! Thanks to Dr. Banting and Dr. Best, diabetics can survive. Maybe that is part of the reason that people who don’t understand the disease will minimize the seriousness of it. At one time diabetes meant death, now it is possible to live a near normal life with medication and insulin, diet, exercise and a lot of balance of them all. Allow me to repeat “near normal life”. There are a lot more footnotes to be attached to how that may or may not happen. I am not here to tell you statistics; you can find a fabulous write up in the November 8th Leader Post; “Saskatchewan waging a war against diabetes” and “the epidemic”.

I am here to tell you that the life of a diabetic is far from normal! Their day starts out with blood testing, likely in a finger that has turned to leather from so many stabs. That will allow them to decide how much insulin to take, how much food to eat, and maybe what kind of day they will have. This may happen 4-6 times per day, costing $1.00-$1.50 per test strip! A person in good control can get through their day totally fitting into the world, but if you happen to be a more severe, or rigid diabetic, your day can be hell! Severe diabetics may have to deal with insulin reactions, which can bring them to unconsciousness or highs, which have been described to me as “worse than your worse hangover.” Add to that the fear and concern of complications, be it heart, circulation, kidney failure leading to dialysis or vision loss, to name a few.

28 years ago, there was a 2- year old child diagnosed with type 2, insulin dependant diabetes, which means that the pancreas does not produce insulin anymore. Parents were totally unaware of the symptoms. What started out seeming like a simple kidney infection turned a planned holiday into a one-week hospital stay. This stay included education, diet plans and food choices, giving needles to oranges, blood testing, and a lot of mixed emotions of shock, anxiety, denial, discouragement, reality, and blues. How could this be happening, there is no diabetes in the family! The days at home were difficult, father would hold the child, mother would inject insulin, child would scream, cry, kick, mother would cry and both parents try to relax until the next go around. After all, it is the life of your child, you would do anything right? Those days have turned into years, one of those parents is me, that child is our son.

I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been difficult. How does a parent explain to a child on Halloween or Easter that there is no candy he can have or that he will have to have fruit instead of cake at his friend’s party? Or how do you explain to the siblings that their brother is not just Oscar the Grouch, but that his blood sugar is outta whack! And what do you say when the child asks, ‘why me mom?’ I would just say, ‘you were the chosen one, and we are blessed with you so together we will make it!” And we did, but not without family, friends, and medical support.

Together it has been a learning journey, and I am happy to say that this child is now 30, without complications. Truthfully, there is Nothing Sweet About It! But, you can live with diabetes. It is all a matter of choice, whether you want to exist or live life well.

“Look to your health, and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing we mortals are capable of, a blessing money cannot buy.” (Hippocrates)

Diabetes has afflicted my life physically, emotionally and spiritually for the last sixteen years of my life. My wife of twelve years and daughter has had to live with an abnormal functioning husband and father. As the years went by as a diabetic, it became more and more difficult to control my blood sugar levels. My diet had to consist of a lot of calories because I have a fast metabolism and twenty pounds underweight. The increasing periods of uncontrolled blood sugar interfered with my thought processes at work and especially with my family.

The most detrimental effect of high blood sugar happened when I had to be hospitalized during the birth of my only daughter. My wife was hurt because it appeared that I purposely used the excuse of diabetes to not want to be with her for my daughter’s birth. It seemed I could never get close to anyone because I was living in a world of dysfunctional blood sugar all the time. I woke up in the morning with high blood sugar and grouchy. During the day it was a guessing game to keep my blood sugar at a normal level. I was always just getting by with life and never fully enjoying anything, not even a close relationship with God.

As the years went by, I became desperate and would buy a lot of products to help me try to manage my disease with no results. I could not afford health insurance and Doctor’s visits. This would always get me into trouble with my wife because we would fight about me not trusting God for the answer and wasting money. The people that would sell me products were out to take my money and take up too much of my personal time which took me away from my family.

One late evening after work, I vented my frustrations on a forum for diabetics. A response came back from Dr. Joseph Khoo from Singapore. Dr. Khoo approached me as a brother in Christ and offered me an herbal formula called Combetic on the honor system. I began taking Combetic with Dr. Khoo calling me on the phone everyday to make sure I was safely controlling my blood sugar. Having a new friend caring about me meant more to me than the remedy of my condition. After three days on Combetic, we had results and my hope grew by each passing week. I continued to decrease my insulin and I became an easier husband and father to live with. I could think better and I felt as though a fog had lifted off of me. My wife and I thanked God she had a husband to love. Dr. Khoo needed distributors for Combetic so we agreed to help as a team. Dr. Khoo visited us a few months later and we formed a corporation to market Combetic called Third Day Resources. We are now a growing team to help diabetics get freedom from the imprisonment diabetes causes. Diabetics can now go to: http://www.thirddayresources.com to get informed about diabetes and order Combetic. Dr. Khoo and professional staff offers free consultation in order to provide safe effective advice for every diabetic needing freedom from the “prison” of high blood sugar so they can get back to their lives and their families.