Donald Carrow, MD was a medical maverick who pioneered therapies like chelation, energetic medicine, nutrition and homeopathy to help patients with heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Donald Carrow, MD, The Medical Maverick, Alternative Medicine Hall Of Fame

Conventional Therapies|Alternative Therapies

Alternative Medical Therapy

By now you probably have already concluded that most alternative practitioners utilize much of what any prudent conventional physician might suggest in their treatment of diabetes mellitus. I can't over emphasize this too much, since it has been well demonstrated that the traditional medical authorities tend to berate the alternative practitioner's wisdom and skills. Remember, our goal in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is identical, if not more intense, to that of the traditional medical practitioner. We certainly do agree with most of conventional medical approaches in the treatment of this condition. We do, however, modify and intensify our therapeutical endeavors, as follows:

Diet

The diet becomes the backbone of therapy for both types of diabetic patients. Alternative practitioners emphasize moderate to strict adherence to a high complex carbohydrate diet. Most of us use the High Complex Carbohydrate, High Fiber Diet devised by James H. Anderson, MD of the department of medicine at the University of Kentucky over the last 25 years (can be obtained by calling 800-727-4423).

The vast majority of alternative practitioners try to interest their patient's in utilizing 1500 to 2500 caloric diet (depending on their caloric needs to maintain a normal weight). Most of us feel that the diet should include 55 to 60 percent complex carbohydrates, 15 to 20 percent protein (preferably of vegetable origin) and 10 to 15 percent fat (preferably of vegetable origin). This diet should include 50 to 60 grams of total fiber per day. These are not rigid numbers and certainly would reflect one's individual needs---based on weight, caloric needs and level of activity. Yes, it may seem like of lot of fiber but Dr. Anderson's studies and others show that this diet alone can control 80% of adult onset type diabetics without insulin. That's pretty impressive. Alternative medicine stress individuality as it relates to the dietary recommendations for the diabetic patient.

Exercise

This is an area that alternative therapies tends to stress. It's importance is certainly well demonstrated throughout most of the medical and nutritional literature. I personally find little need to justify my recommendations that all diabetic patients conform to a well designed regimen of exercise. The patient must set aside specific times for some form of timed exercise such as power walking. The key is to use what interests and works for you because regular activity is the key, not conforming to someone's idea of an exercise regime.

Vitamins & Minerals

Supplementation with vitamins, minerals and other natural substances such as soluble and insoluble fibers is the key point of departure between the conventional and alternative approaches to the treatment of diabetes. It is sometimes very difficult for us to understand why the conventional medical wisdom can not embrace the importance of nutrients in the therapeutical approach to the treatment of diabetes; this, of course, is another subject to be dealt with later. The following nutrients have shown great benefit for diabetics:

Chromium

This is probably the most exciting nutrient when it comes to controlling blood sugar. A number of studies have demonstrated chromium's ability to lower fasting blood glucose levels, lower insulin levels, and improve glucose tolerance. Although there is no recommended daily allowance for chromium, humans need at least 200 mcg, micrograms. Some studies have used up to 1000 mcg. with great success.

Vanadium

This mineral, like chromium, has been shown to be extremely important in the treatment of diabetes. It is felt to enhance the insulin's ability to effect cellular uptake of glucose. Hopefully, in the near future, this mineral will be found to be have an essential role in the metabolism of glucose.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C and vitamin E are both essential antioxidant vitamins for diabetics. Insulin insulin seems to facilitate the transport of vitamin C into the cells. Because of this, many diabetics are vitamin C deficient. This deficiency can lead to a number of other problems such as poor wound healing, a depressed immune system, and an elevated cholesterol level. It is recommended to reach by supplementation and with foods a daily intake of at least 2000 mgs. each day.

Diabetics appear to have an increased need for vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to improve insulin function and is felt by many to be integral in reducing cell damage. Most studies indicate that vitamin E stimulates the pancreatic cells known as Beta cells to produce a more effective insulin. Nerve cells are particularly susceptible to this damage. Therefore most of us encourage diabetics to consume at least 400 to 600 I.U. of vitamin E per day.

Manganese and magnesium

Magnesium and manganese are involved in glucose metabolism. Additionally, manganese is essential to the production of a important antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Without SOD, the cells are very susceptible to damage and inflammation. Magnesium is commonly deficient in diabetics. It appears to have a protective effect against retinopathy and heart disease. A reasonable dose of manganese is 30 mg. daily. The RDA for magnesium is 350 mg, however diabetics may need twice this amount.

Potassium

Potassium is a very important nutrient for diabetics as it affects insulin sensitivity, responsiveness, and secretion. Potassium is also the most important dietary electrolyte. Electrolytes are required for the transmission of nerve impulses. The RDA for potassium is 1.9-5.6 grams. While doctors usually prescribe potassium salts in the range of 1.5-3.0 g., increasing potassium intake through diet is the recommended plan of action.

Zinc

One other mineral bears comment. Zinc is involved in nearly all aspects of insulin metabolism. Diabetics are known to excrete more zinc in the urine. It is recommended that diabetics consider zinc in amounts of 30 mg. per day.

Other Important Nutrients

Inositol

A number of studies have demonstrated a significant in the sensory function of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. The use of 1 to 2 gms of inositol seems to improve nerve conduction in diabetics. The clinical use of this substance certainly supports its efficacy.

B Vitamins

Niacin and niacinamide, vitamin 1312, vitamin 131 and vitamin B6 are all essential vitamins for diabetics. There is mounting evidence to show that niacin may help to prevent diabetes. Vitamin 131, vitamin B6 and vitamin 1312 appear to offer significant protection against the neuropathy often associated with diabetes.

Biotin

Biotin, a member of the B-vitamin family, works synergistically with insulin and independently to lower blood glucose levels.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (Thiotic Acid)

Over, the past few years numerous studies have demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant; many suggest that it is the ideal antioxidant. It has been shown to be very effect in preventing the diabetic peripheral neuropathies, cataracts and heart diseases. Therefore, one might view this substance as a means of protecting the body against the complications of diabetes mellitus. Many studies have also shown that alpha-lipoic acid is effective in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy especially when combined with vitamin 131 and vitamin 1312.

It is known to speed the normalization of blood glucose; in effect, this means that alpha-lipoic acid removes glucose from the bloodstream. Some studies suggest that it enhances insulin function and reduces insulin resistance. Other studies conclude that it reduce glycation (a reaction in which blood sugar reacts spontaneously and directly with proteins such as collagen to form cross-linked sugar-damaged proteins); this is similar to glycoslyation except it is not enzyme driven. It becomes a serious problem in that it results in higher than usual blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, one must take 300 to 600 mgs of alpha-lipoic acid per day to the changes or protection discussed above.

Silymarin

This is an antioxidant bioflavonoid derived from the herb milk thistle (Silybum marianum). It has long been regarded as a liver detoxification tonic. Recent studies have shown that it may reduce insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is commonly associated with the Type II (NIDDM) and in some cases of hepatic cirrhosis. This is the metabolic disorder that results, in part, in increased blood glucose levels. Researchers have suggested that silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that seems to decrease glycosylated hemoglobin levels resulting in overall better control of blood glucose levels. Future research will no doubt define the mechanisms associated with silymarin's observed beneficial effect in diabetes.

Essential Fatty Acids

Because diabetics are already at risk for heart and vascular disease, supplementation with EPA and DHA (conditionally essential fatty acids) are important to control blood lipids and to control oxidation of bad cholesterol or LDL. Much of the current literature suggest that DHA increases HDL and lowers LDL. There is also strong support to allow us to state that EPA reduces the total cholesterol in the blood. I am sure that these statements will be supported by ongoing research studies.

Omega Fatty Acids

There is also mounting evidence to suggest that the Omega-3 fatty acids decrease insulin resistance. This would allow insulin to become more effective in lowering blood glucose levels.

The Omega-6 fatty acids are known to decrease the progression of deterioration of micro-circulation and cardiac muscle ischemia (lack of oxygen). Linoleic acid, the primary omega-6 fatty acid oil, has an insulin like action that potentiates insulin; this probably results from its conversion into prostaglandins which mediate the biologic utilization of glucose.

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