Diabetes

A Naturopathic Doctor would treat diabetes with:

• Nutritional counselling
  
• Herbal support
  
• Lifestyle coaching
  
• Possibly acupuncture or homeopathy

The most notable benefit of seeing a Naturopathic Doctor is a customized treatment plan that goes far beyond being told to eat better, lose weight and exercise. Your Naturopathic Doctor will help you assess your circumstances and discover the best opportunities for change at various stages of becoming healthier.

Diabetes is on the rise. The cardinal features of diabetes are frequent urination, increased thirst and increased appetite. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or when the cells become resistant to insulin and stop responding.
Complications associated with diabetes include:

• Cardiovascular disease, hypertension
  
• Retinopathy
  
• Kidney disease
  
• Gum disease
  
• Depression
  
• Other autoimmune diseases (thyroid, arthritis)

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetics — insulin dependent diabetes or juvenile onset diabetes — can benefit from Naturopathic Medicine. However, it is unlikely that they will ever stop their medications since their pancreas is no longer producing insulin (or only a minimal amount).

Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes can be associated with poor diet and lifestyle choices, which is good news because these can be changed. While medications can manage your blood sugars and blood pressure, they don’t address the root cause of the problem. Many people want to change but don’t know where to start. Naturopathic Doctors can help. They will guide you through whatever changes you are finding challenging, giving you a comprehensive treatment plan and individual support.

In type 2 diabetes — non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset diabetes — the pancreas is usually producing insulin but the cells are no longer responding, which allows blood sugars to keep rising. Many type 2 diabetics can come off of their medications when necessary lifestyle changes are made.