APPENDIX D

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

The recommended supplementation program depends on the degree of blood sugar control, as indicated by self-monitored blood glucose and A1C levels.

INITIAL SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS

Level 1. Achievement of targeted blood sugar and A1C levels <7 percent, no lipid abnormalities, no signs of complications:

  • image Foundation supplements
    • image High-potency multiple vitamin and mineral: follow dosage recommendations on Backmatter.
    • image Greens drink: one serving daily.
    • image Fish oils: 1,000 mg of EPA and DHA daily.

Level 2. Failure to achieve targeted blood sugar levels, A1C between 7 percent and 8 percent.

  • image Foundation supplements.
  • image PGX (see Appendix C): 2.5 to 5 g before or with meals.

Level 3. Failure to achieve targeted blood sugar levels, A1C between 8 percent and 9 percent.

  • image Foundation supplements.
  • image PGX: 2.5 to 5 g before or with meals.
  • image Gymnema sylvestre extract (24 percent gymnemic acid): 200 mg twice daily.

Level 4. Failure to achieve targeted blood sugar levels, A1C above 9 percent.

  • image Foundation supplements.
  • image PGX: 2.5 to 5 g before or with meals.
  • image Gymnema sylvestre extract (24 percent gymnemic acid): 200 mg twice daily.
  • image Mulberry extract: equivalent to 1,000 mg dried leaf three times daily.

If self-monitored blood sugar levels do not improve after four weeks of following the recommendations for the current level, move to the next highest level. For example, if you start out having an A1C level of 8.2 percent and a fasting blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL you start on level 2 support. If after four weeks the average reading has not dropped to less than 110 mg/dL, then move to level 3 support. If blood sugar levels and A1C levels do not reach the targeted levels with level 4 support, then a prescription medication (either an oral hypoglycemic drug or insulin) is required.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

With the presence of any complication add the following to the foundation supplement program (see above):

  • image Alpha-lipoic acid: 300 to 600 mg daily.
  • image Grape seed extract: 150 to 300 mg daily.

For specific complications, follow the foundation supplement program with the addition of alpha-lipoic acid and grape seed extract and add the specified supplement or supplements listed below.

For Diabetic Retinopathy

  • image Bilberry extract 160 to 320 mg daily. Or grape seed extract: 150 to 300 mg daily.

For Diabetic Neuropathy

  • image Gamma-linolenic acid from borage, evening primrose, or black currant oil: 480 mg daily.
  • image Capsaicin (0.075 percent) cream: apply to affected area twice daily.

For Diabetic Nephropathy

  • image Follow recommendations below for high blood pressure unless kidney function falls below 40 percent of normal. In that situation, do not supplement with magnesium and potassium unless advised to do so by physician.

For Poor Wound Healing

  • image Aloe vera gel: apply to affected areas twice daily.

For Diabetic Foot Ulcers:

  • image Ginkgo biloba extract: 120 to 240 mg daily. Or grape seed extract: 150 to 300 mg daily.

SUPPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

For Borderline Hypertension (130–139/85–89)

Foundational supplements

Potassium chloride: 1,500 to 3,000 mg.

Magnesium: 150 to 400 mg three times daily.

PGX (see Backmatter for description): 2.5 to 5 g before or with meals.

Anti-ACE fish peptides: 1,500 mg daily.

If after two months there is still no change, add celery seed extract: 150 mg daily.

For Mild (140–160/90–104) to Moderate (140–180/105–114) Hypertension

All of the above plus—

Potassium chloride: 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily.

Coenzyme Q10: 100 to 200 mg daily.

If the blood pressure has not dropped below 140/105, you will need to work with a physician to select the most appropriate medication.

For Severe Hypertension (160+/115+)

Consult a physician immediately.

All of the above for mild to moderate hypertension.

(Note: A drug may be necessary to achieve initial control. When satisfactory control over high blood pressure has been achieved, work with the physician to taper off the medication.)