Diabetes mellitus results from inadequate insulin production by the pancreas. Insulin is necessary for the body to utilize glucose—blood sugar. It allows glucose to be transported into cells so they can produce energy. After eating or drinking, the rise in blood sugar stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels, diabetes is the result.

There are two kinds of diabetes mellitus—type I and type II. Those with type I diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, produce little or no insulin at all, due to the destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Symptoms include frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss despite normal intake of food, and nausea and/or vomiting. In type II or adult-onset diabetes, the pancreas continues to produce insulin, however, the body doesn’t utilize it. Common symptoms include unusual thirst, fatigue, skin infections, frequent urination, slow wound healing, tingling feet, and blurry vision. Type II diabetes is often linked to a poor diet.

Overgrowth of the harmful Escherichia coli bacteria is linked to diabetes. In 1981, the Journal of Biological Chemistry published a paper entitled, "Insulin or a Closely Related Molecule is Native to E. coli," by Drs. D. LeRoith, J. Shiloach, J. Roth, and M. Lesniak. The scientists revealed evidence that certain strains of this common bowel bacteria produce a substance the body cannot distinguish from insulin. Insulin, of course, is what controls the levels of sugar in the blood.

The research team found that some people suffering from adult-onset diabetes had what seemed to be normal levels of insulin in their blood, but it wasn’t working as it should. They discovered that the pseudo-insulin produced by E. coli may block special receptor sites on cells that insulin must reach in order to control blood sugar levels. When the body’s own insulin is blocked by the insulin-like substance produced by certain strains of E. coli, sugar levels in the blood can rise, resulting in a diabetic condition.

It is, therefore, important to keep these strains of E. coli bacteria from breeding. Avoid high-fat and high-sugar diets, which encourage the decline of bifidobacteria and the dramatic rise of bacteria such as E. coli.

RECOMMENDED PROBIOTIC REGIMEN

Take 1 capsule each of L. acidophilus and B. bifidum (or 1/2 teaspoon each powder), along with 1/2 teaspoon L. bulgaricus powder mixed in 6 to 8 ounces unchilled filtered water, three times daily. Take 10 to 30 minutes before meals.

Instead of the above regimen, take 1 combination capsule that contains all three super strains in an oil-matrix carrier, one to three times daily.

NOTE: The information contained on this site is based on the training, personal experiences and research of the author, Natasha Trenev. It is intended for educational purposes, and is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care. Mention of any research organization or individual researcher should in no way be construed as an endorsement of this site or of any of the techniques therein. Because each person and situation are unique, the author urges the reader to check with a qualified health professional before using any procedure in which there is any question of appropriateness. It is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice, to seek a second or third opinion.