Acidosis can disrupt all cell functioning and cell sensitivity to insulin. Every cell in the body is surrounded by a fatty membrane that protects it from the surrounding extra cellular fluid. This fatty membrane is greatly involved in cellular respiration, allowing for nutrients and oxygen to enter the cell, and carbon dioxide and waste products to be expelled out. Acidic waste buildup allows cell membranes to become rigid, creating a threatening situation where cells starve for nutrients and oxygen and hold onto toxic waste. When this happens the innately slightly alkaline cells now become acidic.
Insulin resistance can develop when the environment surrounding the cells becomes too acidic from poor dietary and lifestyle choices. As discussed in detail previously, insulin resistance elevates blood sugar levels higher than normal as cells lose their sensitivity to insulin. Insulin insensitivity is also characterized by high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, low HDL (the so-called good cholesterol), abdominal obesity, and ultimately Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance leads to an avalanche of problems. At this point, cells can’t produce enough energy for bodily functions and activities due to the lack of glucose and other nutrients. Now the pancreas is forced to produce excessive amounts of insulin in an effort to attach itself to resistant cell receptor sites to provide cellular energy and clear the glucose from the bloodstream.
When insulin levels fluctuate too often, you can look forward to getting one or more of the following symptoms: fatigue, sugar cravings, insomnia, foggy thinking, irritability, excess sweating, increased urination, sexual dysfunction, heart palpitations, dizziness, panic attacks and diarrhea.
Eventually, when accumulated acidic waste products invade the pancreas, the disruption of insulin producing beta cells discomposes the production of insulin, and full-blown diabetes can result. It is seen that people with acidic body tissues most often experience high blood sugar, and those with alkaline tissues have lower or balanced blood sugar levels. Even if beta cell production isn’t affected from direct acidic damage to the pancreas, the rest of the cells, especially those of the liver and skeletal muscle, become insulin resistant. This happens because of the acidic inflammatory environment the cells are exposed to, and the constant overshooting of insulin. Eventually though, the pancreas wears out from overuse, gets inflamed, and diminishes its production of beta cells.
Undetected or uncontrolled diabetes FURTHER exacerbates the acidification of the body’s fluids and tissues. When cells don’t receive the glucose necessary for bodily functions due to lack of insulin, they have to get their energy from somewhere. In order to accomplish this task, fats are broken down to fuel the cells. When the body consistently relies on fats for energy, it produces compounds called ketones. As these ketones build up, the blood can become increasingly more acidic and ketoacidosis can develop in some cases. Producing high levels of ketones is also common when you’re on a very low carb diet. Ketoacidosis is a severe life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. This condition is mostly seen in type 1 diabetics, but type 2 diabetics are not exempt. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness. For those who choose to be on a ketogenic diet it is even more important to make sure you consume a plethora of greens to compensate for the increased acidity.
The connection between high acid levels in the body and diabetes has been proven scientifically!
In a 2010 study in the American journal of medicine, Bhole showed a connection between insulin resistant diabetes and uric acid levels (high uric acid levels are seen in people with high levels of acidity in their fluids and tissues). The study included over 8,000 participants and demonstrated that those with higher uric acid levels were more likely to get type 2 diabetes. The acid negatively impacts cellular receptivity as well as the beta cells and pancreas itself. (1)
In the Journal of Investigation as far back as 1928, Hartmann studied the blood serum composition of diabetic patients. They found that diabetic patients had lower than normal pH levels and a higher concentration of five principal acids. Therefore, it seems plausible to implicate excessive acidity in diabetic conditions. (2)
Keep in mind that diabetic or pre-diabetic conditions can generate many additional dilemmas. The constant spiking of blood sugar CLOGS the tubules of the kidneys that are responsible for metabolic detoxification, and acid/alkaline balance. This further acidifies the body, putting more stress on other detoxification organs like the liver, while increasing the risk for kidney failure. In this vicious cycle of insulin instability other health risks increase. Cardiovascular disease is a major concern, as the walls of the arteries and veins become damaged from the excess sugar, acids, and insulin. This creates blockages as cholesterol comes to the rescue to mend the lesions, eventually leading to a heart attack or stroke. Fibrinogen, which under normal levels promotes clotting, can become escalated from high blood levels of sugar, acid, lipids, toxins, and coagulating fluids, severely increasing the risk of heart disease as well. The negative consequences are numerous and highlight the UTMOST relevance of pH balancing!
LIFESTYLE HABITS AND INSULIN DISTURBANCES
Insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes type 2 develop almost solely as a result of poor lifestyle choices; therefore, diet and exercise play a MAJOR role in their development and treatment. As far as diet goes, the high consumption of refined carbohydrates overtime generates high insulin production and acidosis conditions. High fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which you have all heard of by now, is one of the most dangerous contributors. HFCS is a sugary, mostly GMO derived carbohydrate found in most processed and fast foods, and not surprisingly found in foods labeled as ‘natural’ as well! Empty calories from refined sugars and flours present in breads, pastas, and desserts are also major contributors.
The excessive consumption of these empty carb-calories spikes blood sugar and insulin levels. Eventually the supply of insulin becomes limited and/or non-receptive to the cells. At this point the insulin storing beta cells try hard to deliver more insulin in an effort to attach themselves to the non-receptive hungry cells. Eventually, the excess insulin floating around in the blood signals the cell doors to open, potentially flooding the cells and storage areas, while dropping blood sugar levels to dangerously low levels.
Consequently, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar can result, which is exhibited by shakiness, fainting, palpitations, sweating, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms. This often takes place prior to the inception of diabetes. Then, in an attempt to increase energy levels, people consume more sugary carbs and caffeine; that is if a hypoglycemic episode doesn’t cause you to pass out! The continuity of this vicious cycle of insulin spiking wears out the system. Over time, the pancreas produces little or no insulin, resulting in diabetes.
The current prevalence of unhealthy dietary fats also has a MAJOR impact in the development of diabetes. Traditional fats and oils have been replaced by refined, heat extracted, and highly processed vegetable/seed/and soybean oils that when cooked or heated, (like when processed), oxidize these fats or allows trans-fats to form. The widespread manufacture, marketing and sale of these ‘toxic fats’ will make cell membranes rigid and hardened. They are present in MOST fast foods, processed foods, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, and margarine (even if it says it has butter or olive oil in it). So, eating excessive carbs and the wrong type of fats increase the risk not only of pre-diabetic conditions and Type 2 Diabetes, but also many other chronic degenerative diseases, all contributing to the biggest health crisis of the century!
Another thing to keep in mind is that modern Western diets are higher in “inferior” inorganic calcium and lower in magnesium. Calcium intake is elevated mostly due to fortified dairy and cereals, and magnesium is deficient due to the lack of vegetables, greens, healthy grains, nuts, and seeds. Calcium is the antagonist of magnesium, meaning they oppose each other. So, when calcium levels escalate too high, low magnesium levels result. This issue is not evident in blood tests because most magnesium is stored intracellularly (inside the cells). Therefore, reduced magnesium hinders insulin’s ability to accept glucose into the cell, and low intracellular magnesium in pancreatic cells causes the overshooting of insulin. This scenario eventually contributes to the development of diabetes.
Early studies as far back as 1947 demonstrated that patients with diabetic acidosis have a marked fall in magnesium concentration, as well as potassium levels. As you see, mineral imbalances can also initiate insulin disturbances that lead to diabetic illness. (3)
Last but not least, it is known that SEDENTARY individuals are at greater risk for the onset of diabetes. Not taking part in exercise or regular physical activity severely decreases your quality of life. Limited movement makes it much more difficult to keep body fat, blood sugar, and thus pH levels in check. Basically, exercising, and more specifically resistance training, allows muscle tissue to retain its sensitivity to insulin. The mitochondria, or energy burning furnace of the cell, can increase up to 20 times or more! In turn, glucose is cleared out of the blood and deposited into hungry muscle cells during moderate-high intensity activity. The effects of exercise are not cumulative and must continue regularly in order to retain their blood sugar balancing benefits!
Research has long emphasized that exercise has a positive impact on glucose, lipid and protein metabolism. According to a 2003 study published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, regular exercise is highly advantageous for Type 2 diabetic patients, since it reduces body fat, improves insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid profiles, and helps to reduce the risk of other degenerative diseases. It was mentioned that in Type 1 diabetic subjects, the lack of insulin secretion can bring about hypoglycemic episodes. However, proceeding with caution and having the right modifications in diet and insulin therapy can make exercise beneficial for these patients as well. (4)
In summary, pre-diabetes is a progressive, crippling condition that can develop into full blown diabetes if left unchecked. The habitual avoidance of an acidic, high-sugary carb diet and toxic vegetable oils, along with the implementation of regular exercise routines (and the proper and regular detoxification of your body), can balance pH levels, prevent diabetes, bring relief, and even allow the body to reverse diabetic and pre-diabetic conditions!
Additional studies on insulin resistance linked to pH imbalances.
http://www.drfuhrman.com/disease/Diabetes.aspx
1-Bhole, V., Choi, J. W. J., Woo Kim, S., De Vera, M., & Choi, H. (2010). Serum uric acid levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a prospective study. The American journal of medicine, 123(10), 957-961.
2-Hartmann, A. F., Darrow, D. C., & Morton, M. (1928). CHEMICAL CHANGES OCCURRING IN THE BODY AS THE RESULT OF CERTAIN DISEASES: III. The Composition of the Plasma in Severe Diabetic Acidosis and the Changes Taking Place during Recovery. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 6(2), 257.
3-Martin, H. E., & Wertman, M. (1947). Serum potassium, magnesium, and calcium levels in diabetic acidosis. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 26(2), 217.
4-Santeusanio, F., Di Loreto, C., Lucidi, P., Murdolo, G., De Cicco, A., Parlanti, N., … & De Feo, P. (2003). Diabetes and exercise. Journal of endocrinological investigation, 26(9), 937-940.