Taking Control of My Health Archives

Daniel, I’m Sorry

An Open Letter To Daniel Darkes

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: The author offers their heartfelt sympathies to Daniel Darkes, who has unfortunately rejoined the diabetes community after years without it.

Dear Daniel,

I cannot imagine the pain you must have felt, and probably still do, after being re-diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. You got to touch the miracle of healing and live life with energy and passion but that was then stripped from you. You knew, probably when you saw the symptoms creeping back up on you, that your future had changed direction. I am sorry for your loss and pain.

But I’m still left wondering… I still feel that you hold the key for so many of us. You are the only person I know of who has been diagnosed twice. And whilst I wouldn’t wish this diagnosis on anyone, let alone twice, I feel you hold great value still for our community. How did your life, or your daily practices, change between releasing your Type 1 Diabetes and regaining it again? What changed? What similarities can you see between the first time your body created diabetes and the second time it did? What was your emotional life like both times? I feel that you still hold the key to the switch for turning it off, like you did before. The real challenge in this is to lean in close enough to really see what was there. To witness the subtleties that were actually profound. To again meet yourself in that place where healing came naturally to your body. To the time when your body no longer needed to promote diabetes in your cells to manage the circumstances of your life.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the medical doctors are now drawing a line under your healing. They’re now probably thinking that it was just a blip, something that just happened and now it all makes sense again. I can’t get onboard with that. Something important happened, something that can change the way we understand healing, if only we were looking.

Daniel, if you ever feel like exploring and digging into what this is all truly about. What the true meaning of your healing and regression are, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you.

Natalie xxx

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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April 28, 2025

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Chiropractic Care

Health From The Spine Onwards

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: Fascinated by Hippocrates’ and Dr. Joe Dispenza’s insights into mind-body connections, the author turned to chiropractic after conventional treatments for a shoulder injury fell short. Chiropractic, focusing on spine and musculoskeletal health, offers a holistic approach often praised for patient satisfaction.

My fascination with chiropractic began when I delved into the writings of Hippocrates and his profound insights into the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Whilst writing my blog post on Hippocrates, I came across two particular quotes among his teachings that have still stayed with me: “When in sickness, look to the spine first,” and “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”

This gentle prodding to keep the spine in mind was awoken again as I explored the pioneering work of Dr. Joe Dispenza in the field of mind-body healing. His research has contributed significantly to understanding the power of the mind in influencing physical health outcomes and he, himself, is a trained chiropractor.

When I developed a shoulder injury last year and conventional osteopathic treatments offered only limited relief, I sensed it was time to explore chiropractic care as an alternative avenue.

What Is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a hands-on healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors employ manual techniques, adjustments, and manipulations to restore proper alignment of the spine and optimise the function of the nervous system. Beyond spinal adjustments, chiropractors also address issues in joints, muscles, and soft tissues to improve mobility and overall well-being. Some chiropractors also venture into the nervous system.

To become a chiropractor, individuals undergo extensive education and training, typically completing a 4-5 year doctoral program culminating in the title of ‘Doctor of Chiropractic’. This rigorous training equips chiropractors with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care and address a wide range of health concerns.

While chiropractic care is considered an alternative approach outside of the conventional Western medical model, it boasts high patient satisfaction rates. According to a study cited in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 83% of patients report satisfaction or high satisfaction with their chiropractic treatments.

Navigating Controversies

Despite its popularity and positive patient outcomes, chiropractic care is not without controversy. Some critics question its effectiveness and safety, particularly in the context of certain spinal manipulations. A study published in the Journal of Pain Research highlights ongoing debates within the medical community regarding the evidence base and risks associated with chiropractic interventions.

However, my recent exploration of ‘You Are The Placebo’ by Dr. Joe Dispenza has shifted my perspective. Rather than solely relying on meta-analyses and scientific studies to validate its efficacy, I’m increasingly drawn to the notion that my belief in the treatment—what Dr. Dispenza refers to as “being the placebo”—may play a pivotal role in its effectiveness. This aligns with my personal philosophy that healing often transcends conventional medical boundaries and necessitates a much more holistic or alternative approach.

Personal Reflections on Healing

From a personal standpoint, I’ve long held the belief that managing and potentially healing conditions like Type 1 Diabetes involves more than just pharmaceutical interventions. While I value and adhere to the treatments prescribed by my Western medicine doctor, I also recognize the limitations of conventional approaches in addressing the multifaceted aspects of chronic conditions.

If Western medicine were going to provide a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, wouldn’t it have been on the horizon by now? Therefore, I feel compelled to find alternative routes that offer a much more holistic treatment plan. My decision to explore chiropractic care is one element of that plan.

My Chiropractor: A Holistic Approach

My chiropractor brings a wealth of experience to his practice, spanning many years in the field. Beyond his chiropractic expertise, he has also pursued training in functional medicine, which emphasises a personalised, integrative approach to health care. This combination allows him to not only address immediate musculoskeletal issues through chiropractic adjustments but also to consider broader factors influencing my overall health and wellbeing.

I have been seeing him for approximately six months now. I know that my shoulder is improving greatly and I feel optimistic that the healing I will gain from chiropractic will extend beyond my shoulder joint and into my overall wellbeing.

In this way, my journey into chiropractic care represents a personal exploration of holistic health practices and their potential to complement traditional medical treatments. It’s a journey guided by curiosity, personal experience, and a belief in the interconnectedness of mind and body—a journey that continues to shape my understanding of what it means to pursue optimal health and healing.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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July 1, 2024

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Exercise / Physical Wellbeing / Taking Control of My Health

Conqueror Virtual Challenges

Exploring The World, One Step At A Time

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: “Conqueror Virtual Challenges” injects excitement into daily exercise routine with participants virtually explore 60+ destinations worldwide. The app offers immersive experiences with virtual postcards and factsheets, emphasising accountability, community support, and diverse exercise options. It’s a practical, motivating tool for combining fitness goals with armchair travel.

Adding Realistic Adventure to My Routine: Conqueror Virtual Challenges

In my ongoing journey towards healing, I’ve stumbled upon a resource that has added a new dimension to my exercise routine. In a previous blog post, I highlighted the importance of walking for health, acknowledging its benefits for nervous system regulation, blood pressure, cortisol levels, and Vitamin D levels (if you walk outside!). Nonetheless, the monotony of walking the same route each day can become an issue. However, I’ve found a solution that injects a bit of excitement into the mix: Conqueror Virtual Challenges.

What are Conqueror Virtual Challenges?

These challenges offer a practical way to turn your daily exercise into a S.M.A.R.T. fitness goal that keeps things engaging. Using a straightforward app, participants log their exercise distances and receive a medal upon completing the required distance for each challenge.

What makes these challenges interesting is their global theme. As someone who enjoys exploring new places, this aspect appealed to me greatly. Whether it’s strolling through Rome or exploring the Amazon Rainforest, each challenge offers a unique backdrop. With over 60 destinations to choose from, there’s variety to keep things interesting.

How Do Conqueror Challenges Work?

Choosing a challenge tailored to your preferences and fitness level is straightforward. Challenges vary in location and distance, with some offering additional features like virtual postcards or street view functionality. Distances can be inputted into the Conqueror App manually or via a fitness device. I personally use my Apple Watch with it, and it works seamlessly (although I do have to wait for the end of the day before it updates that day’s distance).

Each challenge has a specific virtual route that you walk, with Google Maps guiding your way within the app. As you progress along the route, the app delivers virtual postcards and informative factsheets about the places you’ve encountered. This transforms your walk from a mundane stroll to a global exploration.

Upon completion, they send out a medal for completing the challenge. The medals are truly beautiful and serve as tangible rewards for your efforts. I’m more than willing to walk 100km or more just to get my hands on one of these! Each medal is specifically designed for the trail you’ve walked, featuring intricate details that make them truly special. The quality is fantastic too, making you feel truly rewarded for the effort you’ve put in.

Engaging with friends or family members adds a fun, supportive element. I’ve created a group with my husband (and sometimes my daughter), allowing us to see each other’s progress and adding a bit of friendly competition to the mix. This adds an extra layer of accountability, ensuring I stay ahead of my husband (in a friendly, uncompetitive way, of course!).

Beyond Walking: Diverse Options for All

While I primarily use the challenges for walking, Conqueror Virtual Challenges accommodate various forms of exercise, including swimming, running, and wheelchair-based activities. In fact, some routes seem specifically designed for other exercise types, such as the English Channel challenge for swimming or the 700-km long routes for running.

In the hugely supportive Conqueror Community on Facebook, people share how they use challenges for purposes beyond exercise. For example, if you need accountability for another task, you could mentally assign yourself a particular distance for each completion and then post these into the challenge. Some members even run multiple challenges at once, allowing them to track progress in different areas of their lives.

In conclusion, Conqueror Virtual Challenges offer a practical way to add variety to your exercise routine and stay motivated. Whether you’re looking to spice up your walks or explore new destinations from the comfort of home, these challenges provide a realistic and achievable approach to fitness goals.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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February 5, 2024

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Blood Sugar Control / Exercise / Physical Wellbeing / Taking Control of My Health

The Glucose Never Lies

A Programme To Give Knowledge and Empowerment To Those With Type 1 Diabetes

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: ‘The Glucose Never Lies’ website, created by diabetes veteran John Pemberton, offers valuable insights on managing blood sugars without strict low-carb diets. Structured for easy understanding, it covers foundational diabetes care and a dynamic glucose management model, benefiting continuous glucose monitor users. The author reports early positive outcomes, indicating its potential to revolutionise her diabetes management.

Hey there! Today, I want to share an absolutely fantastic website I discovered in my diabetes journey – a website called ‘The Glucose Never Lies‘, crafted by the amazing John Pemberton.

A Family Legacy: Why John Pemberton Created His Website

Imagine this: a seasoned Type 1 Diabetes veteran, a Diabetes Dietitian himself, creating a digital haven of knowledge for his own family. John’s driving force? His own children. He wants to pass on his hard-won knowledge to his children, should they one day become diabetic themselves. This is particularly important for John, given the higher inheritance rate from dads to their offspring.

Beyond Disclaimers: The Goldmine of Information

John explicitly and repeatedly wisely states that this website is not intended for anyone other than his children. He emphasises how no medical relationship is formed and nothing he talks about should be construed as advice for third parties. However, his website is a goldmine of information! From tackling blood high and blood sugars to handling exercise and dosing for meals and even a nerd corner for diabetes research – it’s a must-see. I strongly recommend looking at what he has to offer and taking any bits that interest you (or even all of it!) to your medical practitioner to discuss if this might suit your particular diabetes situation.

Health Without Low-Carb Struggles

What I was particularly excited by is that this is the first resource I’ve found that shows a path to great diabetes health without enforcing a strict low-carb diet. As discussed here, I’ve danced with low-carb diets before, but they never stuck for me. The cravings were real, and “falling off the wagon” became a recurring theme. But now, this website offers a way to achieve more of those flat lines without swearing off carbs entirely – it’s nothing short of brilliant!

Foundations: Diabetes Care Basics

I have to say that I find his website fantastic. It is designed for even the most unknowledgeable amongst us. His programme for diabetes health basically consists of two stages. The first, the foundations, covers the basics of diabetes care – such as bolus and basal insulin, dealing with hypoglycaemia, exercise and eating well for diabetes. Even if you are an individual with a lot of diabetes experience behind you, I suspect that you can still gain a lot of useful information just from this part. I am more than forty years into my diabetes journey and I still learnt some really great stuff here.

Dynamic Glucose Management: GAME, SET and MATCH

Then comes what John calls ‘Dynamic Glucose Management’ – a three-part model: GAME (stop highs), SET (stay in target), MATCH (prevent lows). Each part (GAME, SET and MATCH) is an acronym that helps you to remember each part of the model. Together, these give you the overall map to diabetes health. Nevertheless, John still goes beyond the foundations and the model to also offer information on mealtime insulin and tailoring blood sugars for different kinds of exercise.

Whilst it sounds like a lot of information (it is, after all!), it is broken down into bitesize sections and the whole website can be digested at your own pace. But, please, if you are thinking about implementing anything that The Glucose Never Lies website contains, please first discuss it with your doctor and/or diabetes team. Making changes like this, particularly if you are relatively new to diabetes, can be challenging without the right support in place.

Multifaceted Learning: Video And Written Wisdom

What I particularly like about The Glucose Never Lies website is that each section comes in both video and written format. Perfect for those end-of-day hours when time is yours but energy is low!

Just a word of caution… The Glucose Never Lies is built on the assumption that you are using continuous glucose monitoring. The three systems that are included are the Freestyle Libre (which I use) plus Dexcom (which John uses) and Medtronic. John does discuss in detail the use of these and their relative merits. Therefore, if you don’t have access to CGMs, this approach is probably not going to be the one for you. Whilst I think there would still be a lot of information to be gained from the website, your ability to implement it may be somewhat limited.

Early Gains: Implementing Wisdom In Real Life

I’m in the early stages of implementing John’s wisdom, and guess what? I’ve already shaved off 0.2% from my HbA1c. I’m seeing more flat lines on my Freestyle Libre 2, feeling more positive, and more in control of my blood sugars. Trust me, the time spent on this website is an investment in your health!

So, head over to The Glucose Never Lies, soak in the knowledge, and let’s conquer diabetes together!

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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January 22, 2024

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Inflammation / Physical Wellbeing / Taking Control of My Health

Type 1 Diabetes and The Menstrual Cycle

PCOS And Its Improvement Over Time

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: Today’s post focusses on something relevant to those who identify as female: the menstrual cycle. The author discusses Type 1 Diabetes and menstrual cycles, including recounting struggles with PCOS, including severe symptoms that significantly improved over time, possibly due to pregnancy and enhanced insulin sensitivity.

I was shocked to find out today (thanks to this journal article) that the rate of Type 1 Diabetes is 1.8 times higher in those that are biologically male than it is in those that are biologically female. I guess, having grown up in a family with Type 1 Diabetes just in the female line, I had a bit of a gender bias with my assumption here. I thought that the split would be at least even between the genders. I have been corrected! So, this article may not apply to a fair percentage of people reading this blog but, for those that it does, I feel it’s really important to write.

Today, I am talking about Type 1 Diabetes and the menstrual cycle. I haven’t exactly had an easy time of things in this area during my lifetime. My periods arrived late (something that is not uncommon in those with Type 1 Diabetes **ARTICLE**). This led to several visits to a gynaecologist, who diagnosed me with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (again, not uncommon in Type 1 Diabetes **ARTICLE**). Then, the fun really started. The periods that I had became almost unbearable. The highlights included:

bleeding that lasted two weeks straight
so much blood that I once had to stay on the toilet for fives days straight
irregular bleeds (something else that is much more common in people with Type 1 Diabetes)
years without periods
and such out of control emotions that, whilst in a premenstrual period, I screamed so badly at one of my school friends that she never spoke to me again.

Not fun. Looking back on that time now, I believe that a fair amount of the dramatic symptoms I had could be linked to, or directly attributed to, my Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Healing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

At the time of diagnosis, it was explained to me that PCOS is an incurable condition. So I battled on with the symptoms, took birth control to regulate myself and shrugged my shoulders about my lot in life. Well, now I don’t have PCOS. I had a scan a couple of years ago for an unrelated issue and was told that I did not have it. There are no cysts on my ovaries at all and my ovaries are a normal size. Of course, at that time, I was told that I must have been misdiagnosed the first time around. (I didn’t ask the consultant at this time if I had also been misdiagnosed at the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh scans and also during all of my pre-pregnancy planning with my medical team!).

I still have some excess facial hair but, beyond that, I have nothing to report. My periods are regular (I mostly have a 28 to 30 day cycle each month). The only exception to this is when I am particularly stressed out, which results in higher insulin levels and more insulin for my system. I have no excessive symptoms throughout my cycle – no pain, no cramping, no excessive bleeding, no other disruptions or inconveniences.

What Do I Believe Healed My Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

I think it was two things. Firstly, I believe that getting pregnant really helped. I remember once hearing Victoria Beckham (yep, the Spice Girl) once say that her PCOS healed when she had her first baby, Brooklyn. I think there’s something about pregnancy that presses the reset button on the female reproductive system. So there’s that. But that’s not exactly convenient for those that would like to get rid of their PCOS without the long-term commitment of raising a human to adulthood! So…

Secondly, I believe the reduction in my insulin requirements has also contributed to improving my PCOS. In my teens and twenties, I needed 16-18 units of Novorapid per meal and 22 units of Lantus nightly. Today, despite being heavier, I only require 2-4 units per meal and 12-16 units at night. This change is solely due to decreased insulin resistance rather than weight loss.

What factors contributed to this increased sensitivity? Essentially, everything I do to promote a healthier and happier lifestyle. These practices, which I extensively discuss on my blog, enhance my overall well-being. Unsure where to begin? Start with something that resonates with you. Avoid adding stress by forcing activities you don’t genuinely want to do, as stress exacerbates insulin resistance.

Type 1 Diabetes with a Regular(ish) Menstrual Cycle

Now that I am on a regular 28- to 30-day cycle, I still have challenges with varying insulin resistance at times. This has become even more clear to me since I have eliminated the gluten and dairy. Both gluten and dairy were triggering inflammation in my system and, as I have been banging on about for ages, inflammation causes insulin resistance… Just think of how much more insulin you have when you have the flu or tonsillitis or any other such lovely. After all, that’s what the sick day rules of diabetes were created for!

Now that I have eliminated the gluten and dairy, it has become more obvious to me that there are more predictable fluctuations in my insulin needs over the course of each menstrual cycle. Even with insulin resistance in the mix, I was already aware of the need for extra insulin during the week before my period (when I say more, I mean DOUBLE!). However, more subtle variations are now becoming more evident. To understand this in context, I’m going first need to divert for a moment to talk about the various phases of the menstrual cycle.

The Four Phases Of The Menstrual Cycle

A healthy menstrual cycle consists of four main phases. Whilst every woman is different and one woman’s periods can fluctuate in duration from one month to the next, the following is a guide of what the phases of the menstrual cycle may look like:

Days 1-5: Menstruation Phase

This is the ‘time of the month’ when the uterus lets go of its lining and a blood flow is observed. This bleed usually lasts for between three and seven days each month. Levels of oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels during this phase of the menstrual cycle.

Days 6-14: Follicular Phase

During this phase, the uterus builds a thick lining in preparation for receiving the ovum (or egg) that will be released from the ovary in the coming days. In this phase, oestrogen typically rises whilst progesterone levels stay low.

Days 15-19: Ovulatory Phase

It is during this phase that an ovum is developed and then released into the uterus, ready to be fertilised by an sperm that are present. Both oestrogen and progesterone rise during this phase, peaking at the time just before ovulation.

Days 20-28: Luteal Phase

Assuming the ovum is not fertilised by a sperm, at this point the lining of the uterus is shed and the levels of oestrogen and progesterone fall back down to their lowest levels, preparing the body for menstruation.

Varying Insulin Resistance Caused by Oestrogen and Progesterone

In terms of blood sugar levels during the menstrual cycle, there are two key players that affect insulin resistance. These are oestrogen and progesterone. oestrogen is understood to decrease insulin resistance (increase insulin sensitivity). Progesterone is understood to increase insulin resistance (decrease insulin sensitivity). So, with fluctuating levels of BOTH of these hormones during the entirety of the menstrual cycle, less predictable blood sugar readings are to be expected. Here is what I have found:

Day 1 of my period: My insulin resistance dramatically switches off sometime during this day. My insulin requirement halves. It’s hard not to end up with an unexpected hypo (or elevated blood sugars for a large part of the day) with this unpredictable switch.

Days 2 – 4: my insulin sensitivity is high. I need half to two-thirds of my ‘usual’ Novorapid doses. Hypos are not unexpected territory here.

Days 5-8: usual insulin sensitivity (and therefore blood sugar control) is resumed.

Days 11-14: somewhere in this mix, my insulin requirements increase. This is in-line with the release of the ovum. This release increases two hormones LH and FSH, which are known to cause brief periods of insulin resistance.

Days 15-23: my blood sugars are stable here and my insulin requirements are in the normal range.

Days 24-28: my insulin resistance is THROUGH THE ROOF! I need more bolus (double!) and basal insulin. I also appear to be more sensitive to carbohydrates… My body reacts sharply and dramatically to any carbohydrates I eat. The progesterone is by far the biggest player in this blood sugar pattern, with the lowering effect of the oestrogen appearing to be insignificant or absent in my case. I also have strong carbohydrate cravings at this time. I believe these cravings are due to my body not being able to access the glucose already in my bloodstream because my insulin levels are not sufficient as a result of the dramatic insulin resistance. Nice Catch-22 there!

I have learnt that my period pattern is substantiated in the medical literature. As an example, Barata et al. (2013) clearly demonstrated that blood sugar control is markedly different between the follicular and luteal phases, with more insulin being required in the latter half of the menstrual cycle.

I haven’t, as yet, got to the point where I can predict with any degree of certainty what insulin requirements I might have on each day of my cycle. It’s still a bit hit-and-miss. But, now having a clearer picture of what my cycle is doing and how my insulin requirements change over each few days of my cycle, I have more hope than I did. I will report back with what I learn!

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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April 24, 2023

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Diet / Emotional Wellbeing / Increasing Positive Emotions / Inflammation / Mind-Body Medicine / Nutrition / Physical Wellbeing / Removal of Toxins / Taking Control of My Health

Gluten Sensitivity

Its Impact On Health And Healing

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: The author, navigating a journey of healing, now confronts gluten sensitivity alongside her prior dairy intolerance. Gluten, prevalent in wheat-based foods, triggers mood symptoms. Eliminating gluten has markedly enhanced the author’s insulin sensitivity and overall wellbeing, highlighting its profound impact on managing Type 1 Diabetes and promoting health.

The next step on my healing journey has become about food again. Having identified my problem with dairy two years ago, I have now discovered that gluten is also a problem for me.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein (a long-chain amino acid) that is found in cereals like wheat, rye and barley. These cereals are found in a wide range of processed foods today, including bread, rolls, croissants, pasta, breakfast cereals and beer. Because gluten is a core component of flour, it is also commonly added to soups, sauces and salad dressings, as well as a whole host of recipes served in restaurants.

What Is The Difference Between Gluten Sensitivity And Coeliac’s Disease?

Gluten sensitivity is a label given to people who struggle to process gluten. There are three main kinds of gluten sensitivity: coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy. This article will briefly discuss coeliac disease but its main focus will be non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

Coeliac disease is a condition that results from a person’s immune system reacting to digested gluten. It triggers an autoimmune response that produces antibodies to the gluten. These antibodies end up damaging the lining of the small intestine. This damage results in the small intestine being unable to process food and can lead to malnutrition. Whilst coeliac disease is a genetically-inherited condition, symptoms may not present themselves until adulthood. There is a higher incidence of coeliac disease in the Type 1 Diabetes population, with approximately 8% of the population also having coeliac.

Interestingly, this article on coeliac disease highlights a correlation between gut microbiome presentations and the development of coeliac disease. I firmly believe that Type 1 Diabetes is, at heart, the result of a gut issue so it would therefore not be a long stretch to have coeliac disease also present in the diabetes population.

By comparison, non-coelic gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is not an autoimmune condition. Whilst the body is still reacting to gluten, there is no antibody reaction and damage to the small intestine does not occur. However, NCGS does cause the body to release more of a protein called zonulin, which can break down the gut lining anyway and cause leaky gut syndrome (see an excellent explanation here). This is particularly important for Type 1 Diabetes because it has been found in recent years that this increased gut permeability allows gluten to cross the intestinal barrier. These gluten peptides then may induce stress in the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas and therefore put more pressure on these cells. More pressure then leads to faster burnout of the beta cells and thus faster inducement of Type 1 Diabetes. Indeed, research has shown that following a gluten-free diet during pregnancy reduces the risk of Type 1 Diabetes in offspring.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gluten Sensitivity?

The most commonly noted symptoms for non-coelic gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are diarrhoea, bloating and gas. I did not have any of these (well, it turns out that I had a lot of internal gas but none of it ever made its presence known!). Therefore, I believe that a more comprehensive list of symptoms of NCGS should read as follows:

Diarrhoea
Bloating
Gas
Stomach aches
Stabbing headaches behind the eyes
Exhaustion
Nausea
Feeling low in mood, particularly feeling defeated and devastated without environmental reasons
Retching
Runny nose (I thought it was a hayfever reaction)
Cough (always comes on within 20 minutes of eating gluten)
Brain fog (I just can’t really think too well!)

How Can Gluten Sensitivity Be Diagnosed?

NCGS is harder to diagnose than coeliac disease because there is no recommended methods to diagnose and test for this condition. Today, diagnosis results from a process of eliminating other possible diagnoses. Firstly, a reaction to gluten must be noted. Usually, this is done via a food log. Each time gluten is eaten, any reactions need to be noted down, along with the timing of these symptoms.

If a pattern emerges in symptoms following digestion of gluten, investigations for wheat allergies and coeliac’s disease must be conducted first to eliminate these as explanations for the symptoms. This will be undertaken via a surgical procedure. For two weeks prior to the procedure, gluten needs to be consumed in adequate quantities to provoke any potential reactions. I underwent a full and thorough upper and lower gastroscopy, with multiple samples being taken. The results came back as negative for all tests undertaken. My digestive tract appeared generally healthy and no sign of coeliac’s disease was present. Therefore, the only cause left to explain my symptoms was non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.

My Gluten Story

Looking back on my life, I suspect that my non-coeliac gluten sensitivity may have always been present. As a child, every Wednesday, my parents would cook me Spaghetti Bolognese for dinner and then send me off to Brownies for an hour. The problem was, I mostly hypo’d my way through Brownies. My father would inject my insulin when I ate but it would always hit in before the carbohydrates from the spaghetti got into my bloodstream. In the end, he solved this problem by waiting until I got back from Brownies before giving me my injection.

But why did I digest the spaghetti so slowly? I suspect that what was happening there was my gluten intolerance. Spaghetti is high in gluten and my stomach (or complete digestive tract) struggled to process this protein, thus causing it not to be available in the bloodstream when the insulin arrived. But this was not the only clue I had.

I had a test for coeliac disease some twenty years ago. I can’t quite remember why I asked for this but I guess, on some subconscious level, I knew something wasn’t quite right. I had a full colonoscopy and was found to not have coeliac’s disease (there was no destruction of my small intestine). I was, however, found to have a lot of food still left in my stomach at the time of the procedure, despite following the required starving period beforehand. My doctor at the time suggested that I had gastroparesis (delayed stomach-emptying) and left it at that. No further investigations were conducted at that time.

But a suggested diagnosis of gastroparesis didn’t make sense. My blood sugar would usually react within ten to fifteen minutes of eating some food. That isn’t slow digestion. But these carbohydrates could have been coming from sugar or from rice or from vegetables – sources of carbohydrates that do not contain gluten. I think that that gastroparesis was actually a demonstration of my body’s inability to process gluten (and perhaps also the dairy) that I was eating at that time. It was all just backlogged in my stomach.

What About You?

Could you also be someone with Type 1 Diabetes who has a food intolerance (or two!). Do you have any of these symptoms? They can be subtle or easily dismissed but they may be extremely important to your healing. I believe that healing asks us to lean in closer to our bodies and really listen and understand what it is asking for. Is your body asking for release from gluten toxicity too?

Watch out for subtle signs. Watch out for mood swings (or anxiety or depression) that are sporadic and/or unexplained by life circumstances. Watch out for that runny nose or that cough that just doesn’t make sense in the context of your life. Please don’t become paranoid, just become curious. Your healing could be in those subtle signs.

Life After Gluten

Having now (mostly) removed gluten from my diet, I have witnessed something extraordinary. My insulin sensitivity for meal times has increased dramatically! I now take 50-75% less insulin per meal, for the same amount of carbohydrates (from 4-5 units of Novorapid to 1-2 units per meal). I also have reduced my basal by 25% (from 16 units to 12 units). My body mass has not changed and neither have any of my habits or activity levels. Just the removal of gluten. I am also less tired. I have more energy. No more headaches. No more bloating or farting (so far!). Not a lot of low mood (apart from at the full moon – more on that later!).

I’m wondering whether this reduction in insulin levels is because I now have less inflammation (see previous article) in my system. I liken it to when you’re ill. When sickness sets in, blood sugar levels rise. Hence the ‘sick day rules’ that are handed out at hospital check-ups. This is due to increased inflammation in the system during the illness. Gluten causes the same effect in me. So, by removing that inflammation, less insulin is needed to maintain blood sugar levels.

Grieving The Loss Of Gluten

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not finding giving up gluten easily. I really feel like I’m grieving its loss. I have already (mostly) given up dairy and am reaping the benefits from that. But I feel like, with each elimination, I’m walking towards a future that is just going to have vegetables in it. I love cake (the occasional piece!). And bread. And good pasta (preferably in Italy!!). And gluten-free bread just doesn’t cut it when compared to a soft fluffy roll or a beautiful freshly-baked baguette. (If you’re struggling too, I have found the Warburton’s Gluten-Free range to be some of the best out there so far.)

Healing is a process. I know that I felt a similar grief when I stopped dairy. I have found a balance with that now where, when I really miss it, I pay the price and have a piece of dairy-laden cake (instead of the not bad dairy-free equivalent!). It takes time. Healing takes time. It’s a process, not a destination. Every day I don’t eat gluten and dairy, I feel better, I feel alive, I feel energised. So it’s actually a choice towards health and vitality, rather than a move away from foods love. It’s a move towards bringing myself towards alignment and being who I am truly meant to be. And that’s worth it.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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April 10, 2023

Read more about the article Gluten Sensitivity

Mind-Body Medicine / Physical Wellbeing / Taking Control of My Health

Béchamp and Pasteur

The Origins of Our Current Formulation of the Human Body

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: Ethel D. Hume’s book ‘Béchamp or Pasteur? A Lost Chapter in the History of Biology’ challenges the conventional medical wisdom that is influenced by Louis Pasteur’s germ theory. Instead, Hume promotes Antoine Béchamp’s holistic approach. Hume’s argument is still relevant today, urging reconsideration of medical paradigms like Type 1 Diabetes treatment.

I have just finished reading the book ‘Béchamp or Pasteur? A Lost Chapter in the History of Biology’ by Ethel D. Hume. This book has challenged the way we think about our own bodies and the ‘illness’ of Type 1 Diabetes that our doctors tell us we have.

About The Book: Hume’s Attitude

Hume’s book is an exposé about the very beginnings of the germ theory of modern medicine. At the root of this issue, Hume argues, is the conflicting views and theories of two groups of scientists. The first group was led by the French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur (after whom ‘pasteurisation’ – a preservation technique used up to the present day that uses heat to eliminate bacteria and thus extend the shelf-life of products – is named).

The second group was led by his contemporaneous counterpart, and eventual adversary, Antoine Béchamp. Hume argues that medicine of today has been led astray by the erroneous, and sometimes fabricated, experimental results of Louis Pasteur. Hume believed that Pasteur’s conclusions have been accepted into the mainstream largely because Pasteur, unlike Béchamp, was a fabulous self-promoter who yearned for fame and glory in the scientific, and worldwide, community. He therefore promoted his findings as widely as he could (including to Napoleon III at Tuileries Palace in 1863!) and thus became sanctified in medical knowledge.

By contrast, Béchamp was a very unassuming man who did excellent scientific work but who was more retiring when it came to promoting his works widely. Unfortunately, he felt that his works would speak for themselves and that this was be sufficient. This turned out to not be the case.

On top of blaming Pasteur’s arrogance and self-promotion, Ethel Hume also believes the lack of appreciation of Béchamp’s works can also be blamed on mankind as a whole for not being clever enough to not be led astray…

“the majority of mankind, ignorant of the cytological elements, have been delighted with a crude theory of disease which they could understand, and have ignored the profound teaching of Professor Béchamp.” (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 219)

This book was not a happy book to read. I didn’t come away feeling fulfilled in any way. Not just because the content is complicated and, at times, hard to grasp. But also because Ethel Hume writes with such detest for Pasteur that I felt her argument at times descended into a bit of a moan fest about all that Pasteur had done wrong and how the wonderous, honourable Béchamp had been side-swiped. Indeed, she goes as far as to conclude her book with a final sentence that calls Pasteur a ‘fraud and charlatan’ (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 343)! I wish she had had a bit more of the discernment that her hero Béchamp demonstrated!

The Pasteur/Béchamp Balance: The Need for Béchamp’s Work Today

I understand Ethel Hume’s desire to redress the balance that she feels has been left out-of-balance by Pasteur’s wrongdoings but I feel that Béchamp’s work could have stood on its own in the debate, without such emphatic declarations of fraud and wrongdoing on Hume’s part. However, this book was published over 100 years ago, in 1923. I am aware that scientific writings in that time, such as those written by Freud, were as much personal writings as they were scientific proofs, a fine blend of friend-to-friend analogies and stories combined with excerpts of scientific rigour and experimental findings. Therefore, perhaps I am being unfair in expecting something more scientifically robust and emotionally neutral of a writer from this time period.

My view on the validity of the contributions to medical knowledge of Pasteur and Bechamp are also not as one-sided as Hume. I believe that modern medicine needs both the germ theory of Pasteur and the environmental and corporeal contribution to health that Béchamp argued for. After all, without Pasteur’s germ theory, there would be no antibiotics to treat viral infections and infected wounds. The bubonic plague that killed 50 million people in the 14^th century would not have had such a devastating impact if antibiotics were available then!

However, I am equally aware that the plague of the today’s world is chronic illness, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that noncommunicable diseases (otherwise known as chronic illnesses) ‘kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 74% of all deaths globally’. Of these, WHO states that 2 million are killed by diabetes (please note, though, that there is no delineation between the different types of diabetes in this figure). Perhaps a medical science based on Béchamp’s understandings would have taken us to a different point today, where more answers would have been found for chronic diseases, but maybe fewer for bacterial infections.

Progress Between Then And Now

What is particularly interesting about this piece of writing, considering the timeframe within which it was written, is how little progress we have really made between then and now in terms of developing a more holistic view of the human body. We’re still dominated today by a medical viewpoint that is looking for the germ or the piece of DNA or the bodily cell that has ‘gone wrong’ and needs ‘fixing’. We still believe that the illness is caused by something in the body (unless it something more obvious like, say, an allergy, but even then it is the body’s reaction to the stimulus that is ‘wrong’ rather than the presence of the allergen in the first place!).

The medical community mostly does not consider the environment (both internally and externally) of a patient and how that may be contributing to the illness or disease. For this reason, I feel it was worth leaning more closely towards this book’s contents and considering what may be gleaned for us today, searching to understand the highly medicalised version of Type 1 Diabetes in a new way.

With this attitude in place, I am going to try to outline the scientific theories of Pasteur and Béchamp, as outlined in this book, and then draw them into perspective for the relevance for Type 1 Diabetes today.

Pasteur’s Argument: All Illnesses Are Caused By Germs

Both Pasteur and Béchamp were involved in the discovery and theorisation of what has become known as ‘germ theory’ today. Pasteur’s views and conclusions are the ones that have become a central tenet of the ethics of modern, mainstream medicine. Pasteur argued that the all illnesses are caused by germs that infiltrate the body:

“For Pasteur… there is no spontaneous disease; without microbes there would be no sickness, no matter what we do, despite our imprudence, miseries and vices!” (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 218)

In Pasteur’s view, we are not responsible for our diseases, they ‘happen’ to us through the arrival of germs into our lives. By contrast, Béchamp provided multiple paths to consider in the development of disease (or dis-ease, perhaps!). I shall look at each of these in turn now.

Béchamp’s Alternative: Illnesses Are A Result Of The Bodily Environment

Béchamp took the polar opposite view to Pasteur. His rigorous scientific research gave rise to the conclusion that it is the environment itself, that which the cell is surrounded by, which will determine whether or not the cell develops a disease. Béchamp postulated that multiple factors could influence this environment. The first contributing factor that Hume highlights Béchamp considered as important in the development of illness was the place where the disease started:

“Diseased microzymas should be differentiated by the particular group of cells and tissues to which they belong, rather than the particular disease condition with which they are associated.” (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 243)

This belief is in alignment with the ancient practice of Tantra. Tantra outlines seven chakras of the body, which are understood to be centres in the body that are of physiological and psychical importance. In diabetes, it is believed that the third chakra, known as the Solar Plexus, is blocked. Thus, the energy of the cells and tissues surrounding the pancreas is disrupted and it is this disruption in the energy of the cells that is believed to contribute to the illness of diabetes that prevails.

I believe that this postulation of Béchamp’s (that environment matters) is key. We are so focussed on trying to ‘fix the disease’ of diabetes, to find ways to get the beta cells doing what they should be doing. But what about providing the right environment so that the beta cells decide of their own accord to switch back to producing insulin? How do we create the environment so that they do that? Ethel Hume hints at an answer:

“In place of the modern system of treating the phantom of a disease-causing entity, and trying to quell it by every form of injection, scientific procedure on Béchamp's lines would be to treat the patient taking into account his personal situation and characteristics; for those depend upon his anatomical elements, the microzymas, which, according to Béchamp, build up his bodily frame, preserve it in health [and] disrupt it in disease” (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 247).

Béchamp’s Role For Nutrition

As well as the environment that the diseased cells exist in, Hume highlighted how Bechamp’s work has led his collaborators to also question the role that nutrition plays in the health of the body:

“Is the supply of these little living bodies in the food essential to the continued vitality of human beings, or is it not?... He [Lord Geddes] thought there was the possibility - many think the extreme probability - that the presence of these little living bodies in the food is essential to health.” (Hume, 1923/2017, p. 259)

Whilst I am yet to hear that food is rich in these ‘little bodies’ (microzymas), I do not think it is a stretch too far to consider the role of food in our health, in order to create the ideal bodily system within which our beta cells can prosper and produce insulin again.

Béchamp’s Belief That Cells Can Revert To Their Primary Function

Indeed, my previous discussion about how delta cells can turn back into insulin-producing beta cells (see here) aligns perfectly with Béchamp’s early theories about the reversal of disease within microzymas:

“Similar observations had already been made by Professor Béchamp, who, with his collaborators, had demonstrated the connection between a disturbed state of body and the disturbed state of its indwelling particles, which, upon an unfavourable alteration in their surroundings, are hampered in their normal multiplication as healthy microzymas and are consequently prone to develop into organisms of varied shape, known as bacteria. Upon an improvement in their environment, the bacteria, according to Béchamp's view, may through a process of devolution return to their microzymian state, but much smaller and more numerous than they were originally.” (Hume, 1923/2017, pp. 275-276)

Whilst Béchamp’s work obviously focussed on bacteria and diseases that result from them, I do not feel it is particularly far-fetched to wonder if the same process may not be at work in ‘non-diseased’ cells, such as the beta cells that are so infamously “broken” in Type 1 Diabetes. As such, could these ‘smaller and more nuemours’ cells that Hume speaks of be the ‘abnormal gene’ that Daniel Darkes (link) was found to possess after his Type 1 Diabetes was healed…?

Béchamp’s Role For Beliefs In Health

Although slightly unrelated to the work of Béchamp that so far been discussed in this book, Hume continues her discussions on the implications of Béchamp’s work by outlining a case study of two men exposed to a disease called hydrophobia (known today as ‘rabies’):

“Two young Frenchmen were bitten at Havre by the same dog in January 1853. One died from the effects within a month, but before this the other young man had sailed for America, where he lived for fifteen years in total ignorance of the death of his former companion. In September 1868, he returned to France and learned of the tragedy, and then himself developed symptoms; within three weeks he was dead of hydrophobia! (Hume, 1923/2017,p. 291)

Even though I wasn’t particularly sure how this case study fitted in with Béchamp’s work, I found it fascinating in its own right. This example beautifully illustrates the importance of our beliefs in the trajectory of illnesses. As people with Type 1 Diabetes, we are led to believe by our medical practitioners that we have an incurable and potentially life-limiting disease and that this disease has only one outcome: a horrible decline towards death. For us, therefore, our beliefs around Type 1 Diabetes need to be tackled. Hume argues that ‘the avoidance of fear is… of fundamental importance after a dog bite’. I would argue that the avoidance of fear is fundamental for any illness, whether bacteria-driven or ‘autoimmune’.

My Thoughts Going Forward

I think what has been re-emphasized to me as I read my way through this book was how divided medicine has become and how much that might affect those of us with chronic illnesses, like Type One Diabetes. This divide reminds me of the ancient yet ongoing debate in psychology about the extent to which genes and environment contribute to psychological development and psychological distress. I suspect that this ‘nature versus nurture’ debate is exactly mirrored in the ‘Béchamp versus Pasteur’ debate. If so, I believe that psychology may be giving us a sneak preview of where this debate might lead to.

Psychology has now got to the point of admitting that the answer to the question ‘Is it nature or nurture?’ is ‘Yes’! The field of epigenetics has really helped here. It has demonstrated that genes are adaptable to environmental inputs. So, while you may have a particular genetic predisposition to a certain condition, the environment within which you find yourself (or create for yourself) is likely to impact, or even overrule, the genetics. Why should this be any different for physical illnesses? In that scenario, you may develop an illness that is provoked by your environment, but then why could the illness not be ‘switched off’ by changing these provoking environmental factors?

Perhaps medical science of today just hasn’t been sufficiently considering the environment within which a patient gets sick so they have not been looking for the environmental triggers that need to be removed.

In this book, Hume cited quotes by Florence Nightingale and Pidoux, both of which I want to leave you with now as I believe they so fantastically summarise my views in this post.

“Disease is born of us and in us” (Pidoux, cited in Hume, 1923/2017, p. 218)

“For disease, as all experience shows, are adjectives, not noun substantives” (Florence Nightingale, as cited in Hume, 1923/2017, p. 245)

So let us change our states, our current adjectives to describe our current selves, and find a new health in our lives today.

Bibliography:

Hume, E. D. (2017). Bechamp or Pasteur? A Lost Chapter in the History of Biology. [First published in 1923.] London: Distant Mirror.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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March 27, 2023

Read more about the article Béchamp and Pasteur

Emotional Wellbeing / Increasing Positive Emotions / Physical Wellbeing / Relaxation / Spirituality / Taking Control of My Health

Reflection and Gratitude

Having Come So Far

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: Reflecting on her journey, the author embraces a moment of peace and gratitude for her progress. From struggling with mental health and physical ailments to finding healing through therapy and personal growth, she celebrates being free from depression, anxiety, and other conditions. She now lives optimistically, cherishing life’s blessings and feeling at peace with herself.

I’m taking a moment just now to be reflective, be still and at peace. I am pausing to take notice of where I am now. To notice just how far I’ve come. I think it becomes really easy on a healing journey to spend so much time looking at the end goal – that panacea of health, whatever that may be for you or me – that we forget to be thankful for everything that has already happened and that we have already achieved. I guess this post is one of gratitude for all the ways that I have served my own higher good and my own blossoming health.

Looking Back To Where I Was

I am thinking back to the teenager I was. I was angry. I got dressed in black everyday. I didn’t want to mix with the majority of people in the world. I didn’t care about my diabetes. I didn’t care about my health. From here, things only got worse. By my twenties, my mental health had descended into a very deep, dark pit. I was so depressed that I couldn’t get out of bed for weeks at a time. I was so anxious that just walking down to the corner of my street, about 50 metres, was too much for me. I was trapped both in my mind and in my house.

As well as Type 1 Diabetes, clinical depression and clinical anxiety, I had polycystic ovarian syndrome, temporomandibular jaw dysfunction and recurrent infections. I spent a lot of my time seeing doctors. None of them seemed to be able to offer me anything more than temporary relief from symptoms.

I carried my victim status in all my interactions. I felt the world was out to get me. I felt the medical profession was my enemy. I felt God had abandoned me.

I wasn’t really aware at that time just how much I had come undone. I carried on until I couldn’t carry on anymore. I then got help. I started with psychotherapy. I saw multiple therapists over a ten-year period. Some helped some. Some didn’t help at all. One changed my life. Actually, he enabled me to change my life. That was the start of a thousand steps on my road of healing.

Gratitude For The Now

I am sitting here today, free of mental health issues. I have safely weaned myself off antidepressants. No anxiety, no depression remain. I no longer have temporomandibular jaw dysfunction. I rarely see any doctors or need to (apart from my usual diabetes check-ups). I eat well. I move well. I am optimistic about life.

I suspect that my inability to just sit down is rooted in my nervous system too. My twitchiness, my desire to always move and ‘do’ seems indicative of a fight-or-flight reaction. If you’re being stalked through the trees by a predator (or your body thinks that’s the case), you’re not just going to kick back and stargaze, are you?!

I have put down my victim mentality and picked up grace instead. I am grateful for all that life has given me. I am grateful for the woman it has enabled me to become. I am grateful for all the opportunities that life presents. I am grateful for the peace in my heart and the love that surrounds me. I’ve gone from continually reassuring myself, pleading with myself, that I’m ‘not a bad egg’ to telling myself that life is good. And really feeling that in my heart. I am healing. I am well. Life is good.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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September 11, 2022

Read more about the article Reflection and Gratitude

Emotional Wellbeing / Increasing Positive Emotions / Mind-Body Medicine / Taking Control of My Health

NEWSFLASH!

The Link Between Insulin And Dopamine

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered insulin’s impact beyond digestion, revealing its role in brain function and dopamine systems. This breakthrough aligns with Candace Pert’s holistic hormone theory. For the author, who has ADHD, this raises questions about insulin’s influence on symptoms and its potential link to depression and diabetes management through pleasure-inducing dopamine.

I have just come across an article in Science Daily that I wanted to talk about. It has finally been found that insulin not only plays a role in digestion but it also influences brain function. At last the wider scientific community are catching up with Candace Pert’s research. who argued that hormones like insulin are body-wide and influence both the brain and the body!

This research, undertaken by researchers at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has shown that insulin has a direct effect on the brain’s dopamine systems. When insulin is low or absent in the body, the dopamine pathways do not fire. This results in a lack of stimulation to the brain regions that recognise reward, attention and movement.

This is particularly interesting for me because of my ADHD symptomology. Could it be that my ADHD symptoms are purely a result of my insulin levels in my system? And, therefore, could they fluctuate in severity with any excess or lack thereof?

I am also aware how dopamine plays a key role in enabling us to feel pleasure. So that makes me wonder if an absence of dopamine is likely to cause an absence of pleasure i.e. depression? The rate of depression is diabetics is significantly greater than the general population, with adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes are five times more likely to be depressed than their healthy counterparts.

A final question that this research encourages me to ask is… Can improvement in pleasure (which would cause dopamine production in the brain) result in more insulin production (or a decrease in the inhibition of insulin production)? Could increased pleasure help to heal Type 1 Diabetes? It’s certainly worth investigating… Who doesn’t want more pleasure in their lives?!

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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December 20, 2021

Exercise / Physical Wellbeing / Relaxation / Removal of Toxins / Taking Control of My Health

High Blood Pressure

Balancing It With Faith And Rest

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

Summary: God has thrown a curveball—hypertension! Shocked by a sudden reading of 139/72, the author is now walking daily and monitoring her blood pressure religiously. Despite her doctor’s weight-loss advice, she is focusing on rest and trusting her intuition for healing. It’s a scary journey, but she is relying on faith for guidance and hope.

Hypertension Enters Stage Left

God has thrown me a curve ball. A big one. I strolled into my diabetologist’s office for my latest check-up, only to be told that I have hypertension!!

Say, what?! I was a little shocked to say the least! My blood pressure has been somewhere between 117/78 and 120/80 FOREVER! It was so predictable that I gave up asking what it was when I went for check-ups. There was no point. I took my eye off the ball and this is what happened…

I got a reading of 139/72. My doctor told me to lose weight and wrote me a prescription for high-dose vitamin D (I guess he’s in the clear, then… He prescribed me something so has been a hugely effective doctor. Yeah, right.)

Searching For Answers

Now, the thing is… I’m a bit stumped where this has come from. I know that I have gained some weight but I have been this weight at other points in my life without an impact on my blood pressure. In terms of stress, it’s probably the lowest it’s ever been in my life. In fact, my husband jokingly said that maybe it’s my body’s rebellion against the lack of stress… It’s created a way to give me more stress and therefore get me back into my ‘normal range’!!

But I’m not going to choose to understand it that way. For me, this is a gift from God. This is God directing me to my next level of healing. He’s asking me to step up and make the next level of change. And I’m taking the challenge on!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Since I found out. I have committed to walking for 30 minutes every morning. I haven’t missed a single one. And I won’t. I have already pictured myself turning around to my diabetologist at my next check-up and telling him that I’ve walked every day since I last saw him. it’s written in stone. It’s done.

I’ve also invested in a blood pressure monitor (the same one that my doctor uses… I’m a nerd like that!). I am monitoring it twice a day. After all, data is key! Interestingly, nearly all of o my readings are normal so I’m looking forward to seeing what it is at my next check-up!

For now, contrary to my doctor’s advice, I’ve decided not to focus on losing weight. I outlined in my three posts on ‘Food, Food Everywhere’ (here, here and here) why I feel that health and healing for me doesn’t lie at the end of a diet and I still stick with that. It just doesn’t feel right to be messing around with that right now and I’m going to trust my intuition on that.

Instead, I am implementing rest with a vengeance!! Every day, I am now getting my hyperactive bum to stay put on a chair or other suitably relaxing piece of furniture (bed, sofa or – my favourite – the sun lounger!) for a minimum of 30 minutes. My body needs to relax and I’m showing it the way.

To be truthful, I am scared. I am scared that my heart might explode whilst I’m exercising or that the damage being done to my body during every day of hypertension will be catastrophic or irreparable. So I’m relying on my faith. God has a plan that I can only see one step of right now.

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Natalie Leader

Natalie is a blogger with Type 1 Diabetes. Natalie's special gifts are questioning the status quo and being a rebel. She is using these gifts to question medical 'knowledge' and find a true cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

The content of the HealingT1D website is for educational and information purposes only. It does not contain medical advice. The contents of this website are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please always consult with your doctor, physician, or other qualified healthcare professional before making any adjustments to your routine or healthcare regime. HealingT1D and all associated with it will not be held liable for any risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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November 15, 2021