DIABETES

Symptoms
• Frequent and copious urination.
• Continuous thirst.
• Tiredness and apathy as a result of reduced energy production.
• Possible loss of weight.
• Possible cramps, blurred vision, faintness, breathlessness, erectile dysfunction, menstrual problems, and lowering of resistance to infection.
Causes
There is a genetic tendency to develop diabetes. In young people it is believed to result from a viral infection, although it may be due to auto-immune problems. It usually strikes between the ages of 10 and 15. In Type 2 diabetes, the main factor is obesity. The body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin.
Diabetes often comes to light during illnesses such as pancreatitis or after an infection, while taking drugs such as diuretics, or during pregnancy. Chromium deficiency may also be a factor. The cells of the pancreas are destroyed as diabetes progresses, so that insulin production stops almost completely. Without regular insulin injections, a diabetic will become hyperglycemic (excess glucose in the blood).
Conventional care
People with insulin-dependent diabetes require insulin injections and a balanced diet that regulates carbohydrate intake. Glucose levels in the blood or urine are monitored carefully; high levels indicate that glucose is not being absorbed. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled mainly by means of a balanced diet, although drugs may be necessary to stimulate the production of insulin. Insulin injections may also be required. It is important, especially for those taking drugs, to eat at regular intervals to prevent hypoglycemia (too little glucose in the blood).
Homeopathic medicine
Constitutional homeopathic treatment for diabetes is recommended in support of conventional measures, and is compatible with them. Prescription depends upon specific symptoms but certain remedies have an affinity with the metabolic system. Phosphoric ac. is effective when emotional stress has played a part in the onset of diabetes. Silica is prescribed for diabetes that has arisen from infection; while Tarentula is used for diabetes linked to anxiety or grief. Argentum nit., Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Plumbum met., Theridion, and Uranium nit. are other constitutional remedies often used in the treatment of diabetes.
Remedies for acute symptoms include Phosphoric ac., when diabetes is worse for nervous exhaustion; Uranium nit. for digestive upset, great weight loss, weakness, and incontinence; Argentum nit., when the usual symptoms of diabetes are accompanied by swollen ankles and there is apprehension; and Silica, when the person complains of cold, sweaty, smelly feet, and a lack of stamina.
Lifestyle
Carbohydrate intake should be carefully monitored, and the diet should include plenty of legumes as long as they do not upset the bowel. A nutritionist can advise about vitamin and mineral supplements. The loss of excess weight, stress-management techniques, and regular exercise will all help diabetes sufferers. Smoking is inadvisable.

CASE HISTORY
Sam was a 61-year-old, retired policeman, working part-time as a delivery driver. He had been diagnosed two years before his consultation with diabetes mellitus, revealed by a routine urine sample. He had responded fairly well to a diabetic diet, but still had high blood sugar levels. He complained of anxiety, poor memory and concentration, anger, confusion, a lack of purpose in his life, depression, and tiredness.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Sam came to the US in his thirties, having been born in India and lived in Africa. He was used to responsibility and pleased with his achievements, but felt burned out. He now wanted to put himself first, but he feared poverty. He felt his wife was not his equal intellectually, and they argued a lot. Sam was tidy but not fastidious.
FOOD PREFERENCES
Sam had a sweet tooth and liked spicy foods. He was often very thirsty since his blood sugar levels had been brought under control, and he passed large quantities of urine.
GENERAL DETAILS
As well as mental tension, Sam had tension in the back of his skull. He had lower back pain that was worse for stress, and he suffered sudden losses of energy. He preferred warm, damp weather.
PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UP
Sam was advised to eat unrefined carbohydrate snacks little and often, and to avoid caffeine and alcohol. He felt better for this, but still had sugar in his urine. He was prescribed Nux vomica, which aggravated him initially, then made him feel better. He soon became irritable and depressed, however. The remedy was repeated twice, after which he had more energy and felt less irritable. China was tried because of Sam’s history of malaria while in Africa, but to little effect. Sulphuric ac. seemed to help him most, especially with the restlessness and irritation that he experienced on exposure to pollution while driving. When last seen, Sam had detected no sugar in his urine for several months.