Recent studies continue to show a shocking 25% of people with type 2 diabetes don’t even know they are at risk. The alarming statistics underscore the importance of an increased need for recognizing the associated risk factors and symptoms.
The symptoms are often very subtle and develop over the course of several years. While the short-term effects of uncontrolled blood sugar such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis are apparent and acute, the imperceptible damage occurring throughout the body as blood sugar slowly rises is not so obvious. So even if you feel fine, uncontrolled blood sugar can cause serious
long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.
Blood sugar management, however, is no longer a struggle reserved for only those experiencing diabetes. It is also a critical factor associated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, which increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other chronic health conditions.
According to the CDC, more than a third of all US adults meet the definition and criteria for metabolic syndrome. Since 1988 the prevalence of metabolic syndrome has risen by more than 35%. And it becomes more common with age — afflicting nearly 60% of people in their 60s and 70s. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is based on the presence of three or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal obesity (measured by waist circumference)
o Men – greater than 40 inches
o Women – greater than 35 inches - Triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL)
- HDL cholesterol:
o Men – Less than 40 mg/dL
o Women – Less than 50 mg/dL - Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
- Fasting glucose greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL
Excess weight—particularly around the belly—is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome and is a primary indicator of insulin resistance. You can prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome with lifestyle changes aimed at reducing insulin resistance. They include low saturated fat intake, consumption of low-glycemic-index foods, physical exercise, and prevention of obesity.
Science Unlocks Nature’s Potential
Nutrition research continues to identify the blood-sugar-balancing potential within many natural sources shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes. These scientific advances have made it possible to develop nutritional solutions to blood sugar management and weight loss.
- Pycnogenol®. This French maritime pine bark is a powerful antioxidant. A clinical study showed that Pycnogenol slowed absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in lower blood sugar.
- Cinnamon. Although this spice has been used in cooking for centuries, its blood sugar balancing benefits have only recently been discovered. A clinical study published in Diabetes Care, the journal of the American Diabetes Association, showed cinnamon to reduce serum glucose, triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Omega-3s. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have been found to help improve triglyceride levels. High triglycerides are associated with unmanaged diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health’s Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, fish oil may reduce triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent.
- Lunasin. A naturally occurring soy peptide, is the first dietary ingredient identified to promote optimal health at the epigenetic level. This powerful antioxidant is clinically shown to help normalize cholesterol levels and inflammatory response.
Each of these clinically-studied ingredients has been formulated into GlucAffect. Reliv’s patented nutritional approach to supporting healthy blood sugar levels. GlucAffect is clinically proven to target multiple symptoms of metabolic syndrome. An eight-week, placebo-controlled clinical study observed 50 overweight individuals with elevated blood sugars. The test subjects taking four daily servings of GlucAffect lowered their blood sugars to healthy levels. In addition, the subjects lost an average of 16 pounds during the eight-week period.
GlucAffect is not only effective but also delicious. The cinnamon cream flavor is the perfect addition to your Reliv core nutrition shake, your morning coffee, or afternoon tea.
“I am living life on my terms because GlucAffect has made all the difference when it comes to balancing my blood sugar levels.” – Terry C.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2017/16_0287.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/1601645
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0610-diabetes-report.html