Wellness Protocols
Refer to Chapter 15 for a detailed step-by-step procedure for each of the major diabetic complications.

Diabetes gradually deteriorates the body over a period of years as the glucose clogs and damages the small capillaries that feed the kidneys, eyes, feet, and heart. As a result, at least 4 out of every 5 diabetics develop one or more of the following long term diseases and complications:

Kidney disease (Nephropathy)
Kidneys normally filter out waste products from the blood, but when the kidneys become damaged, the waste products remain in the blood and protein leaks into the urine, leading to kidney failure and dialysis. 
Eye disease (Retinopathy): The signs of damage to the eyes include blurry vision, spots, and loss of vision, which can lead to blindness if the macula is damaged and there is a loss of blood supply to the retina. Other eye diseases that diabetics may acquire include cataracts and glaucoma.
 
Nerve disease (Neuropathy)
The signs of nerve damage include the loss of feeling (touch) in the feet, tingling and burning, which can lead to foot ulcers, gangrene and amputation.  If motor or autonomic nerves are damaged, this can lead to the loss of muscle control, causing problems such as gastroparesis, a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty causing erratic blood glucose levels. Other problems affect breathing, sexual function, bladder control, and bowel control.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
The signs of cardiovascular disease include high homocysteine, high C-reactive protein (CRP), and high blood pressure -- which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Cold feet/hands and sexual dysfunction may be signs of circulatory (or nerve-related) problems.

Other Complications
They include excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high inflammation, and fatigue. There may also be a higher susceptibility to other illnesses and infections, including periodontal (gum) disease.