Specific Tests for detecting the primary causes of Diabesity –Nutritional Testing

 

There are common nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to the underlying causes behind the development of diabesity. The most important to test are:

 

• Chromium - Chromium is a mineral that affects insulin, carbohydrate, fat, and protein levels in the body.  Ideal level ≤ 1.4 mcg/mL.

 

• Magnesium - Serum magnesium testing is most often used but is rarely helpful. Levels of less than 2.0 can be significant. Red blood cell magnesium is more accurate (nl 4–6), but if you have symptoms of magnesium deficiency, the best way to handle it is by trial and error. In other words, try taking magnesium supplements and see if it makes you feel better.

 

• Vitamin D - Vitamin D deficiency is an important predisposing factor to diabesity. Vitamin D levels should be monitored until they are in the optimal range. If you are taking high doses (5,000 to 10,000 IU a day), ensure that your doctor checks your calcium, phosphorous, and parathyroid hormone levels regularly (every three months).  45-60 ng/dl is good but 60–80 ng/ml is ideal.

 

• Essential fatty acids (omega-3 fats) - Essential fatty acids (omega-3 fats) are critical in normal blood sugar control and insulin function. And most people are omega-3 fat deficient. Simply supplementing with omega-3 fats improves blood sugar control, reduces triglycerides and improves HDL, and lowers inflammation.  It may be useful to test red blood cell fatty acid levels to look for the proper balance of fats, especially low levels of omega-3 fats and high levels of omega-6 fats. This test can identify essential fatty acid deficiencies as well as excesses of inflammatory fats and transfats.

 

• organic acid test (oAT) - Organic acids are by-products of our metabolism and they also help with oxidative stress, the gut, detoxification, and even neurotransmitter function.  Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids. The cause of these high levels could include: oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, and genetic factors. This test provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria.  It helps identify vitamin B deficiencies, including biotin, which is important in diabesity, as well as problems with fat, carbohydrate, and energy metabolism. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behaviour disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and autoimmune. If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments may include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. The OAT is strongly recommended as an initial screening test is probably the single best-advanced test for evaluating diabesity because it covers so many underlying causes.