The creators of pharmaceutical drugs want you to have total faith in the efficacy and safety of their drugs. But they don’t always go the extra mile to ensure either. That would interfere with fast-tracking drugs to market so the revenue could come in faster.
In fact, in a study covering just 17 years, researchers found that a whopping 112 million prescriptions were written before drug safety recalls.
And now, another recall has been announced, featuring a drug that’s widely used by people across the country because it’s laced with a “cancer-causing contaminant.”
Designed to lower blood glucose
The newly recalled drug?
Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets from the Indian pharmaceutical company, Marksans Pharma Limited, used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose.
The FDA announced the recall because the company’s metformin tablets, including dosages between 500 mg and 750 mg, have been found to contain unacceptable levels of NDMA (above the 96 nanogram/day threshold). And NDMA has been classified by the FDA as a probable human carcinogen.
It’s important to note that Marksans sells their tablets under the brand name Time-Cap Labs, Inc. And you can determine whether, the metformin you take is from Marksans by taking a look at your tablets, which will have either a 101 or 102 on one side and are plain on the other.
Sadly and possibly even more importantly, the company is not the only NDMA offender when it comes to metformin products.
In fact, in the past year, seven additional pharma companies have been forced to recall their metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets due to their cancer-causing contents. This is a problem that’s still under investigation, with the FDA searching for the source behind the NDMA contamination of metformin products.
Combating blood sugar problems the natural way
This just illustrates that if you’re relying on big pharma to keep you healthy, you better have a backup plan.
It also serves as a reminder to us all that type 2 diabetes is one of the most preventable of all disease and can be avoided, managed, even reversed through diet, exercise and other means.
Two major lifestyle factors that can help control type 2 diabetes are endorsed by major health institutions you’ll recognize…
- The Mayo Clinic recommends following the Diabetes Diet, focusing on healthy carbs, good fats, fish and fiber-rich foods. This would include fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and legumes as well as avocadoes and seafood choices such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
- The Cleveland Clinic recommends timing your exercise to occur after your meals. This helps your body use insulin more efficiently, reduce blood glucose and lower your risk of complications from diabetes. How about a brisk walk after dinner?
It’s even possible to reverse type 2 diabetes in just eight weeks… just not easy.
Researchers from Newcastle University found that within just one week of starting a low-calorie diet, participants in their study experienced a dramatic improvement in insulin sensitivity, and their fasting blood sugar levels returned to normal.
According to the researchers, losing bodyweight can also help you shed weight off the pancreas, which can get things in working order again.
But be warned… the low-calorie diet used in the study was extreme. Study participants only ate 600 calories per day for eight weeks. The recommended calorie intake for the average adult is between 1,500 and 2,500 calories per day (depending on sex, age and weight loss goals), so that’s quite a difference.
If you’re going to reverse your type 2 diabetes through a major lifestyle change like this, you shouldn’t go it alone. Partner with a trusted health care professional who can guide you, monitor your progress and provide support and encouragement along the way.
But if that diet sounds too extreme. Try eating by your biological clock. On this diet, participants ate the biggest meals in the early part of the day when their biological clock was gearing up. And as their biological clock was winding down for the evening, they gave it less work by eating a small meal without a lot of starch or sugar.
Their blood sugar dramatically improved. They lost weight. They were able to reduce the amount of diabetes medication and insulin they used. Some were even able to stop taking insulin.
Additional tips
Other natural ways to improve your blood sugar include:
- Drinking more water — Studies show that water drinkers are less likely to experience blood sugar issues. So be sure to stay hydrated for better blood sugar.
- Controlling stress — The stress hormone cortisol is a forgotten diabetes trigger. Try stress-reducing methods like yoga and meditation to keep your blood sugar in check.
- Go to bed earlier — Poor sleep can lead to increased appetite, less activity and extra pounds around your middle, all of which play a role in your blood sugar levels. This means that getting good quality sleep is vital to staving off diabetes.
- Supplements and herbs — Some that have shown a positive benefit for type 2 diabetes include fish oil, black cumin seed oil, berberine, fiber and cinnamon.
- Get your manganese — A person with insufficient manganese will have impaired glucose tolerance
If you’re unsure if the recall includes medication you’re on, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and don’t stop any medication unless advised by your doctor. You can also find updates on the FDA site, here.
Sources:
A diabetes drug has been recalled because it contains high levels of cancer-causing agent — CNN
Over 100 million prescriptions written before drug safety recalls — PNHP
Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan — Mayo Clinic
Glucose Control: Why Timing Your Exercise After Meals Matters — Cleveland Clinic
Low water intake and risk for new-onset hyperglycemia — NIH
Effects of stress on exacerbation of diabetes mellitus, serum glucose and cortisol levels and body weight in rats — NIH
Effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students — NIH
Say goodbye to type 2 diabetes in 8 weeks — Easy Health Options
Slow-wave sleep, diabetes, and the sympathetic nervous system — NIH
Slow-wave sleep and the risk of type 2 diabetes in humans — NIH