Link between Autism and Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists continue to demonstrate a link between diet and overall health… thank the heavens! Now we have research showing a correlation between type 2 diabetes and autism by a shared mechanism, glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. To read the whole article, click here.

What is the take-away message for me, and what will I be sharing with my patients? Pregnant women really need to be careful about not spiking their glucose levels by eating refined sugars. Pregnant women should make sure they are eating fiber-rich foods with their carbs. Eat protein and fats during the day for sustained energy and some carbs in the evening to help promote restful sleep (carbs make tryptophan, which makes you sleepy. Think of Thanksgiving).

Why pregnant women in particular? Well, when you are pregnant, your fetus is bathed in your hormones as well as your glucose/insulin. Being stressed, anxious, etc. are also not particularly good for your fetus. Acupuncturists can use a acupoint called Kidney-9 to help minimize emotional transference to the fetus. This point is also called the Beautiful Baby point, and is tonified with gold needle at the end of the first and second trimesters.

If you have the choice, go low-glycemic. If you can, eat healthy proteins like grass-fed, pastured meat. Eat pears and berries instead of apples and tropical fruits. Eat complex carbs. And by all means, do NOT avoid fats. Coconut oil, butter and ghee from pastured cows, and olive oil are your friends!