A holistic view of diabetes: causes, symptoms & complementary approaches such as toxopheresis
1. July 2025
A holistic view of diabetes: causes, symptoms & complementary approaches such as toxopheresis
Diabetes mellitus, colloquially known simply as diabetes, is one of the most common chronic metabolic diseases worldwide. According to recent studies, over 8 million people in Germany live with diabetes – and the number is rising. A distinction is made between type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, and type 2 diabetes, which is usually linked to lifestyle factors.
In this article, we take a holistic look at the causes, symptoms and classic forms of treatment for diabetes – and finally take a look at the complementary treatment option of toxopheresis.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder of the sugar metabolism. The blood sugar level is permanently elevated because the hormone insulin is either not produced sufficiently or the body’s cells do not react to it properly.
Two main forms:
• Type 1 diabetes: autoimmune disease, usually in childhood or adolescence.
• Type 2 diabetes: “adult-onset diabetes”, now increasingly also affecting younger people, often caused by obesity, lack of exercise and an unbalanced diet.
Symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms vary depending on the type of diabetes and the course of the disease. The most common signs include
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Severe thirst
• Tiredness and exhaustion
• Weight loss (type 1)
• Susceptibility to infections
• Visual disturbances
If diabetes is not recognized or treated in time, it can lead to serious secondary diseases such as kidney damage, nerve damage, cardiovascular diseases and eye problems.
Holistic approach to diabetes
A holistic approach looks not only at the blood sugar level, but also at the whole person – body, mind and soul. The aim is to activate the body’s self-healing powers and improve quality of life in the long term.
1. Nutrition
• Wholesome, high-fiber diet with a low glycemic index
• Reduction of sugar and simple carbohydrates
• Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric and ginger
2. Exercise
• Regular exercise (e.g. walking, yoga, swimming) improves insulin sensitivity.
3. Stress reduction
• Chronic stress increases blood sugar. Mindfulness, meditation or breathing techniques can help.
4. Naturopathy & micronutrients
• Studies have shown that chromium, magnesium, cinnamon and alpha-lipoic acid have blood sugar regulating effects.
• Bitter substances support the liver and fat metabolism.
Complementary medicine: How toxopheresis can help with diabetes
Toxopheresis is a complementary blood purification procedure that is attracting increasing attention in modern biological medicine. It is a special plasma separation procedure in which toxic metabolic products, pro-inflammatory proteins and autoantibodies are removed from the blood plasma.
Why is this relevant for diabetes?
Diabetes, especially type 2, is often associated with silent inflammation and oxidative stress. These not only promote insulin resistance, but also secondary diseases such as neuropathies, retinopathies or arteriosclerosis.
Toxopheresis can target this by:
• Reducing inflammatory mediators
• Lowering oxidative stress
• Improving microcirculation
• Relieving the immune system
After several sessions, patients often report more energy, more stable blood sugar levels and fewer accompanying symptoms – especially in the case of diabetic polyneuropathy or cardiovascular problems.
Conclusion: Think holistically – act complementarily
Diabetes is a complex disease that requires more than just blood sugar control. A holistic approach that incorporates nutrition, exercise, mental health and innovative methods such as toxopheresis can have a positive influence on the course of the disease and prevent secondary diseases.
This offers promising potential as a complementary measure – especially for people who are already suffering from secondary symptoms or would like to extend their treatment.
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