Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lois on January 3, 2009 at 11:51am

Cleo: Sorry, never heard of it. Is diabetes an autoimmune disease? Lois La Rose

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on January 3, 2009 at 12:13pm

Yes, type 1 is considered an autoimmune disease. LDN is having, for some people, almost miraculous effects because it causes the body to produce more endorphins which are necessary for the immune system. LDN has been effective in many types of diseases, which is why I am so interested in it's possible application for T1 diabetes. People with T1, often have thyroid problems, problems with gluten (celiac), fibromyalgia, polymyalgia, etc, because these are all autoimmune diseases and if you have one, you are more likely to acquire others. This is why I am interested in LDN, because T1 diabetes is often just the beginning of the disease process. It's also interesting that Dr. Bernstein mentioned LDN in his book, but he was advocating it to decrease carbohydrate cravings. This drug is very inexpensive and has no known side effects, and hopefully, if enough people ask their doctors for it, we can help it become more available for those who experience dramatic improvement in their symptoms.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Elizabeth on January 3, 2009 at 9:42pm

Cleo this is very interesting. I am watching the vids you linked to now. Can you do me a favor and please update me if you come across anymore info? My mother and I are both type 1's too.

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on January 4, 2009 at 6:21pm

I recommend you join the Yahoo LDN group that the video refers to (lowdosenaltrexone@yahoogroups.com) I watch the comments there to get more info on new studies and how it is working for people. It is really exciting to see how effective this is for MS in particular, but it stands to reason that it could help some T1's too.

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Permalink Reply by Jason on January 4, 2009 at 11:16pm

Well I watched the video, but I don't understand how it would be useful to a type 1. In fact, it doesn't appear to have much real peer-reviewed research behind it. I guess I remain skeptical for now, but I'll add it to my Google Alerts. :)

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on January 5, 2009 at 5:52am

I agree, the effect of LDN on T1s is unknown, but the success that people with other autoimmune diseases have been having is so stunning (not in all cases but in many), that I want to know much more about it.

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on January 14, 2009 at 6:14am

Dr. Mercola (Mercola.com) just had a big post on LDN: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/01/06/can-l...

What I'm really interested in, is if LDN can help mitigate long-term T1 complications, and possibly 'save' beta cells. Only long term studies would be able to establish this, but the mounting evidence of LDN helping other autoimmune conditions makes this possibility seem more likely.

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Permalink Reply by Johnd on February 16, 2009 at 6:33pm

Hi All

We have set up a database on people using LDN at www.ldn-database.carnebeach.com. I am looking for some help in setting up a database for animals and pets, But I don't know what questions to ask and I thought you could help me out

Thanks

John+carnebeach.com (the + should be @)

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Permalink Reply by Manny Hernandez on February 17, 2009 at 11:44am

Hi Cleo,
I had never heard of this either and haven't really been able to find much in the way of applications of LDN in direct connection with diabetes. It just seems to be something that happens to benefit other autoimmune conditions, but not type 1 diabetes.

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Permalink Reply by Diabetic_Iz_Me on February 17, 2009 at 6:55pm

I agree with Manny. Not enough information on diabetes nad not sure if it will really help the diabetic community. MORE research needed in order for me to even think about jumping on board.

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Permalink Reply by Cleo on February 18, 2009 at 8:10am

I respect anyone else's caution on trialing this medication, but keep in mind that naltrexone is approved by the FDA in 50mg doses, and the LDN protocol is to use it in 4.5 mg doses, an almost 90% reduction. This highly dilute ratio is similar to the concept of homeopathic remedies. The most commonly reported side effects are 'vivid dreaming', and some people might not find that a drawback. Maybe because I have had several friends with the AIDs virus, I got used to thinking that it's not always the best thing to wait for the government to approve a new medication. That is why there is so much 'off-label' use of drugs, which is perfectly legitimate for doctors to do.

Here's a recap of LDN's potential in helping anyone with an autoimmune disease:

"autoimmune diseases are a result of an under-active
immune system by showing low beta-endorphin levels. Endorphins are
what regulate the immune system. When you raise the endorphin level,
disease progression starts to slow and can come to a complete halt in
many. LDN raises endorphin levels.

Essentially, taking LDN `tricks' the body into producing higher
levels of endorphins – and the increase in endorphins helps our
immune systems function better in numerous ways … beginning with
feeling better, then reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces
cell damage and pain etc.

Researchers isolated the T-cells and found that most of the receptors
on the cells of the immune system – the B-cells, T-cells, thymus
cells and so forth – are endorphin receptors. Over 90% of the
receptors on all immune cells of our bodies are endorphin receptors.
These cells are like an endorphin-coding apparatus. Here's another
way of saying it: the endorphins are the fuel for the proper
functioning of our immune system. Without endophins, the B-cells
don't work, the T-cells don't work and eventually our immune system
starts misbehaving." (from the LDN Yahoo group)

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Permalink Reply by wanda lofstrom on November 2, 2009 at 7:53am

I've been on LDN as we call it for months now. I'm doing great. My immune system is functioning far better. I still am working on my health but whether or not they understand how it works is a moot point because it is a side effect free, broad acting, cheap drug which should be tried first ("first do no harm")! Actually it has improved my self-confidence, something I lacked most of my life!

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