Diabetes research breakthrough bared

The treatment of diabetes, one of the most prevalent illnesses of our time, may soon be revolutionized by the recent discovery of a Taiwanese company engaged in biotechnology.

A dairy specialist and endocrinologist by training, Dr. Frank Mao Chia Hung of Maxluck Biotechnology Corp. and the Taiwan Chung Hsing University has been working on the theory that most forms of diabetes are due to a deficiency in the body of a natural element called GTF or Glucose Tolerance Factor.

GTF’s most important component is trivalent chromium, a trace element found in many foods. When GTF and trivalent chromium levels are low, human cells are unable to absorb glucose and hyperglycemia or high blood sugar occurs.

However, trivalent chromium from natural foods is not easily absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that the body absorbs only up to three percent of the substance.

By using lactoferrin, a kind of protein, as the carrier of trivalent chromium, the body easily absorbs the chromium and blood glucose levels are lowered.

The discovery of lactoferrin as a means for the body to absorb trivalent chromium is the work of Mao, who has been invited by GTF Worldwide Philippines Inc. to discuss his findings in an upcoming forum.

In a report, he explained that in type 2 diabetics, the pancreas continues to produce insulin but it is not absorbed by the cells.

In a news dispatch from Yahoo! Taiwan News, the endocrinologist’s breakthrough was described as such: “Let’s say the (human) cell is a house, and insulin is the key (to) the house. Without chromium, which is the person using the key, the door cannot be opened and glucose cannot enter the cell… Prof. Mao discovered that lactoferrin is the best carrier for trivalent chromium as our body can easily absorb (lactoferrin)…”

According to Mao, more than 80 percent of all diabetic cases arise from lack of GTF chromium as in the case of most type 2 diabetics. Only 10 percent of all diabetes is attributed to lack of insulin receptors and between five and 10 percent due to lack of insulin as in the case of type 1 diabetes.

GTF chromium deficiency is also associated with other ailments such as high cholesterol, peripheral vascular diseases, heart attack, stroke, arteriosclerosis and other serious ailments, according to Mao, who spent many years studying diabetic rats and researching on human metabolism.

Mao also revealed that trivalent chromium in a natural form imitates the action of colostrum or a mother’s first milk. Colostrum has vast amounts of antibodies that serve as protection for the infant’s throat, lungs and intestines. It plays a vital part in human metabolism or the set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to maintain life, including conversion of glucose into energy.

Trivalent chromium, however, declines with age, obesity, pregnancy, alcohol abuse, overwork and stress. When GTF chromium in the body gets depleted, metabolism is affected and it often leads to syndromes such as diabetes.

Tapping biotechnology, Mao combined chromium with colostrum extracts to create a product that mimics the potency of human breast milk. Laboratory tests were carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the GT & F Milk Powder produced by Mao through Maxluck Biotechnology Corp. Clinical double-blind trials were carried out in four Taiwan hospitals, namely, the National Cheng-Kung University Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, Tri-Service General Hospital, and the Taichung Veterans General Hospital.

In a double-blind test both the doctors and participants do not know the nature and procedure of the experiment and the drugs taken. This procedure prevents any placebo effects and cues during the experiment.

The tests showed members of the control group with diabetes that regularly drank GT & F Milk Powder experienced a decrease in their fasting plasma glucose and reduced their need for insulin shots and intake of other diabetic medications.

In Taiwan, the government has certified that GT & F as the only health food supplement effective in blood sugar regulation. The manufacturer of the product has secured approvals and endorsements from the Food and Drug Administrations of more than 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines. It has received three biotechnology awards in Taiwan.

Produced in Taiwan by GTF Worldwide, the health product is patented in various countries.

In the Philippines, it is exclusively distributed by GTF Worldwide Philippines, with offices in Mandaluyong City. GT & F Milk Powder is not available in drug stores and groceries.

For more information, call 638-3887, 638-7890, 0918-8182823 or 0917-8490599 for door-to-door delivery.