1 in 4 are currently diabetic, prediabetic, or undiagnosed in Canada.

This is projected to rise to 1 in 3 by 2020 if trends continue. Chances are you, or someone you know has the disease. Diabetes has significant consequences on cardiovascular health that include hypertension, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and neuropathies. Diabetes, and these comorbidities, are almost entirely preventable and most certainly treatable. Treatment is multifaceted, focusing primarily on insulin and blood sugar regulation, exercise, and weight management. However, growing evidence suggests another key factor is at play in disease development – toxic metal accumulation.

One of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease is the narrowing of blood vessels known as atherosclerosis. There is no arguing that diets high in sugar and trans fats, poor lifestyle choices, and obesity increase our risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But what about toxic heavy metals? A body of evidence now suggests toxic metals can greatly contribute to plaque formation.

What is chelation?

A chelator, such as EDTA, acts like a magnet to attract heavy metals in the body. Since its discovery in the 1930’s, it has been hypothesized that EDTA might reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This chelator-metal complex is more stable and soluble, allowing for more effective removal from the body.

How are we exposed to heavy metals in the first place?

While many of us may not have played with mercury thermostats or worked in the mining industry, it is repeated long-term exposure to low doses of toxic metals in our water, soil, and environment that may be even more detrimental to our health. The most commonly found toxic heavy metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. All of these can cause, or at the very least are associated with cardiovascular disease. Excessive exposure to these metals increase oxidative stress in the body and damage blood vessel walls. Sources of mercury include fish and shellfish, dental fillings, electronics, and thermostat. Cadmium can be found in rechargeable batteries, jewelry, toys, paint, and cigarettes. Of particular concern is high levels of lead in our drinking water, air, food and soil. Many of these metals remain in the body for 25-38 years!

The TACT study conducted by the NIH was one of the largest trials looking at the effectiveness of chelation on diabetic cardiovascular outcomes. The results of this 10-year study found diabetic patients assigned to chelation therapy demonstrated a 41% relative risk reduction in combined cardiovascular events compared with placebo infusions.

Integrating with BC Diabetes

Integrative has been a leader in chelation therapy for over 20 years. Integrative is excited to announce our involvement in a sanctioned medically-directed research study by partnering with BC Diabetes for patient referrals to partake in the subsequent TACT2 trial. Candidates must be over the age of 50, have diabetes, and have had a heart attack in the past. For further information, please call 604-738-1012 or email [email protected].

If you're looking for more support with heart health, book a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners today!

For further information, please call 604-738-1012 or email [email protected]. You can read more about the TACT2 trial below:

• tact2.org
• https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02733185?term=TACT2&rank=1
• 2012 JAMA overall benefits post MI (of whom 38% have diabetes) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1672238
• 2012 Circulation diabetes substudy https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.113.000663
• 2018 Lancet epidemiology paper indicating lead as risk factor for cardiovascular death https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468266718300252