Oct
1
Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Diabetes
Filed Under Diabetes articles | Comments Off
Introduction-Diabetes mellitus often referred to simply as diabetes. Diabetes is a syndrome characterized by disordered metabolism and abnormally high blood sugar, hyperglycemia resulting from insufficient levels of the hormone insulin. The world health organization recognizes three main forms of diabetes mellitus type1 type2 and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurring during pregnancy. Which have different causes and population distributions. While, ultimately, all forms are due to the beta cells of the pancreas being unable to produce sufficient insulin to prevent hyperglycemia, the causes are different. All types have been treatable since insulin became medically available in 1921. Type 1 diabetes, in which insulin is not secreted by the pancreas, is directly treatable only with injected insulin, although dietary and other lifestyle adjustments are part of management. Type 2 may be managed with a combination of dietary treatment, tablets and injections and, frequently, insulin supplementation. While insulin was originally produced from natural sources such as porcine pancreas, most insulin used today is produced through genetic engineering, either as a direct copy of human insulin, or human insulin with modified molecules that provide different onset and duration of action. Insulin can also be delivered continuously by a specialized pump which subcutaneously provides insulin through a changeable catheter1.
Classification of diabetes-
Type one diabetes mellitus
Type two diabetes mellitus
Gestational diabetes mellitus2
Signs and symptoms-
Frequent urination, Excessive thirst, Extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, Increased fatigue, Irritability, Blurry vision 3
Top Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity
An excessively high body weight increases diabetes risk. The Body Mass Index ( BMI) is a simple, widely accepted means of assessing body weight in relation to health for most people aged 20 to 65 (Exceptions include people who are very muscular, athletes, pregnant or nursing.) A BMI greater than 27 indicates a risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems which include cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
Apple-shaped figure
Individuals who carry most of their weight in the trunk of their bodies (i.e., above the hips) tend to have a higher risk of diabetes than those of similar weight with a pear-shaped body (excess fat carried mainly in the hips and thighs). A waist measurement of more than 100 cm (39.5 inches) in men and 95 cm (37.5 inches) in women suggests an increased risk.
Sedentary lifestyle
Being overweight – another risk factor for Type 2 – can be prevented by regular physical activity. A second, independent benefit of regular physical activity is improved blood sugar control in persons who already have type 2 diabetes.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Ninety% of people who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Unhealthy eating contributes largely to obesity. Too much fat, not enough fiber, and too many simple carbohydrates all contribute to a diagnosis of diabetes. Eating right is can turn the diagnosis around and reverse or prevent Type 2.
Increased Age
It’s a sad but true fact. Age increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. The older we get, the greater our risk of type 2 diabetes. Even if an elderly person is thin, they still may be predisposed to getting diabetes. Scientists theorize that the pancreas ages right along with us, and doesn’t pump insulin as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Also, as our cells age, they become more resistant to insulin as well.
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
High BP and high cholesterol are the hallmark risk factors for many diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes. More than 40 percent of people with diabetes have abnormal levels of cholesterol and similar fatty substances that circulate in the blood. These abnormalities appear to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among persons with diabetes.
Family History and Genetics
It appears that people who have family members who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for developing it themselves. African Americans, Hispanic-Americans and Native Americans all have a higher than normal rate of type 2 diabetes.
History of Diabetes in Pregnancy
Nearly 40 percent of the women who have diabetes during their pregnancy go on to develop type 2 diabetes later, usually within five to ten years of giving birth. Giving birth to a baby that weighs more than nine pounds (4 kg) is another symptom of gestational diabetes.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose can precede the development of type 2 diabetes. These conditions are determined through blood tests. While persons affected with these problems do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, their blood sugar control and reaction to sugar loads are considered to be abnormal. This places them at higher risk, not just for the development of type 2 diabetes (an estimated one in ten progress to type 2 diabetes within five years), but also for cardiovascular disease. For this group, preventive strategies including lifestyle changes and regular screening for diabetes mellitus must be a priority4.
Alternative medicine for treatment of diabetes-
Ginseng -Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin (a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.
Chromium- Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin.
Magnesium- Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.Magnesium is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health. Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance.
Cinnamon-Cinnamon is a glycosides it improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Zinc- The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc. Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, beef liver, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken, and buckwheat.
Aloe Vera Gel-Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes. A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.
Gymnema- Several preliminary studies suggest that the herb gymnema can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Because gymnema may lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn’t take gymnema unless they are closely monitored by their health care provider
Vanadium-Vanadium is a trace mineral found naturally in soil and many foods. It is also produced during the burning of petroleum. Vanadium has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It appears to mimic many of the actions of insulin in the body. The use of vanadium for diabetes, particularly without the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner, is not recommended, because the dose needed to affect blood glucose levels can be potentially toxic. The typical amount of vanadium found in the average diet (less than 30 micrograms per day) appears to have little toxicity5.
Neem- The leaves of Neem posses’ anti-diabetic properties. The juices of these leaves are helpful in controlling the blood sugar level in diabetics. Neem is in fact an herbal medicine used for the treatment of various other diseases also such as skin problems, warm infections, ulcer etc.
Sweet potato leaves- The leaves of sweet potato are high value in preventing diabetes, by lowering blood sugar level. It is highly nutritious vegetable. Preparation of sweet potato leaves is used in the tea of diabetic patients.
Madhuca- The Indian name for Madhuca is Madhua it is also posses’ excellent anti-diabetic properties and it is highly beneficial in treating raised blood sugar levels.
Mango leaves- The leaves of Mango helps in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetics. The fresh leaves of mango are socked in water for an overnight. Then they are squeezed well in the water before filtering them in the morning6.
Discussion and Conclusion- Managements of diabetes with the agents devoid of any side effects is still challenge for the medical system. This has lead to increase in the demand for natural products with antihyperglycemic activity having fewer side effects. Metabolic imbalance causing diabetes mellitus is a characteristic of materialistic world. Differences in social structure, psychic stress, obesity, hormonal imbalance and heredity are optimizing the growth of pandemic. Increasing population with diabetes has a huge requirement of effective remediation. The vast variety of medicinal plants, which are used traditionally for their anti-diabetic property. However, careful assessment including sustainability of such herbs, ecological and seasonal variation in activity of phyto-constituents, metal contents of crude herbal anti-diabetic drugs, thorough toxicity study and cost effectiveness is required for their popularity. These efforts may provide treatment for all and justify the role of novel traditional medicinal plants having anti-diabetic potentials.
Bhupesh Chandra Semwal
Aug
18
becky_kirk43 asked:
I know someone with diabetes and he eats quite a lot of sweets and stuff, but then I know someone else that wont eat sugar at all..so what are the limits?
Jul
18
jenny l asked:
My boyfriend has Type I Diabetes and he had renal failure earlier this year but fought through it, but it seems like his sugar is always off. It is either way too high or way too low, and I don’t really know if this is normal for it to fluctuate that much during 24 hours. I want to be helpful and keep him healthy, but I just don’t know what to do.
Jul
14
What is the best herbal product to control diabetes? or is there a cure for it?
Filed Under Diabetes Questions | 6 Comments
saleem q asked:
I have diabetes from last 8 years. I need to know about best herbal product which I can use it in my diet plans which can either cure or keep my Blood Sugar level in control. between 70-110 fasting and 110-160 random. Do you have any suggestions please?
Jun
17
Diabetes a Health Hazard
Filed Under Diabetes articles | Comments Off
Noorjahan DAUHOO asked:
DIABETES
Definition as stated by Dr Miriam Stoppard
Types of diabetes
1- Type 1
2- Type 2
Causes
1- Lifestyle
2- Disorders
3- Gestational diabetes
DIABETES MELLITUS
Long term complication
1-Heart problem
2-Eye
Treatment
1-Insulin Prevention
2- Good lifestyle 1-healthy diet
3- Monitoring blood glucose 2-blood pressure measurement
3- healthy lifestyle
Symptoms
1-excessive urination
2- weakness
3- weight loss
Notes from readings
- pancreas either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or body cells become resistant to the hormone’s effects.
- Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
- Although dietary measures are also important, it must be treated with insulin injections. About 60,000 people in the UK have this type of diabetes.
- The pancreas continues to secrete insulin but cells in the body become resistant to its effects.
- Diabetes mainly affects people over the age of 40 and is more common in overweight people.
- Condition may be treated with dietary measures only.
- Diabetes mellitus can sometimes develop during pregnancy. This is called gestational diabetes and is usually treated with insulin to maintain the health of the mother and baby.
- Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an abnormal reaction in which the immune system destroys insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 diabetes are less well understood, but the genetics and obesity are important factors.
- The symptoms of type 2 may not be obvious or may go unnoticed until a routine medical check-up. The main symptoms of both forms may include:
- Excessive urination
- Thirst and a dry mouth
- Insufficient sleep because of the need to urinate at night.
- Lack of energy
- Blurry vision
- Weight loss
Symptoms of type 2 may go unnoticed until routine medical check up.
The main symptoms of both forms may include:
- excessive urination
- thirst and a dry mouth
- insufficient sleep because of the need to urinate at night.
- Lack of energy
- Blurry vision
- Weight loss
The main symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
- nausea and vomiting, sometimes with abdominal pain.
- Deep breathing.
- Acetone smell to the breath (like pear drops or nail polish remover)
- Confusion.
Living with diabetes:
- A healthy diet
- Drinking and smoking
- Special care for your feet.
- Exercise and sports.
- Strenuous exercise
- Moderate exercise
- Medical check up
- Eye examination
- Blood pressure measurement.
Treatment for:
Type 1
Insulin can be injected into any fatty area, such as upper arm.
Source: Dr Miriam Stoppard , Doling Kindersley Ltd 2002 ‘Family Health Guide’, pages 504 to 507.
“Department of Diabetes, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to:
P Home. Department of Diabetes, The Medical School, University of Newcastle
upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
philip.home@newcastle.ac.uk
Received: ; revised: December 10, 2002
Diabetes Metab 2003,29,101-9 • © 2003 Masson, all rights reserved 101”
- Diabetes is a growing healthcare challenge worldwide.
-A considerable proportion
of people either have impaired glucose tolerance with a significant
risk of development of diabetes, or have undiagnosed Type 2
diabetes.
-Pivotal to reducing the risk of morbidity and the development
of complications and mortality is the normalisation of both fasting
and postprandial blood glucose levels.
-diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions
worldwide, with between 5 and 10% of the world population
affected.
- People with diabetes have approximately twice
the prevalence of hypertension compared with non-diabetic
patients
-40% of subjects were defined as hypertensive on entry
(receiving antihypertensive treatment or with a mean systolic
blood pressure ? 160 mmHg and/or a mean diastolic blood
pressure ? 90 mmHg)
-People with diabetes are 17 times more prone to kidney disease,
with diabetic nephropathy being the most common
complication [11]. Diabetic nephropathy may eventually
lead to end-stage renal disease and thus significant mortality.
-Approximately 30-40% of people with diabetes develop
retinopathy, and diabetes is the most common cause of blindness
in the working years of life in developed countries
-According to a 1997 estimate [12], 120 million people
have Type 2 diabetes (approximately 2% of the world population)
and an additional 4 million have Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 85% of all cases of
diabetes in developed countries and almost all cases in developing
countries. It appears to be epidemic (affecting a high
and increasing proportion of the population) in many parts
of the world, and represents a serious and growing global
health challenge primarily as a result of increased obesity,
ageing populations, increasing urbanisation and a more sedentary
lifestyle [34, 35]. However, data from many parts of
the world with high and increasing prevalence (Asia, Latin
America, China) are not broadly based, and so this estimate
is likely to be markedly low.
-Type 1 diabetes
is one of the most common childhood diseases in developed
European countries and the incidence has increased dramatically
in some newly prosperous countries
-The incidence of Type 2 diabetes in particular is expected
to increase considerably as developing countries become
more Westernised in terms of availability of healthcare and
modernisation of existing resources, as well as a result of
substantial improvements in diabetes surveillance and
screening. Growth is projected to be greatest in Asia and
Africa, where diabetes could become 2-3 times more common
than it is today [12]. By 2025, more than 75% of people
with diabetes will be from developing countries, compared
with 62% in 1995
-Type 2 diabetes suggests a need for continuing
attention to control of blood glucose, blood pressure
and blood lipids through medication, diet and exercise.
People with Type 1 diabetes, and increasingly those with
Type 2 diabetes, have the additional burden of subcutaneous
insulin injections, self-monitoring and care of their insulin
supplies and equipment.
Direct Quote
Dr Miriam’s definition of diabetes is:
“the inability of the body to use glucose for energy due to inadequate amounts of or loss of sensitivity to, the hormone insulin.”
Dr Miriam Stoppard. 2002, Family Health Guide, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, England, Page 504
Paraphrase
The body uses glucose as energy in order to perform work and if it fails because of insufficient amount of insulin (which is essential for the absorption of glucose) or because the body cells become more resistant to the hormone’s effect then we end up with the non-healthy state called diabetes.
Summary
Dr Stoppard states that “Glucose from the blood stream is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Its absorption is enabled by the pancreas, which produces insulin. Among people suffering from diabetes mellitus, a build up of toxic by- products, like acetone with a pear drop smell, in the body occurs. This is caused by the use of other sources of energy than glucose. Hence the unused glucose accumulates in the blood and urine, causing high blood sugar levels. 1 in 10 diabetes depends on self administered injections of insulin and the rest take oral drug and are careful about their diet. These treatments are vital in preventing the symptoms of high blood sugar level like frequent passing of urine, thirst and loss of weight as well as complications leading to peripheral nerve disorders which may affect the eyes, kidneys, the cardiovascular system. The weakening of the immune system may also cause infections like cystitis.”
Dr Miriam Stoppard. 2002, Family Health Guide, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, England, Page 504
Plan
1- Introduction
a- Definition
b- Types of diabetes
c- Brief description of each diabetes
2- Causes
a- Causes of Type 1 diabetes more frequent in children
b- Causes of Type 2 diabetes more frequent in adults
3- Symptoms
a- Both short term and long term consequences in case of non treatment for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
4- Treatment
a- The use of insulin to control diabetes in both Type 1 and Type 2
5- Short Term and Long Term complications.
a- Short term and long term effect in Type 1 diabetes
b- Short term and long term effect in Type 2 diabetes
6- Conclusion
a-healthy diet
b- healthy lifestyle
7- Bibliography
Introduction
Diabetes mellitus is developing in epidemic proportions in today’s world with 5 to 10% of the worldwide population affected. This disease is defined by Dr Stoppard, “as the inability of the body to use glucose for energy due to inadequate amounts of or loss of sensitivity to, the hormone insulin”. Which means that the body uses glucose in order to perform work and if it fails because of insufficient amount of insulin or because the body cells become more resistant to the hormone’s effect then we end up with the non-healthy state called diabetes.
There are two types of diabetes:
1- Type 1 which is caused by the abnormal reaction in which the immune system destroys insulin secreting cells in the pancreas. It is more common in childhood.
2- Type 2 which causes are less understood. However, genetics and overweight are important factors.
Causes
Diabetes of Type 1 is usually caused by some viral diseases which affect the immune system of the child, though the genetic factor of one parent suffering from type 1 diabetes may have some effect, however most children who develop type 1 diabetes do not have parents with diabetes. As for Type 2 diabetes it is the increase in food intake which leads to overweight and obesity as well as the living of a sedentary lifestyle and it mostly affects adults.
Symptoms
Both types of diabetes have the same symptoms where there is excessive ********* which account for the thirst and dry mouth but also for the insufficient sleep at night because of the need to go to the toilet. This state is paralleled by the lack of energy; blur vision and quick weight loss, abdominal pain, deep breathing and acetone smell breath may also consist of symptoms of diabetes.
Treatment
While the Type 1 diabetes have to submit themselves to the burden of insulin injection, self monitoring and the care of their insulin supplies and equipments, though the Type 2 diabetes have the need to control their blood glucose, their blood pressure and their blood lipids these may be done through medication, diet and exercise but sometimes in addition the Type 2 diabetes have to make insulin injections as the Type 1’s diabetes with all the inconvenience attached to it. As for treatment by insulin Dr Stoppard states that “Glucose from the blood stream is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Its absorption is enabled by the pancreas, which produces insulin. Among people suffering from diabetes mellitus, a build up of toxic by-products, like acetone with a pear drop smell, in the body occurs. This is caused by the use of other sources of energy than glucose. Hence the unused glucose accumulates in the blood and urine, causing high blood sugar levels. 1 in 10 diabetes depends on self administered injections of insulin and the rest take oral drug and are careful about their diet. These treatments are vital in preventing the symptoms of high blood sugar level like frequent passing of urine, thirst and loss of weight as well as complications leading to peripheral nerve disorders which may affect the eyes, kidneys, the cardiovascular system. The weakening of the immune system may also cause infections like cystitis.”
Hence, no complete cure of diabetes exist, for it is a chronic disease but it can be controlled so as not to cause more severe damage to the body which is affected by it. For that a healthy diet with special attention to avoid excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking. Special care should also be taken with the feet and the eyes. Medical check up as well as blood pressure measurement should be regular. While sports should be practiced excessive strenuous exercise should be avoided.
Short Term and Long Term effect
If left unattended the diabetes mellitus may give rise to both short-term and long term complications. In case of Type 1 neglect of treatment may lead to nausea and vomiting accompanied by abdominal pain and deep breathing, while an acetone smell breath is noted. If left untreated the subject quickly enter in a confusion state where dehydration may lead to coma and death. As for the Type 2 diabetes if left untreated as is often the cause long term diseases like cardiovascular diseases occurs which may end up in a stroke. These are consequences of high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol in the blood. There is an increase risk of cataracts in the eyes and symptoms of dizziness upon standing and poor circulation because of nerve damage may lead to ulcers and gangrene.
Conclusion
In conclusion it can be said that the Diabetes mellitus is a disease that compel the one suffering from it to adopt a healthier lifestyle so as to control the devastation that the disease may cause to the body and to avoid the shortening of one’s life.
(810 words)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1- http://www.e2med.com/dm
“Department of Diabetes, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to:
P Home. Department of Diabetes, The Medical School, University of Newcastle
upon Tyne, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
philip.home@newcastle.ac.uk
Received: ; revised: December 10, 2002
Diabetes Metab 2003,29,101-9 • © 2003 Masson, all rights reserved 101”
2- Dr Miriam Stoppard, 2002, Family Health Guide, Doling Kindersley Ltd, England
May
6
What does diabetes actually do, how is it caused, and what causes it?
Filed Under Diabetes Questions | 6 Comments
Sasha asked:
Title says it all.
I would like a thorough answer as I am young-ish, and remember to answer my other urgent diabetes question.
Thanks,
~Sasha
Apr
8
Will Military Tri-Care pay for Liposuction for Active Duty to prevent Hereditary Diabetes?
Filed Under Diabetes Questions | 1 Comment
Chris C asked:
I am 36, Dad Died in May from Diabetes Complications, Mom is Insulin Controlled Diabetes, Brother Diabetes as well. I keep gaining weight around only my stomach, and this Lipo is for medical reasons, not laziness. I PT 7 Days a week with plenty of cardio and decent diet. Don’t know if we can or not but Females can receive breast Implants and Reduction anyway.
Mar
18
♥Lucky♥ asked:
It runs in my family. I have insulin resistence and want to prevent gestational diabetes. I’m still early in the pregnancy so I want to take charge of this now.