Introduction
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases that cause persistently increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite are a few signs of the illness. Diabetes can cause a number of health issues if it is ignored or inadequately controlled. Diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal condition when the body creates large levels of acidic ketones, is one of the acute consequences of diabetes. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic condition, which is characterized by excessively high blood sugar levels and severe dehydration, is another acute consequence. Both illnesses have the potential to be life-threatening and necessitate prompt medical intervention. Diabetes has the potential to seriously harm the body’s systems and organs over time. The majority of strokes and cardiovascular disease.
Types Of Diabetes
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin that is produced. There are three main types of diabetes.
TYPE 1 DIABETES: Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes mellitus that occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin due to the loss of beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. This condition was previously known as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” or “juvenile diabetes” because it typically appears in children and adolescents. However, it’s essential to note that Type 1 diabetes can also develop in adults
Without sufficient insulin, the body cannot effectively regulate blood sugar levels, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). To manage their condition, individuals with Type 1 diabetes must administer insulin externally, either through regular injections or using insulin pumps. By doing so, they can compensate for the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin and keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
The exact cause of the autoimmune response in Type 1 diabetes remains unknown, and research is ongoing to better understand the underlying factors. Despite its early onset during childhood or adolescence, Type 1 diabetes can also be diagnosed in adults, though it is less common.
Effective management of Type 1 diabetes involves careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, administering insulin as needed, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying physically active. It is a lifelong condition that requires consistent attention and self-care to prevent complications and promote overall well-being for those living with Type 1 diabetes.
TYPE 2 DIABETES: Type 2 diabetes starts with insulin resistance, where cells don’t respond to insulin effectively. As the disease advances, there may also be a lack of insulin. It used to be called “non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” or “adult-onset diabetes.” Although it’s more prevalent in older adults, the rise of obesity among children has led to an increase in cases in younger individuals. The primary cause is a combination of being overweight and not getting enough exercise. This can disrupt the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels properly, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES: Gestational diabetes is the third main form of diabetes and occurs during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before becoming pregnant. It happens when the body is unable to produce and use enough insulin to manage the increased blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This condition can potentially lead to health risks for both the mother and the baby if not properly managed. Regular monitoring, a balanced diet, and sometimes medication are essential to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the child during this period. After delivery, gestational diabetes usually resolves, but it may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future for the mother.
Signs And Symptoms:
Untreated diabetes can lead to various symptoms that affect the body. For type 1 diabetes, symptoms can develop relatively quickly, while for type 2 diabetes, they usually develop more slowly or may be subtle.
Common symptoms of untreated diabetes include unintended weight loss, increased urination (polyuria), increased thirst (polydipsia), and increased hunger (polyphagia). However, there are other signs that may not be specific to diabetes, such as blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, slow healing of cuts, and itchy skin.The prolonged high levels of glucose in the blood can cause changes in the eye’s lens, leading to vision changes. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy and can result in long-term vision loss.Diabetes can cause various skin rashes collectively known as diabetic dermadromes.
Home Remedies:
BITTER GOURD: Bitter gourd is a unique vegetable-fruit with medicinal properties, especially for treating diseases like Diabetes and high blood pressure. It grows as a green, egg-shaped fruit with rough skin. It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals and has been used for ages as a herbal remedy, particularly for type 2 diabetes.The active elements in bitter gourd, charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, have anti-diabetic characteristics, which help lower blood glucose levels. Additionally, it contains lectin, which reduces blood glucose and suppresses appetite, similar to the impact of insulin on the brain. Bitter gourd can be consumed in various forms, such as a fruit or vegetable, as juice on an empty stomach, as dry seeds or powder added to meals, or in supplement form.
For making bitter gourd juice, peel and deseed 3-4 bitter gourds, then mash them into a fine paste and extract the juice. Consume this raw juice on an empty stomach every morning, and you can dilute it with water if desired.
However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Limit consumption to no more than two bitter melons a day to avoid potential side effects like mild intestinal pain or diarrhea. If you plan to use bitter gourd for glycemic control, consult your doctor to ensure it’s safe to consume alongside your prescribed diabetes medication to prevent hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar).
AELO VERA: Aloe Vera, a thorny but juicy plant, has been used in herbal medicine for centuries due to its healing, rejuvenating, and calming properties. Consuming Aloe Vera juice can be beneficial in managing blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes and high blood lipids. The plant’s gel also aids in faster wound healing, which is essential for diabetic patients since diabetes can cause delays in the healing process.
The healing effects of Aloe Vera are attributed to compounds like lectins, mannans, and anthraquinones present in the plant. To incorporate Aloe Vera into your diabetes management routine, there are various forms you can consume it:
1. Aloe Vera juice can be taken daily to help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. The gel can be consumed or applied to wounds for quicker healing.
3. You can create an Aloe Vera herbal mixture by combining the gel with a teaspoon each of bay leaves and turmeric powder.
4. Mix the ingredients well until they form a fine gel, and consume this mixture daily before lunch and dinner.
However, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before adding Aloe Vera or any new herbal remedy to your diabetes management plan. They can guide you on the proper dosage and ensure it complements your existing treatments. Remember that natural remedies can have interactions with medications, so it’s essential to seek professional advice for a safe and effective approach.
GINGER: Ginger, the buried stem of the Zingiber Officinale plant, has a long history of use in Asian food and medicine. It serves as both a spice in cuisine and an herbal remedy for various ailments, including queasiness, indigestion, and diabetes. Ginger has several beneficial effects on diabetes:
1. Control of Glycemic Levels: The active ingredient in ginger rhizome helps enhance glucose uptake in muscle cells without relying on insulin, thus assisting in managing high blood sugar levels.
2. Secretion of Insulin: Certain ginger extracts interact with serotonin receptors to influence insulin secretion positively. These extracts can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels and an increase in plasma insulin levels.
3. Protection from Cataract: Regular consumption of a small amount of ginger may help delay the onset and progression of cataracts, a vision-related complication of long-term diabetes.
To include ginger in your diabetes management routine, you can try the following methods:
1. Consume 1-2 teaspoons of ginger juice daily to help control blood sugar levels.
2. Add ginger slices or crushed ginger to your daily meals as a flavorful addition.
3. Prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of dried ginger powder, lemon juice, and honey in a glass of lukewarm water and consume it every morning.
4. If you don’t like the taste of raw ginger, you can opt for ginger supplements.
CINNAMON:Cinnamon is commonly used in cooking and baking and has been increasingly associated with health benefits, including its potential role in managing diabetes mellitus.
Cinnamon can have a positive effect on diabetes, as consuming around 1-5 grams of it per day may improve insulin sensitivity and help control or even reverse type 2 diabetes.There are various ways to consume cinnamon for its potential benefits:
1. Cinnamon sticks can be used as spices in various cuisines.
2. Cinnamon powder can be added to beverages like cold coffee, chocolate shakes, or lemonade.
3. Cinnamon tea is another option to enjoy its flavor and potential health effects.
4. Cinnamon oil can be added to daily meals or applied on the body for soothing effects.
5. Cinnamon tablet supplements (cinnamon extract) are also available in medical stores and supermarkets.
For those interested in making cinnamon water, you can follow this simple recipe: boil around 1 liter of water in a pan, add 2-3 teaspoons of cinnamon powder, and let the water boil for another 20 minutes. Then strain the liquid and have it daily.
FENUGREEK: Fenugreek seeds are beneficial due to their high water-soluble fiber content which helps lower blood sugar levels by slowing down carbohydrate digestion. Clinical experiments have shown that fenugreek can address metabolic symptoms associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels and improving glucose tolerance.
When consuming fenugreek for diabetes, there are different options available. Fenugreek leaves and seeds can be found in most Asian food stores, while herbal supplements containing fenugreek seed powder or extract are available in capsule form at health stores or companies.
One popular way to consume fenugreek is by making fenugreek water. To do this, soak around 2-3 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight, and the next morning, strain the mixture and consume the water on an empty stomach.
FLEXSEEDS: Flax seeds are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, protein, fiber, and lignans, which act as antioxidants. They can be consumed whole or ground into flaxseed powder.
When it comes to diabetes, the evidence regarding flax seeds’ effectiveness as a remedy is mixed. However, some studies suggest that flax seeds can help maintain blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in flax seeds aids in metabolism and the proper conversion of fats and sugars. Regularly consuming flax seeds may lead to a reduction of about 30% in postprandial (after-meal) sugar levels.
To incorporate flax seeds into your diet for diabetes, you can add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to a glass of milk or water and consume it with your breakfast. Additionally, you can sprinkle flaxseed powder over your daily meals, soups, curries, and cereals to enjoy its potential benefits on blood sugar levels and overall health.
GARLIC: Garlic has been utilized for centuries by herbalists and natural doctors for its potential to help lower blood sugar levels. Numerous medical studies have supported its effectiveness in this regard. While garlic can be included in the diet, its impact is often more significant when taken in supplemental form.
Garlic contains certain compounds that are believed to contribute to its blood sugar-lowering properties. These compounds may enhance insulin sensitivity and assist in regulating glucose metabolism, leading to better blood sugar control.
Supplemental forms of garlic, such as garlic capsules or extracts, provide a concentrated dose of these beneficial compounds, making it easier to achieve the desired effects on blood sugar levels. However, as with any supplement, it’s essential to follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
HOLY BASIL: Holy basil has been recognized in medical studies as a highly effective herbal remedy for individuals with diabetes. It offers several potential benefits for managing blood sugar levels and insulin response.
One significant advantage of holy basil is its ability to decrease the body’s need for insulin, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, holy basil can naturally elevate insulin levels in the body, aiding in better glucose utilization and regulation.
Moreover, some research suggests that holy basil may help reduce cravings for sugar and sweets. By curbing these cravings, individuals with diabetes may find it easier to maintain a balanced diet and keep their blood sugar levels under control.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.