Hello.
I have been researching this for a while and thought I could share this among you.
What is Diabetes?
In short,diabetes is a complex group of diseases with a variety of causes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose, also called high blood sugar or hyperglycemia.It is a disease in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose (a form of sugar). Glucose backs up in the bloodstream causing ones blood glucose (sometimes referred to as blood sugar) to rise too high.
How do people know if they have diabetes?
People with diabetes frequently experience certain symptoms. These include:
- being very thirsty
- frequent urination
- weight loss
- increased hunger
- blurry vision
- irritability
- tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
- frequent skin, bladder or gum infections
- wounds that don't heal
- extreme unexplained fatigue
Who gets diabetes?
As you read through,you may question "Who gets diabetes?'.Diabetes can occur in anyone. However, people who have close relatives with the disease are somewhat more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity. The risk of developing diabetes also increases as people grow older. People who are over 40 and overweight are more likely to develop diabetes, although the incidence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents is growing. Diabetes is more common among Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. Also, people who develop diabetes while pregnant (a condition called gestational diabetes) are more likely to develop full-blown diabetes later in life.
What Herbs are best to prevent diabetes?
As researched:
Allium
Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and blood glucose levels, results have been positive.
Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.
Bauhinia forficata and Myrcia uniflora
Bauhinia forficata grows in South America, and is used in Brazilian herbal cures. This plant has been referred to as vegetable insulin'. Myrcia uniflora is also widely employed in South America. Studies utilising the herbs as tea infusions suggest that their hypoglycaemic effects are overrated.
Coccinia indica
Coccinia indica is also known as the ivy gourd and grows wild across the Indian subcontinent. Traditionally employed in ayurverdic remedies, the herb has been found to contain insulin-mimetic properties (i.e; it mimics the function of insulin).
Significant changes in glycaemic control have been reported in studies involving coccinia indica, and experts believe that it should be studied further.
Ficus carica
Ficus carica, or fig-leaf, is well known as a diabetic remedy in Spain and South-western Europe, but its active component is unknown. Some studies on animals suggest that fig-leaf facilitates glucose uptake.
The efficacy of the plant is, however, still yet to be validated in the treatment of diabetes.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a collective name for a variety of different plant species.
In some studies utilising American ginseng, decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported. Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng and Japanese ginseng.
In some fields the plant, particularly the panax species, are hailed as cure-all. As is the case with many of the herbs employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics, further long-term studies are needed to verify the efficacy of ginseng.
Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is also employed in traditional ayurverdic medicine. The plant grows in the tropical forests of southern and central India, and has been linked with significant blood glucose lowering. Some studies in animals have even reported regeneration of islet cells and an increase in beta-cell function.
Momordica charantia
Momordica Charantia goes under a variety of names and is native to some areas of Asia, India, Africa and South America. Marketed as charantia, it is also known as karela or karolla and bitter melon. The herb may be prepared in a variety of different ways, and may be able to help diabetics with insulin secretion, glucose oxidation and other processes.
Acute effects on blood glucose levels have also been reported.
Ocimum sanctum
Ocimum sanctum is an herb employed in traditional ayurverdic practises, and is commonly known as holy basil. A controlled clinical trial showed a positive effect on postprandial and fasting glucose, and experts predict that the herb could enhance the functioning of beta cells, and facilitate the insulin secretion process.
Opuntia streptacantha
Opuntia streptacantha (nopal) is commonly known as the prickly-pear cactus in the arid regions where it grows.
Inhabitants of the Mexican desert have traditionally employed the plant in glucose control. Intestinal glucose uptake may be affected by some properties of the plant, and animal studies have found significant decreases in postprandial glucose and HbA1c.
Once again, to validate the prickly-pear cactus as an effective means of aiding diabetic patients, long-term clinical trials are needed.
Silibum marianum
Silibum marianum is also known as milk thistle, and is a member of the aster family. Silymarin contains high concentrations of flavinoids and antioxidants, some of which may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance. The role of milk thistle in glycaemic control is little understood.
Trigonella foenum graecum
Trigonella foenum graecum is known as fenugreek and is widely grown in India, North Africa, and parts of the Mediterranean.
It is also a part of Ayurverdic treatment, and is used extensively in cooking.
Of the few non-controlled trials that have been carried out on type 2 diabetics, most report improved glycaemic control. Further study is certainly warranted.
Further herbs that have been studied, and may have positive effects for diabetic patients include:
- Berberine
- Cinnamomym tamala
- Curry
- Eugenia jambolana
- Gingko
- Phyllanthus amarus
- Pterocarpus marsupium
- Solanum torvum and
- Vinca rosea
What are the other ways to prevent diabetes?
Studies show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in those adults who are at high risk of getting the disease. Modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) and modest physical activity (30 minutes a day) are recommended goals.
Conclusion:
I will conclude with a 'thank you' for reading my post. If you feel something is missing,you can mewntion it in the comments. Wish you all the best!
