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What is
diabetes?
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is classed as a metabolism disorder.
Metabolism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy
and growth. Most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose
is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel
for our bodies.
When our food is digested the glucose makes its way into our
bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth.
However, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being
present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the
glucose.
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. After
eating, the pancreas automatically releases an adequate quantity of
insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, and
lowers the blood sugar level.
A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of
glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). This is
because the body either does not produce enough insulin, produces no
insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin
the pancreas produces. This results in too much glucose building up
in the blood. This excess blood glucose eventually passes out of the
body in urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the
cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth
requirements.
What are the
types of diabetes?
Diabetes Type 1 - You produce no insulin at all
Diabetes Type 2 - You don't produce enough insulin, or your
insulin is not working properly.
Gestational Diabetes - You develop diabetes just during your
pregnancy.
Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic medical conditions - this
means that they are persistent and perpetual. Gestational Diabetes
usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.
What are the
causes of Diabetes?
Following are the Causes of Diabetes
Hereditary or Inherited Traits : It is strongly believed
that due to some genes which passes from one generation to another,
a person can inherit diabetes. It depends upon closeness of blood
relationship as mother is diabetic, the risk is 2 to 3%, father is
diabetic, the risk is more than the previous case and if both the
parents are diabetic, the child has much greater risk for diabetes.
Age : Increased age is a factor which gives more possibility
than in younger age. This disease may occur at any age, but 80% of
cases occur after 50 year, incidences increase with the age factor.
Poor Diet (Malnutrition Related Diabetes) : Improper
nutrition, low protein and fiber intake, high intake of refined
products are the expected reasons for developing diabetes. Obesity
and Fat Distribution : Being overweight means increased insulin
resistance, that is if body fat is more than 30%, BMI 25+, waist
grith 35 inches in women or 40 inches in males.
Sedentary Lifestyle : People with sedentary lifestyle are
more prone to diabetes, when compared to those who exercise thrice a
week, are at low risk of falling prey to diabetes.
Stress : Either physical injury or emotional disturbance is
frequently blamed as the initial cause of the disease. Any
disturbance in Cortiosteroid or ACTH therapy may lead to clinical
signs of the disease.
Drug Induced : Clozapine (Clozaril), olanzapine (Zyprexa),
risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel) and ziprasidone
(Geodon) are known to induce this lethal disease.
Infection : Some of the strephylococci is suppose to be
responsible factor for infection in pancreas.
Hypertension : It had been reported in many studies that
there is direct relation between high systolic pressure and
diabetes.
Serum lipids and lipoproteins : High triglyceride and
cholesterol level in the blood is related to high blood sugars, in
some cases it has been studied that risk is involved even with low
HDL levels in circulating blood.
What are
symptoms of diabetes ?
Diabetes Type 1:
In type 1, the pancreas stop producing insulin due to autuimmune
response or possibly viral attack on pancreas. In absence of
insulin, body cells don’t get the required glucose
for producing ATP (Adenosin Triphosphate) units which results into
primary symptom in the form of nausea and vomiting. In later stage,
which leads to ketoacidosis, the body starts breaking down the
muscle tissue and fat for producing energy hence, causing fast
weight loss. Dehydration is also usually observed due to electrolyte
disturbance. In advanced stages, coma and death is witnessed.
Diabetes Type 2 :
Increased fatigue : Due to inefficiency of the cell to metabolize
glucose, reserve fat of body is metabolized to gain energy. When fat
is broken down in the body, it uses more energy as compared to
glucose, hence body goes in negative calorie effect, which results
in fatigue.
Polydipsia : As the concentration of glucose increases in
the blood, brain receives signal for diluting it and, in its
counteraction we feel thirsty.
Polyuria(Frequent urination) : Increase in urine production
is due to excess glucose present in body. Body gets rid of the extra
sugar in the blood by excreting it through urine. This leads to
dehydration because along with the sugar, a large amount of water is
excreted out of the body.
Polyphegia : The hormone insulin is also responsible for
stimulating hunger. In order to cope up with high sugar levels in
blood, body produces insulin which leads to increased hunger.
Weight flactuation : Factors like loss of water (polyuria),
glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight
loss. Few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
Blurry vision : Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic
syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues
including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus,
resulting blurry vision.
Irritability : It is a sign of high blood sugar because of
the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs,
which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
Infections : The body gives few signals whenever there is
fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by
frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or UTI (urinary
tract infection).
Poor wound healing : High blood sugar resists the
flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which are responsible for
body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly,
wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes
leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation
of blood in different body parts.
Which part of
the body are affected by diabetes? if ignored?
Effect of Diabetes on blood and circulatory system: Diabetes
patients also exhibit a defective blood metabolism which is a result
of excessive blood sugar. This results in severe hormonal imbalance
and also leads to defective formation of various blood components.
Diabetes also results in poor blood circulation to various parts
which may result in blurred vision, aching pain etc.
Diabetes symptoms as autoimmune disorders: Various skin,
genito-urinary tract and respiratory complaints occur as a result of
autoimmune infections. Defective formation of various blood
components like WBC's and platelets result in poor blood
composition. This may result in complications like poor wound
healing and easy susceptibility to injuries. Few Complications may
arise if not annihilated at the earliest. They may result in
blindness, cataract, gangrene, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic
neuropathy, diabetic foot, etc.
How to know a
person is having diabetes ?
Weight flactuation : Factors like loss of water (polyuria),
glucosuria , metabolism of body fat and protein may lead to weight
loss. Few cases may show weight gain due to increased appetite.
Blurry vision : Hyperosmolar hyperglycemia nonketotic
syndrome is the condition when body fluid is pulled out of tissues
including lenses of the eye, which affects its ability to focus,
resulting blurry vision.
Irritability : It is a sign of high blood sugar because of
the inefficient glucose supply to the brain and other body organs,
which makes us feel tired and uneasy.
Infections : The body gives few signals whenever there is
fluctuation in blood sugar (due to suppression of immune system) by
frequent skin infections like fungal or bacterial or UTI (urinary
tract infection).
Poor wound healing : High blood sugar resists the
flourishing of WBC, (white blood cell) which are responsible for
body immune system. When these cells do not function accordingly,
wound healing is not at good pace. Secondly, long standing diabetes
leads to thickening of blood vessels which affect proper circulation
of blood in different body parts.
Can diabetes
be cured?
Diabetes is an insidious disease. In fact, moderately high levels
of blood glucose (180-200 mg/dl) produce no symptom and may go
unnoticed for many months or even years. Most patients with Type 1
diabetes pass large volumes of urine, experience an increase in the
frequency of urination, undue thirst and hunger, and rapid weight
loss. These symptoms provide clues to the diagnosis of diabetes.
Men and women with type-2 diabetes may not have the above symptoms.
Some of them may experience an increase in the frequency of
urination and abnormal thirst. They may however feel tired,
irritable, lack concentration at work, proneness to infection, delay
in wound healing, intense itching and need for frequent change of
eye glasses.
At the age of 45yrs or later, if you foresee the risk of developing
diabetes, get your fasting blood glucose test, 2-hrs after a drink
of 3.527 oz of glucose, at least once a year. Blood glucose values
of 200mg/dl and higher would suggest the diagnosis of diabetes
mellitus.
Diabetes cannot be cured completely, but can be effectively
controlled. People with diabetes can lead a healthy life if, their
blood glucose level is under control. The decrease in life span of a
diabetic is restored to normal by maintaining good blood glucose
control (90-130 mg/dl at fasting and with less than 180 mg/dl 2hrs
after meals)
Sometimes, patients may not need any tablet/insulin or, even diet
control to keep their blood glucose in control. This period is
called honeymoon phase (in Type-1 diabetes). The duration may vary
from a few days to over six months. Some patients mistake this for
cure of diabetes
What diet a
person with Diabetes should have?
- Fiber should be at least 1.4 oz / day
- Instead of 3 heavy meals, we should go for 4-5 small mid
intervals
- Replace bakery products and fast foods by simple whole cooked
cereals, and don't eat carbohydrates 2 hours before bedtime
- Consume fresh fruit and vegetables at least 5 exchange/ day
- Drink plenty of water
- Diabetics always need to take care of their diet and also
about the food they eat. Care has to be taken because all foods
contain not only carbohydrate, but also some energy value.
Protein and fat available in the food are converted to glucose
in the body. This glucose has some effect on the blood sugar
level, which has to be taken care of. Furthermore, you needn’t
have to eat only the bland boring diet . Instead, you can eat
more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. All it means is that
you need to select foods that are high in nutrition and low in
calories.
What are
herbal treatment for diabetes ?
Gluco care capsules of SRIRAM HERBALS is one of the finest medicine
without any side effect to regulate blood sugar level.
What food
should be avoided ?
Sugar : White sugar, honey, jaggery, cake, jelly, jam,
icecream, pastries, canned juice, chocolates, pie, syrup, doughnuts,
artificial sweeteners, cream and cookies foods should be avoided
with diabetes.
Fried foods : Don't fry foods instead bake, saute or boil in
a pan. Otherwise you can steam vegetables
Read labels : Soy sauce, MSG, brine contains a lot of
sodium. Always try to limit your sodium content.
Salad dressings : Limit the use of dressings such as
mustard, salad dressing, mayonnaise and avocado. They are high in
sodium.
Cheeses : Try to limit the use of cream cheese, butter,
cottage cheese and margarine.
Refined flours : Another important food to avoid with
diabetes is refined flours. Avoid pasta, white bread, all purpose
flour (maida), pretzels, puffs, pizza and processed foods.
Fruits : Fruits such as mango, grapes, custard apple,
strawberry and prunes (dates) should be avoided to lower the blood
sugar level.
Starchy vegetables : Avoid starchy vegetables such as
potatoes, parsnips, squash, and go easy with carrots, beans, peas
and beet.
Fruit juices : Limit the use of fruit juices. They are high
in carbohydartes than fresh fruit. If you like fruit juices as a
drink, then take 1 part of fruit juice with 3-4 parts of water.
Smoking and alcohol : should be avoided with diabetes. Cut
back on foods that are high in cholesterol such as egg yolks,
high-fat meat, poultry, and high-fat dairy products.
Oils : Avoid hydrogenated oils or partially hydrogenated
oils. You can use canola or olive oil which is good for diabetes.
Other food : Olives, bacon, yam, dried fruits, junk foods
and nuts (peanuts) should be avoided with diabetes. You can have
some nuts rich in mono unsaturated fat such as almonds, pecans and
walnuts.
What fruits
can a diabetic person can eat ?
Apple
Arguably the most popular fruit, apples are sub-acid foods that
have a rich perctin content and have proven rather beneficial to
diabetes patients. Pectin, one of the most potent components
in apples, can be found in the rind and in the pulp, and acts as a
detoxifier of the body by supplying an inordinate amount of
galacrturonic acid. This helps remove harmful waste from the
bloodstream and can lower a diabetic’s insulin
requirements by up to or even more than 35%.
Apples are also helpful for both depression and weight loss. Apples
are considered a negative calorie food, as it takes more calories to
digest them than they provide to the body. They release certain
chemicals into the body which helps with the synthesis of glutei
acid, and controls the destruction of various nerve cells.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is significantly less popular than the apple, but it is
no less beneficial for diabetes patients. A citrus fruit with a
unique favor, the grapefruit is wonderful for overall nutrition, and
many physicians believe that the intake of grapefruit from an early
age might significantly decrease the amount of diabetes cases in the
world.
Nutritionists and holistic healers recommend that anyone suffering
from high blood sugar levels should be ingesting at least three
servings of grapefruit each day. Grapefruit can also be used as a
preventative measure against high blood sugar levels, especially
when used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-sugar, low-starch diet.
Individuals who do not currently have high blood sugar levels will
experience a change in less than two weeks; diabetes patients should
experience a change in no more than three months.
Is diabetes an
hereditary ?
The first and foremost factor that answers 'is diabetes hereditary'
concerns genes. Genes are passed on from parents to their children.
Of these genes, when the child inherits the gene for Type 1
diabetes, he or she may develop it at some point of their life.
However, if these genes are absent, a person will not develop type 1
diabetes. In case of Type 2 diabetes, there is no specific genetic
pattern. Therefore, the chances of developing diabetes depends on
the number of people in your family with the condition. Also, other
types of genetic disorders, like Down's syndrome, increase the risk
of developing diabetes.
From what age
a person will get diabetes ?
The prevalence of diabetes increased with age and reached the peak
at 70–89 years of age in Chinese and Japanese
subjects but peaked at 60–69 years of age followed
by a decline at the 70 years of age in Indian subjects. At 30–79
years of age, the 10-year age-specific prevalence of diabetes was
higher in Indian than in Chinese and Japanese subjects. Indian
subjects also had a higher prevalence of IGR in the younger
age-groups (30–49 years) compared with that for
Chinese and Japanese subjects. Impaired glucose tolerance was more
prevalent than impaired fasting glycemia in all Asian populations
studied for all age-groups. Indians had the highest prevalence of
diabetes among Asian countries. The age at which the peak prevalence
of diabetes was reached was 10 years younger in Indian compared with
Chinese and Japanese subjects. Diabetes and IGR will be
underestimated in Asians based on the fasting glucose testing alone.
Can herbs
treat diabetes ?
Pterocarpus Marsupium
Pterocarpus Marsupium, also known as Indian Kino, Malabar Kino,
Pitasara, Venga, is a large deciduous tree, which commonly grows in
western and southern parts of India and Sri Lanka. It has
demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption of glucose from the
gastrointestinal tract. It is also known to improve insulin and
pro-insulin levels.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter
cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in Asia, East
Africa and South America. It has been extensively used as a folk
medicine for treatment of diabetes. Several compounds contained in
bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the
levels of sugar in the blood.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre, also known as Gurmar, Meshasringi and
Cherukurinja, is popular as “sugar destroyerâ€.
The leaves of the plant are dried and pounded together with
coriander fruit, and then the juice is extracted to be given orally
for remedying diabetes. In India, the herb is primarily being used
to treat type II diabetes. It is also being found in
over-the-counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing
formulas.
Onion & Garlic ( Allium Cepa & Allium Sativum)
Onion and garlic have long been used by herbal practitioners to
treat diabetes. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests ample on
the anti-diabetic properties of onion and garlic. Garlic has an
additional benefit i.e. it has positive cardiovascular effects. It
is known to lower lipid levels and inhibit platelet aggregation.
Liberal use of onion is recommended for diabetic patients, while
garlic is to be taken in moderate amounts.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
Fenugreek is a crop plant that is grown as a pot herb. The habitat
range of the plant extends from eastern Mediterranean area to China.
Fenugreek is used as both an herb and a spice (seed). Pre-clinical
and clinical studies on the herb have indicated its anti-diabetic
properties. The fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds can help in
lowering blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Blueberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus)
Blueberries are a natural remedy for regulating the blood sugar
levels, whenever they are slightly elevated. Researches on
blueberries have come up with impressive results. They contain an
active ingredient with an extraordinary ability to get rid of
excessive sugar in the blood. They also work as a good astringent
and help to relieve inflammation of the kidney, bladder and
prostate.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is commonly used by the traditional practitioners of
Chinese medicine, to treat diabetes. The herb has shown good results
in enhancing the release of insulin from the pancreas and increasing
the number of insulin receptors. The herb has a direct effect on
lowering blood sugar levels. Asian ginseng also helps in elevating
mood and improves psycho-physiological performance.
How to
regulate blood sugar levels ?
The best choices are organic above-ground vegetables, as they are
full of nutrition, yet less starchy and sweet than the below-ground
vegetables. Whole grains like brown rice, millet, quinoi etc. that
have not been flaked or ground into flour are also healthy choices
particularly for carbohydrate or mixed types. Protein types tend to
be very insulin sensitive and tend to gain weight on a diet high in
grain, flour products like bread or pasta, below-ground vegetables
and fruit. Consuming some quality protein and fat along with the
non-starchy vegetables and whole grain is also very helpful in
slowing the sugar rush into the blood. The more starchy or sweet the
meal or snack, the more quality protein and fat is needed to balance
it, so eat smaller quantities so you are not over-eating in the
calorie department. It is due to the problems of blood-sugar
regulation that consuming products that contain straight sugar is
such a problem for the body and should be avoided by everyone.
Alcohol creates an insulin response just as sugar does, so reducing
alcohol consumption is also very important if you are trying to lose
weight, avoid disease and improve your health.
Home remedies
for Diabetes ?
One of the best home remedies for diabetes is include Bitter
melon(Karela) in your diet. For three months eat one dish made from
bitter melon. This will help in keeping the blood glucose level in
control.
Fenugreek is also very effective in diabetes control. Drink one cup
of fenugreek juice every morning. Also eating the seeds of fenugreek
will help you in controlling the blood sugar level. This remedy is
also very effective in bringing the glucose level down. Put some
black raisins in water and keep it overnight. Next day morning
strain this water and drink the clear water solution. Follow the
same procedure for few days to get good results. Eating Indian plum,
tomatoes and oranges are also beneficial in controlling diabetes.
Taking these fruits in your diet in a limited quantity say about 300
grams on a daily basis will be very effective.
Take fenugreek, bitter melon and gooseberry(Amla) all these three
things together in equal proportion. Dry them in sun for few days
and then grind them into fine powder form. Take this powder three
times in a day. This will help you to control the diabetes if you
will follow this for about a month and see the difference. Mix
juices of raw mango and Indian plum in equal amount and drink this
about three times in a day. This remedy is very useful if you will
drink these juices without fail for about one month.
Dry the bay leaves in sun for two days and then grind them into
fine powder. Take about five grams of this powder in a warm glass of
water and drink this. Do this for about ten days. This will surely
help in controlling the glucose level of the blood.
Which is the
best herbal medicine can cure diabetes ?
Gluco care is one of the finest medicine without any side effect to
regulate blood sugar level. The ingredients in the GLUCO Care are
listed below:
Gymnema Sylvestre :
Gymnema sylvestre, also known as Gurmar, Meshasringi and
Cherukurinja, is popular as sugar destroyer. The leaves of the plant
are dried and pounded together with coriander fruit, and then the
juice is extracted to be given orally for remedying diabetes. In
India, the herb is primarily being used to treat type II diabetes.
It is also being found in over-the-counter weight loss products and
blood sugar balancing formulas
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter
cucumber, karela, and charantin, is cultivated widely in Asia, East
Africa and South America. It has been extensively used as a folk
medicine for treatment of diabetes. Several compounds contained in
bitter melon are known to account for its ability to lower the
levels of sugar in the blood. Asparagus Racemosus: Asparagus
Racemosus (Shatavari )is sweet and bitter in taste, sweet in the
post digestive effect and has cold potency. It alleviates the vata
and pitta doshas. It possesses heavy, unctuous and soft attributes.
Commiphora Mukul(Gugullu) : is one of the most used
ayurvedic herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine. It has multiple uses in its
own capacity. More than fifty of herbal formulations are in wide use
that has half the quantity of this herb and half the quantity of all
the other herbs together.Find the many benefits of Commiphora mukul
gum in the light of ancient ayurvedic texts and modern ayurvedic
practitioners. All of these uses are based on practice by Ayurvedic
doctors. Many of them are being validated by clinical research.
Pterocarpus Marsupium : Pterocarpus Marsupium, also known as
Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga, is a large deciduous
tree, which commonly grows in western and southern parts of India
and Sri Lanka. It has demonstrated ability to reduce the absorption
of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known to
improve insulin and pro-insulin levels.
Can a person
lead a normal life if he is a diabetes ?
Absolutely. You just have to develop some good habits around
controlling your blood sugar. Also, with exercise, always check your
blood sugar before you exercise. The reason being that if it is to
low it may go lower and if it is to high it could go higher. You can
lead a relatively normal life, but there are some limitations and
you have to take extra precautions before starting a lot of
activities.
Can a diabetic
person have sexual inter course ?
There is absolutely no problem. Once can have a normal sexual life.
But however diabetes may affect sexual functioning in several ways,
but there are some things you may need to look out for:
Menstruation - Women may find that the menstrual cycle
affects blood sugar. If you seem to be having trouble with control
around the time of your menstrual period, keep careful records of
your levels around that time of the month. Look to see if there is a
pattern. For example you may find that your blood sugar is higher
than normal the week before your period. You may need to add extra
exercise or avoid eating extra carbohydrates. You may talk to your
doctor about adjusting your insulin or any other medication at this
time.
Lubrication - Women with diabetes may be more prone to have
problems with vaginal lubrication. You may also have trouble with
sexual response because of nerve damage. There are some medications
that can also affect sexual response.
Impotence - Having impotence is the consistent inability to
sustain an erection enough to engage in sexual intercourse. Many men
have impotence problems at some point during their lives, especially
in their 50's, 60's and older. For men with diabetes, these problems
can arrive 10 to 15 years earlier than for men without diabetes.
Some estimates place the incidence of diabetes-related impotence in
men at more than 40 percent. Sometimes nerve disease related to
diabetes causes impotence. When nerves are damaged, as can happen
with the condition, the flow of blood to the penis may be lessened
and so an erection can't occur. Blood vessel damage can also cause
impotence.
Is diabetes a
transmitted diseases ?
No it is not tansmitted
If I am
diabetic, will my wife get diabetic ?
Nothing to worry. She would not get.
Can a diabetic
person can consume liquior ?
The answer is yes, but in moderation. When alcohol is consumed, the
liver works hard to remove the excess alcohol from your blood.
Because the liver is working on managing the excess alcohol in your
blood, the liver's ability to release or produce glucose decreases,
causing hypoglycemia. Taking Insulin, and other diabetic medications
that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin may further
increase the risk for hypoglycemia if alcohol is consumed. Make sure
to consult with you physician before drinking any type of alcohol,
especially if you are on medications.
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Diabetic
Care Capsules
