Now-a-days Alternative Medicines or Complementary Medicines and gaining popularity, because of its curing power with out any side effects.

Diabetes details: Diabetes means your blood glucose is too high. Diabetes is the inability of the body to ‘produce insulin - type 1 diabetes’ or ‘proper use of insulin - type 2 diabetes.

Allopathic medicine Diabetes: In allopathic treatment, they consider and treat everyone in a similar manner and drugs are used for treatments. These drugs are used to stop or block one particular function of an organ. It is not trying to correct the root cause and only gives temporary relief. Also they use only one force (compared to war utilizes land force only) that is the medication for diabetes.

Alternative medicines Diabetes: treatments they consider human as a whole and each human is treated differently for the same disease. They are not only considering the disease alone, but also its causes - physical and mental (psychological) reasons.

Homeopathic remedies for diabetes:

For example homeopathic remedy is concern they find the correct remedy by looking for symptoms of:

Main complication Physical symptoms Mental/emotional/psychological symptoms Modalities (when the disease is better and when it is worst) Causation (reason behind the disease – root cause)

Homeopathic remedies for diabetes, different peoples are treated with a different medicine with respect to their individual physical, mental, modalities and causation.

Ayurvedic herbal remedies for diabetes:

It is also called as herbal medicines, herbal therapy, herbal treatment, herbalism and botanical medicines.

The herbal medication is prepared from plants, use medicinal herbs to prevent and treat diseases and ailments or to promote health and healing. Either the dried plant as a whole or a specific part of it (root, leaves, fruit, flowers or seeds) is formulated into suitable preparation. Ayurvedic natural remedies are not only control blood sugar, but at the same time it will take care of kidney, liver, eye and hearts. These are the organs that may be affected by long term of diabetes. Also the carbohydrate metabolism is by liver, kidney, pancreas and small intestine. Thus the herbal medicines correct these organs for proper utilization and elimination of the glucose. That is, it corrects the root cause.

Yoga poses for diabetes:  

Yoga refers to be the traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India. It has the ability to balance body, mind & spirit. This discipline has curative power for many chronic diseases that include diabetes, by activating glandular systems responsible for the illness. In the case of diabetes, yoga poses give mild and gentle massages to the internal organs such as pancreas, liver, intestine, etc. These organs are responsible for the diabetes cause.

Acupressure for diabetes:

Accupressure is also called as acupressure or healing touch. TCM relies on a number of basic principles which have been refined over thousands of years of medical practice. One of the major principles of this medical tradition is the idea that health is governed by the flow of life force, or qi, through the body. Interruptions in this flow can lead to medical complaints, as the body’s balance of energy is disrupted. TCM practitioners also believe that disruptions in the flow of qi affect specific organs, and that all symptoms can be linked with a particular organ.

In the case of diabetes many patients have found that has either cured or decreased the severity of their diabetes.

Reflexology for diabetes:

Reflexology massage or zone therapy is particularly a healing art by applying pressure (using the hand, fingers and especially the thumbs). This massage is specifically done to feet, hands and some times even to the ears. It activates the acupoints which are interrelated to the organs in the body.

That is why reflexology massage is showing positive impact on promoting self-healing capabilities on diabetes.

Complementary Medicine: 

All the above alternative medicine treatments are also called as complementary medicine. The name “complementary medicine” developed as the two or more systems began to be used alongside (to “complement”) each other. 

So if we use all the above said alternative medicines together (used all the medicines at the same time) there is a amazing result because one complements the other;

Homeopathy treats disease by physical, mental, modalities and causation symptoms – human as a whole. Herbal remedies correct the disease by correcting the organ responsible for the disease – this system corrects the function of the organ responsible. Yoga is a physical and mental discipline that gives massage to the internal organ and calms the mind for proper function of the organ. Acupressure is a healing touch which clears the blockage of qi (vital energy) and thus function of the particular organ is normalized. Reflexology is an art of massaging the nerve points connecting with the organ responsible for the disease. If the nerves are stimulated the organ start function normally.



If you use all the above said complementary medicines each works differently, then the chance of cure for the disease is very high.

For example purpose we used to define alternative medicine diabetes, it is not only for diabetes but also for cholesterol, high and low blood pressure, eye problems, etc. I named a few the list is endless. 



Thanks to thiruvelan for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Have you claimed your Genesis site?

The most common starting symptoms and signs of diabetes mellitus are abrupt body weight reduction caused by the loss of fluids and reduction of weight caused by loss of fat; this is because of the powerlessness of the body to break down carbohydrates. Other starting symptoms and signs of diabetes are passing a huge amount of urine, genital itching, cessation of menstruation in women, increased thirst, disturbances of vision, limb numbness, and a tendency to boils and skin infections.

Moderately lift up blood sugar levels can finally cause kidney failure, damage to eye sight from ruptured blood vessels in the eyes, and restricted blood flow to the limbs, which may show the way to gangrene and subsequent amputation. Diabetes mellitus is also connected to a threat of coronary heart disease that is two to three times higher in men and 4 to 5 times higher in women earlier than the menopause. If starting symptoms and signs of diabetes are not taken in consideration the threat of a stroke get increased 2 to 3 times.

Diabetes mellitus is a huge problem all over the world. This situation could be attributed to the truth that more and more people are obese and overweight. Diabetes mellitus has been linked to obesity and decreasing the threat by losing weight is the primary step to take. Lots of people who are suffering from diabetes do not in fact know they are. This is because the diseased symptoms could be misconstrued as one more, less serious situation. One type of diabetes mellitus is called type-1 diabetes. This situation takes place when the body stops being able to make the amount of insulin it needs to be able to efficiently control the blood sugar levels. The other type of diabetes mellitus is called type-2 diabetes. This is when the body does in fact create insulin, but the body does not use it the way it should. For that reason with both types of diabetes mellitus, the body cannot resourcefully use the insulin to control the blood sugar levels in the body.

Both of these circumstances of diabetes will require medication and treatment to help manage the situation. Type 1 diabetes mellitus requires insulin injections to help maintain the production of insulin in control. Most of the time, type 2 diabetes can be controlled by a good healthy diet and plenty of good work out. However, in some cases, the diabetic patients will need to take insulin injections when they have diabetes type 2. There is not anyone who is not able to get diabetes mellitus either near the beginning on or later on in life. Some of the sufferers are much more likely to begin suffering from diabetes if they are African-American, Asian-Americans or Hispanics.

If people start to experience any of the diabetic symptoms, it is worthwhile visiting a medical doctor to have a diabetes test. The test for diabetes is completely painless and rapid and people will feel better knowing either way. If people become thirsty and feel thirsty all the time, this could be a sign of diabetes. This could be a widespread sign of type 2 diabetes and if people are thirsty all the time later than drinking quite a lot, visit a medical doctor. Also if people suddenly require the toilet all the time for urination, this also could be a sign of diabetes. This could be a sign of diabetes as people are drinking much more than usual because of constantly feeling thirsty.



Thanks to jeniferhobson for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Treatment For Type 1 Diabetes

Can you answer ?drugstore valentine ?’s question about Diabetes?:

Hi.
Are there any psychological characters of type 1 diabetes?
So far I have : Higher risk for eating disorders, depression, and dementia/
What am I missing?

Information On Diabetes Mellitus

Although there are three different types of diabetes, the first series of symptoms to experience are usually those of hyperglycemia, or an excess of blood sugar (glucose), which is the first indicator ‘ is something not quite right.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia May include blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst and appetite and increased urination.

In type 1 diabetes, the onset of hyperglycemia can be abruptly because of fact, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all, or virtually no insulin at all. In other words, there is absolutely no outlet for glucose levels that just build and build quickly. Type 1 diabetes is extremely dangerous and can lead to death. There was a time known as juvenile diabetes because it generally affects young people, and symptoms should not be ignored and doctors should be consulted immediately as a matter of urgency.

For type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia May take considerable time to develop to the point symptoms can be felt and noticed. Many people go through their whole lives unaware that they have type 2 diabetes, and take a large number of symptoms as merely be signs of aging, especially as type 2 diabetes affects generally middle-aged adults to leave, hence its old name of diabetes for adults. In relatively recent years, due to the volume of children developing type 2 diabetes due to poor diet and obesity (the leading causes of type 2 diabetes), the name became simply type diabetes 2.

As the symptoms of high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes can be extremely subtle, many people are completely unaware they have diabetes at all. In type 2 diabetes is caused by one of two factors, the first factor is a lack of insulin production in the pancreas, the second being a condition known as “insulin resistance”. This is where the body begins to reject the admission of insulin, bringing the glucose. Therefore, a person’s body does not become starved of glucose as fuel, but the accumulation starts glucose in the blood, which has no outlet. The body May attempt by some hunting glucose from the body through urine.

May gestational diabetes perhaps the most difficult form of diabetes to detect because the symptoms are so similar to a pregnancy, it can be almost impossible to make a difference. For example, fatigue, increased appetite and thirst and increased urination.

Gestational diabetes is usually a temporary form of diabetes that disappeared shortly after pregnancy, but May leave the mother and children vulnerable to the ongoing development of type 2 diabetes in the future.

Another concern gestational diabetes is the damage it can do for the baby, which May be respiratory or heart problems, stillborn or died shortly after birth. The absence of treatment, gestational diabetes can also be a contributing factor in health problems that the baby reaches adulthood, such as chronic obesity.

If you think you’ve felt even slightly any of these symptoms of hyperglycemia, it is very important that you see your doctor as soon as possible. Diabetes is a disorder not you want to guess yourself, because it can be fatal, especially in the case of type 1 diabetes.

Although diabetes can be a very dangerous disease, the diagnosis, it is extremely treatable. The most important things for a diabetic to do so are to take any medication prescribed and monitor blood sugar levels regularly. If you’ve been told by your doctor to take with you an emergency insulin / glucose kit, you should do so at any time since May it not be fatal. Other factors include a lot of exercise to help regulate glucose levels and a healthy diet and balanced.



Thanks to Jack Stanley for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Medications For Type 2 Diabetes

Bhupesh Chandra Semwal 1* Sonia Singh1, Dr. Kalyani Divakar2

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.

 

References

http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/diabetes_herbs.htm

http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002072.htm

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-symptoms.jsp

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/risk/index.html

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsatod/a/Diabetes.htm

http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com/diabetes_treatment.htm

 



Thanks to Bhupesh Chandra Semwal for contributing this article to our Diabetes blog:

Management Of Diabetes Mellitus