Diabetes - How to Prevent and Handle with Herbs

Diabetes, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Herbal Treatment

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The body either does not make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body becoming unresponsive to the hormone’s effects.

The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood into your cells to be stored or used for energy. If this malfunctions, you may have diabetes.

Untreated high blood sugar from diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. However, educating yourself about diabetes and taking steps to prevent or manage it can help protect your health.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

Cause: Type 1 diabetes is believed to be an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This damage is permanent, and the exact triggers for these attacks are not entirely clear.

Symptoms: Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, fatigue, and slow-healing wounds.

Type 2 Diabetes:

- Cause: Type 2 diabetes starts as insulin resistance. The body cannot use insulin efficiently, leading to increased insulin production by the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in your blood. It’s the most common type—about 90% to 95% of people living with diabetes have type 2.

Type 1.5:

Type 1.5 diabetes is also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). It occurs during adulthood and sets in gradually like type 2 diabetes. LADA is an autoimmune disease that cannot be treated by diet or lifestyle.

A rare condition called diabetes insipidus is not related to diabetes mellitus, although it has a similar name. It’s a different condition in which your kidneys remove too much fluid from your body.

Each type of diabetes has unique symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of type 1, type 2, and type 1.5 (LADA) are the same but occur in a shorter period than types 2 and 1.5. In type 2, the onset tends to be slower. Tingling nerves and slow-healing sores are more common in type 2.

Left untreated, type 1, in particular, can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. This is when there is a dangerous level of ketones in the body. It’s less common in other types of diabetes, but can occur.

The symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

Increased thirst and urination: When blood sugar levels rise, the kidneys try to remove the excess glucose, leading to more frequent urination and subsequent thirst.
Fatigue: High blood sugar can prevent glucose from entering cells, depriving them of energy and causing tiredness.
Blurred vision: Fluctuating fluid levels in the body can cause the lenses of the eyes to swell and change shape, affecting vision.
Hunger: Despite eating, the lack of insulin or insulin resistance can prevent glucose from supplying energy to the cells, leading to persistent hunger.
Dry mouth and itchy skin: Dehydration from increased urination can result in dryness in these areas.
Yeast infections: Elevated glucose levels can encourage yeast growth, leading to infections, particularly in warm, moist areas of the body.
Slow-healing sores or cuts: High blood sugar can impair blood flow and nerve function, slowing the healing process.
Pain or numbness in feet or legs: This can be a sign of nerve damage caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels.

Symptoms in men

In addition to the general symptoms of diabetes, men with diabetes may have:

a decreased sex drive
erectile dysfunction
poor muscle strength

Symptoms in women

Women with diabetes can have symptoms such as:

vaginal dryness
urinary tract infections
yeast infections
dry, itchy skin

Remember that early detection is crucial. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management

Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes is a complex condition with multiple causes, typically involving issues with the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. Here are some of the main causes of different types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The exact cause of this immune reaction is not clear.
Type 2 Diabetes: Occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Factors contributing to this include genetics, weight, metabolic syndrome, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and is caused by insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta.
Prediabetes: This is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It’s often a precursor to type 2 diabetes and can be caused by similar factors.
Other causes: These can include genetic mutations, hormonal diseases, medications, pancreatitis, or a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Factors that make it more likely to have diabetes

Type 1 diabetes: You’re more likely to get type 1 diabetes if you’re a child or teenager, you have a parent or sibling with the condition, or you carry certain genes that are linked to the disease.

Type 2 diabetes: Your risk for type 2 diabetes increases if you

are overweight
are age 45 or older
have a parent or sibling with the condition
aren’t physically active
have had gestational diabetes
have prediabetes
have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides

Type 2 diabetes also disproportionately affects certain racial and ethnic populations.

Complications associated with diabetes include:

High blood sugar damages organs and tissues throughout your body. The higher your blood sugar is and the longer you live with it, the greater your risk for complications.

heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
neuropathy
nephropathy
retinopathy and vision loss
hearing loss
foot damage, such as infections and sores that don’t heal
skin conditions, such as bacterial and fungal infections
depression
dementia

Gestational diabetes

Unmanaged gestational diabetes can lead to problems that affect both the mother and baby. Complications affecting the baby can include:

premature birth
higher-than-typical weight at birth
increased risk for type 2 diabetes later in life
low blood sugar
jaundice
stillbirth

A pregnant person with gestational diabetes can develop complications such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or type 2 diabetes. You may also require cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section.

How to Treat Diabetes with the Use of Herbs

Generally diabetes is treated by the use of insulin for type 1 and 1.5 diabetes. It replaces the hormone your body isn’t able to produce. While Diet and exercise can help some people manage type 2 diabetes.

Treating diabetes with herbs is an approach that many people are interested in. Here’s a list of herbs and natural supplements that have been researched for their potential to help manage diabetes:

Click on this Link to See Various Plants that have Anti-diabetes properties

Ginseng: Particularly American ginseng, has been shown to improve blood sugar control and increase insulin sensitivity. ginseng is available in capsule form, and the recommended dose is about 1 to 3 grams per day. It’s best taken with meals to enhance blood sugar control after eating.
Chromium: This essential trace mineral can help improve insulin sensitivity and enhance carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
Magnesium: Low levels of magnesium may worsen blood glucose control, and supplementation might help with insulin resistance. While magnesium supplements are available, it’s also beneficial to eat magnesium-rich foods like spinach, almonds, and black beans. The recommended dietary allowance for magnesium varies by age and sex, but generally, adult men need 400–420 mg per day, and adult women need 310–320 mg per day
Cinnamon: Known for its potential to lower fasting glucose levels and improve blood sugar control. You can sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal, add it to your coffee, or make a cinnamon tea. It’s suggested to take about 1 gram (about half a teaspoon) to 6 grams (about one teaspoon) per day
Aloe Vera: May increase insulin sensitivity and help manage blood sugar levels. Aloe vera juice is available for consumption, but it’s important to ensure it’s decolorized and purified, which removes aloin—a compound with laxative effects. The dosage can vary, so it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Fenugreek: Contains fibers and chemicals that may help to slow digestion and the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and sugar. Fenugreek seeds can be soaked overnight and consumed on an empty stomach or added to meals. The typical dose for fenugreek is about 5 to 30 grams with each meal or up to 90 grams once daily
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which might have benefits for blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. ou can incorporate turmeric into your diet by adding it to curries, rice dishes, or making a turmeric tea. The typical dose used in studies ranges from 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric extract per day
Black Cumin: May help reduce glycemic indices in people with diabetes.
Ginger: Could help manage blood sugar levels.
Shallots: Might have anti-diabetic properties.
Soursop Leaves: Some studies suggest they may have some properties that can help to lower blood sugar levels

It’s crucial to introduce herbs one at a time to monitor their effects and any potential interactions with medications. Always consult with a h ealthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking other medications. Remember, these herbs should be part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.

How to Prevent Diabetes

Preventing diabetes is crucial, especially if you’re at an increased risk due to factors like excess weight, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes. Here are some important steps you can take:

Reduce Carbohydrate Intake: Pay attention to both the quantity and quality of carbohydrates you consume. Opt for whole grains, non-starchy vegetables, and fiber-rich foods. Limit added sugars and refined carbs like soda, candy, and white bread.
Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Focus on a balanced diet and portion control to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Choose Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts. These have less impact on blood sugar levels.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Quitting smoking has numerous health benefits, including reducing diabetes risk