Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is an excess of glucose in the blood. It is a very common disease that affects over 150 million people. There are 2 types of diabetes, type 1 which often occurs in younger people and treatment is dependent on insulin, and type 2 (non insulin) which is more common and often occurs in people over 40. It is a disorder of the endocrine system that makes metabolic changes to the body that can result in damage to the kidneys, eyes, nerves, heart and blood vessels. It is possible to control this disease with careful management, but there is no known cure. Diabetes is also known as hyperglycemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of diabetes mellitus may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger & sugar cravings, increased fatigue, blurry vision, irritability and unusual weight loss.
Causes
Insulin dependent diabetes (Type 1) occurs when the insulin producing cells in the pancreas are destroyed. The actual causes are not known although some viruses can affect the pancreas and the production of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is associated with risk factors that seem to cause some people to develop this disease more than others, including heredity, diet choices, obesity. Excessive body weight seems to be a predisposing factor. Age, emotional stress, and smoking may also factor into whether a person will develop the disease.
Cautions
Improper management of diabetes mellitus can result in serious consequences like coma and even death. Seek medical guidance to learn how to properly manage the disease. Diabetes also can lead to heart disease and other serious conditions.
Herbal Treatments
Herbalism is not suitable for treatment of Type 1 Diabetes and should only be used to treat Type 2 diabetes under the guidance of your physician.
Internal Applications
- Goats rue - may be useful supplementary treatment for type 2 diabetes in lowering blood sugar. Care should be taken when taking Goats rue and it should only be taken under the guidance of medical herbalist.
- Indian kino – this herb can be used to help regenerate functional beta cells in the pancreas. This herb has been used in India for years to treat diabetes.
- Gymnema – this herb helps the pancreas produce insulin in people suffering from type II diabetes. It also makes insulin more effective and cuts the cravings for sweets.
- Blueberry – the leaves of the blueberry bush have been used for a long time to treat diabetes. A single does can last for several weeks. Blueberry leaves increase the integrity of the capillaries and inhibit damage from free radicals, as well as toning the entire vascular system. It is also useful in treating retinopathy caused by diabetes.
- Korean ginseng – this herb is used in Traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It enhances the release of insulin and increases the number of insulin receptors. It also lowers the blood sugar.
- Gingko biloba – the extract of this herb can help prevent and treat early diabetic neuropathy.
- Bilberry – this herb helps prevent diabetic complications such as retinopathy and cataracts.
- Stevia – while this herb doesn't help diabetes directly, it can be used as a sweetener in place of sugar.
- Cinnamon – this herb actually stimulates fat cells to be more responsive to insulin. It also increases the conversion of sugar to energy. Cinnamon can also help slow down the progression of complications.
- Fenugreek – soak about 100 seeds in 250 grams of water and let it sit overnight. Mash the softened seeds in the morning and strain through a cloth. Drink this mixture on a regular basis. It may take up to 2 months to see results.
- Burdock - lowers blood sugar levels.
- Fig - clinical studies have reported taking fig leaf decoctions lowered blood sugar levels.