Controlling Type 2 Diabetes with Herbal Remedies
Posted on | April 14, 2010 | No Comments
There have been many herbal remedies that have been scientifically documented that contain healing properties helping those suffering from diabetes. There are numerous natural remedies containing anti diabetic agents and are used for controlling type 2 diabetes. Despite the controversial disputes among the medical fraternity there has been sufficient evidence and clinical evidence to prove the efficacy of herbal medications in diabetic treatment.
Many diabetics have turned to herbal remedies as well as controlled diets as opposed to the conventional treatments. There is no cure for diabetes but many herbal remedies help to maintain the blood sugar levels and Indian herbal remedies such as holy basil, fenugreek seeds, coccidian indicia and gymnema Silvestre have been used and have proven effective in the treatment of diabetes as these herbs contain hypoglycaemic agents.
Diabetogenic agents are pure natural products which do not cause any side effects and many people choose to use the alternative route when it comes to treating this disease. Firstly this method of treatment is far less expensive as opposed to prescription drugs and long term usage has been known to reduce the need for diabetic treatment.
For instance Coccinia Indica has been scientifically proved that the herb lowers blood sugars just as effectively as prescribed drugs. One can either eat the fruit or mix the powered leaves with milk. The powdered leaves of Holy Basil are known for its natural anti inflammatory properties and well as anti oxidant properties. It has also been proved scientifically that this herb lowers blood sugar levels.
Another anti diabetic agent is fenugreek seed which are taken in capsule form and then the Gymnema Silvestre which is very similar to saccharose is used as an alternative to reduce sugar cravings as well as lowers the blood sugars in diabetic patients. The leaves of this plant are chewed or powdered and drunk with milk. In Hindu the plant is called Gur-mar which literally means sugar destroyer.
Before taking herbal remedies one should always consult your diabetes doctor or medical practitioner for advice and especially if you are already on conventional medications such as insulin or oral medications. People that suffer from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who have focused determination, good communication and very controlled blood sugar levels may find that herbal alternatives will work for them. Type 2 Diabetics have the potential to have controlled blood sugar levels by using alternative medications as well as maintaining a well balanced diet and do plenty of exercise and are monitored by their diabetes doctor or medical practitioner.
Type 2 Diabetic Complications and Maintenance
Posted on | April 14, 2010 | No Comments
Once a patient has been diagnosed with diabetes due to elevated blood sugar levels and a deficiency of insulin production these patients need to be monitored as acute and chronic complications could arise due to an abnormal low blood sugar level due to either too much insulin or medication taken for lowering the glucose levels.
However insulin is vital to patients suffering from Type 1 diabetes as they cannot survive without exogenous insulin and will develop elevated blood sugar levels as well as increased urine glucose which will lead to loss of fluid and electrolytes. The lack of insulin causes the inability to store protein and fat and the breakdown of protein and fat stores and results in what is known as diabetic ketoacidosis which can cause shock and then the patient goes into a coma and can die.
For proper function of the brain cells blood glucose is essential and low blood sugars can lead to CNS complications such as dizziness, confusion, tremors and weakness. If the patient is does not receive treatment immediately this will lead to seizures and irreversible brain death.
In the case of chronic complications which are related to small and large blood vessel disease involves the kidneys, nerves and eyes as well as circulation. Eye complications are common and are known as diabetic retinopathy and usually occur after five or six years as the diseased small blood vessels at the back of the eye leak protein and blood into the retina. This leads to scarring of the retina as well as retinal detachment in turn impairs the vision.
Poorly controlled diabetic patients can also develop glaucoma and cataracts. Other chronic complications such as kidney nephropathy which is caused by leakage of protein into the kidneys and urine and this could result in kidney failure and the patient having to have renal dialysis or in severe cases a kidney transplant. In addition diabetic suffer from nerve damage whereby the blood flow to the nerves is limited and the symptoms of nerve damage includes burning, aching and numbness of the feet and lower extremities.
When this occurs a patient will experience loss of sensation in the feet and his should be treated immediately as minor injuries could lead to ulceration which seldom heals and gangrene usually sets in which leads to surgical amputations of the toes and feet and in some instances the whole limb.
Tags: control diabetes > diabetes > diabetes complications > high blood sugar > monitors > type 2 diabetics
Foot Care for Diabetics
Posted on | March 4, 2010 | No Comments
It is important for Diabetics to practice good foot care by learning how to recognize problems with their feet before the problems become serious. With a good foot care routine at home, and controlled blood sugar levels, diabetics will be able to avoid problems with their feet.
Diabetes is a disease that can cause nerve damage to eyes, kidneys, feet and blood vessels. When diabetics do not control their blood sugar levels then they cannot feel their feet and this can lead to more serious problem because when they lose feeling in their feet and diabetics simply cannot feel sores, cuts, abrasions, blisters and areas where the skin has been damaged. Even with the advancement of foot care treatments a diabetic’s best prevention of life-threatening problems is good control of their Blood Sugar Levels.
When a diabetic’s Blood Sugar stays to high it will cause damages to the point that even a very insignificant looking wound will not heal properly, allowing infection to develop and without healthy blood vessels to deliver the antibiotics, the infection will develop into gangrene. There is really only one treatment for gangrene and that is amputation of the diabetic’s foot or their leg. If the amputation does not stop the infection and it reaches the bloodstream then it becomes life threatening.
The best prevention that a diabetic has is the advice of The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons they offer these suggestions: (author’s comments have been italicized)
1. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and carefully dry them afterward. Use a dry towel to rub away dried skin.
2. Use a rich moisturizer on your feet, but don’t apply it between the toes. There are excellent diabetic foot moisturizers in the diabetes center at most drugstores.
3. Keep toenails trimmed, but cut them straight across. Clipping the corners can lead to ingrown nails. Push back cuticles with dry towel.
4. Avoid using antiseptics, sharp tools or heating pads on the feet. This also includes electric blankets.
5. Keep feet warm and dry with cozy socks. There are whole product lines of socks for diabetics in most drugstores.
6. Prevent circulatory problems by avoiding smoking. And don’t sit with your legs crossed.
If you ever have problems with your feet it is important to write down information like; what happened to your foot, how long ago did you notice the wound and most important is to have either a record or a good knowledge of your Blood Sugar Level’s highs and lows.
Use the above six tips in your diabetes health care program, and have your feet checked once a year by your doctor.
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