4100 new cases recorded every 24 hours. $132 billion being spent annually by 20.8 million Americans suffering from the ailment. And now a leading cause of cardiovascular disease too. The impact of
diabetes is tremendous. The ways to manage
Diabetes are many. And an understanding of its causes and symptoms is instrumental in this.
Diabetes is a set of related diseases in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The blood glucose level is regulated by the hormone insulin. It can be classified into Type 1
diabetes, wherein enough insulin is not produced and Type 2 diabetes, wherein the insulin produced cannot be used properly.
Diabetes Causes
In Type 1
diabetes, the body's immune system attacks the pancreatic cells which produce insulin. Certain viral infections may also be a cause. It is also most common in non-Hispanic white persons of Northern European descent, followed by African Americans and Hispanic Americans. It is relatively rare among Asians. Type 1 is also slightly more common in men than in women.
Type 2 diabetes is strongly genetically influenced. It could arise due to high blood pressure, high blood levels, a high-fat diet, high alcohol consumption, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, in the event of giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (Gestational Diabetes). The risk of type 2 tends to increase with age.
Diabetes Symptoms
Symptoms common to both types of
diabetes are as follows;
- Fatigue, as glucose levels are low.
- Unexplained weight loss, due to poor processing of calories in the food.
- Excessive thirst, as a signal is sent to the brain to dilute the blood, which translates into thirst.
- Excessive urination, as extra sugar in the blood is removed through the urine.
- Excessive eating, as more insulin is secreted to combat the excessive blood sugar. A function of insulin is to stimulate hunger.
- Slow healing of wounds as high glucose levels hamper the functioning of white blood cells which defend the body against bacteria.
- Infections such as frequent yeast infections of the genitals, skin infections, urinary tract infections, caused from suppression of the immune system and by the presence of glucose in the tissues, which allows bacteria to grow well.
- Agitation, irritability, inattention, extreme lethargy, confusion can all be signs of very high blood sugar.
- Blurry vision is frequently present with high glucose levels though not specific to diabetes.
Diabetes Treatment – Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are gaining in popularity due to their lack of side effects. Here are some natural ways to manage
diabetes. The following are the core herbs that can then be used in a variety of mixes.
- Nettle, horsetail, dandelion, mountain cranberry leaves, chicory
- Leaves of walnut and bilberry, bean pods, burdock roots, elder flowers
- Bilberry leaves, bean pods, flax seeds, oatmeal
There are other herbs too that aid in treatment. The most common and widely available ones are Asian Ginseng, Bilberry, Stevia, Ginkgo Biloba, Cinnamon, Barberry, Bitter Melon, Onion and Garlic, Fenugreek, Blueberry leaves.
