Origin of Diabetes

Diabetes is an important human ailment afflicting many from various walks of life in different countries. In India it is proving to be a major health problem, especially in the urban areas. Though there are various approaches to reduce the ill effects of diabetes and its secondary complications, herbal formulations are preferred due to lesser side effects and low cost.

One of the etiologic factors implicated in the development of diabetes and its complications is the damage induced by free radicals and hence an antidiabetic compound with antioxidant properties would be more beneficial. 

Diabetes is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism characterized by increased fasting and post prandial blood sugar levels. Studies conducted in India show that it is increasing rapidly in the urban population. It is estimated that there are approximately 33 million adults with diabetes in India. This number is likely to increase to 57.2 million by the year 2025.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder resulting from either insulin insufficiency or insulin dysfunction. Type I diabetes (insulin dependent) is caused due to insulin insufficiency because of lack of functional beta cells. Patients suffering from this are therefore totally dependent on exogenous source of insulin while patients suffering from Type II diabetes (insulin independent) are unable to respond to insulin and can be treated with dietary changes, exercise and medication. 

Diabetes Type II is the more common form of diabetes constituting 90% of the diabetic population. Symptoms for both diabetic conditions may include: (1) high levels of sugar in the blood; (2) unusual thirst; (3) frequent urination; (4) extreme hunger and loss of weight; (5) blurred vision; (6) nausea and vomiting; (7) extreme weakness and tiredness; (8) irritability, mood changes etc.

Free radicals are capable of damaging cellular molecules, DNA, proteins and lipids leading to altered cellular functions. Studies reveal that antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radicals are effective in preventing experimentally induced diabetes in animal models as well as reducing the severity of diabetic complications.

In diabetic patients, extra-cellular and long lived proteins, such as elastin, laminin, collagen are the major targets of free radicals. These proteins are modified to form glycoproteins due to hyperglycemia. The modification of these proteins present in tissues such as lens, vascular wall and basement membranes are associated with the development of complications of diabetes such as cataracts, microangiopathy, atherosclerosis and nephropathy. During diabetes, lipoproteins are oxidized by free radicals. There are also multiple abnormalities of lipoprotein metabolism in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in diabetes. 

Lipid peroxidation is enhanced due to increased oxidative stress in diabetic condition. Apart from this, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins. AGEs tend to accumulate on long-lived molecules in tissues and generate abnormalities in cell and tissue functions. In addition, AGEs also contribute to increased vascular permeability in both micro and macrovascular structures by binding to specific macrophage receptors. This results in formation of free radicals and endothelial dysfunction. AGEs are also formed on nucleic acids and histones and may cause mutations and altered gene expression.

Patients of diabetes either do not make enough insulin or their cells do not respond to insulin. In case of total lack of insulin, patients are given insulin injections. Whereas in case of those where cells do not respond to insulin many different drugs are developed taking into consideration possible disturbances in carbohydrate-metabolism. For example, to manage post-prandial hyper-glycaemia at digestive level, glucosidase inhibitors such as acarbose, miglitol and voglibose are used. These inhibit degradation of carbohydrates thereby reducing the glucose absorption by the cells. To enhance glucose uptake by peripheral cells biguanide such as metphormine is used. Sulphonylureas like glibenclamide is insulinotropic and works as secretogogue for pancreatic cells. 

There are certain limitations of these medicines like high cost and side effects such as development of hypoglycemia, weight gain, gastrointestinal disturbances, liver toxicity etc. 

Based on involvement of oxidative stress in complicating diabetes mellitus, we can use suitable antidiabetic and antioxidant therapy to treat diabetes

Bitter gourd powder lowers blood and urine sugar levels. It increases body’s resistance against infections and purifies blood. Bitter Gourd has excellent medicinal virtues. It is antidotal, antipyretic tonic, appetizing, stomachic, antibilious and laxative. It contains compounds like bitter glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenolics, oils, free acids, polypeptides, sterols, 17-amino acids including methionine and a crystalline product named p-insulin. It is reported to have hypoglycemic activity in addition to being antihaemorrhoidal, astringent, stomachic, emmenagogue, hepatic stimulant, anthelmintic and blood purifier.

Easy Steps to maintain Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar or glucose is the main source of energy for every cell in our body. A figure indicates that diabetes affects one in every 19 people on the planet. If we can not stabilize blood sugar levels, glucose in the blood can cause complications such as heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems. We can stabilize blood sugar in natural way :

1. Exercise :

Physical activity helps control blood sugar in the body. Walking can extend the life of people with diabetes, insulin-sensitive cells such as controlling blood sugar better. Half an hour walk every day will help your blood sugar level. It helps the sugar and the sugar in the blood to absorb but also to increase insulin sensitivity and metabolism in general.

2. Eat Smaller Meals :

In order to stabilize blood sugar levels, you must eat small meals and eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours. In order to avoid peaks in blood glucose and high insulin release the results allow a full meal, and blood sugar levels for some time between meals. 

3. Dietary Fiber Foods :

Fibers are the undigested part of fruits, grains, nuts and legumes. While eating high-fiber foods, glucose is absorbed more slowly, so blood sugar and avoid the sharp spines. A diet containing insoluble fiber reduces the risk associated with type 2 diabetes.

4. Lemon Juice :

Lemon contains vitamin C, which can reduce the glycemic index of food sufficient. Drink a glass of lemon juice after each meal, it will help to maintain blood sugar. 

5. Protein :

The proteins are also known to degrade the quality of their blood sugar. The consumption of dairy products low in fat such, as low-fat milk, cheeses etc are useful for diabetic patient.

6. Green Tea :

Regular consumption of green tea without sugar helps to reduce blood glucose. You can also drink black tea without sweeteners to control blood sugar. It has the same effect with green tea.

7. Chromium :

Chromium is an active ingredient helps the glucose tolerance factor (GTF) to improve the effectiveness of insulin. chromium supplementation may improve diabetes control. The best sources of chromium are eggs, meat and cereals.

8. Laugh :

Researcher showed that people with type 2 diabetes, those watch the comedy programs immediately after a meal, their blood sugar levels get significantly lower. So, laughing can be helpful to maintain blood sugar too.

The levels of sugar in the blood of the healthy range can reduce the risk of complications and lead a healthy life.

Benefits of Indian Acupressure ~ Dr Vinod Gupta (Hindi) (720p HD)

Watch out benefits of Indian Acupressure with practical demo by Dr Vinod Gupta (Acupressure Therapist, Hisar). He has demonstrated all important acupressure points related to particular body organ and general diseases. 

Acupressure is an ancient healing method that involves using skillfully pressing key points on the fingers and other parts of body to stimulate the natural healing ability of the body. When these key points are pressed, muscular tension is released which leads to enhanced blood circulation. Some of the acupressure points are significant as they are related to a specific part of the body while others are more general in their effect. 

Acupressure is usually given in a similar fashion to traditional massage. The points on the body are massaged using finger or thumb and sometimes a blunt object in a practically rapid circular motion with a medium pressure. This massage can be last between 5 and 15 minutes. Some of the most common acupressure techniques are rubbing, kneading, percussion and vibration. The points on fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet are often used to massage other parts of the body.

Acupressure can be performed in sitting, standing or lying down position.

Acupressure is based on a theory that there is some sort of invisible energy in all individuals which flows in the body in a manner similar to that of the flow of blood. The acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony.

Acupressure has a lot of advantages for physical, spiritual, and mental health. It can helps to relieve pain, reduce strain, increase blood circulation, and provides a relaxing effect to the body. Acupressure can help in treatment of muscular pain, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, toothache, dizziness, menstrual pain, digestive disorders including diarrhea and constipation, nausea, motion sickness, stress and tiredness.

In conventional allopathic medicines the patient has to rely on powerful medicines which have damaging side effects on our body systems.

A person can cure his general medical problem easily by pressing specific acupressure points with a finger or thumb in his home. The limitation is that he must know the acupressure points for various organs and also the technique of performing acupressure. If wrong points are pressed, this may lead to further complications.

Blood glucose control and diabetic management

ü               A low-GI food will release glucose more slowly and steadily. A high-GI food causes a more rapid rise in blood glucose levels and is suitable for energy recovery after endurance exercise or for a person experiencing hypoglycemia.

ü               It's also possible to lower the GI of a meal with a few teaspoons of vinegar and the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables

^ü               Jamun Sirka is a vinegar produced from the Jamun (or rose apple) fruit in India. It is considered to be medicinally valuable for stomach, spleen and diabetic ailments.

ü                When you eat a low-G.I. food, such as oatmeal, it will break down more slowly and deliver the glucose into the bloodstream at a slower but steady rate.

ü           Although it is not recommended to use fructose as a sweetener, fruit should not be avoided because of its fructose content. Benefits may be obtained by consumption of dietary fibre in conjunction with carbohydrate; as Francis (1987) points out, evidence suggests that carbohydrate consumed with dietary fibre will have a less major impact on glycemic rise than the same amount of carbohydrate consumed alone.

ü          Prior to hypoglycemic agents, diabetics used vinegar teas to control their symptoms. Small amounts of vinegar (approximately 20 ml or two tablespoons of domestic vinegar) added to food, or taken along with a meal, have been shown by a number of medical trials to reduce the glycemic index of carbohydrate food for people with and without diabetes. This also has been expressed as lower glycemic index ratings in the region of 30%.

ü              The American Diabetes Association explains: "saturated fat raises blood cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. People with diabetes have more frequent heart disease.

ü                Research has shown the Maitake mushroom (Grifola frondosa) has a hypoglycemic effect, and may be beneficial for the management of diabetes. The reason Maitake lowers blood sugar is because the mushroom naturally acts as an alpha glucosidase inhibitor. Other mushrooms like Reishi, Agaricus blazei, Agrocybe cylindracea and Cordyceps have been noted to lower blood sugar levels to a certain extent, although the mechanism is currently unknown.

ü              Exercise decreases insulin requirements as exercise increases glucose uptake by body cells whose glucose uptake is controlled by insulin, and vice versa

ü               Weight reduction and exercise improve tissue sensitivity to insulin and allow its proper use by target tissues.

ü                  Tooth decay and cavities are some of the first oral problems that individuals with diabetes are at risk for. Increased blood sugar levels translate into greater sugars and acids that attack the teeth and lead to gum diseases.

ü             Diabetic people tend to experience more severe periodontitis because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and also slows healing.

ü           To prevent further diabetic complications as well as serious oral problems, diabetic persons must keep their blood sugar levels under control and have a proper oral hygiene. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease than well-controlled diabetics are. At the same time, diabetic patients are recommended to have regular checkups with a dental care provider at least once in three to four months. Diabetics who receive good dental care and have good insulin control typically have a better chance at avoiding gum disease to help prevent tooth loss

ü                  HbA1c test

A useful test that has usually been done in a laboratory is the measurement of blood HbA1c levels. This is the ratio of glycosylated hemoglobin in relation to the total hemoglobin. Persistent raised plasma glucose levels cause the proportion of these molecules to go up. This is a test that measures the average amount of diabetic control over a period originally thought to be about 3 months (the average red blood cell lifetime), but more recently thought to be more strongly weighted to the most recent 2 to 4 weeks. In the non-diabetic, the HbA1C level ranges from 4.0-6.0%; patients with diabetes mellitus who manage to keep their HbA1C level below 6.5% are considered to have good glycemic control. The HbA1c test is not appropriate if there has been changes to diet or treatment within shorter time periods than 6 weeks or there is disturbance of red cell aging (e.g. recent bleeding or hemolytic anemia) or a hemoglobinopathy (e.g. sickle cell disease). In such cases the alternative Fructosamine test is used to indicate average control in the preceding 2 to 3 weeks.

ü                  Other non-invasive methods like radio waves, ultrasound and energy waves are also being tested for checking blood sugars

ü              Small, portable insulin infusion pumps are available from several manufacturers. They allow a continuous infusion of small amounts of insulin to be delivered through the skin around the clock, plus the ability to give bolus doses when a person eats or has elevated blood glucose levels. This is very similar to how the pancreas works, but these pumps lack a continuous "feed-back" mechanism. Thus, the user is still at risk of giving too much or too little insulin unless blood glucose measurements are made.

ü                 There are several insulin application mechanisms under experimental development as of 2004, including a capsule that passes to the liver and delivers insulin into the bloodstream.

ü       There are indications that intensive efforts to normalize blood glucose levels may worsen cardiovascular and cause diabetic mortality

ü          Recently it has been suggested that a type of gastric bypass surgery may normalize blood glucose levels in 80-100% of severely obese patients with diabetes.