Diabetes

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What is Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus formerly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult onset diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia and inadequate insulin secretion. It’s different from type 1 diabetes mellitus in that insulin secretion may be high, low or normal, whereas type 1 diabetes has little or no insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic B cells.

Currently there is no cure for diabetes, however type 2 diabetes is preventable and we try to control it through prevention and management.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not clear. A familial tendency suggest probably play a role, with a number of modifiable and non modifiable risk factors, especially visceral obesity , thought to initiate onset. Type 2 diabetes also can see in normal weight individuals who may have a stronger genetic tendency. The gene or genes responsible have not yet been isolate.

The pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes is characsecrtin and reduced response of insulin to insulinsensitive tissue. Persistent hyperglycaemia reduces the responsiveness of pancreatic B cells, which may augment the reduced insulin secretion. Reduced effectiveness of insulin results in increased glucose production by the liver and reduced insulin- stimulated glucose uptake by muscle and adipose tissue.

This increases the propensity to hyperglycemia. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)are stage in disordered carbohydrate metabolism that can progress to type 2 diabetes.

Signs and symptoms

Individuals with type 2 diabetes are often asymptomatic for a period of time before symptoms present.

Some of the symptoms of thype 2 diabetes follow: :

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Blurred vision
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Recurrent infections, particularly fungal.
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Fatigue
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Polyuria
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Polydipsia
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Periphosis parasthesia
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Acanthosis nigricans
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Hypertension
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Central obesity

Natural Treatment approach

The first –line management of diabetes is diet and exercise.

Diet

A  Low-GI, Mediterranean-style diet with an emphasis on low-GI carbohydrates. 

Numerous trials and reviews have found that a low-GI diet reduces fasting blood sugar and HbA1c and is associated with better glycaemic control.  

 5 serving of Vegetables a day  

Low GI Carbohydrates

oily fish at least twice a week 

legumes

small handful of nuts

extra virgin olive oil

avoid sugar-rich foods

limit red meat

low-fat dairy products

 

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise, with at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity on most days of the week or at least 150 minutes per week spread out over at least three sessions, is recommended for people with diabetes for glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with type 2 diabetes pertake in resistance exercise ( unless contraindicated) three times a week is shown to improve glycaemic control and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Weight Loss

Obesity is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes weight loss , weight reduction creates insulin resistance.

Insulin

Insulin replacement may be required in some patients with type 2 diabetes when lifestyle intervention.
A responsible approach to the treatment of diabetes is essential since almost all systems of chronic degenerative change in, for example the kidney , nervous system and blood vessels are Silent in the early stages. This diabetic people will really be treated by natural therapist alone and will usually be under the care of a specialist.

Chromium

Type 2 diabetes people have been shown to have lower plasma chromium and a urinary excretion of chromium twice that healthy controls. Poor chromium intake worsens the prognosis once diabetes has developed.

Magnesium

A high daily Magnesium intake is associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes, while individuals with low serum magnesium have a higher incidence Moreover magnesium deficiency can occur among of diabetics despite adequate dietary intake because urinary excretion is increased in the presence of elevated insulin and glycosuria.

Zinc

Low serum zinc due to inadequate consumption dietary zinc has been associated with an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes and coronary disease. Zinc has found to exert insulin –like effect by supporting the signal transduction of insulin and by reducing cytokine production.

Antioxidants

For women and men who have already developed type 2 diabetes, a more extensive treatment regime will need to be adopted. Oxidative stress contributes to the complication associated with type 2 diabetes.

Naturopathic & Herbal Treatment for diabetes

Summary of Herbalist & naturopath Morsi Huss treatments for type 2 diabetes:
To reduce the risk of pancreatic B-cell failure and prevent damage to the nerves, kidney, eyes and blood vessels systems we use herbal tonics and dietary restrictions.