Description
DIABETIC WELLNESS:
Diabetes mellitus is taken from the Greek word diabetes, meaning siphon - to pass through and the Latin word mellitus meaning sweet. A review of the history shows that the term "diabetes" was first used by Apollonius of Memphis around 250 to 300 BC.
Ancient Greek, Indian, and Egyptian civilizations discovered the sweet nature of urine in this condition, and hence the propagation of the word Diabetes Mellitus came into being. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease of inadequate control of blood levels
of glucose. It has many sub-classifications, including type 1, type 2, maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), gestational diabetes, neonatal diabetes, and steroid-induced diabetes. Type 1 and 2 diabetes is the main subtypes, each with different
pathophysiology, presentation, and management, but both have a potential for hyperglycemia.
In the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, there are two main subclasses of endocrine cells: insulin-producing beta cells and glucagon secreting alpha cells. Beta and alpha cells are continually changing their levels of hormone secretions based on the
glucose environment. Without the balance between insulin and glucagon, the glucose levels become inappropriately skewed. In the case of DM, insulin is either absent and/or has impaired action (insulin resistance), and thus leads to hyperglycemia.
Type 1 DM is characterized by the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, typically secondary to an autoimmune process. The result is the absolute destruction of beta cells, and consequentially, insulin is absent or extremely low. Type 2 DM involves a
more insidious onset where an imbalance between insulin levels and insulin sensitivity causes a functional deficit of insulin. Insulin resistance is multifactorial but commonly develops from obesity and aging. MODY is a heterogeneous disorder identified by
non-insulin-dependent diabetes diagnosed at a young age (usually under 25 years). It carries an autosomal dominant transmission and does not involve auto antibodies as in T1DM. The genetics of this disease are still unclear as some patients have mutations
but never develop the disease, and others will develop clinical symptoms of MODY but have no identifiable mutation. Gestational diabetes is essentially diabetes that manifests during pregnancy; it is still unknown why it develops. Excessive proinsulin is
also thought to play a role in gestational diabetes, and some suggest that proinsulin may induce beta-cell stress. Others believe that high concentrations of hormones such as progesterone, cortisol, prolactin, human placental lactogen, and estrogen may
affect beta-cell function and peripheral insulin sensitivity.
Doctors refer to some people as having prediabetes or borderline diabetes when blood sugar is usually in the range of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal blood sugar levels sit between 70 and 99 mg/dL, whereas a person with diabetes will
have a fasting blood sugar higher than 126 mg/dL. The prediabetes level means that blood glucose is higher than usual but not so high as to constitute diabetes. People with prediabetes are, however, at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, although they
do not usually experience the symptoms of full diabetes. The risk factors for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are similar. They include - being overweight, a family history of diabetes, having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level lower
than 40 mg/dL or 50 mg/dL, a history of high blood pressure, having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a child with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), being more than 45 years of age, having a
sedentary lifestyle.
Steps a person can take to embrace a lifestyle with diabetes include:
Eating a diet high in fresh, nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and healthy fat sources, such as nuts. Avoiding high-sugar foods that provide empty calories, or calories that do not have other
nutritional benefits, such as sweetened sodas, fried foods, and high-sugar desserts, Refraining from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Engaging in at least 30 minutes exercise a day on at least 5 days of the week, such as of walking, aerobics,
riding a bike, or swimming. Recognizing signs of low blood sugar when exercising, including dizziness, confusion, weakness, and profuse sweating. People can also take steps to reduce their body mass index (BMI), which can help some people with type
2 diabetes manage the condition without medication. Slow, steady weight loss goals are more likely to help a person retain long-term benefits.
While diabetes itself is manageable, its complications can severely impact on daily living, and some can be fatal if not treated immediately. Complications of diabetes include: dental and gum diseases, eye problems and sight loss, foot problems,
including numbness, leading to ulcers and untreated injuries and cuts, heart disease, nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke, kidney disease, In the case of kidney disease, this complication can lead to kidney failure, water retention
when the body does not dispose of water correctly, and a person experiencing difficulties with bladder control.
Regularly monitoring blood glucose levels and moderating glucose intake can help people prevent the more damaging complications of type 2 diabetes. For those with types 1 diabetes, taking insulin is the only way to moderate and control the effects of
the condition.
The most common signs and symptoms of high blood sugar levels include:
Increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, even when increasing food intake, lack of energy, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, such as an infection of the gum, skin, or vagina,
cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, sexual difficulties; People who have any of these symptoms should see a doctor, as early diagnosis can help prevent complications.
Q. What are Herbal powders?
The useful part of Herbs or medicinal plant is selected, dried, powdered & sieved to 40 or 60 mesh. They can be easily stored and transported.
Q. How effective are Herbal Powders?
They are very effective and fast acting if taken as recommended for particular illness and in correct dosage, as suggested by health practitioner. The result may be seen within 5-7 days.
Q. What is the Shelf life of Herbal Powders?
Generally dried powdered herbs if stored properly never get spoiled or damaged. They may be less effective after 5 years of manufacturing.
Q. What are the importance of Herbal medicines?
Herbal medicines are derived from Natural, Pure Herbs with Natural origin. They work as per their content of natural, pure Bio-active substances (Glucosides), which are not chemicals and not artificially induced! Hence no side-effects of Herbal Medicines, if taken in recommended dosage and for specific illness, Like – Gurmar (Gymnema) Powder very good for Diabetic Wellness.
Q. Can you make tea from powdered herbs?
Teas can be made by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons of dried herbs. Cover and let tea steep for 5 minutes or so (roots and bark take longer). Then filter or decant the upper Tea solution and drink.
Q. How you can say, you have Diabetes wellness?
If your blood sugar levels are under control, if your urinary functions are good, if you do not suffer from frequent weakness or lethargy, if there is no major difference in weight, if there is no family history of diabetes, then you can say that your Blood sugar control is good!
Q. How you can judge that you are Diabetic?
If you have increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme tiredness & lethargy, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, frequent or recurring infections, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal, sexual difficulties– are the signs that you should go for Diabetic Check!
Q. How to achieve your Diabetic wellness?
Eating a diet high in fresh, nutritious foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, avoiding high-sugar foods, cold drinks, alcohol, fried foods, and high-sugar desserts. Exercising at least 30 minutes daily, at least 5 days of the week, such as of walking, aerobics, riding a bike, or swimming. People can also take steps to reduce their body mass index (BMI).
Q. Herbs good for Diabetic Wellness?
Gymnema, Salacia, Banaba, Bitter melon, Neem, Jamun, Fenugreek.
