Type 2 diabetes is a condition that happens because of a problem in the way the body regulates and uses sugar as fuel. That sugar also is called glucose. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the blood. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous and immune systems.
In type 2 diabetes, there are primarily two problems. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into the cells. And cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar. Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can begin during childhood and adulthood. Type 2 is more common in older adults. But the increase in the number of children with obesity has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:
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Increased thirst
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Frequent urination
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Increased hunger
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Unintended weight loss
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Slow-healing sores
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Frequent infections
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Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
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Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck
Causes of Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is caused by various factors including lifestyle factors and genes.
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Obesity & Physical Inactivity: You are most likely to cause Type 2 Diabetes if you are physically inactive or cause obesity or overweight issues. Extra weight sometimes causes insulin resistance and is common in people with type 2 diabetes. The location of body fat also makes a difference. Extra belly fat is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart and blood vessel disease.
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Genes and Family History: The disease tends to run in families and is more likely to occur with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and is caused by Hormonal changes in pregnancy including lifestyle and genetic factors.
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Hormonal Disease: Some hormonal diseases cause the body to produce too much of certain hormones, which sometimes cause insulin resistance and diabetes.
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Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body produces too much cortisol—often called the “stress hormone.”
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Acromegaly occurs when the body produces too much growth hormone.
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Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Complications:
Type 2 diabetes affects many major organs, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Some major complications include:
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Heart and Blood Vessel diseases
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Kidney Diseases
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Risk of Eye damage
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Skin allergies or Skin conditions
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Insomnia
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High blood sugar over time can affect nerves leading to nerve damage.
Home Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes:
- Ginseng/Ashwagandha: A meta-analysis by the American Association has shown that Ginseng can improve your blood sugar levels and fasting glucose levels by increasing your body’s insulin sensitivity.
- Fenugreek: Studies have found that it might help people with diabetes control their blood sugar. If you have prediabetes, the herb may also help prevent the disease from progressing to diabetes. You can add the seeds to your cooking, or use powdered fenugreek to regulate your blood sugar levels.
- Jamun Seeds Powder: Studies have shown that Jamun seeds (Blackberries) are considered among the effective home remedies for diabetes. These seeds are a rich source of jamboline and jamboline. These two ingredients help in slowing down the glucose release into the blood. It also reduces symptoms of frequent urination and thirst.
- Neem Powder: Neem powder is a natural remedy frequently utilized in traditional medicine. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, it may aid in regulating blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for diabetes management.
- Karela Powder: Karela powder, made from ground bitter melon, is hailed for its potential anti-diabetic properties. It's believed to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, helping to regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
- Siridhanya Millets: A combo of five positive millets i.e., Foxtail, Barnyard, Little, Kodo and Browntop millet is prized for its high fibre, low glycemic index, and micronutrient content. It releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream, aiding in blood sugar control, making it an ideal home remedy for diabetes management and prevention.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has glucose lowering ability and also reduces lipid biomarkers including triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and cholesterol.
- Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are the best natural antioxidants. They are known to control high blood sugar levels. When mixed with cinnamon and fenugreek seeds, they increase glucose absorption by cells.
- Moringa Powder: Moringa powder is rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and minerals, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular intake may enhance insulin sensitivity and lower fasting glucose levels, supporting overall diabetic management.
- Giloy Powder: It is used in managing diabetes due to its potential to lower blood sugar levels, support pancreas health, and enhance insulin sensitivity, contributing to overall glucose control in the body.
Other Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar:
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Exercise Regularly
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Drink plenty of water, don't let your body be dehydrated.
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Manage your carb Intake
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Consume food rich in fibre such as millets, vegetables, and fruits.
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Consume maximum food with low glycemic index. Some foods that have low GI:
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Monitor your blood sugar levels
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Get adequate sleep
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Avoid intake or consumption of caffeine late in the day.
Herbs And Supplements for Type 2 Diabetes
1. Bitter Melon: Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is a medicinal fruit. Studies have shown that bitter melon helps in controlling diabetes. There is evidence in medical history that people who consume Bitter Melon have lower fasting blood glucose levels. Some forms to consume Bitter Melon: -
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Seeds
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Blended Vegetable Pulp
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Juice
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Supplements
2. Ginger: Ginger is another herb that people have used for thousands of years in traditional medicines. People often use ginger to help treat digestive and inflammatory issues. In 2015, a review study found that the ginger lowers blood sugar levels but not blood insulin levels. As a result, they suggested that ginger might reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. Some forms to consume ginger: -
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Add powdered or fresh, and thinly sliced ginger to raw or cooked dishes.
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Brew ginger in tea
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Consume as a supplement in capsule form or consume in ginger ale
3. Annona squamosa / Sugar apple: Helps in Hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycemic activities of ethanolic leaf-extract, Increases plasma insulin level.
4. Artemisia pallens / Davana: Hypoglycaemic, increases peripheral glucose utilization or inhibits glucose reabsorption.
5. Ipomoea batatas / Sakkargand: Helps in reducing insulin resistance.
6. Phaseolus vulgaris/ Hulga/ White kidney beans: Hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, inhibits alpha amylase activity, and antioxidants.
7. Rosemary: Rosemary not only promotes weight loss, but it also balances blood sugar levels. Rosemary is also responsible for reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
Foods to consume with Type 2 Diabetes:
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Fruits such as apples, oranges, berries, melons, pears, peaches.
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Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cucumbers, zucchini.
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Whole Grains such as quinoa, oats, brown rice, farro.
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Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans.
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Consume nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and cashews.
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Seeds like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and hemp seeds.
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Consume heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, canola oil, and sesame oil.
Some Foods You Should Avoid Or Limit With Type 2 Diabetes
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Full-fat dairy whole milk, butter, cheese, sour cream.
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sweets such as candy, cookies, baked goods, ice cream, desserts.
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sugar-sweetened beverages such as juice, soda, sweet tea, sports drinks.
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sweeteners such as table sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses.
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processed foods chips, microwave popcorn, etc.
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trans fats such as vegetable shortening, fried foods, dairy-free coffee creamers etc.
Diabetes is a slow killer with no known curable treatments. However, its complications can be reduced through proper awareness and timely treatment. Three major complications are related to blindness, kidney damage and heart attack. Organic Gyaan contributes well in eradication and control of type 2 diabetes with its wide range of Organic products made with 100% herbs, ayurveda and strong research.
