http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-11-16&sec=14&aid=78315

            November 16, 2008 04:09 PM Sunday 
           s)  
     
      Understanding diabetes and its complications  
      By: Dr. Gary Sy, M.D.  


GABAY SA KALUSUGAN


Diabetes Mellitus is a disease in which blood sugar (glucose) levels are 
abnormally high because the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin 
or the body fails to respond to insulin.

When sugar from food is absorbed into the bloodstream, the pancreas responds by 
producing insulin. Insulin plays a key role in moving the sugar from the 
bloodstream into the cells, where it is then converted into energy. The body 
uses this energy to function; sugar is the fuel on which the body runs. If the 
body cannot adequately produce or respond to insulin, sugar cannot enter the 
cells, instead, sugar accumulates in the blood, and the cells must turn to 
other sources for energy.

Diabetes is extremely common in older people, of whom about 15 to 25% have the 
disease. Statistically, there are about 500 daily diagnosed cases of diabetes 
in the Philippines. Diabetes can lead to such complications as chest pain 
(angina pectoris) and heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, 
erectile dysfunction, blurred vision and blindness, pain and loss of sensation 
in the hands and feet, and amputation. Many of these complications arise 
because elevated blood sugar leads to narrowing and hardening of the blood 
vessels, which impairs circulation and damages tissues. These complications are 
even more likely in people who smoke or have high blood pressure and high 
cholesterol levels, both of which often accompany diabetes. Fortunately, many 
complications can be prevented by quitting smoking and by taking steps to 
control blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well as blood sugar levels.
 
Causes of Diabetes

Diabetes is categorized as Type I or Type II, each with a different cause. Type 
II diabetes is the main form of diabetes among older people. Obese older people 
with a family history of diabetes have the highest risk of developing Type II 
diabetes which accounts for 90% of the entire diabetes population worldwide.

In Type I diabetes, the type that usually becomes evident in childhood or young 
adult, the pancreas cannot produce insulin or produce tiny amount of insulin. 
Symptoms include intense thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, and rapid 
weight loss. It can be controlled by regular lifetime doses of insulin in the 
proper amounts. Keeping the balance between insulin dose and sugar intake is 
one of the major challenges faced by people with Type I diabetes.

Type II diabetes, also known, as adult-onset diabetes usually doesn't appear 
until the early to mid forties. In most cases, the problem is not a simple lack 
of insulin, but a defect in the receptors for insulin in the cell walls. The 
body does not respond normally to the insulin produced by the pancreas. 
Long-term complications of Type II diabetes are similar to those of Type I, but 
include higher incidence of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. So 
it's worth it to have blood sugar monitoring regularly.

The main risk factor for Type II diabetes is obesity. Obesity causes insulin 
resistance, possibly by increasing the blood levels of building blocks of fats 
and certain proteins that interfere with the action of insulin.

Aging itself puts people at higher risk of developing diabetes. As people age, 
insulin secretion tends to decrease slightly and insulin resistance tends to 
increase slightly, even among people without obesity or diabetes.

Heredity is a risk factor as well. 

Signs and Symptoms

People with Type II diabetes may have no symptoms for months or even years 
before the disease is diagnosed. When the blood sugar level raises too high, 
sugar spills into the urine. The kidneys then must excrete additional water to 
dilute the sugar. Therefore, a person with high blood sugar urinate large 
volumes (Polyuria). The loss of water due to excessive urination also creates 
abnormal thirst (Polydipsia). Also, the body cannot use sugar as energy, a 
person with diabetes may experience excessive hunger and thus eat more 
(Polyphagia) and yet still lose weight. Other symptoms include blurred vision, 
drowsiness, lightheadedness, irritability, fatigue and weakness, decreased 
endurance during exercise, numbness in the hands and feet, body itchiness, hard 
to heal wounds, frequent vaginal discharges, recurring skin infections, hard to 
maintain or achieved an erection in men.
 
Diagnosis and Screening

A simple blood test called Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Glucose test is most 
commonly used to make a diagnosis. The level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is 
measured, usually after the person has fasted for at least eight hours. 
Sometimes the blood sugar level is measured randomly without regard to when the 
person last ate, but this is not as accurate.

In a person who does not have diabetes, blood sugar levels after fasting range 
from 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. Diabetes is the 
likely diagnosis if the blood sugar level is 126 mg/dl or higher if the person 
fasted before the test or 200 mg/dl or higher if the test was performed at 
random.

People who have two or more fasting blood sugar levels between 110 and 125 
mg/dl (a condition called impaired fasting glucose) should repeat the test 
yearly.

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is confirmed if any one of the following 
results is obtained:

Two fasting levels are 126 mg/dl or higher

Two random levels are 200 mg/ml or higher

Fasting level of 126 mg/dl or higher and a random level of 200 mg/dl or higher.
 
Prevention

Diabetes often can be prevented. Losing weight through dietary changes, 
increased physical activity, or both is a very effective measure. Brisk walking 
for 30 minutes daily is one type of beneficial physical activity.

Treatment
    
The goal of treatment is to maintain blood sugar levels within the normal range 
so as to prevent or control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. 
There are maintenance drugs that could help control blood sugar levels but 
these are not substitute for proper diet, exercise and weight reduction.
 
Drug Treatment

Insulin

Function: control blood sugar levels in people with Type I diabetes and some 
Type II diabetes. Side effects: overused can raise cholesterol levels, blood 
pressure and increase body fat.
 
Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs (Sulfonylureas)

Function: lower blood sugar levels by stimulating cells in the pancreas to 
release more insulin. Side effects: with long-term use, increased risk of death 
from heart attack.
 
Biguanides

Function: increase insulin's activity in muscle and fat tissue and prevent the 
liver from releasing extra glucose into the blood stream. Side effects: nausea, 
diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort.
 
Thiazolidinediones

Function: counteract insulin resistance by increasing the activity of receptors 
in the liver, muscle, and fat cells. Side effect: not common.
 
Glucosidase inhibitors

Function: prevent blood glucose from rising after ingestion of complex 
carbohydrate when used with a starchy, high-fiber diet. Side effects: gas, 
bloating and poor absorption of nutrients.

Interestingly, before the advent of insulin and oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal 
medicines were often used to help treat diabetes. There are many safe botanical 
medicines that are helpful in managing Type I and II diabetes. But it doesn't 
mean that you can discontinue insulin or other drugs without consulting your 
doctor. 
 
Herbal Remedies

1. Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

This Ayurvedic remedy is probably one of the most common herbs used to treat 
diabetes. Gymnemic acid, a component of the herb, acts directly on the tongue 
to block its ability to sense sweetness. This action can help you forgo the 
sweet treats that may be aggravating the condition. Gymnema also appears to 
stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and enhance the activity of 
insulin. Consequently it can be helpful in both Type I and Type II diabetes. It 
can be taken along with hypoglycemic medication.
 
2. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum)

Modern research has shown that fenugreek seeds not only lower blood glucose 
levels but also total cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL, the 
good cholesterol. Fenugreek seed also contains fiber that helps slow down the 
rate at which food is emptied from the stomach. This in turn delays the 
absorption of glucose from the small intestine, resulting in lower blood sugar.
 
3. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

Also known as bitter gourd or balsam pear is widely used in folk remedy. 
Clinical studies have verified its benefits. Bitter melon contains compounds 
that are close chemical relatives of insulin, polypeptide-P, which lowers blood 
sugar level.
 
4. Eugenia Jambolana (Jambul)

The fresh seeds found to be effective for diabetic people as they quickly 
reduce sugar in the urine which is known as glucosuria. Jambolana regulates the 
diabetes-inducing conversion of starch into sugar in case of an increased in 
production of glucose.

The four herbs mentioned above are available in capsule form under the brand 
name "DIABTROL." Its recommended dosage is 1-2 capsule twice daily after meals. 
For weight reduction, DIABETROL can be taken three times a day, 1 capsule 30 
minutes before each meal. DIABETROL, from the words "Diabetes Control", is now 
available at all leading drugstore nationwide.

Always remember: Your best assurance for maximum health and an active life 
comes from your own responsible attitude and from following the advice you get 
from physician. Plant-based therapy should not be used by itself. Proper and 
effective natural treatment of diabetes and hypoglycemia requires careful 
integration of diet, proper exercises, lifestyle modification, nutritional 
supplements and prescribed medication.

Dr. Gary S. Sy, M.D. is the Medical Director of Life Extension Medical Center 
located at The Garden Plaza Hotel (formerly Swiss Inn Hotel), 1370 Gen. Luna 
St., Paco, Manila. He is  a diplomate in gerontology and geriatrics, advocate, 
diet -- nutritional therapy, and conducts free seminar every Friday about 
age-related health problems. For more details, please call telephone numbers: 
400-42-05 or 522-48-35 local 315. Email Address:  [EMAIL PROTECTED]

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