Diabetes is perhaps one of the most prevalent chronic diseases next to heart disease today. Diabetes medically has two types, type 1 is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes and type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult onset. Unlike type 1 diabetes which requires the regular injection of insulin and its cause is genetically based, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose and is greatly correlated to a person’s lifestyle and eating habits. Type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed by diet modification and exercise. And there are also Type 2 diabetes cure in the form of drugs that can effectively lower blood glucose levels.
There are several medications available in managing type 2 diabetes. Metformin is generally recommended and is usually the first line treatment because studies have shown that it can decrease mortality. Other anti-diabetes treatments are also available which include sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors, like acarbose, for example is also highly prescribed to diabetic patients because gives them leeway in their diet. Acarbose usually prevents the breakdown of food into sugar thus patients and increase their food intake without necessarily compromising their blood sugar levels.
Remedy for Diabetes does not necessarily entail the intake of drugs and other medications because there are natural remedies that are also effective in managing this chronic disease. Chromium is an essential trace element that is also known as the insulin factor because it helps cells respond to insulin. And studies have shown that chromium supplementation can help lower blood sugar levels because it increases the cells sensitivity to insulin. Zinc, another essential trace element, plays a role in the production and storage of insulin, and increase in zinc levels in the body can also help increase insulin levels. Thus eating foods rich in zinc such as fresh oysters, egg yolk, beef liver, chicken, almonds and walnut can be beneficial to Type 2 diabetic patients. Cinnamon, best known as a spice and condiment has been found to significantly reduce blood sugar levels, thus consuming cinnamon daily can be highly beneficial. Taking at least two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before meals can also help lower sugar levels. And taking supplements that have high levels of essential fatty acids, like flax seed oil, can help repair damage induced by life-long high sugar intake. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), like ginseng is also known in helping lower blood glucose levels and is a popular herbal supplement in countries like the Philippines.
Exercise is of course very important in managing type 2 diabetes since this can help burn use up more glucose in the body. Also having more muscles and less fat can reduce a person’s insulin intake requirement. Taking a brisk walk for 45 minutes to one hour a day can help normalize body weight and reduce insulin resistance. 10 to 40 minutes of yoga a day can also help the diabetic patient by relieving stress and improving his overall health.
Curing diabetes, like curing ms and other chronic disease is possible with the proper medication and with maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.