Here we have everything you need to know about Type 2 Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Insulin is a hormone produced by part of the pancreas, a large gland located behind the stomach.
Insulin controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It moves glucose from the blood into your cells, where it is converted into energy.
In type 2 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced to maintain a normal blood glucose level (insulin deficiency), or your body is unable to use the insulin that is produced effectively (insulin resistance).
If diabetes is not treated, it can lead to a number of different health problems. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs.
Even a mildly raised glucose level that does not cause any symptoms can have damaging effects in the long-term.
10 Things You Didn't Know about Type 2 Diabetes
Women with diabetes may experience a reduced sex drive or reduced pleasure from sex
Hair loss can be associaed with Type 2 diabetes, either from medication or stress.
As well as dry and cracked skin, a number of specific skin problems are closely linked to diabetes.
Hally Berry and American Idol US judge Randy Jackson have both been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
In men with diabetes, particulary smokers, nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to erection problems
Diabetes is an important 'silent killer disease' as there is usually no early symptom of the disease. The commonest early symptom is feeling thirsty
Almost 90 to 95% of diabetes is of type 2 or maturity onset type; that affects people in their middle age.
The major cause of increase in the incidence of diabetes is a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise and diet can either reduce or delay the incidence of diabetes by over 50%.
Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the world.
Every year it is responsible for 5% or 5 million blindness in adults and one million limb amputations.
If left untreated, Type 2 Diabetes can lead to some serious health problems including:
Heart disease and stroke - If you have diabetes, you are up to five times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke. Prolonged, poorly controlled blood glucose levels increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis (a condition involving the furring and narrowing of your blood vessels).
Retinopathy -Retinopathy is where the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue) at the back of the eye is damaged. Blood vessels in the retina can become blocked or leaky, or can grow haphazardly. This prevents light from fully passing through to your retina. If it is not treated, it can damage your vision.
Kidney disease -If the small blood vessels of your kidney become blocked and leaky, your kidneys will work less efficiently. It is usually associated with high blood pressure, and treating this is a key part of management.
Foot problems -Damage to the nerves of the foot can mean small nicks and cuts are not noticed and this, in combination with poor circulation, can lead to a foot ulcer developing. About 1 in 10 people with diabetes get a foot ulcer, which can cause serious infection.
Sexual dysfunction - In men with diabetes, particularly smokers, nerve and blood vessel damage can lead to erection problems. This can usually be treated with medication.
Women with diabetes may experience:
- a reduced sex drive
- reduced pleasure from sex
- vaginal dryness
- a reduced ability to orgasm
- pain during sex
Miscarriage and stillbirth - Pregnant women with diabetes have an increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. If your blood sugar level is not carefully controlled during the early stages of pregnancy, there is also an increased risk of the baby developing a birth defect.
A little help from Mother Nature:
As well as maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking and moderating alcohol intake, diet can help Type 2 Diabetics contol their symptoms. Here are some key nutrients that can help diabetics and pre-diabetics control their blood sugar levels. All of these can be found in Diabain's Inusol Botanical Formula.
- Gymnema Sylvestre Extract - used in India for nearly 2,000 years as a diabetes treatment – it is commonly known as Gurmar (meaning Sugar Destroyer). Gymnema Sylvestre appears to slow down sugar absorption from foods, directly promotes insulin production in the pancreas, and makes cells more insulin sensitive.
- Cinnamon Bark Extract - In clinical studies, Cinnamon Bark Extract exhibited properties proven to be extremely similar to that of insulin. Cinnamon extract can help prevent insulin resistance, thereby regulating your blood sugar levels.
- Fenugreek Extract - Also known as Methi Seeds, Fenugreek seems to slow down sugar absorption whilestimulating insulin production, which helps in lowering blood sugar levels. In fact, a clinical study reported that fenugreek reduced fasting blood sugar levels, while improving glucose tolerance tests.
- Olive Leaf Extract – Clinicians at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center suggest that one active ingredient in Olive Leaf Extract – oleuropeoside - increases insulin release in response to elevated blood glucose levels, as well as helping to increase glucose absorption into the body’s cells.
- Korean Ginseng Extract – Studies in 2000 indicated Ginseng can help lower blood sugar levels, in some cases quite substantially. Ginseng apparently helps the pancreas release insulin, while at the same time directly reducing blood sugar levels.
- Psyllium Husk – Psyllium Husks have been shown to help in lowering blood cholesterol, especially in diabetics. In fact, in 2010 the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" reported that Psyllium mitigated blood sugar spikes after eating.
- Bilberry Extract - According to clinical trials, Bilberry may help in reducing blood glucose levels. These effects are believed to be linked to the anthocyanin ( a
- powerful antioxidant flavonoid) found in the bilberry itself, affecting proteins involved in glucose transport and fat metabolism.
- Aloe Vera Extract – Considered by many herbalists to be the most impressive botanical on earth, clinical studies have shown in only 3 months of taking Aloe Vera there was a significant drop of fasting blood sugar levels in diabetics. Tokyo researchers also saw a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar levels in borderline diabetics taking Aloe Vera. Researchers believe that five different natural sterols in this plant are responsible for helping to lower blood sugar
Diabain has launched a brand new range of supplements specifically designed for Type 2 diabetics with these ingredients included, as well as essential vitamin and minerals. The range consists of two supplements called Vittol and Inusol.
Vittol and Inusol are £9.99 each for a month's supply. Available from www.diabain.com. Please see a release attached with more detailed information on Vittol and Inusol.
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