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The symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
- Increased thirst: When blood sugar levels are high, the
kidneys try to remove the excess sugar by filtering it out of
the blood, leading to frequent urination and dehydration.
- Increased urination: High blood sugar levels force the kidneys
to remove the excess sugar by filtering it out of the blood.
- Increased hunger: People with diabetes often do not get enough
energy from their food because not enough glucose moves from the
bloodstream into the body’s cells.
- Fatigue: Type 2 diabetes can impact a person’s energy levels
and cause them to feel tired due to insufficient sugar moving
from the bloodstream into the body’s cells.
- Blurred vision: An excess of sugar in the blood can damage the
tiny blood vessels in the eyes, which can cause blurry vision.
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds: High sugar levels in the
blood can damage the body’s nerves and blood vessels, which can
impair blood circulation.
- Tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet: High blood
sugar levels can affect blood circulation and damage the nerves.
- Patches of darker skin: Patches of darker skin forming on
creases of the neck, armpit, or groin can also result from
diabetes.
- Itching and yeast infections: Excess sugar in the blood and
urine provides food for yeast, which can lead to infection.
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A common drug to treat type 2 diabetes is Metformin.
Metformin
can exibit the following side effects
1. Nausea or vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Bloating
4. Gas
5. Constipation
6. Weight loss
7. Headache
8. Metallic taste in the mouth
Irregular heartbeat (Arithimia)
Dizziness
It can also cause a vitimin B12 deficiency which will
manifest
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feel very tired
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have muscle weakness
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have a sore, red tongue
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have mouth ulcers
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have problems with your vision
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have pale or yellow skin (this may be less obvious on brown
or black skin
Listed below are Supplements to take
Turmeric
Turmeric and its active component, curcumin, may help manage
blood sugar levels and have benefits for those at risk for type
2 diabetes ¹. Here are some ways turmeric may help with type 2
diabetes ²:
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Regulating Lipid Metabolism: Curcumin can help regulate lipid
metabolism in people with diabetes by altering the activity of
enzymes involved in metabolic processes to lower the levels of
triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
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Oxidative Stress: Curcumin can improve markers of oxidative
stress throughout the body by increasing levels of certain
protective antioxidants like superoxide dismutase.
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Inflammation: Curcumin can block the activation of tumor
necrosis factor, an inflammatory protein that becomes elevated
with inflammatory conditions like obesity, diabetes, and
metabolic syndrome.
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Effect of Specific Organ Systems: Curcumin can help regulate
liver enzymes that control the levels of lipids and glucose due
to its anti-inflammatory properties.
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Diabetic Neuropathy: Curcumin contains both phenols and
flavonoids that can scavenge free radicals and slow the
oxidative damage that occurs.
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Urinary Problems and Type 2 Diabetes: Curcumin can help manage
diabetic nephropathy by promoting the clearance of creatine and
urea from the body, decreasing the levels of albumin and enzymes
in the urine, and regulating the activity of kidney enzymes.
It's
important to note that while turmeric may have potential
benefits for type 2 diabetes, it should not replace other
treatment plans prescribed by your doctor. Always consult with a
healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to
your diet.
Berberine
Berberine is a compound found in various plants, such as the
Amur cork tree, Goldenseal, and several shrubs from the Berberis
genus ¹. The effects of berberine on blood sugar levels are as
follows ² ¹:
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Increases insulin sensitivity: Berberine may help lower blood
sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity, promoting
insulin production, regulating metabolism, increasing
glycolysis, reducing glucose production in the liver, increasing
nitric oxide production, and slowing carbohydrate absorption
from the gut.
-
Lowers blood sugar levels: Studies have shown that taking
600–2,700 mg of berberine daily may lower fasting and long-term
blood sugar levels by up to 20% and 12%, respectively,
especially when taken alongside blood sugar medication.
-
Supports blood-sugar-lowering effects of other diabetes
medications: Research suggests berberine may help support the
blood-sugar-lowering effects of other diabetes medications when
taken alongside them.
Berberine seems to be as effective as common blood sugar
medications, including metformin, rosiglitazone, and glipizide.
However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional
before taking berberine supplements, especially if you have any
underlying medical conditions or take medications
Bitter melon,
also known as bitter gourd
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a fruit that grows
on a vine of the Momordica charantia plant and has been used to
treat various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes ¹ ²
³. Here are some key points about bitter melon and type 2
diabetes:
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Lowers blood sugar levels: Bitter melon has properties that act
like insulin, which helps bring glucose into the cells for
energy, and can aid in diabetes treatment.
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Rich in nutrients: Bitter melon contains vitamins A and C, iron,
protein, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium,
potassium, zinc, and other nutrients that provide health
benefits.
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Modest hypoglycemic effect: Studies have shown that bitter melon
has a modest hypoglycemic effect, which means it can help lower
blood sugar levels, but more research is needed to establish its
effectiveness.
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May interact with medications: Bitter melon may interact with
diabetes medications and lower blood sugar levels too much, so
it's essential to consult with a doctor before using it as a
treatment.
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Eat in moderation: Bitter melon can be eaten as part of a
healthy and varied diet, but it's important to consume it in
moderation and be aware of its potential side effects, such as
diarrhea, vomiting, and liver damage.
Overall, bitter melon may be a helpful addition to a healthy
diet for people with type 2 diabetes, but it's crucial to
consult with a doctor before using it as a treatment and to be
aware of its potential side effects.
Cinnamon
Here
is what is known about cinnamon and type 2 diabetes
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Cinnamon may help with blood sugar management: Cinnamon may help
lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity,
reducing blood sugar levels after eating, and reducing the risk
of diabetes-related complications.
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Antioxidant effects: Cinnamon contains many phytonutrients,
which have antioxidant effects. Some studies have found that
cinnamon intake amongst people with type 2 diabetes and
prediabetes was correlated with reduced blood glucose levels and
reduced insulin resistance.
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Cinnamon may help lower blood sugar: Cinnamon may help lower
blood sugar and fight diabetes by imitating the effects of
insulin and increasing the movement of sugar from the
bloodstream into cells. It can also help lower blood sugar
levels by increasing insulin sensitivity, making insulin more
efficient at moving sugar into cells.
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Cinnamon may lower the risk of diabetes-related complications:
Cinnamon may also lower the risk of certain complications
associated with diabetes, including heart disease and stroke.
- More research is needed: While cinnamon may
have beneficial effects on blood sugar control, insulin
sensitivity, and glycemia in people with diabetes, more research
is needed to fully understand cinnamon’s role in diabetes
management
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