Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually due to a combination of hereditary and environmental causes, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).

The disease and its treatments can cause many complications as it is often detected when a person suffers a problem that is frequently caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke, neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia. 

Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes was first identified as a disease associated with “sweet urine,” and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition, meaning that although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime.  

Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults but was traditionally termed “juvenile” diabetes because it represents a majority of the diabetes cases in children. This type appears to be triggered by some (mainly viral) infections, or less commonly, by stress or environmental exposure (such as exposure to certain chemicals or drugs). Type 1 diabetics have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

Type 1 diabetes occurs equally among males and females but is more common in whites than in non-whites. Additionally, this type of diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes in the United States. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in children but can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes may also cause a rapid yet significant weight loss (despite normal or even increased eating) and irreducible fatigue.    

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. Type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced in many cases by making changes in diet and increasing physical activity. However, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes impede a person’s carefree life.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, especially in people who are overweight, and occurs more often in African Americans, American Indians, some Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos. Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to increasing obesity and failure to exercise. This type may go unnoticed for years because visible symptoms are typically mild, non-existent or sporadic, and usually there are no ketoacidotic episodes. 

Diabetes insipidus, a rare disorder, is not related to diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Diabetes symptoms may include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. This type also appears to affect the speed of our thought processes as well. Diabetes is a costly disease associated with severe morbidity and premature death that affects millions of Americans.

Diabetes insipidus includes any of several types of polyuria in which the volume of urine exceeds 3 liters per day, causing dehydration and great thirst, as well as sometimes emaciation and great hunger.

Diabetes affects approximately 17 million people (about 8% of the population) in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer.  

It is further the primary reason for adult blindness, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), gangrene and amputations. Diabetes is a condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient levels of insulin to prevent hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar levels are too high. Diabetes can also create the need to remove a limb. 

Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin, resistance to insulin, or both. The disease can damage blood vessels and nerves and decrease the body’s ability to fight infection. It is the most common condition leading to amputations. 

Although this disease cannot be cured, it often can be managed with proper medical care, diet, and regular exercise. Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in the US. It is a serious disease, but it is controllable. The good news is that diabetes prevention is proven, possible, and powerful. 

Treatment need not significantly impair normal activities if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care, discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken. 

Treatment for the disease also includes checking blood sugar levels to make sure that the disease is under control. Treatment usually includes eating healthy foods and spreading carbohydrates throughout the day, exercising regularly, checking your blood sugar levels often, and possibly taking medicine.

And most of all this disease shouldn’t take all the fun out of shopping, cooking and dining. Diabetes treatment plans consist of a healthy diet, exercise, medications and sleep. 

Diabetes supplements can help you fight the effects of diabetes and help you to keep your blood sugar levels stabilized. Many people find natural diabetic supplements a valuable aid in improving their control of Type 2 Diabetes.

As a person with type 2 diabetes, you are no doubt familiar with food and exercise recommendations as a part of your treatment. You may also be taking medication or insulin to help keep your blood sugar balanced. But did you know that many diabetics are adding supplements to their health regime? One important ingredient you’ll often find in a diabetic dietary supplement is Gymnema sylvestre.

To back up a bit, diabetes supplements are formulations that contain a variety of botanical extracts and nutrients. Each does something useful — helps lower blood sugar, enhances insulin use, or promotes good health in some other way. Although traditional healers have been using many of these botanicals for centuries to help control the symptoms of diabetes, western medicine is just starting to catch up. Research on the effectiveness of traditional remedies is very encouraging.

Chances are you’ve never heard of Gymnema sylvestre, but this plant is showing a lot of promise as an aid to managing diabetes. It grows in Indian tropical forests, and has been successfully used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for at least 2000 years. Recent studies have confirmed that this botanical extract has hypoglycemic effects (lowers blood sugar). It may help insulin circulate faster through the body, which results in faster glucose metabolism. It may also enhance insulin production by regenerating cells in the pancreas (the organ that makes insulin).

In addition, Gymnestra sylvestre when combined with vitamin C may contribute to weight loss and reduction of body fat, while promoting healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. With all these benefits, Gymnestra sylvestre is a valuable plant extract and is a preferred ingredient in a diabetic supplement.

There are many other botanicals that are known or believed to improve blood sugar control or improve insulin function. For example huckleberry, juniper berry, and cinnamon bark can all contribute to diabetes management. When you shop for a diabetic nutritional supplement, look for a product that has a variety of ingredients, not just two or three. If you’re buying online, be sure to review the customer comments and other available information before deciding which product may be right for you.

I’m trying to control my diet and moderate exercise every other day for about 20 minutes. It is difficult, my diabetes under control, say friends, is supplemented with diabetes is another possibility. Suggestions.