Diabetes is an epidemic in the United States and in most parts of the globe. The World Health Organization reveals that at least 200 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, this accounts for 2.8% of the earth’s population! Diabetes mellitus occurs throughout the world, but is more prevalent in the more developed countries.
Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes, is a metabolic disorder arising from the combination of genetic and environmental factors which typically result in abnormally high blood glucose levels. The internationally recognized normal blood sugar level is about 90 mg/100ml. Among diabetics, this is usually above 200 mg/100ml. Blood glucose levels are regulated by a complex interplay of chemicals and hormones in the body, primarily the hormone insulin produced by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. As a whole, diabetes results from defects in either insulin secretion or insulin action in the body.
There are basically two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas leading to a deficiency of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is defined differently and is due to insulin resistance or diminished insulin sensitivity. The abnormal response of body tissues to insulin involves a defect in the insulin receptors in cell membranes. Type 2 diabetes can also be the result of a metabolic strain on one's system, often due to obesity and/or lack of exercise.
Both types can be deadly. There are similarities between the symptoms, but many patients either are unaware, or choose to ignore them until their blood sugars reach critical levels. When this occurs hospitalization is already necessary otherwise death may occur. For these reasons, it is imperative to recognize the early warning signs of diabetes. There are three early manifestations of Type 1 diabetes, and many cases of Type 2. These are usually referred to as the cardinal signs and symptoms or the “triad” of diabetes; they are polyuria or frequent urination, polyphagia or increased appetite and polidipsia or excessive thirst.
Polyuria occurs as the body needs to flush the extra glucose in the bloodstream. As a consequence, polidipsia occurs as the body requires to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost from frequent urination. As the body suffers from the lack of insulin or a resistance in its biologic function, it tends to utilize other energy sources such as fats and proteins instead of glucose and carbohydrates. As a result, polyphagia occurs wherein the diabetic tends to eat more to compensate for the loss of fats and proteins.
The treatment of diabetes is as complicated as the disease itself. In fact, for many patients, their treatment regimen involves a team of doctors. Many Type 1 treatments include combination of regular insulin, and/or synthetic insulin analogs. Another Type 1 treatment option is the use of the insulin pump. Type 2 has no absolute cure, although recent medical advancements have shown that a type of gastric bypass surgery can regulate blood sugar levels in 80-100% of obese patients with diabetes. In some milder cases, diet and regular exercise can do the trick in keeping blood glucose levels in check.
Diabetes is common yet it can be very deadly especially when left untreated. It is unique in such a way that it can affect almost all organ systems in the body. It is also a disease with a long list of acute and chronic complications. There are standard treatments for the disease but with the growing number of cases, most patients are looking for supplements and alternative medications. There are advocates for vitamins (C and E), minerals particularly chromium, zinc and copper as well as phytonutrients. However, there is one particular product that has caught the attention of diabetics and the medical world…the purple mangosteen.
The primary goal in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is to keep the blood glucose level as near normal as possible. This helps in the prevention of complications. The antioxidants present in mangosteen offer numerous benefits for those with diabetes mellitus in terms of boosting the immune system and reduction of blood plasma cholesterol level. There are several classes of compounds found in the mangosteen which show potent antioxidant properties, the most notable are called xanthones. In fact, there is a whole family of xanthones, and the most dynamic of these are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones are naturally antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory; and are some of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Other biologically active compinuds found in mangosteen are catechins, tannins, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols and sterols.
Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes. As such, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of xanthones and tannins found in mangosteen can therefore help in controlling Type 2 diabetes. Mangosteen also has the remarkable ability to lower and regulate blood sugar, increase energy levels, and decrease the need for hypoglycemic medications,
Mangosteen supplements come in different forms. The juice form may contain sugar and other fruit extracts to improve its taste, which is harmful to diabetics. The production of mangosteen juice includes the process of pasteurization and reconstitution which significantly decrease the health benefits that diabetics are after. It would be wiser to opt for the capsule form which does not require the addition of sugar and preservatives to prolong its shelf life. The capsule form also contains 100% mangosteen, while the juice form has little amount of the main ingredient because of the many additives incorporated into the product.
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