For Just
$365/yr.
14
15
I
t is sad to know that in Trinidad we have an average of
365 amputations a year due to diabetes, and that the
Diabetes is the leading cause blindness.
Causes of Diabetes
Diabetes is a complicated disease where many factors
exist that cause and contribute to its progression and
complications. Type 1 is an auto-immune disease where
the Beta cells of the Pancreas are destroyed by our body’s
own immune system and results from the body’s total
failure to produce insulin. This requires the person to inject
insulin.
Type 2 DM - is the result of Insulin Deficiency or Insulin
Resistance. In insulin deficiency the Beta islets of the
Pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin and in Insulin
resistance the Insulin itself is not able to assist Glucose to
enter our cells.
There may be genetic influences that are involved in some
cases; however we know that nutrition and exercise play
a huge role. Without the correct nutrients in our diet we
cannot make healthy cells or healthy Insulin. Eating excess
sugars in any form even what we may consider healthy
carbohydrates and fruits can be problematic.
Herbal Medicines
Galega officinalis -French lilac - Goat’s Rue
- was used
for diabetes treatment in traditional medicine for centuries.
In the 1920s, guanidine compounds were discovered
in Galega extracts. Animal studies showed that these
in the Treatment of Diabetes
and its Complications – Part 1
Herbal
Medicines
hypoglycemic effect in diabetes. Used for arteriosclerosis,
hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Globe artichoke is indicated
for arteriosclerosis, jaundice, dyspepsia, anorexia,
gallbladder, obesity, liver insufficiency and chronic liver
disease, and kidney disease. It increases excretion and
decreases synthesis of total cholesterol.
Plant Omegas (Fish do not make Omega Oils) –
helps
with insulin production as well as cellular sensitivity to
insulin.
It is recommended that each person be accessed
individually so a specific treatment regime can be
prescribed and followed, which would also include dietary
modifications and exercise, as well as regular testing. It
is also important to emphasize that all herbal products are
not of the same quality.
In the next magazine (due in August), we will look at
Herbal remedies for cardiovascular complications.
The Natural Medicine Centre
(868)624-3727 62-HERBS
compounds lowered blood glucose levels by slowing down
the production of Glucose in the liver. After the discovery of
insulin it was forgotten for the next several decades. Today
this herb is once again being used for diabetes to slow
down the production of Glucose in the liver. Goat’s Rue
also helps to fight off infection and prevents fatal blood
clots from forming.
Gynmema – Aruvedic herb
used for Diabetes for over
2000 years. It strengthening and rejuvenates the Beta islet
cell in the Pancreas. Chewing the leaves or 10 drops of
the extract on the tongue suppresses the desire for sweet
for several hours. It also helps prevent adrenal hormones
from stimulating the liver to produce glucose thereby
reducing blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon
- activates essential enzymes in the body
thus stimulating the receptors in the cells so they will
respond more efficiently to insulin and inhibits the enzymes
responsible for causing insulin resistance.
In a study published in the “Journal of Diabetic Medicine,”
participants given cinnamon supplements experienced
greater improvement in blood sugar levels than
participants given standard diabetes drugs.
Bitter Lemon
- studies have demonstrated a
hypoglycemic effect of concentrated bitter melon extracts.
This works best when consumed raw or juice form.
St Mary’s Thistle -
helps regulate blood sugar levels
through its effects on the liver.
Globe Artichoke
- Supports the kidneys and has a
Free Space
Phone: 868-660-8500
Fax: 868-660-8503
Email:
Website:
Philip A. Franco
Medical Herbalist - Naturopathic Doctor
