Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. This condition is characterized by high level of sugar in the blood, even after fasting overnight. People suffering from diabetes also have a greater risk of diseases such as heart and kidney diseases, blindness and loss of nerve function (numbness and pain especially in legs). Diabetes is generally divided into two categories - Type 1 (insulin-dependent diabetes) and Type 2 (insulin-independent diabetes).

Type 1 diabetes - This type of diabetes occurs mostly in children or young adults. Although the exact cause is unknown, current theory suggests it is due to injury to the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. As a result, there is low level of insulin in the blood. It is believed that this predisposition to injury is hereditary. Causes of injury are most likely due to free radicals, viral infection or autoimmune reactions. The early warning signs of this type of diabetes include abnormal thirst, unusual hunger, fatigue, nausea and irritability. It can be controlled by regular doses of insulin prescribed by the doctor.

Type 2 diabetes - Also called adult-onset diabetes, this condition is a bit more complex and accounts for close to ninety percent of all diabetes cases. It is likely to occur in those with a family history and is characterized by blurred vision, itching, confusion, drowsiness, obesity, skin infections and slow healing. Onset of this type of diabetes is usually in adulthood, typically mid-forties. A proper diet often brings positive results for this type of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the level of insulin in the blood is normal (or even high) but tissues are not responsive to it. Scientists call this problem “insulin resistance”. Without dispute, one factor in the origin of diabetes is the effect of obesity on the condition. A decrease in body fat (and not merely a weight reduction) is extremely important in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes since this method improves all aspects of the condition.

Managing Stress
Long-term stress corresponds to high levels of a hormone known as cortisol. The job of this hormone is to mobilize sugar in the blood for energy purpose so that the body can deal with stress. As such, high concentration of cortisol could be driving your sugar up and exacerbating insulin resistance. Managing stress effectively and ensuring adequate rest keep cortisol and insulin levels normal. Gentle, regular exercise like walking, gardening, swimming and cycling are great stress-busters.

Modify Your Diet
Diet is a crucial aspect in the management of diabetes. Eat a natural and wholesome diet of leafy vegetables, beans, legumes, lean meat, fish, whole grains (rice, barley, oat, rye, wheat germ/bran) and fruits. These are low- and medium-glycemic index foods and will prevent sugar from rocketing into your bloodstream. The foods to look out for are refined, white flour products. This is not easy as they are everywhere – biscuit, cake, bread, pasta, noodle, pie etc. Alcohol should be restricted.

Henry Han, doctor of oriental medicine, lists Bitter Gourd Soup as being beneficial for people suffering from diabetes.

Bitter Gourd Soup
Bitter gourd (about 6-inch long)
8 cups water
3 stalks celery
1 onion
1 cup Kale
1 cup Shiitake mushroom
1 cup soft tofu
2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon fenugreek powder
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon chilli flakes (or use a bit of fresh chilli)
3 tablespoon slivered spring onion
2 sheets Nori seaweed
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon salt

Makes 6 servings.

Put all ingredients, except bitter gourd, spring onion, Nori seaweed, sesame oil, into non-aluminum pot and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer further 10 minutes.

Herbs That Help
It is interesting that before the advent of insulin and oral hypoglycaemics, herbal medicines were used to help treat diabetes. Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis) was often used successfully by European herbalists for diabetes. The Ayurvedic herb, Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre), has the same use and is a much-revered herb. Psyllium husk (Plantago psyllium) was also found to be beneficial by means of its soluble fiber. Studies showed that one-teaspoon of Psyllium before each regular meal helped to reduce sugar, cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels after six weeks of regular use. In addition, herbs such as Bilberry, Hawthorn and Ginkgo help prevents and reduce the severity of other complications associated with diabetes. Some cases of diabetes will respond quickly but best results come after 6 to 12 months of continuous treatment.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural health issues. A qualified clinical herbalist, she practices Holistic Medicine in the Klang Valley. She would be happy to receive comments and inquiries at herbalorigins@yahoo.com or 03-5631 7751.