Ways to control diabetes
DIABETES poses one of the greatest global health challenges in the 21st century. It is the third highest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure and smoking. Worldwide, it killed five million adults in 2015, equivalent to a death every six seconds. The International Diabetes Federation reported that about 415 million people worldwide have diabetes – one in 11 people. By 2040 there would be 642 million people living with this disease.
In Malaysia, an estimated 3.5 million or 17.5% adults are diagnosed with diabetes in 2015, ranking fourth highest among Asian countries. The disease is a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels in the body. Type-2 diabetes is the most common, accounting for at least 90% of all cases. It typically occurs in adults over 40 years old and those who are overweight.
However, type-2 diabetes has since increased in young people. The risk of developing diabetes is higher as age progresses if there is a family history of diabetes or if a person is overweight and physically inactive. Blood sugar should be monitored closely in such cases.
Diabetes is often called the silent killer because the early warning symptoms can easily be missed. These symptoms include unquenchable thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, constant hunger, sudden weight loss and blurred vision.
High levels of blood glucose over an extended period of time can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in life-threatening complications such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness and lower-limb amputation.
While there is no known cure for diabetes, positive lifestyle modifications can prevent or delay its onset and subsequent complications, such as keeping a healthy weight, eating healthily, exercising more and avoiding smoking.
Nutritional support may be beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels and counteract oxidative stress that can cause complications. Clinical studies have also shown that fenugreek lowers blood sugar effectively.
Fenulife is a good source of concentrated, odour-free fenugreek seed extract that helps increase the feeling of satiety and slows down glucose absorption. It also stimulates insulin production at high blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon contains a compound called methylhydroxychalcone polymer that mimics insulin to increase blood sugar uptake by cells. Supplementation with chromium and biotin is essential in helping lower blood glucose and HbA1c levels. It also helps lower coronary risk factors in hypercholesterolemic type-2 diabetes. Among other forms, chromium picolinate presents the best absorption and use by the body.
Widely known as a potent antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid works to improve blood sugar control by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. It is also used to alleviate symptoms of diabetic neuropathy such as pain, tingling and numbness. In addition, it is capable of regenerating other antioxidants, converting them into their active forms.
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