Dangers of Herbal Mixtures for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

By the time he was brought to where helps were available, his eAG (estimated average glucose) value, that is, the sugar level has crashed beyond rescue point. All efforts to save his life proved abortive. The man died a couple of hours after the onset of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) crisis caused by consumption of local herbs for the treatment of diabetes whilst still under medication for control of blood sugar level.

So, there is the tendency to want to combine local herbal mixture with the regular medications for the control of blood sugar level. Many diabetic patients who attempted the combination therapy did not live to tell the effect of the combination, as their blood sugar level plunged too low to survive.

Medical experts say that the healthy sugar level is 70-117 mg/dl (milligram per deciliter). Sugar level from 117-137 mg/dl and above 137mg/dl are prediabetes and diabetes. According to experts, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is necessary for your overall health. People living with Type 2 Diabetes can maintain normal blood sugar with:

– a healthy diet.

–regular exercise.

 -avoid tobacco.           

 –maintain a healthy body weight.

However,     many type2 diabetes patients cannot, because of social-economic  factors, adjust to the required lifestyle changes, to keep their blood sugar normal. Patients in this category will require medications to keep the blood sugar level in check.

TYPE 2 DIABETES OVERVIEW        

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycemia, or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

In 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes. In 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths. 48% of all deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70 years.

Between 2000 and 2016, there was a 5% increase in death before the age of 70 from diabetes. In high-income countries the premature mortality rate due to diabetes decreased from 2000 to 2010 but then increased in 2010-2016. In lower-middle-income countries, the premature mortality rate due to diabetes increased across both periods.

Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s ineffective use of insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is largely the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.

Until recently, type 2 diabetes was seen only in adults but it is now also occurring increasingly in children.

Prevalence

A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Global health by Basith khan et-al asserts that globally, an estimated 462 million individuals 6.28% of world population are affected by type 2 diabetes.

Males show a slightly higher prevalence than females (6219 compared with 5898 cases per 100,000).  The age of onset of new diagnosis is also earlier among males and shows expected patterns of rising prevalence that peaks at 55–59 year.

Even though it afflicts individuals later in life, type 2 diabetes ranks seventh among the leading causes of disability and years of life lost (DALYs).

Statistical forecasting data showed that global diabetes prevalence could increase to 7079 per 100,000 by 2030 and 7862 by 2040.

Don’t combine medications with herbal mixture to manage Type 2 Diabetes

Cases of hypoglycemia death are becoming worrisome. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that is fatally dangerous.  The signs and symptoms include:

-sweating

-feeling tired

-dizziness

-feeling hungry

-tingling lips

-trembling

-fast heartbeat

Diabetes, according to medical experts is a life-long ailment. However, diabetes patients, especially in Nigeria, are daily facing a barrage of quick fix herbal mixtures promising OTC (one-time-cure) for diabetes. So, there is the tendency to want to combine local herbal mixture with the regular medications for the control of blood sugar level. Many diabetic patients who attempted the combination therapy did not live to tell the effect of the combination as their blood sugar level plunged too low to survive.

Here’s the warning from the US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “there is still not enough good evidence to support the use of herbal supplements as effective type 2 diabetes treatments. While many of these supplements show promise, until results from additional studies come out, do not take herbal supplements to treat type 2 diabetes without first consulting with your doctor. Herbal supplements have side effects and can interfere with other medications.

Medical journals say herbs and supplements may help with diabetes, but there are some considerations to bear in mind. Always work with a healthcare professional before taking any new herb or supplement. Your doctor may suggest starting with a lower dosage and gradually increasing it until there are noticeable, satisfactory effects.

Some herbs can interact with other medications that do the same job, such as blood thinners and high blood pressure medications. It is essential to be aware of any interactions before trying a new supplement.

How does diabetes affect women? Join us next week when we conclude our special focus on diabetes with an insight on how it affects women

Source: Dare Agbeluyi, Chief Publisher.

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