Early Warning Signs
of Diabetes and
Mangosteen Supplements That Can Help
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 compounds 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.
