HerbaMAX

While insulin might be nearly sufficient in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, amore diverse approach is needed for the amelioration of the signs and symptoms of patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

The most common of diabetes is type 2. According to the CDC, 90 to 95 percentof people with diabetes in the United States have type 2. Just 5 percent of people have type 1

Several non-pharmacological approaches have been employed to manage patientswith type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise with or without weight loss hasbeen shown to improve glycemic control. Physical exercise such as progressiveresistance training has been reported to significantly lower blood glucose level inpatients suffering from type 2 diabetes. In addition, a low-calorie diet with a low glycemic index is also useful in lowering glycemic level.

KEY INGREDIENTS OF DIABETES CONTROL

CHROMIUM:

Chromium is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts. It is found primarily in trivalent (chromium 3+), which is biologically active and found in food.

Chromium is known to enhance the action of insulin, a hormone critical to the metabolism and storage of carbohydrate, fat, and protein in the body. In 1957, a compound in brewers’ yeast was found to prevent an age-related decline in the ability of rats to maintain normal levels of sugar (glucose) in their blood. Chromium was identified as the active ingredient in this so-called “glucose tolerance factor” in 1959.

Chromium is an essential trace element that enhances insulin function and influences carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Chromium can be used as an adjunct to weight loss and to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

D-CHIRO-INOSITOL:

D-chiro-inositol, originally discovered as a component of a putative mediator of intracellular insulin action, where as a putative mediator, it accelerates the dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase and pyruvate dehydrogenase, rate limiting enzymes of non-oxidative and oxidative glucose disposal.

Early studies demonstrated a linear relationship between its decreased urinary excretion and the degree of insulin resistance present. When tissue contents, including muscle, of type 2 diabetic subjects were assayed, they demonstrated a more general body deficiency. Administration of D-chiro-inositol acceleratedglucose disposal and sensitized insulin action.

Thus, administered D-chiro-inositol may act to bypass a defective normal epimerization of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol associated with insulin resistance and act to at least partially restore insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal. (U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health)

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE:

The herb exhibits a broad range of therapeutic effects as an effective natural remedy for diabetes, besides being used for arthritis, diuretic, anemia, osteoporosis, hypercholesterolemia, cardiopathy, asthma, constipation, microbial infections, indigestion, and anti-inflammatory. G. sylvestre has good prospects in the treatment of diabetes as it shows positive effects on blood sugar homeostasis, controls sugar cravings, and promotes regeneration of pancreas. The herbal extract is used in dietary supplements since it reduces body weight, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels and holds great prospects in dietary as well as pharmacological applications. (U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institute of Health)

In one study, Gymnema appeared to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. The study concluded that reducing blood sugar after a meal resulted in a decrease in average blood sugar levels over time. This could help decrease long-term complications of diabetes. For people with high blood sugar or a high HbA1c, Gymnema sylvestre can help reduce fasting, post-meal and long-term blood sugar levels.