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Introduction Classification of Diabetes Herbal Remedies Comparative Study of Allopathic and Herbal Medicines Role of Herbal Remedies in Diabetes Conclusion References

Introduction
Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). The three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM) are:

Type 1 DM results from the body's failure to produce insulin, and presently requires the person to inject insulin. (Also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or "juvenile" diabetes)

Type 2 DM results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. (Formerly referred to as noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or "adult-onset" diabetes)

Gestational diabetes is when pregnant women, who have never had diabetes before, have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy. It may precede development of type 2 DM.

Other forms of diabetes mellitus include congenital diabetes, which is due to genetic defects of insulin secretion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes induced by high doses of glucocorticoids, and several forms of monogenic diabetes. All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulin became available in 1921, and type 2 diabetes may be controlled with medications. Both types 1 and 2 are chronic conditions that usually cannot be cured. Pancreas transplants have been tried with limited success in type 1 DM; gastric bypass surgery has been successful in many with morbid obesity and type 2 DM. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery. Diabetes without proper treatments can cause many complications. Acute complications include hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage). Adequate treatment of diabetes is

thus important, as well as blood pressure control and lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy body weight. Globally as of 2010, an estimated 285 million people have type 2 diabetes, making up about 90% of all diabetes cases.

Classification
Comparison of type 1 and 2 diabetes Feature Onset Age at onset Body habitus Ketoacidosis Autoantibodies Endogenous insulin Concordance in identical twins Prevalence Type 1 diabetes Sudden Mostly in children Thin or normal Common Usually present Low or absent Type 2 diabetes Gradual Mostly in adults Often obese Rare Absent Normal, or increased 90% 90% decreased

50% 10%

Diabetes mellitus is classified into four broad categories: type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes and "other specific types". The "other specific types" are a collection of a few dozen individual causes. The term "diabetes", without qualification, usually refers to diabetes mellitus. The rare disease diabetes insipidus has similar symptoms as diabetes mellitus, but without disturbances in the sugar metabolism. The term "type 1 diabetes" has replaced several former terms, including childhood-onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Likewise, the term "type 2 diabetes" has replaced several former terms, including adult-onset diabetes, obesityrelated diabetes, and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Beyond these two types, there is no agreed-upon standard nomenclature. Various sources have defined "type 3 diabetes" as: gestational diabetes, insulin-resistant type 1 diabetes (or "double diabetes"), type 2 diabetes which has progressed to require injected insulin, and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (or LADA or "type 1.5" diabetes).

Type 1 diabetes
Diabetes mellitus type 1 Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency. This type can be further classified as immune-mediated or idiopathic. The majority of type 1 diabetes is of the immune-mediated nature, in which beta cell loss is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune attack. There is no known preventive measure against type 1 diabetes, which causes approximately 10% of DM cases in North America and Europe. Most affected people are otherwise healthy and of a healthy weight when onset occurs. Sensitivity and responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. Type 1 diabetes can affect children or adults, but was traditionally termed "juvenile diabetes" because a majority of these diabetes cases were in children. "Brittle" diabetes, also known as unstable diabetes or labile diabetes, is a term that was traditionally used to describe to dramatic and recurrent swings in glucose levels, often occurring for no apparent reason in insulin-dependent diabetes. This term, however, has no biologic basis and should not be used. There are many different reasons for type 1 diabetes to be accompanied by irregular and unpredictable hyperglycemias, frequently with ketosis, and sometimes serious hypoglycemias, including an impaired counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia, occult infection, gastroparesis (which leads to erratic absorption of dietary carbohydrates), and endocrinopathies (e.g., Addison's disease). These phenomena are believed to occur no more frequently than in 1% to 2% of persons with type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes mellitus type 2 Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance, which may be combined with relatively reduced insulin secretion. The defective responsiveness of body tissues to insulin is believed to involve the insulin receptor. However, the specific defects are not known. Diabetes mellitus cases due to a known defect are classified separately. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. In the early stage of type 2, the predominant abnormality is reduced insulin sensitivity. At this stage, hyperglycemia can be reversed by a variety of measures and medications that improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver.

Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resembles type 2 diabetes in several respects, involving a combination of relatively inadequate insulin secretion and responsiveness. It occurs in about 2%5% of all pregnancies and may improve or disappear after delivery. Gestational diabetes is fully treatable, but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. About 20% 50% of affected women develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the health of the fetus or mother. Risks to the baby include macrosomia (high birth weight), congenital cardiac and central nervous system anomalies, and skeletal muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin may inhibit fetal surfactant production and cause respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may result from red blood cell destruction. In severe cases, perinatal death may occur, most commonly as a result of poor placental perfusion due to vascular impairment. Labor induction may be indicated with decreased placental function. A Caesarean section may be performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystocia.

A 2008 study completed in the U.S. found the number of American women entering pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes is increasing. In fact, the rate of diabetes in expectant mothers has more than doubled in the past six years.[10] This is particularly problematic as diabetes raises the risk of complications during pregnancy, as well as increasing the potential for the children of diabetic mothers to become diabetic in the future.

Other types
Prediabetes indicates a condition that occurs when a person's blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 DM. Many people destined to develop type 2 DM spend many years in a state of prediabetes which has been termed "America's largest healthcare epidemic. Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA) is a condition in which type 1 DM develops in adults. Adults with LADA are frequently initially misdiagnosed as having type 2 DM, based on age rather than etiology. Some cases of diabetes are caused by the body's tissue receptors not responding to insulin (even when insulin levels are normal, which is what separates it from type 2 diabetes); this form is very uncommon. Genetic mutations (autosomal or mitochondrial) can lead to defects in beta cell function. Abnormal insulin action may also have been genetically determined in some cases. Any disease that causes extensive damage to the pancreas may lead to diabetes (for example, chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis). Diseases associated with excessive secretion of insulinantagonistic hormones can cause diabetes (which is typically resolved once the hormone excess is removed). Many drugs impair insulin secretion and some toxins damage pancreatic beta cells. The ICD-10 (1992) diagnostic entity, malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM or

Herbal Remedies
Herbalism is the study and use of medicinal properties of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, herblore, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts. Pharmacognosy is the study of medicines derived from natural sources. Traditional use of medicines is recognized as a way to learn about potential future medicines. In 2001, researchers identified 122 compounds used in mainstream medicine which were derived from "ethnomedical" plant sources;80% of these have had an ethnomedical use identical or related to the current use of the active elements of the plant. . Plants have evolved the ability to synthesize chemical compounds that help them defend against attack from a wide variety of predators such as insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. By chance, some of these compounds, whilst being toxic to plant predators, turn out to have beneficial effects when used to treat human diseases. Such secondary metabolites are highly varied in structure, many are aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygensubstituted derivatives. At least 12,000 have been isolated so far; a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. Chemical compounds in plants mediate their effects on the human body by binding to receptor molecules present in the body; such processes are identical to those already well understood for conventional drugs and as such herbal medicines do not differ greatly from conventional drugs in terms of how they work. This enables herbal medicines to be in principle just as effective as conventional medicines but also gives them the same potential to cause harmful side effects. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds. Similarly to prescription drugs, a number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal.

Indian medicinal plants with antidiabetic and related beneficial properties

Plant Name

Ayurvedic/common name/herbal formulation

Antidiabetic and other beneficial effects in traditional medicine Hypoglycemic and

Annona squamosa

Sugar apple

antihyperglycemic activities of ethanolic leaf-extract, Increased plasma insulin level Hypoglycemic, increases

Artemisia pallens

Davana

peripheral glucose utilization or inhibits glucose reabsorption

Areca catechu Beta vulgaris

Supari Chukkander

Hypoglycemic Increases glucose tolerance in OGTT Increase in hexokinase activity,decrease in glucose-6-

Boerhavia diffusa

punarnava

phosphatase and fructose bisphosphatase activity, increase plasma insulin level, antioxidant

Bombax ceiba Butea monosperma Camellia sinensis

Semul palasa Tea

Hypoglycemic Antihyperglycemic Anti-hyperglycemic activity, antioxidant Hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic Hypoglycemic, insulin

Capparis decidua Caesalpinia bonducella

Karir or Pinju Sagarghota, Fevernut

secretagogue, hypolipidemic Coccinia indica Bimb or Kanturi Amla, Dhatriphala, a Emblica officinalis constituent of herbal formulation, Triphala Eugenia uniflora Pitanga Hypoglycemic Decreases lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, hypoglycemic Hypoglycemic, inhibits lipase activity Increase hexokinase activity, Decrease glucose 6Enicostema littorale krimihrita phosphatase and fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase activity. Dose dependent hypoglycemic activity

Comparative Study of Allopathic and Herbal Medicines

Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness. Contemporary medicine applies health science, biomedical research, and medical technology to diagnose and treat injury and disease, typically through medication, surgery, or some other form of therapy. A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as In humans, "disease" is often used more broadly to refer to any condition that causes pain, dysfunction, and distress and/or death to the person afflicted or similar problems for those in contact with the person. In this broader sense, it sometimes includes injuries, disabilities, disorders, syndromes, infections, isolated symptoms, deviant behaviours, and atypical variations of and functions, while in other contexts and for other purposes, these may be considered distinguishablecategories.

The advantages of using herbal medicines are numerous. Herbal medicines tend to be more effective for long-standing health complaints that do not respond well to traditional medicine. Herbs typically have fewer side effects, and may be safer to use over time. Another advantage to herbal medicine is cost. Herbs cost much less than prescription medications. Research, testing, and marketing add considerably to the cost of Herbs tend to be inexpensive compared to drugs.

Role of Herbs Diabetes

Herbs for Diabetes treatment are not new. Since ancient times, plants and plant extracts were used to combat diabetes. Covered here are herbs that have been confirmed by scientific investigation, which appear to be most effective, relatively non-toxic and have substantial documentation of efficiency.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree native to India and Sri Lanka. It has insulin-like properties, which able to decrease blood glucose levels as well as triglycerides and cholesterol, all of which are important especially for type 2 diabetes patients. Just half a teaspoon of cinnamon into the daily diet of a diabetics can significantly reduce blood glucose levels. Cinnamon can be be easily bought at any food shop in a convenient powdered form. Just add cinnamon to what ever you would eat normally.

Pterocarpus marsupium

Pterocarpus marsupium (also known as Indian Kino, in English) is a large deciduous tree. Commonly grows in central, western, and southern parts of India and Sri Lanka. Pterocarpus marsupium demonstrates to reduce the glucose absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, and improve insulin and pro-insulin levels. It also effective in beta cell regeneration, No other drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity. The heart wood is astringent, bitter acrid, anti inflammatory, anthelmintic, anodyne. Beside diabetes, it is also good for elephantiasis, leucoderma, diarrhoea, dysentary, rectalgia, cough and greyness of hair.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)

Also known as balsam pear, bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karela, and charantin. Is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, East Africa and South America, and has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. Studies suggested that Asian Bitter Melon may lower blood glucose concentrations. Several compounds have been isolated from bitter melon that are believed to be responsible for its blood-sugar-lowering properties. These include charantin and an insulin-like protein referred to as polypeptide-P, or plant insulin. It is believed that bitter melon acts on both the pancreas and in nonpancreatic cells, such as muscle cells. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of the juice has shown good results in clinical trials. Caution : Excessively high doses of bitter melon juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Small children or anyone with hypoglycemia should not take bitter melon, since this herb could theoretically trigger or worsen low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as chlorpropamide, glyburide, or phenformin) or insulin

should use bitter melon with caution, as it may potentiate the effectiveness of the drugs, leading to severe hypoglycemia.

Genera Sylvestre
Native to the tropical forests of India, also known as the "sugar destroyer". To treat diabetes, dried leaves are pounded together with Coriander fruit (Coriandrum sativum L.), juice is extracted and given orally. These remedy has been used in India for treating diabetes for about 2000 years. Today in India it is being used to treat primarily type II diabetes and type I as well. Gymnema also improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both type I and type II diabetes. This herb is showing up in more and more over the counter weight loss products and blood sugar balancing formulas.

Onion
Onion is a member of the lily family (Liliaceae). It is native to Eurasia but now grows all over the world, due mostly to people bringing it with them as a staple food wherever they migrated. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that onion consists of an active ingredient called APDS (allyl propyl disulphide). APDS has been shown to block the breakdown of insulin by the liver and possibly to stimulate insulin production by the pancreas, thus increasing the amount of insulin and reducing sugar levels in the blood. APDS administered in doses of 125 mg/ kg to fasting humans was found to cause a marked fall in blood glucose levels and an increase in serum insulin. The effect improved as the dosage was increased; however, beneficial effects were observed even for low levels that used in the diet (eg., 25 to 200 grams). The effects were similar in both raw and boiled onion extracts.

The additional benefit of the use of garlic is it beneficial cardiovascular effects. It is found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive. So, liberal use of onion is recommended for diabetes patients.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek or foenum-graecum, is a crop plant grown as a potherb and for the spice made from its seeds. The fenugreek plant grows wild from the eastern Mediterranean area to China; it is cultivated worldwide. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic properties of fenugreek seeds. The fiber-rich fraction of fenugreek seeds can lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and to a lesser extent, for lowering blood cholesterol. Additionally, the soluble fiber content of fenugreek may play a role in aiding weight control. A typical dose range is 5 to 30 g three times per day with meals. Known side effects of high doses include mild digestive distress. Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Closely related to the European bilberry, there are several species of blueberries existincluding V. pallidum and V. corymbosumand grow throughout the United States. It leaves are the primary part of the plant used medicinally. Blueberry is a natural method of controlling or lowering blood sugar levels when they are slightly elevated - Sugar Diabetes. Results have shown the leaves have an active ingredient with a remarkable ability to get rid the body of excessive sugar in the

blood. It is a good astringent and helps relieve inflammation of the kidney, bladder and prostate. To use, steep two to three handfuls of leaves in 4 cups hot water for half an hour. Drink three cups a day.

Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct blood sugar-lowering effect. Besides reducing fasting blood sugar levels and body weight, can elevate mood and improve psycho-physiological performance. Therapeutic dosage is 100-200 mg daily.

GinkgoBiloba
Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, a species that has survived in China for more than 200 million years and now grows throughout the world. This popular herbal medicine is extracted from the fan-shaped leaves of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree. The extract may prove useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy. Gingko biloba extract improves blood flow in the peripheral tissues of the nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet and is therefore an important medicine in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. It has also been shown to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Dosage of the extract standardised to contain 24% ginkgo flavoglycosides is 40-80 mg three times per day.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

Banaba is a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Australia. Banaba possesses the powerful compound corosolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin that lends itself to the treatment of diabetes. These ingredients are thought to stimulate glucose uptake and have insulin-like activity. The latter activity is thought to be secondary to activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase or the inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase. It is a natural plant insulin, can be taken orally. Important : Decisions to use herbs or other alternative treatments for diabetes should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.

Anti-diabetic medication
Anti-diaetic medications treat diabetes mellitus by lowering glucose levels in the blood. With the exceptions of insulin, exenatide, liraglutide and pramlintide, all are administered orally and are thus also called oral hypoglycemic agents or oral antihyperglycemic agents. There are different classes of anti-diabetic drugs, and their selection depends on the nature of the diabetes, age and situation of the person, as well as other factors. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is a disease caused by the lack of insulin. Insulin must be used in Type I, which must be injected. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a disease of insulin resistance by cells. Treatments include (1) agents that increase the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas, (2) agents that increase the sensitivity of target organs to insulin, and (3) agents that decrease the rate at which glucose is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Several groups of drugs, mostly given by mouth, are effective in Type II, often in combination. The therapeutic combination in Type II may include insulin, not necessarily because oral agents

have failed completely, but in search of a desired combination of effects. The great advantage of injected insulin in Type II is that a well-educated patient can adjust the dose, or even take additional doses, when blood glucose levels measured by the patient, usually with a simple meter, as needed by the measured amount of sugar in the blood. Insulin is usually given subcutaneously, either by injections or by an insulin pump. Research of other routes of administration is underway. In acute-care settings, insulin may also be given intravenously. In general, there are about four types of insulin, characterized by the rate which they are metabolized by the body.

Sensitizers
Biguanides reduce hepatic glucose output and increase uptake of glucose by the periphery, including skeletal muscle. Although it must be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function, metformin, a biguanide, has become the most commonly used agent for type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers. Among common diabetic drugs, metformin is the only widely used oral drug that does not cause weight gain. Typical reduction in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) values for metformin is 1.52.0%

Metformin (Glucophage) may be the best choice for patients who also have heart failure,[1] but it should be temporarily discontinued before any radiographic procedure involving intravenous iodinated contrast, as patients are at an increased risk of lactic acidosis.

Phenformin (DBI) was used from 1960s through 1980s, but was withdrawn due to lactic acidosis risk.[2] Buformin also was withdrawn due to lactic acidosis risk.[3]

Metformin is usually the first-line medication used for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In general, it is prescribed at initial diagnosis in conjunction with exercise and weight loss, as opposed to in

the past, where it was prescribed after diet and exercise had failed. There is an immediate release as well as an extended-release formulation, typically reserved for patients experiencing GI sideeffects. It is also available in combination with other oral diabetic medications.

Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), also known as "glitazones," bind to PPAR, a type of nuclear regulatory protein involved in transcription of genes regulating glucose and fat metabolism. These PPARs act on peroxysome proliferator responsive elements (PPRE).[4] The PPREs influence insulin-sensitive genes, which enhance production of mRNAs of insulin-dependent enzymes. The final result is better use of glucose by the cells. Typical reductions in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) values are 1.52.0%. Some examples are

rosiglitazone (Avandia): the European Medicines Agency recommended in September 2010 that it be suspended from the EU market due to elevated cardiovascular risks.

pioglitazone (Actos) troglitazone (Rezulin): used in 1990s, withdrawn due to hepatitis and liver damage risk

Multiple retrospective studies have resulted in a concern about rosiglitazone's safety, although it is established that the group, as a whole, has beneficial effects on diabetes. The greatest concern is an increase in the number of severe cardiac events in patients taking it. The ADOPT study showed that initial therapy with drugs of this type may prevent the progression of disease, as did the DREAM trial. Concerns about the safety of rosiglitazone arose when a retrospective meta-analysis was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. There have been a significant number of publications since then, and a Food and Drug Administration panel voted, with some controversy, 20:3 that available studies "supported a signal of harm," but voted 22:1 to keep the drug on the market. The meta-analysis was not supported by an interim analysis of the trial designed to evaluate the issue, and several other reports have failed to conclude the controversy.

This weak evidence for adverse effects has reduced the use of rosiglitazone, despite its important and sustained effects on glycemic control. Safety studies are continuing. In contrast, at least one large prospective study, PROactive 05, has shown that pioglitazone may decrease the overall incidence of cardiac events in people with type 2 diabetes who have already had a heart attack.

Secretagogues
Sulfonylureas were the first widely used oral anti-hyperglycaemic medications. They are insulin secretagogues, triggering insulin release by inhibiting the KATP channel of the pancreatic beta cells. Eight types of these pills have been marketed in North America, but not all remain available. The "second-generation" drugs are now more commonly used. They are more effective than first-generation drugs and have fewer side-effects. All may cause weight gain. Sulfonylureas bind strongly to plasma proteins. Sulfonylureas are useful only in Type II diabetes, as they work by stimulating endogenous release of insulin. They work best with patients over 40 years old who have had diabetes mellitus for less than ten years. They cannot be used with type I diabetes, or diabetes of pregnancy. They can be safely used with metformin or -glitazones. The primary side-effect is hypoglycemia. Typical reductions in glycated hemoglobin (A1C) values for second-generation

sulfonylureas are 1.02.0%.

First-generation agents
o o o o

tolbutamide (Orinase brand name ) acetohexamide (Dymelor) tolazamide (Tolinase) chlorpropamide (Diabinese)

Second-generation agents
o o

glipizide (Glucotrol) glyburide or glabenclamide (Diabeta, Micronase, Glynase)

o o o o

glimepiride (Amaryl) gliclazide (Diamicron) glycopyramide gliquidone

Alternative medicine
A number of medicinal plants have been studied for the treatment of diabetes, however there is insufficient evidence to determine their effectiveness. Cinnamon has blood sugar-lowering properties, however whether or not it is useful for treating diabetes is unknown. While chromium supplements have no beneficial effect on healthy people, there might be an improvement in glucose metabolism in those with diabetics, although the evidence for this effect remains weak. Vanadyl sulfate, a salt of vanadium, is still in preliminary studies. There is tentative research that thiamine may prevent some diabetic complications however more research is needed.[42]

Conclusion
Diabetes is a slow killer with no known curable treatments. However, its complications can be reduced through proper awareness and timely treatment. Three major complications are related to blindness, kidney damage and heart attack. It is important to keep the blood glucose levels of patients under strict control for avoiding the complications. One of the difficulties with tight control of glucose levels in the blood is that such attempts may lead to hypoglycemia that creates much severe complications than an increased level of blood glucose. Researchers now look for alternative methods for diabetes treatment. The goal of this paper is to give a general idea of the current status of diabetes research. The author believes that diabetes is one of the highly demanding research topics of the new century and wants to encourage new researchers to take up the challenges

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