Can Turmeric Help Prevent or Treat Type II Diabetes?

What is Type II Diabetes?

High blood glucose levels are a defining feature of type II diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease. Millions of individuals worldwide are impacted by it because it is the most prevalent type of diabetes. Type II diabetes can develop when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Cause of Type II Diabetes

The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that enables the body's cells to use glucose as fuel. When blood sugar levels rise after eating, insulin is produced to help transfer glucose from the blood into the cells. Insulin resistance, which stops the body's cells from responding to the hormone as effectively as it should, develops in people with type II diabetes. As a consequence, there is an accumulation of glucose in the blood, which raises blood sugar levels. Type II diabetes has several risk factors, though the exact cause is not completely understood. These include age, race, family history of diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Compared to people of European ancestry, people of Asian, Native American, African American, and Hispanic origin have a greater risk of getting type II diabetes.

Symptoms of Type II Diabetes

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Blurred vision

• Tiredness

• Slowly healing wounds

However, many individuals with type II diabetes have no symptoms and might be oblivious to their illness. This is why it's crucial to have frequent blood sugar checks, particularly if you have disease risk factors.

Management of Type II Diabetes

Through dietary adjustments and medication, type II diabetes is managed by keeping healthy blood sugar levels. Healthy eating, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and giving up smoking are a few examples of lifestyle changes. Oral medicines and insulin injections are both used to treat type II diabetes.

Consequences of Undiagnosed Type II Diabetes

High blood glucose levels brought on by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production define type II diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder. Type II diabetes, if untreated, can result in several severe health complications, both immediate and long-term.

Untreated type II diabetes can have several short-term consequences, including −

• Hyperglycemia − Hyperglycemia, a condition that can cause symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and slowly healing wounds or sores, can be brought on by persistently elevated blood sugar levels.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) − The body may begin to break down fat for energy if blood glucose levels are high for a prolonged period. This could lead to a buildup of toxic acids called ketones in the blood. This can result in DKA, a potentially fatal disease marked by signs like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.

• Hypoglycemia − Incorrect medication or insulin administration can result in too-low blood sugar levels, known as hypoglycemia. Shaking, vertigo, sweating, confusion, and fainting are all signs of hypoglycemia.

Untreated type II diabetes has long-term consequences that can include −

• Cardiovascular disease − Blood vessels can be harmed by high blood glucose levels, raising the chance of developing cardiovascular conditions like heart disease and stroke.

• Nerve damage − Long-term damage from high blood sugar levels to the nerves can manifest as symptoms like tingling, numbness, and soreness in the hands and feet.

• Kidney damage − Kidney disease, which can result in renal failure and the requirement for dialysis or a kidney transplant, is frequently brought on by diabetes.

• Eye damage − Blood vessels in the eyes can be harmed by high blood glucose levels, resulting in vision issues and, in extreme instances, blindness.

• Foot problems − Diabetes has been linked to foot sores, infections, and possible amputation due to nerve damage, poor circulation, and foot problems.

• Skin problems − Skin infections and sluggish wound recovery are two effects of high blood glucose levels.

It's crucial to remember that type II diabetes can be correctly managed to lower the risk of developing these complications. This entails keeping up a regular exercise routine, eating a healthy diet, having a healthy weight, and taking medication as directed. Blood sugar testing and routine medical exams are crucial to identifying any possible complications early on.

In summation, type II diabetes can cause immediate and long-term health complications if not treated. Blood glucose levels must be properly managed and monitored to stop or postpone the onset of these complications. People with type II diabetes should collaborate closely with their healthcare provider to create an all-encompassing diabetes management strategy that addresses their unique requirements and lowers the likelihood of experiencing life-threatening health issues.

Can Turmeric Aid in the Treatment or Prevention of Type II Diabetes?

In India and other Asian countries, conventional medicine extensively uses spice turmeric. Curcumin, a substance found in it, has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. These characteristics have given rise to theories that turmeric may be able to prevent and cure several diseases, including type II diabetes.

High blood sugar levels brought on by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production define type II diabetes, a metabolic disorder. Growing interest has been shown in the ability of natural substances like curcumin to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in recent years.

Numerous research studies have examined how curcumin and turmeric affect type II diabetes. Curcumin supplementation significantly lowered blood glucose levels and enhanced insulin sensitivity in individuals with type II diabetes, according to a 2013 review of 13 randomized controlled trials. The reviews' studies, however, had some drawbacks, including small sample sizes, uneven curcumin dosages, and short research durations.

Curcumin

Curcumin helped several type II diabetes biomarkers, including fasting blood glucose levels, HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood glucose control), and insulin resistance, according to a 2019 analysis of 25 trials. The review did point out that the studies' quality varied, though, and that additional, high-quality studies were required to corroborate these results.

Despite the encouraging findings of these studies, it's crucial to remember that more investigation is required to confirm the possible health advantages of turmeric and curcumin on type II diabetes. The ideal dosage and length of supplementation are still unknown, and there is no established curcumin dose for treating diabetes.

It's also crucial to be aware that supplements containing turmeric and curcumin may combine with some drugs, such as blood thinners, and produce side effects in some individuals, such as gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion

Even though some studies have indicated that curcumin and turmeric may be able to prevent and treat type II diabetes, more studies are required to confirm their advantages and recommended dosages. Before taking turmeric or curcumin supplements, people with type II diabetes should speak with their doctor because they may combine negatively with other medications and have unwanted side effects. Healthy eating, frequent exercise, and the right medications prescribed by a doctor should be the main components of diabetes management.