Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas (an organ behind your stomach). Normally, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that helps your body store and use the sugar and fat from the food you eat. Common cause of diabetes is due to a person suffering from insulin resistance although there are other causes of diabetes.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, (TCM) diabetes is called a wasting and thirst disease. The problem is caused by excessive thirst in the upper abdomen and excessive urination in the lower abdomen. Diabetes is generally characterized by thirst, hunger frequent urination and wasting (i.e. when the body organs begin to rundown). It is also called a slow death disease. Diabetes may result in long term complications of the eyes (retinopathy), kidneys, nerve (neuropathy), blood vessels (diseases of the circulatory system, cholesterol, blood vessels and heart problems) and liver problems due to metabolic disorders and reduced libido.

But in western medicine, diabetes is erroneously considered due to the dysfunction of the synthesis and secretion of insulin. The synthesis of insulin is controlled by gene and gene mutation may decrease the synthesis (insulin tolerant). If the islet B cells are destroyed or partially destroyed by virus or drugs, then the body could produce no insulin or insufficient insulin. In a word diabetes is due to consumption (of insulin) and production (of insulin) problem.

Diabetes occurs:

• When the pancreas does not produce any insulin, or
• The pancreas produces very little insulin, or
• When the body does not respond appropriately to insulin, a condition called "insulin resistance."

Diabetes is a lifelong disease. Over a period of time, diabetes affects all the other organs and their functions. Diabetes can affect the kidneys, liver and also the eyes. People with diabetes need to manage their diabetic problem to stay healthy. Herbal formulations have been found to be extremely helpful in managing Diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

What actually causes diabetes?

Causes of diabetes vary from individual to individual. Obesity, diets high in calories and lack of exercise have all been identified as causes of diabetes. This suggests that healthier lifestyles might reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Family history also plays a role. Your chances of developing adult onset diabetes are increased if one or both of your parents are or were suffering from diabetes. Some of the known causes of diabetes are:

• Fat Rich Diets
• Excessive sugar
• Obesity
• Lack Of exercise
• Family History
• Drugs

Symptoms

If you seem to have all the symptoms of diabetes, your doctor should perform the tests that will determine whether you have it—and what type of diabetes it is. Even if you don't appear to be at risk, knowing diabetes symptoms and causes may help you or a loved one make the lifestyle changes that will decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

The classic signs of diabetes are:

• Excessive urination including frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
• Intense thirst and hunger.
• Severe fatigue.
• Dry skin.
• Blurred vision.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Thin, malnourished appearance.

Treatment for Diabetes

Modern universities are now accepting herbal drugs can be as effective if not more effective in treating diabetes and diabetic problems. The article below on diabetes speaks for itself.

Abstract: “Over the centuries, Chinese herbal drugs have served as a major source of medicines for the prevention and treatment of diseases including diabetes mellitus (known as Xiao-ke). It is estimated that more than 200 species of plants exhibit hypoglycaemic properties, including many common plants, such as pumpkin, wheat, celery, wax guard, lotus root and bitter melon. To date, hundreds of herbs and traditional Chinese medicine formulas have been reported to have been used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. This paper provides a brief review of the antidiabetic drugs of plant origin that have been approved by the Chinese health regulatory agency for commercial use in China. It was believed, through pharmacological studies, that medicinal herbs were meticulously organized in these antidiabetic drug formulas such that polysaccharide containing herbs restore the functions of pancreatic tissues and cause an increase in insulin output by the functional beta cells, while other ingredients enhance the microcirculation, increase the availability of insulin and facilitate the metabolism in insulin-dependent processes. Pharmacological and clinical evaluations indicated that these drugs had a mild, but significant, blood glucose lowering effect and that the long-term use of these agents may be advantageous over chemical drugs in alleviating some of the chronic diseases and complications caused by diabetes. Additionally, the use of these natural agents in conjunction with conventional drug treatments, such as a chemical agent or insulin, permits the use of lower doses of the drug and/or decreased frequency of administration which decreases the side effects most commonly observed.” Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the principle treatment for diabetes is to treat and strengthen the upper, middle and lower abdomen. Common prescriptions are composed of raw herbs such as Radix Trichosanthis, Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa, Radix Glehniae, Semen Plantaginis, Poria Cocos Wolf, Radix Polygonum Multiflorum. Scientific researches has shown that herbs can be very effective in treating diabetes and diabetic problems and can lead to full restoration in some cases.

In western medicine, the main therapeutic methods for treating diabetes are intake of oral drugs or injection of insulin or the transplantation of islets of Langerhans. The common treatment for Type 1 diabetes is injection of insulin to maintain normal vital activity. For Type 2 diabetes, it is the use of oral drugs. There are 2 types of hypoglycemic tablets for treating diabetes: a) sulfonylmea such as glyburide and b) diamicron. The former can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. The later promotes the human body to utilize the glucose and inhibit the absorption of glucose by the intestine. In some countries it is forbidden because of the toxic side effects. The transplantation of Islets of Langerhans (in the pancreas) is in experimental stage without satisfactory effect

Chinese medicinal herbs for diabetes have more advantages in treating diabetes as they provide holistic treatment and restoration and have no toxic side effects. The treatment of diabetes and diabetic disorders using Chinese medicinal herbs:

1)   The Islets of Langerhans are a part of pancreas which originated from the hepatic diverticulum and the dorsal wall of the duodenum. According to western medicine, the Islets of Langerhans is the secretory organ of insulin. The insufficient insulin is directly related to the dysfunction of the Islets of Langerhans. Thus to improve the tissue and the function of the Islets of Langerhans, is the basic principle for treating diabetes. In western   treatment method, the proliferation of the Islets of Langerhans is done through organ transplant. This is still in its experimental stage. In Chinese herbal medicine for treating diabetes, herbs are used to improve the multiplication of the pancreas (rejuvenation of dysfunction organs).

2)   There are four kinds of cells in the Islets of Langerhans. Cells can secrete pancreatic glucogen which can increase the level of blood sugar. B cells can secrete insulin that can decrease the level of blood sugar (glucogen and insulin are hormones). Stimulating B cells for production of insulin using hypoglycemic drugs is a common medical treatment method. Stimulation by these kinds of drugs in a long term might make the pathological cells of Islets of Langherhans into a fatigue state (overworked) and the exorgenic stimulation might inhibit the automatic secretion (reduced efficiency). That is why early diabetes could be controlled by oral drugs and when the diabetes becomes more serious, the additional amount of drugs added would not produce the desired results. In cases where the Islets B cells are in failure state, the stimulation method for treating diabetes does not produce the desired results. In Chinese herbal method for treating diabetes we use herbs to induce the Islets B cells to proliferate new cells that might produce insulin for carbohydrate metabolism. If there are 15% to 20% of normal cells remained, the new cells can be induced out by Chinese medicinal herbs.

3)   The insulin secreted by Islets of Langerhans in earliest stage is called “insulin factor” without insulin effect. This can be transformed into insulin by the participation of bile and enzyme. This is called “translating” process. Some diabetics suffer from such disorders. Chinese medicinal herbs for diabetes can be used to treat this disorder.

4)   The utilization of insulin in human body is accomplished by the acceptor. If the amount or the sensitivity of the acceptor decreases, the insulin would not work. This may be found in patients who are overweight. It is why obesity suffers from diabetes mellitus. One of the treatment methods for treating diabetes mellitus is to reduce excessive blood lipid. Chinese herbal medicines for treating diabetes are very effective in reducing excessive blood lipid.

5)   Bile helps in the synthesis of insulin. If the secretion of bile is abnormal, the synthesis of insulin would be affected. Chinese herbal medicines for treating diabetes can be used to improve this function.

6)   The nerve distribution and blood supply to the body system is important. In advance diabetic problems, the nerve system and blood supply is affected. Thus we use Chinese herbal medicine for treating diabetes to treat and strengthen and improve the functions of the nerves and blood vessels.  

7)   Trace element like manganese, chromium, nickel, zinc and copper are important to the organ’s health. Herbs rich in these elements are used to nourish the body’s systems when treating diabetes.

To properly and effectively treat a disease like diabetes where diabetes causes multiple damage to the body, a product must be holistic in function. It must be able to do the following:

• Lowers blood sugar

• Treats retinopathy

• Treats neuropathy

• Improves the functions of the pancreas, liver, kidneys, spleen and bladder

• Protects the heart.

Prevention Approaches to Treating Diabetes

The incidence of diabetes in the United States has risen to staggering heights. You can cut your risk of diabetes with a few simple life-style changes. Try adding one of these per week or every other week. You will be surprised by your improvement!

1. Eliminate processed foods from your diet, especially white sugar and white flour products. These products dramatically stimulate the production of insulin in the body and over time will promote the vicious cycle of high and low blood sugar levels.

2. Include all unprocessed foods in your diet, such as proteins, complex and unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables, whole grains and legumes (beans and bean products) especially soy based products.

3. Eat foods that support digestion. In other words, avoid overly greasy foods, ice cold drinks, alcohol, raw and uncooked foods, hot, peppery foods, coffee, and too much fruit. Avoid daily juice drinks since these also overly stimulate the production of insulin.

4. Stop drinking sodas. Sodas are acidic in nature and loaded with sugar and chemicals. Sodas are detrimental to both the digestion and source of your energy.

5. Find some type of exercise that you really enjoy and just do it! Pumping iron is not for everyone. You would probably benefit most from some kind of cardiovascular exercise to keep to blood moving, like swimming, yoga, stretching, and bicycling. Take a walk every day.

6. If you live with a dog or cat, play with them daily. Animals live in the moment and love to play. This is a great way to break stressful daily routines.

7. Practice Chinese self massage every morning by stimulating the acupoints on the body and limbs to help promote the flow of qi and blood in the channels.

8. Learn how to really relax. This means bodily relaxation as well as mental repose. Take advantage of the many spiritual resources, books and tapes out there.

9. Take a look at the old habits and patterns of your life and ask yourself what you can do to make your life better. Take up tasks and hobbies that are interesting to you and break the normal routine of your day.

10. If you know that you have too much stress in your life, then find a solution. This may be finding a new job or new, more supportive relationships. Understand that stress alone can kill you, and if you smoke and consume alcohol to escape stressful situations, you are only fooling yourself.

Controlling Diabetes Naturally with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Research showed that Radix Trichosanthis, Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa, Radix Glehniae, Semen Plantaginis, Poria Cocos Wolf and Radix Polygonum Multiflorum can be very effective in treating diabetes and diabetic problems.

Research from The School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai China, The College of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin China and Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin China shows that polysaccharide of Poria Cocos Wolf  and Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa for treating diabetes can restore the functions of pancreatic tissues and can cause an increase in insulin output by the functional beta cells, while other ingredients of these plants enhance the microcirculation, increasing the availability of insulin and facilitating the metabolism in the insulin dependent process. Pharmacological and clinical evaluation indicated that these herbs can significantly lower blood glucose.

In a research by Dr. K. Casanas and team, “The Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Chinese Medicine” a formulation containing Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa, Radix Trichosanthis and other herbs was tested on 150 cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. 138 cases showed great improvement in their diabetic condition.

Test on animals showed that Semen Cuscutae can improve the function of the body, kidney and thymus gland as well as increasing their white cell count, red cell count, hemoglobin content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Mi Hemin ed. Comparison Study on the bone support and yang strengthening effects of Semen Cuscutae, Chinese Traditional Herbal Drugs, 1991. 22 (12): 547.

Research has shown that the triterpenoid compounds in Herba Cynomorii (oleanolic acid and ursolic acid) are effective in protecting against chemically induced liver injury in laboratory animals. The researcher suggests that the mechanism of hepatoprotection by these two compounds may involve the inhibition of toxicant activation and the enhancement of the body’s defence system. Oleanolic acid and usolic acid have been long recognized to have anti inflammatory and anti hyperlipidermic properties in laboratory animals. Liu J “Pharmacology of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid” 1995. Dec 1  49 (2): 57 – 68. Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA.

Research has shown that ursolic acid (of Herba Cynomorii) treatment can normalize the disturbed anti-oxidant status of rats intoxicated with CC 14 by maintaining the levels of glutathione and by inhibiting the production of malondiable-hyde due to its radical scavenging properties. Martin-Aragon Si, De  Las Heras B etc “Pharmacological modification of endogenous antioxidant enzymes by ursolic acid on Tetrachloride induced liver damage in rats and primary cultures of rats hepatocytes”. Exp Toxical. Pathol. 2001:53 (2 – 3) 199 – 206 , Dpto. Farmacologia, UCM, Madrid, Spain.

Research has shown that the two tripenoid compound, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid can enhance the total white blood cells count of Balb/C  mice “Phytomedicine : International Journal of Phytotheraphy and Phytopharmacology”. July 01, 2003, Raphael T.J. and Kuttan G.

Cucurbitacin are used for diabetes. Dr. S.Dharmananda, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon. (Cucurbitacin are found in herbs like trichosanthis, citrillus and momordica)

Plant sterol like those found in Semen Plantaginis has been approved by FDA, USA for the treatment of coronary heart disease.  FDA Talk Paper Sept. 5, 2000.
                                                                                   

"L-arabinose is a phytochemical of Semen Plantaginis. It is a 5-carbon sugar. Research showed that is has a unique property. It inhibits sucrose activity in the intestine. Sucrose is an enzyme that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose. By inhibiting the activity of sucrose, L-arabinose prevents the breakdown of sucrose into glucose and fructose, thus reducing the absorption of sugar into the body. In one rat study, the little critters were fed up to 30 grams of sucrose per 100 gram of feed. Researchers added anywhere between 0 to 1.0 grams of L-arabinose per 100 grams feed. The rats ate this sugar brew for 10 days. Researchers found that lipogenic enzymes (enzymes that build fat) and triglyceride concentrations in the liver went up when the rats consumed sucrose. When L-arabinose was consumed, these changes did not occur. L-arabinose feeding reduced fat weights, plasma insulin and triglycerides. Conclusion: L-arabinose inhibits sucrose activity, reduces sucrose utilization, and  decreases lipogenesis and decreases plasma insulin and triglycerides. Therefore Semen Plantaginis can be used for treating diabetes." Ref: Osaki et al “L-arabinose feeding prevents increases due to dietary sucrose in lipogenic enzymes and triacylglycerol levels in rats”. Journal of Nutrition  2001, 131: 796 – 79

In one research the effects of L-arabinose (from Semen Plantaginis) on intestinal absorption of sucrose have been investigated. The results of these investigations have been shown that L-arabinose inhibit the sucrase activity of intestinal mucose but no showed inhibitory effect on the activities of intestinal maltase, isomaltase, trehalase, lactase and glucoamylase. L-Arabinose suppress increase of blood glucose after sucrose loading dose dependently in mice, but showed no effect after starch loading. This fact can be more interesting for the application of L-arabinose in light diet and mixed in small quantities with sucrose for treating diabetes.

Research have shown that plants containing the phyotchemical triterpene (saponin) glycosides have hypoglycemic and hypolipemic activities. The triterpenes compounds are sub divided into 20 groups of which oleanic triterpene (oleanic acid, ursolic acid and alpha-and beta amyrin) is found in the largest variety of plants (Semen Cuscutae, Herba Cynomorii, Radix Rehmannia Glutinosa and Semen Plantaginis). "Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are triperpene acids having a similar chemical structure and are distributed widely in plants all over the world. They are of interest to scientists because of their biological activities. OA has antifungal, insecticidal, anti-HIV, diuretic, complement inhibitory, blood sugar depression and gastrointestinal transit modulatin activities. UA and OA also possess liver-protection and anti-inflammatory effects. In recent years, it was found that they had marked anti-tumor effects and exhibited cytotoxic activity toward many cancer cell line in culture. Concerning their effects on colon carcinoma cells, there is little available so far in the current literature. The present study was designed to investigate their inhibitory effects on the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT15." "Effects of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid on human colon carcinoma cell line HCT." Jie Li, Wei-Jian Guo, Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University,Shanghai 200092, China. Qing-Yao Yang, Department of Biology, Shanghai Teachers University, Shanghai 200234, China ISSN 1007-9327 CN 14-1219/R  World J Gastroenterol  2002; June 8(3):493-495

Huang RL, et al., Studies on the antihyperglycemic actions of Chinese herbs, 1980-1984 The Annual Reports of the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan. Dr. Huang Ray-Ling and his coworkers at the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine in Taiwan conducted an extensive laboratory investigation of Chinese herbs for diabetes. He tested a variety of herb extracts in both alloxan-treated mice and normal mice, in order to compare the impacts of the herbs with or without insulin involvement. To obtain more significant results, blood sugar responses were monitored at different times after administration of herbs, in glucose tolerance tests, and with differing dosages of the herb materials. Herbs like rehmannia and trichosanthes root showed a substantial hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-treated mice but little effect in normal mice

“Data is presented suggesting that rates of L-arabinose transport, calculated from L-[1-14C] arabinose uptake measurements, can be used as indicators of changes in the rates of glucose transport in isolated rat adipocytes. L-[1-14C]arabinose, at 37 degrees C, was found to be nonmetabolizable and taken up by adipocytes exponentially with time reaching 95% of equilibrium in 30 min. When L-arabinose is corrected for background, the corrected uptake values conform to the time-dependent monoexponential uptake relationshiop predicted for a facilitated transport system and are not significantly different from 0 in the presence of 70 micron cytochalasin B. Transport rates were calculated from corrected uptake values near the half-maximal uptake of L-arabinose and from a value of the total amount of L-arabinose in the cell at equilibrium. Competitive inhibition of L-arabinose transport by glucose and countertransport of L-arabinose in the presence of glucose suggest that L-arabinose and glucose share the same transport system. Data is presented demonstrating the effect of insulin and dexamethasone on the transport system that confirms the conclusions obtained by other investigators using other methods.” “Glucose transport in isolated rat adipocytes with measurements of L-arabinose uptake.” JE Foley, SW Cushman, and LB Salans. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 234: G112-G119, 1978; 0193-1857/78 AJP: Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 234, Issue 2, G112-G119 American Physiological Society

“Ursolic acid was isolated form Herba Cynomorii by thin layer chromatography and was quantitatively determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the content of ursolic acid is 0.78%. The average recovery rate of ursolic acid is 97.4%, RSD = 0.45% (n = 4).” “Quantitative determination of ursolic acid in Herba cynomorii by ultraviolet spectrophotometry.” Ding H, Wang Y, Wang S, You W. Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Feb;23(2):102-3

Other research have been done on antidiabetic Chinese herbs. They can be found in the following articles.

1)  Hong-Yen Hsu: “Chinese Herb Theology for diabetes mellitus”, Bulletin of the Oriental Healing Acts Institute 1978; 3 (1) : 12-17.

2)  Huang K.L et al., “Studies on the anti hyperglycemic actions of Chinese Herbs”, 1980 – 1984. The Annual Reports of the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan.

3)  Yoshikawa M, Matsuda H. “Anti  diabetogenic activity of oleanolic acid glycosides from medicinal foodstuff”.  Biofactors 2000: 13: 231-237.