Diabetes Mellitus

Attributes

Incidence is approximately 1 in 33 people

Further Tests

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Concentration Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) (Increased) Apolipoprotein A Concentration Apolipoprotein A (Apo A) (Decreased) Apolipoprotein B Concentration Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) (Increased) Blood Urea Nitrogen Tests Blood Urea Nitrogen (Increased) C-Peptide Concentration Test C-Peptide (Decreased) Cerebrospinal Fluid Albumin Concentration Albumin (Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF) (Increased) Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Concentration Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Protein (Increased) Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Electrophoresis Prealbumin (Increased) Albumin (Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF) (Increased) Cholesterol Concentration Cholesterol (Total) (Increased) Cholinesterase (Serum Acetylcholinesterase, Pseudocholinesterase) Cholinesterase (Increased) Creatinine Concentration (Blood, Serum Creatinine) Creatinine (Blood) (Increased) Euglobulin Lysis Time (Fibrinolysis Time) Plasma Clot Lysis Time (Increased) Glucagon Concentration Test Glucagon (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT, OGTT, 120 Minutes After Glucose Load) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT, OGTT, 160 Minutes After Glucose Load) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT, OGTT, 60 Minutes After Glucose Load) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT, OGTT, Fasting Glucose) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test for Gestational Diabetes (1 Hour After Glucose Load) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose Tolerance Test for Gestational Diabetes (Fasting Glucose Value) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose, Blood (Fasting Blood Glucose) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose, Blood (Post Prandiol Blood Glucose Test, 2 Hour Post Meal Blood Glucose) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glucose, Blood (Random Blood Glucose Test) Glucose (Blood) (Increased) Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) Concentration Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (Increased) High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Concentration High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (Decreased) Human Placental Lactogen Concentration (hPL, Chorionic Somatomammotropin) Human Placental Lactogen (hPL, Pregnancy Weaks 31 to 35) (Increased) Human Placental Lactogen (HPL, Pregnancy Weaks 25 to 30) (Increased) Human Placental Lactogen (hPL, Pregnancy Weaks 36 to 40) (Increased) Insulin Concentration (Insulin Assay, Serum Insulin) Insulin (Decreased) Lactic Acid Concentration Lactic Acid (Venous Blood) (Increased) Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Concentration Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) (Increased) Magnesium Concentration (Mg, Blood) Magnesium (Mg, Blood) (Decreased) Neutrophil Absolute Count Segmented Neutrophils (Increased) Osmolality, Blood (Serum Osmolality) Osmolality, Blood (Serum Osmolality) (Increased) Potassium Concentration (K, Blood) Potassium (K, Blood) (Increased) Protein Electrophoresis (Blood, Serum Protein) Albumin (Blood) (Decreased) Alpha-1-Globulin (Blood, Serum) (Increased) Alpha-2-Globulin (Blood, Serum) (Increased) Beta Globulin (Increased) Triglyceride (TGs) Concentration Triglycerides (Increased) Urine Albumin 24hr test Urine Albumin (Increased) Urine Crystal Concentration Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Urine) (Increased) Urine Fatty Cast Concentration Urine Fatty Cast (Increased) Urine glucose concentration Urine glucose (Increased) Urine Ketone Concentration Urine Ketone (Increased) Urine Osmolality Urine Osmolality (Decreased) Urine Oxalate Concentration (24 Hour) Urine Oxalate (Increased) Urine pH Test Urine Specific Gravity (SG) Urine Specific Gravity (SG) (Decreased) Urine Volume Vitamin B12 (VB12) Concentration Vitamin B12 (VB12) (Increased)

 

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM), which is often a lifelong disease, is a metabolic disorder typified by elevated sugar levels in the blood that can lead to grave complications including eye problems, nerve damages and heart diseases. ^{[1] [3]}

Types

Generally there are two types but a third one is sometimes suggested.  Type 1 DM is often detected at childhood years or during early adulthood hence it is also referred to as juvenile-onset DM. It is a chronic condition that results from autoimmune processes whereby the body attacks its own group of cells in the pancreas called beta cells. ^[2]

Most cases belong to type 2 DM. The condition arises when there is insufficient insulin or when the body does give apposite response to insulin. Usually, it has an adult onset.

The third one is called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It must have arisen due to pregnancy. ^[3]

Causes

Genetic factors are implicated in the etiology of type 1 DM alongside environmental factors. Likely triggers identified are viruses such as rubella and mumps, noxious chemicals and exposure to cow’s milk.

Among the risk factors identified that predisposes an individual to type 2 DM are being overweight, having sedentary lifestyle, abdominal obesity, aging, family history of the disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, having Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African, Native American or South Asian descent, hypertension, history of GDM, and frequent consumption of soft drinks with high sugar content.  ^[2][3]

Signs and Symptoms                                                                                           

Classically, patients experience too much thirst, excessive hunger and large urine volume. Most of them also have unexplained weight loss along with nausea, and blurred vision. The patients may complain of fatigue and muscle cramping. Those with type 2 may not show any symptom since the condition may develop gradually.  ^[2]

Diagnosis

After obtaining the patient’s medical history, the physician conducts a physical examination. Confirmation of the diagnosis entails blood test that gets the sugar level in the blood. ^[1]

Treatment

Type 1 DM has no cure. When caught early, type 2 can be reversed with lifestyle modifications. To control the sugar level on both types, drugs are often prescribed which must be taken in conjunction with proper diet and exercise to be rendered effective. Periodic monitoring is imperative. ^[1]

 

References:

1.      http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001214.htm

2.      http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-overview

3.      http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/

 

Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:

Vitamin D [1, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help in preventing some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. Please note, this acts as a PREVENTATIVE treatment, and not necessarily symptomatic relief.

Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Vitamin D can help prevent diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Six Flavor Tea (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Rehmannia Six) [1, 34, 35]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to show that Six Flavor Tea helps in any way in the treatment of diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) [1, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Red Clover helps to treat diabetes. Early tests done had unreliable results. More tests are needed.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Pine Bark Extract [1, 24, 25, 26]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Pine Bark extract helps to treat diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Phytochemicals (Antioxidants) [1, 21, 22, 23]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that phytochemical supplements can prevent or treat diabetes. More studies are needed. A balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, and grain is recommended to prevent illness until further research into supplements is done.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Milk Thistle [1, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Milk Thistle helps to treat diabetes.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) [1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Early studies show that Goldenseal may help stabilize diabetes. However, more studies are needed. In addition, Goldenseal may produce toxic effects, including depression, constipation, rapid heartbeat, stomach pain, mouth ulcers and vomiting.)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Germanium (Germanium Sesquioxide, Vitamin O) [1, 6, 7, 8]:

WARNING: Germanium may cause permanent Kidney failure. Even organic supplements, though less toxic than inorganic supplements, have caused kidney and liver damage. NOT TO BE USED.

Recommendation: strongly against (Evidence shows that Germanium is not effective in treating diabetes in any way, and is also toxic, causing severe kidney and liver damage.)

Grade of Evidence: moderate quality of evidence

Chlorella (Green Algae, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa) [3, 4, 5]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Chlorella helps to treat diabetes in any way)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Cats Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) [1, 2]:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recomendation (insufficient evidence to support claims that Cats Claw can help to treat diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Calcium Gluconate:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a preventative or supportive management, not as a treatment.

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Early studies show that calcium supplements may be effective in reducing insulin resistance in diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Calcium Supplements:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a preventative or supportive management, not as a treatment.

Recommendation: weakly in favor (Early studies show that calcium supplements may be effective in reducing insulin resistance in diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: low quality of evidence

Reflexology:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (there is insufficient evidence to show that reflexology helps to treat diabetes)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

Biofeedback:

Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.

Recommendation: no recommendation (there is insufficient evidence to show that biofeedback helps to treat diabetes. However, small studies have shown that biofeedback can help with migraines in people with diabetes.)

Grade of Evidence: very low quality of evidence

* www.gradeworkinggroup.org

 

Summary References

Treatments:

1. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies", American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009

2. http://www.nutrasanus.com/cats-claw.html

3. Nakano, S et al. “Maternal-fetal distribution and transfer of dioxins in pregnant women in Japan, and attempts to reduce maternal transfer with Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplements...” Chemosphere 2005 Dec; 61(9): 1244–55.

4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=retrieve&db=pubmed&list_uids=11347287&dopt=Abstract

5. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/chlorella

6. Baselt, R. (2008). Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man (8 ed.). Foster City, CA: Biomedical Publications. pp. 693–694.

7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9237323

8. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/germanium

9. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/goldenseal

10. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal/

11. Tierra Michael (1998): The Way of Herbs. New York, Pocket Books

12. Grieve M. (1971): A Modern Herbal. New York, Dover Publications, Inc

13. Mills S. and Bone K. (2000): Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Philadelphia, Churchill Livingstone

14. Tice Raymond (1997): Goldenseal and Two of its constituent alkaloids: berberine and hydrastine Research Triangle Park, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in Seiger E: Review of Toxilogical Literature

15. http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/hydrastis.html

16. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/milk-thistle

17. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/milkthistle/ataglance.htm

18. Kroll DJ, Shaw HS, Oberlies NH.(2007). Milk thistle nomenclature: why it matters in cancer research and pharmacokinetic studies. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 6: 110-119.

19. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16279916

20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14506392

21. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/phytochemicals

22. http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/LabelClaims/QualifiedHealthClaims/ucm073992.htm

23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20216418

24. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00214032

25. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pine-bark-extract

26. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-pycnogenol.html

27. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/redclover/

28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19609225

29. http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/natural-fertility-boosters.html

30. http://indigo-herbs.co.uk/acatalog/Red_Clover_Flowers_Info.html

31. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/trifolium_pratense.html

32. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/red-clover

33. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69350.cfm

34. Shen JJ, Lin CJ, Huang JL, Hsieh KH, Kuo ML. The effect of liu-wei-di-huang wan on cytokine gene expression from human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Am J Chin Med. 2003;31(2):247-57.

35. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/six-flavor-tea

36. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD006164/frame.html

37. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10824056

38. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcb.10338/abstract

39. http://pain-topics.org/pdf/vitamind-report.pdf

40. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/030079908X253519

41. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article756975.ece

42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17556697

43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18065602

44. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitamind.html

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