Tag Archive for: diabetes

Acupuncture helps diabetes by improving memory. It can be helfpul in pregnancy.

Acupuncture improves memory impaired by diabetes

Electro-acupuncture restores learning and memory impairment induced by both diabetes mellitus and cerebral ischemia in rats, conclude researchers from Beijing.

Previous studies have shown electro-acupuncture can improve peripheral neuropathy and diabetic encephalopathy. If you are suffering from diabetes, acupuncture is a word to remember.

Recent studies have shown maternal diabetes to be linked to infant memory problems. Currently there are no studies to show that acupuncture will reduce the risk for the baby. Considering the possible benefit and minimal side effects, obstetricians and midwives should consider discussing pregnancy acupuncture with their gestational diabetes patients.

The study was conducted by scientists from China Academy of Chinese Medical Science in Beijing.

Insulin resistance bitter melon

Diabetes – bitter melon increases insulin secretion by 160%

Bitter melon, a unique and delicious vegetable enjoyed by many in China, offers an array of healing properties. Apart from its ability to lower blood sugar levels and exhibit anti-cancer effects, recent research has shed light on its potential benefits for diabetes sufferers.

Boosting Insulin Production by 160%:

Chinese scientists have discovered that bitter melon can significantly enhance insulin production, increasing it by an impressive 160%. Additionally, it may even repair pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production.

Optimising the Benefits:

It’s important to note that likely these remarkable benefits may only be partially utilised by simply consuming traditional dishes made with bitter melon. To truly unlock its potential, the melon should be dried and decocted (cooked) in a traditional manner.

Conclusion:

For individuals battling diabetes, the discovery of bitter melon’s ability to boost insulin production and repair pancreatic cells is promising news. By incorporating this powerful fruit into their diet, diabetes sufferers can benefit from its natural and health-boosting properties. Just remember, to reap the full rewards, bitter melon should be dried and decocted in the traditional way.

Chinese herb Barberine has scientific backing for diabetes

Traditional Chinese medicine for diabetes has scientific backing Reports of a traditional Chinese medicine having beneficial effects for people suffering from type 2 diabetes now has some scientific evidence to back up the claims.

A collaboration between Chinese, Korean, and Australian scientists at Sydney’s Garvan Institute, has revealed that the natural plant product berberine could be a valuable new treatment. Berberine is found in the roots and bark of a number of plants used for medicinal purposes including wound healing and treatment of diarrhoea.

It has also been documented in Chinese literature as having a glucose-lowering effect when administered to people with diabetes; yet, until now, its mode of action was unknown.

Garvan scientist Dr Jiming Ye says: “Our studies in animal models of diabetes show that berberine acts in part by activating an enzyme in the muscle and liver that is involved in improving the sensitivity of the tissue to insulin – this, in turn, helps lower blood sugar levels. In addition, it seems berberine can help reduce body weight”. Current medicines for treating type 2 diabetes include metformin and the TZD group of drugs.

However, a large number of patients cannot tolerate metformin and the TZDs can cause undesirable weight gain. Therefore, developing new safe therapies to treat type 2 diabetes is critical.

“Berberine has been used for decades, if not centuries, with few reported side effects. Given the limitations of existing medicines, we are excited to have evidence that berberine may be a helpful new treatment for type 2 diabetes; however, despite its widespread use in traditional medicine practices, it will still have to be evaluated properly following the defined clinical trials process”, said Professor James, head of the Garvan’s Diabetes & Obesity Research Program and co-author of the Diabetes paper.

The next step is to investigate how berberine activates the enzyme that mediates these ‘insulin-sensitising’ effects.

NOTES: This study will be published in the August issue of ‘Diabetes‘.