Diabetes is a medical disorder characterized by persistent variable high blood sugar levels resulting either from inadequate secretion of the hormone insulin, an inadequate response by the body's cells to insulin, or a combination of these factors. The most common forms of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Since insulin is the principal hormone that regulates uptake of glucose into most cells from the blood, deficiency of insulin or its receptors plays a central role in all forms of diabetes. Diabetes pose a severe risk to health. It may lead to cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage, nerve damage, erectile dysfunction, and gangrene.
Since ancient times, various herbs are being used to treat diabetes. Scientific investigations have confirmed the effectiveness of these herbs. Some of the major diabetes herbs are:
- Pterocarpus marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga)
- Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
- Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja)
- Onion and Garlic ( Allium cepa and Allium sativum)
- Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
- Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
- Asian Ginseng
- Bilberry
- Stevia
- Ginkgo Biloba