Diabetes
Definition
Western
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) [1-2] is classed as a type of metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas which releases adequate quantities of insulin to move the glucose present in the blood into the respective surrounding cells, so as to attempt to lower the blood sugar levels. There are 3 general types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabeteswhere the body produces minute amounts or no insulin at all; Type 2 Diabeteswhere the body does notproduce enough insulin, or the insulin present is not working properly; and Gestational Diabetes where diabetes develop during the course of pregnancy. The latter usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM refers diabetes as a type of diseases under the Xiao Ke Zheng（消渴症）category, where common symptoms include substantial increase in appetite, unquenchable thirst and excessive or frequent urination. These symptoms are mainly due to the overworking of the Lungs, Stomach and Kidney systems, leading to significant weight loss with no particular reason, constant weakness or fatigue, numbness in the limbs due to reduced circulation in the body, blurred vision and open wounds of any type take longer to heal.
Classifications and Accompanying Symptoms Displayed in TCM Context
Weak Body Constitution
Congenital problems, overworking or recovery from recent illnesses can drain the body’s immune system. Poor circulation also affects the effective replenishment of bodily fluids to all the cells in the body. Common symptoms include severe thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, pale or dull complexion, constant tiredness or general weakness, occasional dizzy spells or ringing in the ears and lower back pain.
Overloading on Spleen and Stomach Functions
Spleen and Stomach system play important roles in absorbing essential food nutrients. However overloading the digestive system with deep fried, spicy, raw or sweet foods, the body would be overwhelmed and this inevitably upsets the physiological functions and affects the rate of metabolism. Common symptoms include constant thirst, fatigue or general tiredness, dizziness, excessive or frequent urination where urine may give off a sweet odour.
Emotional Influxes
Individuals under negative emotional stress, such as depression, anger or grief, can affect the body’s circulatory functions. Common symptoms include chest tightness, dizziness, blurred vision, frequent urination, general fatigue, weight loss for unknown reasons and constant unquenchable thirst.
Risk Factors
Family History
If a family member suffers from diabetes, the risk of contracting diabetes within that family line is higher.
Age
Incidence of diabetes increases with age.
Race or Ethnic Background
Risk of diabetes is higher in Asians, Hispanics, Blacks and Native Americans.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or metabolic disorders may increase the risk of getting diabetes.
Treatments
Herbs commonly used in prescriptions and acupuncture.
1. Tian Hua Fen – 天花粉[3-7]
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English/ Common name
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Chinese Cucumber
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Latin species
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Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.
Trichosanthes rosthornii Herms
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Park of plant used
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Roots
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Action/s
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Helps to relieve severe thirst and regulate bodily fluids. Also useful in boosting lung functions and reduce inflammations.
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Precaution/s
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Not recommended to pair with herbs of Aconitum species. Not suitable for pregnant women.
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2. Mai Dong – 麦冬[8-10]
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English/ Common name
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-
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Latin species
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Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker-Gawl.
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Park of plant used
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Underground stems
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Action/s
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Helps boost and regulate bodily fluids, as well as relieve coughs.
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Precaution/s
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No significant side effects
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3. Gou Qi Zi – 枸杞子[11-14]
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English/ Common name
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Chinese wolfberries
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Latin species
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Lycium barbarum L.
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Park of plant used
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Fruit
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Action/s
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Helps boost immune system, helps to regulate glucose levels and ease dry eyes.
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Precaution/s
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No significant side effects
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4. Shan Yao – 山药[9, 15-16]
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English/ Common name
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Chinese Yam
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Latin species
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Dioscorea opposita Thunb.
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Park of plant used
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Underground stems
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Action/s
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Helps to boost functions of the Lungs, Spleen and Stomach systems, as well as provide a platform for other herbs to interact.
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Precaution/s
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Individuals with bloated stomach, indigestion or constipated should avoid using this herb.
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5. Wu Wei Zi – 五味子[17-20]
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English/ Common name
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Schisandra
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Latin species
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Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill
Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils.
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Park of plant used
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Fruit
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Action/s
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Helps replenish bodily fluids and calm nerves.
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Precaution/s
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No significant side effects
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Test & Diagnosis
Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
Measures blood glucose in a person who has not eaten anything for at least 8 hours.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Measures blood glucose after a person fasts at least 8 hours and 2 hours after the person consumes a glucose beverage.
Random Plasma Glucose Test
Measures the blood glucose level any time of day without regard to drinking or eating. This test is sometimes referred to as casual plasma glucose test.
Home Remedies
Mai Dong + Gou Qi Zi + Chinese Astragalus + Choice of meat
a) Put all ingredients in a cooking pot and pour enough water to fill half the pot.
b) Bring to boil for 10 minutes.
c) Simmer for a further 40 minutes.
a) Remove from heat. Serve warm.
References
3. H.W. YEUNG, T.B. NG, D.M. WONG, C.M. WONG, W.W. LI. Chemical and biological characterization of the galactose binding lectins from Trichosanthes kirilowii root tubers. International Journal of Peptide and Protein Research (Feb 1986), 27(2): pp208–220.
4. Mechele Collins, James R. McFarlane.An Exploratory Study Into the Effectiveness of a Combination of Traditional Chinese Herbs in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care (Apr 2006), 29(4), pp945-946.
5. TIM KACZMAR. Herbal Support for Diabetes Management. CLINICAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS 1998, 6(8): pp1-4.
6. Graeme E. Thomson. Further consideration of Asian medicinal plants in treating common chronic diseases in the West. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research (Jan 2010), 4(2): pp125-130.
7. W.L. Li, H.C. Zheng, J. Bukuru, N. De Kimpe. Natural medicines used in the traditional Chinese medical system for therapy of diabetes mellitus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92 (2004) 1–21.
8. Seong-Hee K, Seong-Won Choi, Sang-Kyu Ye, Sangho Yoo, Hyun-Sook Kim, Myung-Hee Chung. Comparison of anti-oxidant activities of seventy herbs that have been used in Korean traditional medicine. Nutrition Research and Practice (2008), 2(3): pp143-151.
9. Wei Jia, Wenyuan Gao, Lida Tang.Antidiabetic Herbal Drugs Officially Approved in China. Phytother. Res.(2003), 17: pp1127–1134.
10. Kang, T.H., Kim, S.Y. Comparison of Nerve Growth Factor Induction by Butanol Fraction of Liriope platyphylla and Ophiopogon japonicus. Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy (Jun 2008), 39(2):pp75-79.
11. Hao WU, Hongwei GUO, Rui ZHAO. Effect of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide on the Improvement of Antioxidant Ability and DNA Damage in NIDDM Rats. Yakugaku Zasshi (2006), 126(5): pp365-371.
12. Longjun Jing, Libo Yin. Antihyperglycemic activity of polysaccharide from Lycium barbarum. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research (Jan 2010), 4(1): pp. 023-026.
13. Longjun Jing, Guowen Cui, Qiang Feng, Yuanshi Xiao. Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Activity of the Polysaccharides Extracted from Lycium Barbarum. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2009; 6(4): pp579–584.
14. Zhao R, Li QW, Li J, Zhang T. Protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide 4 on kidneys in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. (Sep 2009),87(9) pp:711-9.
15. Chao Ma, Wei Wang, Yun-Yun Chen, Rui-Ning Liu, Ru-Feng Wang, Li-Jun Du.Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Dioscorea opposite. J. Nat. Prod., 2005, 68(8): pp 1259–1261.
16. Liu, J., Ho, S., Lai, T., Liu, T., Chi, P., Wu, R. Protective effects of Chinese herbs on D-galactose-induced oxidative damage. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 2003, 25(6): pp447
17. Si-Yuan Pan, Hang Dong, Xing-Ye Zhao, Chun-Jing Xiang, Hai-Yan Fang, Wang-Fun Fong, Zhi-Ling Yu, Kam-Ming Ko. Schisandrin B from Schisandra chinensis reduces hepatic lipid contents in hypercholesterolaemic mice. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Mar 2008), 60(3): pp 399–403.
19. Choi YW, Takamatsu S, Khan SI, Srinivas PV, Ferreira D, Zhao J. Schisandrene, a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan from Schisandra chinensis: structure-antioxidant activity relationships of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. J Nat Prod. 2006; 69(3): pp356-9.