Curcumin, a boon for Diabetics

Every Indian Kitchen has the golden spice, Turmeric. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an age-old herb widely used in Asian countries as an additive in food, beverages, medicines, dyes, and cosmetics as well. The medicinal properties in turmeric have made it a key ingredient in many Ayurvedic formulations. The tradition of using Turmeric in food and medicines dates back to the time of ancient Vedas. The vibrant bright yellow color of turmeric is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound known as “Curcumin”. It is known to have many therapeutic benefits. Modern research studies suggest that curcumin is a potent anti-oxidant anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, a potent immune booster agent. Not only modern science but our traditional medicine also has many instances of turmeric being used in the treatment of various diseases like Diabetes, Anaemia, Skin diseases, Allergies, Injuries, Jaundice, Cough and cold.

Knowing Diabetes

Diabetes is a common metabolic disorder affecting a lot many people worldwide. It has evolved as a serious global health concern. Nowadays it is found irrespective of age, but forty-five plus age is an alarm bell. It is the condition developed due to the inability of the body to process the sugars in an appropriate way. It is characterized by higher blood sugar levels(hyperglycemia) due to the inadequate secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

Diabetes is observed in different forms,
Pre Diabetes is a condition when your blood sugar levels are above normal but not that high to be classified as Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes or Insulin-dependent Diabetes), observed in children and young adults.
Type 2 Diabetes ( Diabetes Mellitus)
Gestational Diabetes, the one which occurs during pregnancy.
But what we generally see is, Diabetes Mellitus ( Type 2 diabetes). Sedentary lifestyle, obesity and hereditary predisposition, are the major factors leading to the development of Diabetes Mellitus, or simply Diabetes by a common man.
Nowadays when the world is equipped with such high-speed web, indeed a small child can tell how the malady presents itself. Increased blood sugar levels, increase in thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, extreme hunger, irritability, weight loss is most commonly seen in a Diabetic person.

Once a person falls to this web of Diabetes, he is unable to get out of that, hence being cautious can help you avoid the associated complications like Diabetic neuropathy, Nephropathy, Retinopathy, Stroke, Heart Diseases…

How Curcumin is a better choice for Diabetics

When the market is overwhelmed with different medications for Diabetes, each one is having its own pros and cons. Hence the treatment based on herbal medicines is gaining popularity owing to its inexpensiveness and safety. Turmeric is very easily available in the market. Curcumin is the key ingredient in turmeric. According to the research studies raw turmeric contains 3-5% of curcumin. Hence supplements containing 95% curcumin is more effective and potent. Curcumin is a miracle drug that is very effective in reducing glucose and lipid levels in the body. Modern science has references to many studies on curcumin showing its effect on Diabetes. It helps in maintaining glucose levels and correcting insulin resistance. Curcumin helps in metabolic correction.

Curcumin also plays a major role in treating Diabetes-related complications. There are many shreds of evidence of curcumin being effectively used in treating Diabetic neuropathy, Diabetic cataracts, also it is effective in managing diabetic wound owing to its wound healing properties and prevents the damage to blood vessels.

When modern science has extensive data on Curcumin, our traditional medicine is a step ahead in exhibiting the miracles of the wonder drug. In Charaka Samhita, which is the base of Ayurveda, compiled almost 2700 years back also has references of Turmeric, Curcuma in treating Prameha (Diabetes).

We all know that Prevention is better than cure, Curcumin is not only beneficial in diseased but it enhances the immunity of healthy person, preventing the occurrences of illnesses and its complications.In the next blog we will discuss the benefits of curcumin on Heart and Heart diseases.