Pancreas and Diabetes Overview

Pancreas Overview

• The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions
• The exocrine gland supplies digestive enzymes to the duodenum crucial for breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids.
• The endocrine gland, the islets of Langerhans (3% of the gland), secretes hormones, including insulin and glucagon for blood sugar control.

Diabetes Mellitus

• Diabetes Mellitus is a collection of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia.
• Normal fasting blood glucose levels are 70-110 mg/ml.
• Normal postprandial blood glucose levels are 120-170 mg/ml.
• Chronic hyperglycemia can damage various organs including eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart which could lead to cardiovascular complications.
• Diabetes develops from inadequate hormone secretion (insulin), inadequate response of target cells to insulin, or both.

Symptoms of Diabetes

• The symptoms of diabetes include: always thirsty, always hungry, wounds that won't heal, always tired, blurry vision, sudden weight loss, frequent urination,sexual problems, vaginal infections, numb or tingling hands or feet.

Complications of Diabetes

• Possible complications include damage to cardiovascular system, peripheral artery disease, stroke, heart attack, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic foot, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy.

Testing for Diabetes

• Common tests for diabetes include fasting plasma glucose test (FPG) which is quick and inexpensive, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) which is done after consuming a glucose-rich drink, and glycated hemoglobin test (A1C) which measures average blood sugar levels over time.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
• Type 1 diabetes can affect people of any age, but most commonly occurs under 40. It is influenced by environmental factors, such as viral infections, diet, and chemicals, in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Type 2 diabetes (previously known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes) is characterized by insulin resistance and/or relative insulin deficiency. It is more common and affects 85-90% of those diagnosed with diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes is strongly influenced by genetics but lifestyle factors including excess weight, inactivity, high blood pressure, and poor diet can contribute to its development.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is carbohydrate intolerance that is typically diagnosed during pregnancy. About 5.5-8.8% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes.

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

• Insulin injections several times a day
• Careful diet control
• Regular exercise

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

• Dietary changes
• Exercise routine
• Tablets (oral medication)
• Insulin injections (in some circumstances)

Other Herbal Options for Diabetes

• Various plants have been studied for their possible anti-diabetic properties.
• Examples include: bitter melon, onion and garlic, fenugreek, cinnamon, white mulberry, olive leaf, black seed etc.

Conclusion

• In addition to medications and lifestyle changes, many herbal remedies may provide complementary and supportive treatment for diabetes management.