Diabetes is a lifelong disease. It is a silent killer, which can take the lives of victims if undiagnosed at the earliest stage. Prediabetes is now considered an important health concern due to its huge potential for the development of diabetes and other complications.

The National Health and Morbidity Survey Malaysia reported that there is an alarming prevalence of diabetes in Malaysia. There were 3.9 million Malaysians living with diabetes. That is equivalent to 1 in 5 adults in the country, giving Malaysia the title of “Sweetest Nation in Asia”. The number is expected to rise to 10.2% (578 million) by 2030 and 10.9% (700 million) by 2045.

Despite all the awareness programs, 50% of adults are not aware that they are diabetic. The first-ever Malaysian Diabetes Index (MDI) Survey in 2021 reveals that more than 50% of the population does not know that diabetes cannot be cured. Over 1 in 3 (37%) people with diabetes think that cutting down on sugar is good enough, while 51% think that diabetes is not difficult to manage.

Managing patients with diabetes is important but it is more meaningful to mitigate this health crisis. Prediabetes known as intermediate hyperglycemia has a similar risk to diabetes and its complications.

Current evidence suggests that diabetes can be prevented at an early stage by resolving the progression of prediabetes to diabetes.

Optimal management of diabetes goes way beyond reduction in sugar consumption because sugar is not only the cause. When someone is diagnosed with diabetes, the body:

• does not produce enough insulin
• does produce insulin but does not use it effectively (insulin resistance)

Treatments include lifestyle strategies and sometimes medication, but some complementary therapies, such as herbs and supplements, may help.

Complications Of Diabetes

Not only is diabetes incurable, but it can also increase one’s risk of developing other health complications such as

• heart problems
• kidney disease
• vision blindness
• nerve damage

This is why managing diabetes is far more complicated than just controlling blood sugar. The patients need to take other pre-emptive measures to reduce the risk of such complications.​

According to the MDI survey, 95% of Malaysians with diabetes are aware that amputations can happen to someone with diabetes, but heart complications happen to be the least known (75%), while they are actually the deadliest of all. Other complications include eye damage (93%), kidney damage (90%), and nerve damage (84%).​

Diabetes patients are more susceptible to infections

Poor control of blood sugar can weaken a person’s immune system defences. The dysfunction of the immune response leads to the failure to control the spread of invading bacteria.

Those who have had diabetes for a long time may have peripheral nerve damage and reduced blood flow, especially to their extremities, which increases their chance of infections.

In Malaysia, 70% of people who succumbed to COVID-19 suffered from diabetes, according to the data released by the Institute for Clinical Research (ICR).

Natural Remedies vs Modern Medicines

Herbs and supplements cannot cure diabetes and or be a standalone treatment. However, some, in combination with conventional treatment, may provide relief from diabetes symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Among the popular herbs and supplements used are aloe vera, cinnamon, chromium, alpha lipoic acid, bitter melon extract, white mulberry, milk thistle, fenugreek, gymnema and ginger.

In terms of drugs, the first line of treatment usually prescribed in diabetes is metformin followed by other classes of antidiabetics or/and insulin. Whether herbal remedies or drugs, both have pros and cons. 

In conjunction with World Diabetes Day, we are sharing some facts about some herbs and supplements that may benefit people with diabetes and prediabetes:

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, also known as Momordica charantia, is a popular vegetable in many Asian cuisines and has a long history of traditional use for various health benefits, including its potential role in managing diabetes-related conditions.

Clinical studies have shown that bitter melon may help regulate blood sugar levels. While bitter melon is a promising natural remedy, it is important to note that not all bitter melon formulation products in the marketplace are created equal.

When searching for a bitter melon product, it is imperative to find one that has undergone clinical studies and has demonstrated positive results in humans. By doing so, you can ensure that the product you choose is effective and can provide you with the desired benefits like Kordel’s Bio-Charantia.

Chromium

Chromium is a trace element that plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism. Research suggests that chromium supplements, particularly in the form of chromium picolinate, may help lower glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

In fact, some studies have shown that taking chromium picolinate in combination with vitamin B5 can lower fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and blood fats in certain individuals. For optimal results, it is recommended to take chromium picolinate with vitamin Bs, especially vitamin B5.  

Try out Kordel’s Dichrotin which is scientifically formulated with two important nutrients, Chromium Picolinate 200mcg and Biotin 600mcg, in a vegetable capsule.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent damage to cells in our body. It is a naturally occurring substance that is produced in small amounts by our own body.

However, it can be taken as a supplement to boost its beneficial effects. ALA supplements have been found to be particularly helpful for people with type 2 diabetes. This is because they help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which means that the body can use insulin more effectively to regulate blood sugar.

In addition, studies have shown that ALA can also help with neuropathy which is nerve damage that can occur as a result of diabetes or cancer treatment. Neuropathy can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet. ALA supplements have been found to reduce symptoms of neuropathy and improve nerve function.

It's important to note that there are two forms of ALA: R-ALA and S-ALA. R-ALA is the active and natural form, while S-ALA is the synthetic form. The best ALA supplements contain only R-ALA, as it is the most effective form. However, most supplements on the market are a combination of S-ALA and R-ALA, which means they are less potent than a pure R-ALA supplement. Try Kordel’s R-Alpha Lipoic Acid which is clinically proven to be 4x more effective than common ALA!