Nutraceuticals as a Natural Strategy for Diabetes Management
Sharma Swati *
Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India.
Kaur Tarvinder Jeet
Department of Home Science, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Diabetes affects around 589 million adults worldwide between the ages of 20 and 79. In this particular age group, this amounts to 11.1% of the global population. With 83.8 million people having diabetes. India is the world's diabetic capital. Moreover, it is estimated that India will have 156.7 million people with diabetes in 2050. According to projections, 853 million adults (13%) will have diabetes worldwide by 2050. In 2024, diabetes claimed the lives of more than 3.4 million people. This is equivalent to 9.3% of all deaths around the world, million diabetic patients, and 136 million pre-diabetic patients, or 17% of all diabetic patients worldwide. India is quickly becoming the world's diabetic capital. The present study aimed to promote preventive measures for optimising type 2 diabetes mellitus through evidence-based information. Diabetes raises the possibility of further comorbidities such as damage to the kidneys, nerves, heart, and eyes. Incorrect lifestyle choices, such as unhealthy eating patterns and insufficient exercise, are the primary factors contributing to the rising incidence of diabetes. Therefore, an exhaustive lifestyle adjustment is necessary to manage diabetes and requires changes to basic or core behaviours. Throughout the years, nutraceuticals have been studied to combat the severe consequences of diabetes. Foods, food ingredients, or dietary supplements with health or medicinal claims are referred to as nutraceuticals. The commercial term "nutraceutical" is derived from the terms "pharmaceutical" and "nutrient". Herbal nutraceuticals are plant-based foods or portions of foods, such as oils, berries, roots, seeds, and flowers, that are meant to support health and heal illnesses. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Dried ginger (Zingiber officinale), Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii), Jamun seeds (Syzygium cumini), Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae) and Vijaysar (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb) are some of the herbal nutraceuticals reported by researchers to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, and they are anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory. With this knowledge, it will be possible to treat and manage type-2 diabetes more effectively, increasing its benefits to health and enhancing well-being.
Keywords: Nutraceuticals, type-2 diabetes mellitus, fenugreek seeds, dried ginger, jamun seeds, chirayta, vijyasar