BCT # 7 (HIGH BLOOD SUGAR)

Diabetes mellitus is defined as a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors and is usually characterized by inadequate secretion or utilization of insulin, excessive urine output, increased sugar levels in blood and urine and by thirst, hunger and loss of weight.

DM is classified on the basis of underlying pathology into various types, commonest being- Type 1 (Insulin dependent DM) and Type 2 (Non-insulin dependent DM)

Type 1 DM is due to insulin deficiency whereas Type 2 DM has insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, or excessive hepatic glucose production.

The diagnostic criteria for DM includes one of the following:

• Fasting plasma glucose >=126mg/dL
• Symptoms of diabetes plus a random blood glucose concentration >= 200 mg/dL
• 2-h plasma glucose >= 200 mg/dL during a 75g oral glucose tolerance test
• HbA1C > 6.5%

These criteria should be confirmed by repeat testing on a different day.

There are 2 intermediate categories identified:

• Impaired fasting glucose for a fasting plasma glucose level of 100-125 mg/dL
• Impaired glucose tolerance for plasma glucose levels of 140-199 mg/dL 2h after a 75g oral glucose load.

People with IFG or IGT don't have DM but are at an increased risk to develop it in future.

Clinical features include polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, frequent superficial infections and poor wound healing. DM may develop chronic complications which can be ophthalmologic, renal, neurologic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular, dermatological or dental, among others. Hence, it is essential to maintain a normal blood glucose level with proper nutrition, exercise and care.

Action of Ingredients:

Calcarea phosphorica: Increased urine, with a sensation of weakness. Numbness and crawling are characteristic sensations. Great hunger with thirst.

Ferrum phosphoricum: Polyuria. Diurnal enuresis. Urine spurts with every cough. Urinates after every drink. Prostration is marked.

Kali phosphoricum: Prostration, weak and tired. The kali-p patient is nervous, sensitive, weak and easily fagged, by slight causes like pain, worry, mental fatigue. It corressponds to states of weakness and decay, gangrenous conditions. Craves ice-cold water, sweets. bedwetting, incontinence of urine, very yellow urine.

Natrum phosphoricum: Remedy for conditions arising from excess of lactic acid, often resulting from too much sugar. Frequent urination. Urine pale, scanty, dark. Diabetes, hepatic form.

Natrum sulphuricum: Frequent urination. Polyuria. Diabetes. Urine scanty, dark and passed more frequently, had to get up several times in night.