Hypoglycemia occurs with individuals on a lowered calorie intake, those who are generally weak and debilitated or have kidney impairment. Biguanides prevent synthesis of glucose by the liver and produce mild impairment of intestinal glucose absorption stimulating lactic acidosis and gastrointestinal disturbances. Biguanides are contraindicated in persons with hepatic and kidney dysfunction and cardiac failure. Finally, Troglitazone was developed to reduce insulin resistance. These modern strategies involving synthetic oral hypoglycemics may be effective in controlling blood glucose levels, but they are insufficient to prevent all the complications listed above.
Safer alternatives rooted in dietary and herbal remedies are very desirable and available.
Managing Diabetes with Hypoglycemic Botanicals Diabetes is a disease of antiquity. Ayurvedic medical texts such as the Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita recognized glycosuria as diagnostic of impaired sugar metabolism. The patient s symptoms are marked by thirst and hunger not satisfied by excessive drinking and eating and profuse production of urine with a sweet taste. This condition of Yin Deficiency, Heat and Dryness may attack the upper, middle or lower regions of the body. The TCM practitioner observes, like the allopathic physician, that failure to manage hyperglycemia successfully results in the progressive decline of immune competency and resistance, cardiovascular and renal function, general vitality and vision.