AMONG ADULTS WITH DIABETES TYPE 2, DOES HERBAL MEDICINE HELP TO STABILIZE BLOOD GLUCOSE COMPARED TO NO USAGE?

Global glycemic control has declined. The undiagnosed diabetic ratio is 1:3 (BMI>23) in Southeast Asians versus 1:5 (BMI>25) worldwide. Potential causes include reduced beta cell function, impaired insulin action related to lower muscle mass, and high ectopic fat deposits in the liver and muscle. Diabetes causes a moderately low quality of life in social and mental health. Herbal medicine is the study and practice of medicinal plants, which are still underutilized to achieve therapeutic management and healthy lifestyles in diabetic control. Herbal medicine has multiple benefits, such as low cost, minimal to no side effects, reduction of diabetic complications (cardiovascular, retinal neuropathy), effective control of carbohydrate metabolism (e.g., onion-quercetin, grapevine- resveratrol), and improvement of overall health, insulin sensitivity, secretion, and hypoglycemic effects (high content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides). Scientists are encouraged to incorporate herbs into comprehensive medication reviews and prescriptions from early diabetic stages. (Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Sandra Cesario)