Diabetes type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high glucose levels in the blood. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be severe and debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person's life. Some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, type 2 diabetes can cause more severe symptoms such as nerve damage, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and blindness.
Increased thirst is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes because high blood glucose levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar. This can increase urine output, leaving a person feeling dehydrated and thirsty.
Frequent urination is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes because the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar from the blood. This can cause an increase in urine output, which is inconvenient and disruptive to a person's day-to-day life.
Fatigue is another common symptom of type 2 diabetes, as high blood glucose levels make it difficult for the body to convert glucose into energy. This can result in tiredness and fatigue, impairing a person's ability to perform daily tasks and activities.
Blurred vision is a more severe symptom of type 2 diabetes because high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. This can cause blurry vision, vision loss, and other vision problems.
In addition to these symptoms, type 2 diabetes can cause more serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and blindness. Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet are symptoms of neuropathy, or nerve damage. Nephropathy, also known as kidney damage, can cause kidney failure and necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant. Because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is a common complication of type 2 diabetes. Finally, because high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision loss and blindness, blindness is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes.
Overall, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be severe and debilitating, affecting a person's quality of life and leading to more serious complications if left untreated. If you have type 2 diabetes, it is critical that you take steps to reduce your risk and manage your symptoms. Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that has shown promise in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity, both of which can help with symptom management and lowering the risk of complications.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a rainforest tree native to Southeast Asia. For centuries, Tongkat Ali has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Tongkat Ali is now used as a supplement due to its potential health benefits, which include improved insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
How it works
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, contains several bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Tongkat Ali works primarily by increasing glucose uptake by cells, which aids in lowering blood glucose levels.
Insulin, the pancreatic hormone that regulates blood glucose levels, causes cells in people with type 2 diabetes to become less sensitive. Higher blood glucose levels result, which can cause a variety of symptoms and complications.
Bioactive compounds found in Tongkat Ali, such as eurycomanone and quassinoids, have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and increase glucose uptake by cells. These compounds help to make cells more responsive to insulin, allowing them to absorb glucose from the bloodstream more effectively. This can help to reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, which can result in fewer symptoms and a lower risk of complications.
Tongkat Ali has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its insulin-sensitivity effects. Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes because it can impair insulin signaling and lead to insulin resistance. The anti-inflammatory properties of Tongkat Ali can help to reduce inflammation in the body, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Tongkat Ali has also been shown to improve other aspects of metabolic health. It has been shown to increase muscle mass while decreasing body fat, which can help with glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
While the precise mechanisms by which Tongkat Ali improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes are unknown, evidence suggests that its bioactive compounds have a number of beneficial effects on metabolic health. By improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy body composition, Tongkat Ali has the potential to help manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of complications. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine the best dosage and duration of treatment.
Studies and results
The effects of Tongkat Ali on insulin sensitivity and type 2 diabetes have been studied. These studies used different doses of Tongkat Ali and had different numbers of participants. Overall, the findings are encouraging, but more research is needed to confirm Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011 included 109 men with type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into two groups: one that received 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 12 weeks and the other that received a placebo. According to the study, the Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood glucose control) than the placebo group. Furthermore, the Tongkat Ali group's total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower (the "bad" cholesterol).
Another study from 2019 was published in the Journal of Diabetes and included 32 men with prediabetes (a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes). The participants were divided into two groups: one that received 400mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 16 weeks and the other that received a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the Tongkat Ali group improved insulin sensitivity and fasting blood glucose significantly.
A study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2013 included 63 women with type 2 diabetes. The participants were divided into two groups: one that received 100mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 30 days and the other that received a placebo. According to the study, the Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels than the placebo group.
30 men with type 2 diabetes took part in another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2015. The participants were divided into two groups: one that received 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 30 days and the other that received a placebo. The Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and total cholesterol when compared to the placebo group.
Tongkat Ali has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to these studies. However, the optimal Tongkat Ali dose and duration of treatment are unknown, and more research is needed to confirm Tongkat Ali's efficacy in type 2 diabetes management. Furthermore, these studies had a small number of participants and were completed in a short period of time. To fully understand the potential benefits of Tongkat Ali for type 2 diabetes management, more research with a larger sample size and longer treatment durations are required.
Recommended Dosage
Based on the studies mentioned above, a daily dosage of 200mg-400mg of Tongkat Ali extract may be effective for improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, before beginning any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you are currently taking medication or have a medical condition.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Modern research has validated its traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine for a wide range of ailments including fevers, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. The bioactive compounds found in Tongkat Ali have been shown to increase glucose uptake by cells and reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More research is needed, however, to confirm these effects and determine the best dosage for different people.
If you want to try Tongkat Ali to improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, make sure you get it from a reputable source. Look for a supplement with standardized Tongkat Ali extract that has been third-party tested for purity and potency.
You should make lifestyle changes in addition to taking Tongkat Ali to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
To summarize, Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. While more research is needed to confirm these effects, Tongkat Ali has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has recently been extensively studied. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, always consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition or are currently taking medication.
Reference
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