Diabetes type 2 is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be severe and debilitating, affecting every aspect of a person's life. Increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision are some of the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can also cause more severe symptoms such as nerve damage, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and blindness in some cases.
As high blood glucose levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar, increased thirst is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. This can cause an increase in urine output, making a person feel dehydrated and thirsty.
As the kidneys work harder to filter and absorb excess sugar from the blood, frequent urination is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes. This can result in an increase in urine output, which is inconvenient and disruptive to a person's daily life.
Fatigue is another common symptom of type 2 diabetes, as high blood glucose levels can make the body's conversion of glucose into energy difficult. This can cause tiredness and fatigue, impairing an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and activities.
Because high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, blurred vision is a more severe symptom of type 2 diabetes. This can result in blurred vision, vision loss, and other vision issues.
Type 2 diabetes, in addition to these symptoms, can lead to more serious complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and blindness. Neuropathy, or nerve damage, can result in tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Nephropathy, or kidney damage, can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is a common complication of type 2 diabetes because high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Finally, blindness is a serious complication of type 2 diabetes because high blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in vision loss and blindness.
Overall, type 2 diabetes symptoms can be severe and debilitating, affecting an individual's quality of life and leading to more serious complications if left untreated. If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it is critical to take steps to reduce your risk and manage your symptoms. Tongkat Ali is one natural supplement that has shown promise in lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity, which can aid in symptom management and lowering the risk of complications.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia, is a tree native to Southeast Asia's rainforests. Tongkat Ali has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including fevers, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Tongkat Ali is now used as a supplement for its potential health benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity and lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.
How it works
Tongkat Ali, or Eurycoma longifolia, contains a number of bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Tongkat Ali works primarily by increasing glucose uptake by cells, which helps to reduce the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
Cells in people with type 2 diabetes become less sensitive to insulin, the pancreatic hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This results in higher blood glucose levels, which can cause a variety of symptoms and complications.
Tongkat Ali bioactive compounds, 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 more effectively from the bloodstream. This can help to lower the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, resulting in fewer symptoms and a lower risk of complications.
Tongkat Ali has anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its effects on insulin sensitivity. Chronic inflammation, which can impair insulin signaling and lead to insulin resistance, is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Tongkat Ali's anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve other aspects of metabolic health. It has been shown to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat, which can aid in glucose metabolism and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
While the exact mechanisms by which Tongkat Ali improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes are unknown, evidence suggests that its bioactive compounds have a variety of beneficial effects on metabolic health. Tongkat Ali has the potential to help manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of complications by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy body composition. More research is needed, however, to fully understand its effects and determine the best dosage and duration of treatment.
Studies and result
Tongkat Ali has been studied for its effects on insulin sensitivity and type 2 diabetes. These studies used varying doses of Tongkat Ali and included varying numbers of participants. Overall, the results have been promising, but more research is needed to confirm Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes.
In one study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011, 109 men with type 2 diabetes participated. The participants were split into two groups: one received 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 12 weeks, while the other received a placebo. 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, according to the study. Furthermore, the Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol levels (the "bad" cholesterol).
Another 2019 study, published in the Journal of Diabetes, 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 split into two groups: one received 400mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 16 weeks, while the other received a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the Tongkat Ali group showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and fasting blood glucose.
In 2013, 63 women with type 2 diabetes participated in a study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine. The participants were split into two groups: one received 100mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 30 days, while the other received a placebo. The Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose and HbA1c than the placebo group, according to the study.
In another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2015, 30 men with type 2 diabetes participated. The participants were split into two groups: one received 200mg of Tongkat Ali extract every day for 30 days, while the other received a placebo. When compared to the placebo group, the Tongkat Ali group had significantly lower levels of fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and total cholesterol.
According to these studies, Tongkat Ali has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the optimal Tongkat Ali dose and duration of treatment are unknown, and more research is needed to confirm Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in managing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, these studies involved a small number of participants and were conducted over relatively short periods of time. More research with a larger sample size and longer treatment durations are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of Tongkat Ali for type 2 diabetes management.
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 lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Modern research has validated its traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine for a variety of ailments such as fevers, headaches, and sexual dysfunction. Tongkat Ali's bioactive compounds have been shown to increase glucose uptake by cells and decrease inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More research, however, is required to confirm these effects and determine the optimal dosage for different individuals.
If you want to try Tongkat Ali to improve insulin sensitivity and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, make sure you get a high-quality supplement from a reputable source. Look for a supplement that has been third-party tested for purity and potency and contains standardized Tongkat Ali extract.
In addition to taking Tongkat Ali, you should make lifestyle changes to lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking are examples of lifestyle changes.
To summarize, Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that may improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. While additional research is required to confirm these effects, Tongkat Ali has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has been extensively studied in recent years. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition or are currently taking medication.
Reference
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