Diabetes: A Disease with Many Complications
In the last three decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased drastically in countries at all income levels. In the USA, 13% of the population over 18 years of age have type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormally high concentration of glucose in the blood. The causes of these high levels, known as hyperglycemia, are due to a deficiency in insulin secretion (the hormone secreted by the pancreas that is the "key" that allows glucose to enter all the cells of the body) or because the cells are resistant to its action. Diabetes that corresponds to the first type, that is, where there is no insulin secretion, is known as Type I Diabetes, while the second, in which there is insulin in our body but it does not function correctly, is known as Type II Diabetes. Due to its consequences, Diabetes is positioned as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developed or developing societies. It affects a large number of people, with an accelerated increase in the prevalence of Type I Diabetes and a truly "explosive" increase of Type II; The World Health Organization (WHO) relates this latter increase to the growth and aging of the population, the increase in obesity, poor eating habits, and sedentary lifestyles. All this implies a personal and public health problem of enormous proportions. Some studies conducted by epidemiologists have described that both Type I and Type II Diabetes are complicated and disadvantageous with respect to their late complications, since diabetic patients compared to others have 25 times more chances of becoming blind, 20 times more of having kidney problems, as well as the risk of suffering amputations due to gangrene and 2 to 6 times more of developing coronary diseases and ischemic damage in the brain.
Excess Oxidation and Diabetes
Oxidative stress (presence of unneutralized free radicals) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus. The increase in free radicals worsens the action of insulin at the peripheral level and contributes to the dysfunction of the beta cell of the pancreas (the cells that produce insulin).
Implications of Oxidative Stress in Diabetes
Moreover, oxidative stress is involved in the development of the chronic complications of Diabetes. In diabetic patients, there is an imbalance between antioxidant and oxidant mechanisms. A decrease in plasma levels of antioxidant enzymes has been demonstrated. On the other hand, there is evidence of an increase in free radical-mediated fat oxidation in these patients.
Importance of Dietary Antioxidants
Dietary antioxidants play an important role in defense against aging and chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and others like neurodegenerative diseases. These substances inactivate the free radicals involved in oxidative stress and prevent their propagation.
Benefits of Omega-3 and Omega-5
Omega-3 and Omega-5 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their health benefits. These essential fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Omega-3 and Omega-5 can improve insulin sensitivity and protect against complications associated with diabetes.
Supplementation with Natural Antioxidants
Supplementation with natural antioxidants could have a beneficial effect by improving the morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients, in such a way that they could prevent and delay the development of the chronic complications of diabetes.
GranaGard®: A Potent Natural Antioxidant Option
GranaGard® is a potent natural antioxidant extracted from pomegranate seed oil, which through nanotechnology has been formulated in a presentation that allows it to cross all barriers and membranes, so it can protect all the organs of our body. If you want to be well protected, GranaGard® should be your choice.
