Diabetes is a disease that occurs when glucose in the blood is too high. It develops when the pancreas is not making any or not enough insulin or when the body is not responding to the insulin correctly. Diabetes is very common and can happen at any age. It often goes undiagnosed for quite some time. Most forms of diabetes are chronic but can all be manageable with lifestyle changes and medication when needed. 

What are the Types of Diabetes? 

There are several types of diabetes:

Prediabetes: This is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not quite high enough to be considered diabetes. This stage of diabetes is highly manageable and you can prevent the development of diabetes type 2 with lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and increasing exercise. 

Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Genes or a virus may cause this type of diabetes and it is usually diagnosed in children and teenagers. 

Type 2 Diabetes:  The most common type of diabetes is type 2. This is when your body does not produce enough insulin or is not able to use it well. It can be caused by lifestyle factors as well as genetics. 

Gestational Diabetes: This form of diabetes happens as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. Women who are overweight during pregnancy or gain too much weight are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. 

Does Diabetes Have any Symptoms?

Many people who suffer from diabetes do not notice early signs of it which can lead to a late diagnosis. Some of the general symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sexual problems
• Vaginal infections
• Extreme fatigue
• Vision problems
• Sores that won’t heal  

Complications of Diabetes

It is important to get high blood sugar levels under control as soon as one finds out they are high. High blood sugar damages organs and tissues throughout the body. Some complications associated with diabetes include:

• Heart disease, stroke, heart attack
• Neuropathy
• Nephropathy
• Vision problems
• Foot damage
• Depression
• Skin conditions
• Hearing loss

What can I do if I Have Diabetes?

For type 1 diabetes, insulin treatment is needed. It replaces the hormone the body is not able to produce on its own. For the other types of diabetes, diet & exercise play a critical role in managing them. If lifestyle changes are not enough then medication will be needed. 

Diet: Keeping track of how many carbohydrates are eaten in a day is important when dealing with diabetes. Carbs have the most effect on blood sugar and can cause it to spike to very high levels. Maintaining a low-carb diet can help avoid these spikes. It is also recommended to avoid foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar and food that is high in fat. Incorporate healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils, nuts, and lean proteins into your diet. 

Exercise: Exercise helps cells in the body react to insulin more effectively. This can help lower and maintain healthy levels of sugar in the blood. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise per day is recommended. Some great exercises to get you moving include walking, swimming, aerobic dancing, weightlifting, yoga, and pilates. Exercise also boosts mood, improves sleep, and can help you reach your ideal weight.

There are also a wide variety of natural ingredients in supplement form, such as wereke, that can help promote healthy levels of glucose in the blood. 

What is Wereke?

Wereke (Ibervillea sonorae) is widely used in Mexico to promote reduced levels of glucose in the blood.  It is typically drunk as a tea by boiling slices of dried wereke but is increasing in popularity in supplement form. There has been promising research done on animals which leads many to believe it may promote the same glucose-lowering effects in humans. Wereke is believed to:

• Support healthy blood sugar levels
• Promote pancreas health 

The pancreas is an organ that plays an essential role in converting food into energy and is also involved in regulating blood sugar. Wereke supports the function of the pancreas to help create insulin and support sugar levels. 

Where can I Buy Wereke in the US?

Natura-Genics® has formulated Wereke+™ and it is available here on Health Hispanica®! It is a combination of wereke, fenugreek seed, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium polynicotinate. These ingredients come together to promote pancreas health and support healthy glucose levels.

Your Hispanic American Health Store

Health Hispanica® is a Hispanic-American health store specializing in supplements from Hispanic-American-owned brands such as Natura-Genics® and Yerba Farma®. We strive to provide quality and innovative supplements at fair prices and educate our clients and community on healthy living.

The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.