Abstract

A Clinical Study on the Anti-Diabetic Effect of an Indian Fruit D. Indica

Author(s): Bishnu Prasad Sarma

Non-communicable diseases have been rising steadily in India and are second only to communicable disease in terms of their contribution to the disease burden. Amongst the NCDs, the prevalence of Diabetes mellitus has been risinsg at an alarming rate. Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing many serious health problems. Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. In addition, people with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing infections. Despite tremendous progress made into the understanding of the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus an efficient, cost effective drug for long term management of diabetes remains elusive. Because of the limitations in the presently available oral hypoglycemic agents the use of alternative therapies that can manage diabetes efficiently and safely is now encouraged amongst the scientific community.