Bøger af OLUWAFEM OGUNTIBEJU

The human system employs the use of endogenous enzymatic as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant defence systems against the onslaught of free radicals and oxidative stress. Enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants work synergistically with each other, using different mechanisms against different free radicals and stages of oxidative stress. Dietary and lifestyle modifications are seen as the mainstay of treatment and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The major aims of dietary and lifestyle changes are to reduce weight, improve glycaemic control and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, which accounts for 70- 80% of deaths among those with diabetes. It is also important to note that medicinal plants have been used as medicines since ancient time, and continue to play significant role even in modern medicine in management and treatment of chronic diseases. Impressive numbers of modern therapeutic agents have been developed from plants. Phytochemicals have been isolated and characterised from fruits such as grapes and apples, vegetables such as broccoli and onion, spices such as turmeric, beverages such as green tea and red wine, as well as many other sources. The WHO estimates that approximately 80% of the worlds inhabitants rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care and many medicinal plants have ethno-medical claims of usefulness in the treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases globally, and have been employed empirically in antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antinflammatory and antiparasitic remedies. This book examines the role of antioxidant-rich natural products in management and treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

The fundamental treatment and management goals in diabetes mellitus are to control and normalize blood glucose levels and to prevent diabetic complications. It also includes maintaining normal growth and development and normal body weight. Proper diet, regular exercise, weight control and different therapeutic agents are the mainstays of diabetic care and management. Weight reduction and exercise have been shown to improve tissue sensitivity to insulin and allow its proper use by target tissues. It is obvious that medical management and goals of therapy for diabetes mellitus have changed since the publication of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial in 1993. Recent studies have shown that the risk of developing retinopathy can decrease by 76% in properly managed diabetic patients when compared to control group and that clinical and laboratory signs and symptoms of nephropathy and neuropathy can also decrease by 54 to 60%. Modern approaches to the management of diabetes mellitus embrace holistic options and this book addressed various approaches in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex, progressive disease, which is accompanied by multiple complications. It is a metabolic disorder of the endocrine system and listed among the most common disorders in both developed and developing countries. It has a global metabolic epidemic and it is estimated that the number of people affected by the disease will rise from the current 150 to 230 million by 2025. Hyperglycaemia is a characteristic feature of diabetes mellitus and chronic hyperglycaemia could lead to long-term complications in the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Interestingly, this book examines the pathophysiology and selected complications in diabetes mellitus.