Diabetes mellitus is a silent chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality! Proper prevention and treatment are essential to control it. Astaxanthin is a perfect ally!
The Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common chronic metabolic disease, with a high and growing prevalence worldwide. Currently, it is estimated that approximately 500 million people live with this disease worldwide. In Portugal, its prevalence is equally high, affecting more than 1 million Portuguese. It is a public health problem that entails significant costs.
Diabetes Mellitus and its complications
DM is characterized by our body's inability to produce sufficient insulin and/or its inability to respond normally to it. This triggers an increase in blood glucose levels – hyperglycemia.
The development of DM and its complications are known to be associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Hyperglycemia increases markers of inflammation and contributes to increased reactive oxygen species, which reduce insulin secretion and impair insulin sensitivity/signaling.
Hyperglycemia, if left uncontrolled, leads to very serious health complications!
DM damages blood vessels, causing them to narrow and thus limiting blood flow. Because they are distributed throughout the body, all organs are affected, hence the disease's multiple complications. DM is the leading cause of blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy), chronic kidney disease (Diabetic Nephropathy), prolonged/incomplete wound healing, and non-traumatic amputations (Diabetic Neuropathy). It is also responsible for cardiovascular disease, increased bone fragility, and weakened immune systems. It is a silent disease that significantly reduces quality of life and causes premature mortality.
Proper treatment of hyperglycemia is crucial to slowing the onset and progression of DM, as well as preventing its complications. The good news is that with a series of dietary changes, healthy lifestyle habits, and appropriate pharmacological treatment, DM can be controlled. One of the greatest allies in this entire process is astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin and the Diabetes Mellitus
Thanks to your unique molecular structure, astaxanthin crosses the lipid bilayer of cell membranes without damaging it, which means it acts on any cell in our body, therefore having greater bioactivity compared to other carotenoids. Because it is a natural compound with powerful antioxidant action, this substance is considered one of the most beneficial for the human body if consumed regularly.
The benefits of astaxanthin are countless! Here, we'll highlight its health benefits for diabetic patients. Studies show the promising use of astaxanthin in these patients' health due to its preventive role in the onset and progression of the disease, as well as its protective role in the development of diabetic complications.
A 2020 study demonstrated that astaxanthin reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis by reducing free radicals. It also improves insulin resistance and secretion, reduces hyperglycemia, and exerts protective effects against retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. These effects depend on the advanced stage of the disease and the type of complications observed. Astaxanthin also improves glucose metabolism and reduces blood pressure.
Azora, a perfect ally
Its daily intake leads not only to a decrease in a biomarker of DNA damage, a decrease in the inflammatory response, stimulation of the immune system, as well as helping the DM control.
Don't forget! A healthy, balanced diet, exercise, and the use of dietary supplements with astaxanthin are essential for reducing blood glucose levels, significantly reducing the risk of serious complications in DM.
Bibliography:
- https://www.dgs.pt/portal-da-estatistica-da-saude/diretorio-de-informacao/diretorio-de-informacao/ por-serie-1184293-pdf.aspx?v=%3d%3dDwAAAB%2bLCAAAAAAABAAry SzItzVUy81MsTU1MDAFAHzFE fkPAAAA
- https://www.msdmanuals.com/pt-pt/casa/dist%C3%BArbios-hormonais-e-metab%C3%B3licos/ diabetes-mellitus-dm-e-dist%C3%BArbios-do-metabolismo-da-glicose-no-sangue/diabetes-mellitus-dm#
- Landon, R., Gueguen, V., Petite, H., Letourneur, D., Pavon-Djavid, G., & Anagnostou, F. (2020). Impact of astaxanthin on diabetes pathogenesis and chronic complications. Marine drugs, 18(7), 357.
Joana Paquete
Pharmaceutical – CP23124