Abstract

*Obimba Kelechukwu Clarence, Belonwu Chuka Donatus and Eziuzor, Chukwunyelum Samuel

The aim of this study is to review literature on diabetes mellitus disease in the light of recent advances in research made on the prevention and treatment of types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Drinking a barley extract–enriched beverage, physical exercise, and dietary intake of rich sources of calcium, increased insulin secretion and reduced insulin resistance. Insulin analogs e.g insulin lispro, insulin glargine and insulin aspart, improved the therapeutic properties of insulin, without an increase in hypoglycemic events. Self activation of the islets of Langerhan stem cell and stem cell transplantation was effective in curing diabetes. A compound labeled, CP-316819, binds at a regulatory inhibitor site pocket, of the less-active b form of glycogen phosphorylase, so preventing its transformation to the more active a form of the enzyme, and thus serving as a chemotherapy of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic patients. Cinnamon has blood sugar-lowering properties, Grape seed extracts have a therapeutic role in decreasing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic human subjects. Metformin causes a reduction in cellular cAMP levels and decreased protein kinase A (PKA) activation and target phosphorylation, thus suppressing glucose production by the liver. The diet most often recommended for diabetic patients is high in soluble dietary fiber, low in saturated fat, moderate in some essential fatty acids (EFAs), low in sugar, with low glycemic Index. A vegan diet is effective in managing type 2 diabetes.