Diabetes Mellitus is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder with various
aetiologies that are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. DM is a consequence of
defective metabolism in the body was either cells fail to secrete insulin or insulin per se
is inactive. Insulin is a pancreatic hormone responsible for glucose uptake and
utilization by cells for energy production. Thus, insulin deficiency renders the cells
unable to uptake and utilize glucose for metabolism. DM is majorly categorized into
two conditions: Type 1, In this case, there is no enough insulin production by the
pancreatic cells (Insulin-dependent). In type II, despite insulin production, the cells fail
to respond to the hormone (Insulin Independent), the reason behind the former is not
yet clear, but the latter is studied to be a result of obesity or inactivity. Thus, as a
consequence of an error in glucose metabolism, it leads to comorbidities, with high
glucose concentration in the blood causing damage to the circulatory and excretory
system. This condition becomes life-threatening without proper medical care. Type 1
can be treated with an external source of insulin provided to the body. Type II is treated
with hypoglycaemic drugs. Along with medicine, other options include an improved
lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise. The number of diabetes patients has been
increased today. In the present review article, we have discussed the research reported
to show medicinally important plants and plant-derived compounds which have been
shown to affect insulin production and glucose intake and utilization in type 2 diabetes
patients.
Keywords: Antidiabetic, Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, Medicinal Plants, Natural
Treatment.
