MEDICINAL HERBS USED BY DIABETIC PEOPLE IN COLORADO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by high glucose levels in the blood (hyperglycemia). It is a metabolic disorder due to the lack of insulin produced by the pancreas or by decrease of its activities which impair its efficiency. Risk factors are extant in the environment and may be hereditary. Man-made changes in the environment, habits and life style determine the type of diabetes. Research on diabetes have progressed during the last decades and new forms of treatment have been discovered, even though several people suffering from the disease still ingest plants as an alternative therapy together with conventional treatments. Current paper is a survey of patients suffering from diabetes and attended to by the Health Office of the municipality of Colorado PR Brazil. It also evaluates their knowledge on medicinal plants. One hundred patients suffering from diabetes were interviewed at their own homes and a bibliographical survey was undertaken to see whether the plants have any scientific basis against diabetes. Most of the interviewed people did not use medicinal plants; they were females, with primary schooling; diagnosed between one and five years and between four and seven for treatment; with no cases of diabetes in the family; and use drugs for treatment. Patients who used medicinal plants against diabetes mentioned 22 different types of plants which they used in infusions, twice a day, and believe that they decrease blood glucose. Despite the few people using the plants, current study is valid since it adds information on their use in the control of diabetes. It is important that health professionals are aware of these plants to inform people on their preparation and the risks they may have so that their use provides the desired benefits.