Diabetes Mellitus and Antidiabetic Potential of Herbal Plants

Diabetes mellitus (DM) also known as simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 DM results from the body's failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. Gestational diabetes is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level. Prevention and treatment involve a healthy diet, physical exercise, not using tobacco, and being a normal body weight. Blood pressure control and proper foot care are also important for people with the disease. Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes may be treated with medications with or without insulin. Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar. In recent years, herbal medicines (HMs) have been gaining significant attention as alternative or complementary therapeutic options. This is because synthetic drugs are expensive and have side effects, but also because herbal medicines have a rich content of effective bioactive compounds. our study highlights the role of plants that are less explored, and integrates recent findings as well as future directions and biotechnological applications in plant-based management of diabetes.