What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disorder in which the body cannot appropriately manage sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. Diabetes can be divided into two primary categories: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. People who have type 1 diabetes have an autoimmune illness that causes their immune system to attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Because of this, people with type 1 diabetes are unable to make insulin. As a result, they must either take insulin injections or use an insulin pump in order to control the levels of sugar in their blood.
The most prevalent form of diabetes, known as type 2 diabetes, is almost always brought on by a confluence of hereditary and environmental risk factors. Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs in people who have type 2 diabetes because their bodies are unable to make effective use of insulin. Because of this, one’s blood sugar levels may start to rise, which may eventually result in the development of diabetes.
If diabetes is not treated, it can lead to a number of major health concerns, including heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney illness. Diabetes can also cause blindness. Nevertheless, with the right treatment and control, people who have diabetes can have healthy, normal lives.
Can diabetes be cured through conventional treatments?
Diabetes currently has no known cure. However, with proper management, people with diabetes can live healthy, normal lives while avoiding or delaying the development of serious complications.
Type 1 diabetes
It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, cannot be cured. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump to control their blood sugar levels for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes
It is the most common type of diabetes caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, may be manageable or even reversed through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication. Significant weight loss and increased physical activity have been shown in studies to improve insulin sensitivity and reverse the progression of type 2 diabetes. But once a person has type 2 diabetes, it is usually a lifelong condition that needs to be managed on a regular basis to keep serious complications from happening or at least put them off.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes
Some common signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
5. Blurred vision
6. Slow-healing wounds or infections
7. Dry, itchy skin
8. Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
9. Unexpected weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They will be able to diagnose diabetes through a blood test and recommend a treatment plan to help manage the condition.
Major Complications of Diabetes
If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications, including:
Heart disease: Diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, and even pain in the hands and feet.
Eye problems: Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Kidney damage (nephropathy): High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure.
Foot problems: Diabetes can cause nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, leading to a higher risk of foot infections and amputations.
Skin problems: Diabetes can cause dry, itchy skin and increase the risk of skin infections.
It is possible to prevent or delay the development of these complications by properly managing diabetes through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise and, in some cases, medication. It is important to work closely with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that works for you.
An Ayurvedic Approach
Madhumeha (Prameha), diabetes
Treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda is the oldest of all available therapies and falls under the Prameha category. Pramehas are a group of urinary disorders characterized by excessive urination and several abnormal qualities caused by doshic imbalances.
The primary causes of prameha are a lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Excess food intake in the categories of ushna, snigdha, and guru are the primary causes of this disease; fish and curd are good examples.
The etiological factors for prameha are foods that increase Kapha (phlegm), Medhas (fats), and Mothra (urination). Prameha is derived from the words “pra” (excess) and “meha” (ksharane) (urine passing). As a result, Prameha is passing turbid urine (prabhootha Avila mootrata).
The primary causes of Prameha
Lack of exercise, laziness, sedentary habits, consumption of cold, unctuous, sweet, and fatty foods, and so on (a fat-rich diet)
Kapha rises because of the causes, and it goes to different dooshyas like rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), etc. As the body has shaithilyata (looseness), which is mostly fluid, it spreads all over the body and becomes vitiated. As it spreads, it mixes with medas (fat), mamsa (muscle), and kleda (body fluids). The vitiated body fluids pull them to the urinary bladder, which causes prameha. In the same way, Pitta affects them and Vata makes them vitiated, both of which cause Prameha.
Prominent Ayurvedic herbs to cure diabetes
Several plants have been used historically in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, to manage and treat diabetes. These herbs may assist in regulating glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity.
Included among the most often used herbs for diabetes are:
Gurmar, also known as Gymnema sylvestre, is an herb that has traditionally been used in Ayurveda to manage diabetes. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some research has suggested that gurmar may help to lower blood sugar levels and improve symptoms of diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Kutaki, also known as Picrorhiza kurroa, is another herb that has traditionally been used in Ayurveda to treat diabetes. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some research has suggested that kutaki may be effective in managing diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Guggulu, also known as Commiphora Mukul, is a hypo-cholesteric herb that has traditionally been used in Ayurveda to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Some research has suggested that Guggulu may be effective in managing diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a herb that has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Bitter gourd: bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is a herb that has been traditionally used to manage diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Neem: Neem is an herb that has been used in Ayurveda for a long time to treat a number of health problems, including diabetes. Neem helps lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
It is important to note that while these herbs may be helpful in managing diabetes, they should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. It is always best to work with a healthcare provider and follow their recommendations for the management of diabetes.
Treatment of Diabetes in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic treatment of prameha (diabetes) is based solely on the individual’s constitution. It is based on a complete change in the person’s lifestyle; in addition to medication and diet, the patient is also advised to live a healthy and active lifestyle. The mental aspects of the disease are also emphasized. The principles of treatment in a diabetic patient may be classified as under
There are two types of diabetics:
1. Sthulya (Obese) 2. Krusha (Asthenic)
In Sthulya – Observed in obese patients
The treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda must be mainly based on proper utilization of excess fat i.e. patient should be given: a). Shodhana (purification process), b) Apatarpana – reduction in body weight by way of diet control or drugs, Vyayama (exercise) etc.
Cleansing therapies – Vamana – (induction of emesis) virecana (induction of purgation) basti (application of medicine through the anal route – in specific conditions)
Physical exercise like long walks and yoga must be included in the daily physical workout program.
2. In krusha – Observed in lean patients
Asthenic treatment should focus on giving the patient more energy and stamina through tonics (brumhana), diet, drugs, etc. The patient should never be given too much Langhana or Apatarpana, which means he shouldn’t be starved.
Diabetes diet that should be followed
The following are the articles of food that can be given to those with diabetes:
Diet and lifestyle restrictions are just as important, if not more important, for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing complications in people with diabetes. The ahara dravyas are described in detail in all of the Ayurveda classics and cover all food groups, including:
Cereals: Yava (Hordeum vulgare, barley) are the best, different preparations of food, prepared from barley, can be given, e.g., Mantha, Odana, Appopa, bread, Roti etc. This is the topic of pharmaceutics and food. So the method of preparing barley is not dealt with here. Wheat (godooma) can also be given.
Rice: Ayurveda prescribed old rice (purana shali), as one of the cereals, which can be prescribed to diabetic patients.
Pulses: Mudga (Vignaradiata Greengram), Chanaka (Cicer arietinum Linn. – Bengal gram), Kulattha (Dolichos biflorus) , Adhaki (Cajanus cajan – Pigeon pea) etc, can be taken.
Vegetables: All types of bitter vegetables (Tikta shaka) e.g. Karela ( Bitter gourd), Methi( Fenugreek), Patola (Vietnamese luffa, Vietnamese gourd, or Chinese okra), Rasona (Garlic), Udumbara (Ficus racemosa – Cluster Fig Tree, Indian Fig Treeor Goolar (Gular) Fig), etc. should be given
Fruits: Jambu (Blackberry), Amalaki (Indian gooseberry or amla), Kapitta (Wood Apple), Tala phala (Sugar palm), Kharjura (Date Sugar Palm), Indian lotus, etc., can be allowed to take
Seeds: Kamala, Utpala seeds can be allowed to take
Liquor: Old sura (old wine) may be given.
Oils: Mustard oil is best. Ingudi (Balanitis aegypotiaca) Ghritha may be used in pitthaja prameha
What foods to avoid with diabetes?
If you have diabetes, you need to watch what you eat and stay away from foods that can raise your blood sugar or cause other health problems. Some foods you should avoid or eat less of are:
Refined grains: White bread, pasta, and rice are made from refined grains, which are high in simple carbohydrates and can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Instead, choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread.
Soft drinks, fruit juices, sweetened teas, and coffees all have a lot of added sugars that can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly. Instead, choose water, tea without sugar, or coffee. Avoid snacks like cookies, cakes, and candy that are high in sugar.
Fried heavy foods: French fries, fried chicken, and donuts are all fried foods that are high in unhealthy fats and can make you gain weight and cause other health problems. Instead, choose foods that are grilled, baked, or steamed.
Processed meats: Bacon, sausage, and deli meats are all examples of processed meats. These meats are high in sodium and bad fats, which may make you more likely to get heart disease. Instead, choose lean sources of protein like chicken, fish, and tofu.
By staying away from these foods and focusing on a diet full of whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein, you can help control your blood sugar and improve your health as a whole. If you want to make a meal plan that works for you, it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or a registered Ayurveda holistic health consultant or dietitian.
In Ayurveda, diabetes mellitus is not seen as a disease that can be treated with medicine or a special diet. It is a yapya (not totally curable or difficult to cure) disease. The prolonged use of the above treatment procedure will not only free the person free from diabetes mellitus but also protect them from aging (deergha jeevanam).
In conclusion, diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. While there is currently no proven cure for diabetes, it is a highly manageable condition with proper treatment and management. This may include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, as well as medication in some cases.
By following a healthy lifestyle and working closely with their healthcare provider, people with diabetes can live healthy, normal lives and prevent or delay the development of serious complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease.
In addition to conventional medical treatment, some people with diabetes may choose to incorporate complementary and alternative therapies such as Ayurveda, which offers a holistic approach to the treatment and management of the condition. Prolonged use of the above treatment procedure will not only cure diabetes mellitus but also enable the person to live a long, healthy life and be useful to society.
Diabetes can be effectively treated and even cured if the underlying imbalances and factors that cause it are fixed and a holistic treatment plan is followed.