Can Diabetes be Treated by Ayurveda?

Diabetes in Ayurveda

Diabetes refers to a medical condition in which the body cannot generate enough insulin to process the glucose that we receive from food intake. Diabetes was known to various ancient medical systems, including the Greek and Ayurvedic systems. The Ayurveda mentions a disease known as madhumeha, in which the body produces honey-like urine. It is one of the 20 categories of urological disorders mentioned in various texts, such as Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita, and suchlike.

Ancient sages mention that excess consumption of guru (heavy to digest), singdha (unctuous), amla (sour), and lavana (salty) along with sukha (sedentary lifestyle), atinidra (excess sleep), and avyama (lack of exercise) are the major contributing factors of diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

Some of the major contributing factors towards diabetes as per both modern biomedicine and Ayurveda are as follows:

1. Family history
2. Obesity
3. Age above 45 years
4. Hypertension
5. HDL
6. Habitual physical inactivity
7. Lack of sleep
8. Consumption of junk food and sugary foods

 

Clinical diagnosis of diabetes

We highly recommend the following investigations to find out whether or not you suffer from diabetes:

1. Measurement of plasma glucose level
2. Random blood sugar
3. Fasting blood sugar
4. Urine routine and microscopic
5. Lipid profile
6. Blood urea and serum creatinine

Clinical Features of Diabetes

If you are above 40, have a family history of diabetes, or work in a profession that requires sedentary work for long hours must be careful of your blood sugar levels. Here are the signs to watch out for:

1. Increased urine frequency
2. Increased appetite 
3. Weight loss
4. Visual disturbances
5. Non-healing ulcer
6. Excessive thirst
7. Inflammation of glans penis

Prevention and Cure of Diabetes

1. For borderline diabetic patients, various preparations made from yava (barley), mudga (fenugreek), patola (snake gourd), pumpkin, cucumber, buttermilk, Triphala are beneficial as preventive measures.
2. Those who are suffering from diabetes should avoid tubers, sweets, dairy products, soft drinks, fried foods, and fruits like banana, custard, apple, mango must be avoided.
3. As per research, ayurvedic drugs have been proven to be effective on the beta cells of the pancreas, thereby improving the insulin produced. Formulations of amlaki, haridra, methi, jamun, vijayasara, saptachakra, and bimbi as recommended by your ayurvedic doctors may be used.
4. Certain yogic practices such as specific asanas may be helpful. Asanas like vakrasana, dhanurasana, ushtrasana, etc. may be incorporated into the daily routine.
5. Certain lifestyle changes are also advised. Physical activity for 30 minutes daily is advised. Reduce intake of starchy carbs like potatoes, rice, oily foods sweets. Regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and eye examination are recommended.