Ayurvedic perspective of diabetes

Diabetes has been one of the major health concerns among people across the globe. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around six percent of the world population is affected by this lifestyle disease. A study, published in the journal Lancet, also stated that approximately 98 million Indians would be suffering from diabetes by 2030. Although diabetes is considered a chronic disease, it is possible to regulate it and curb down its risk and symptoms with the help of Ayurveda. At Jiva, our doctors have helped more than 1,20,132 patients manage their blood sugar levels with Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic perspective of diabetes

In Ayurveda, Diabetes is known as “Madhumeh” which is categorized under the disease “Prameh”. The word ‘madhu’ means honey (sweet) and ‘meh’ means urination. Hence, madhumeh means a disease in which a person urinates honey-like urine. Ayurveda divides diabetes into two categories:

1. Genetic (Sahaja) diabetes resembles juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes that occurs at a young age.
2. Acquired (Apathaja) diabetes occurs due to an unhealthy lifestyle in old age and obese people and resembles Type II Diabetes.

Many lifestyle factors lead to diabetes like genetics, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, improper or excessive sleep, obesity, stress, anxiety, and so on. These factors increase the Kapha dosha and med dhatu (fat tissues) which cause the blockage of channels and bring ojas (vital energy) from the body into the urine causing madhumeh.

Signs and symptoms of diabetes

1. Increased thirst
2. Excessive urination
3. Sudden weight loss
4. Constant fatigue
5. Increased hunger pangs
6. Slow wound healing
7. Blurred vision

Management and treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda

Prevention is always better than cure. According to the basic principle of Nidana Parivarjana (removal of the causative factor) in Ayurveda, prevention is the first and foremost principle of treatment of diabetes (Madhumeh). In the prediabetes stage, blood glucose levels are either normal or on the higher side of the normal range. This screening of diabetes should begin at 30-45 years of age and should be repeated every three years to avoid further complications like heart disease, nerve damage, kidney and eye-related problems, slow healing, hearing impairment, etc.

What you can do to prevent diabetes -

What we eat, how much exercise we do, what time we sleep – such lifestyle factors play a big role in shaping our bodily health. Lifestyle-related diseases stem from unhealthy living, and making few changes and pivoting to a healthier lifestyle can make a world of difference in bringing about overall balance and wellbeing. Diabetes too can be subverted and its risk can be reduced if you take care of your diet and live a physically active life. Following these steps may help you effectively control your blood sugar and move further towards your health goals.

Balanced diet: A healthy diet plays an important role in keeping diabetes under control. Eat a diet rich in all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Avoid eating junk, fried, sugary or processed foods. Use garlic, onion, bitter gourd (karela), spinach, raw banana and black plum. You can drink Jiva Karela Juice enriched with Jamun to regulate your blood sugar levels naturally.

Exercise regularly: Studies have shown that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 4-5 times a week, reduced their risk of contracting diabetes by 80 per cent. Simple exercises like walking and jogging can keep your weight under control. Yoga asanas like Paschimotanasana, Halasana, Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana and Dhanurasana are a great way to stimulate the pancreas that increases the production of insulin in the body. Pranayama like Kapalbhati and Anulom-Vilom helps control diabetes when practiced regularly.

Sleep well: It is essential to catch a good night’s sleep for around 6-8 hours to rejuvenate and nourish your body from within and alleviate the risk of getting diseases like diabetes. Avoid sleeping in the daytime.

Manage stress: Stress is the root cause of many problems including diabetes. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to the onset of diabetes and cause a rapid elevation in blood sugar levels in pre-existing diabetes conditions. Breathing techniques can help improve circulation, relax the mind, and thereby relieve stress. Finding a hobby of choice and indulging in it helps reduce stress. Take time out for yourself, as there is nothing more important than you.

What Ayurveda can do to treat diabetes -

Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that corrects the root cause of diabetes. It strengthens the body’s defence system, improves healing and regulates metabolic disturbances that lead to diabetes. Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes begins by detoxifying the body so that the medicines (special herbs and rasayanas) can work effectively towards treating the root-cause of the disease. Other than medicines, at Jiva Ayurveda, our doctors recommend customized diet and lifestyle plan that complements the effect of medicines and improves the overall quality of life. This also helps in avoiding life-long dependency on insulin and significantly reduces the risk of complications of diabetes.

When Ayurveda is considered as a treatment option in the early stage of diabetes, then the overall control of the disease in the future is much better. Therefore, if you or your loved one experience any of the diabetes symptoms, you can approach our Expert Ayurvedic Doctors for a root-cause based personalised treatment.