Diabetes: An Overview
Diabetes has
become a global problem in spite of advances in modern science. It has become the seventh
leading cause of death, and a major cause of heart disease, stroke, kidney
disease, infertility, lower limb amputation, and blindness.
Diabetes mellitus is a group
of related diseases in which the body is unable to regulate the amount of
sugar, specifically glucose, in the blood. It is characterized
by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative deficiency of insulin.
The
main causes of Diabetes are sedentary lifestyle, lack of
exercise, sleeping in daytime, improper food habits, and excess
intake of oily, spicy, sweet, fermented and dairy food products.
Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2
There are two types of
diabetes mellitus. Type I, previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus, occurs when a person’s immune system destroys the pancreatic beta
cells. As a result little or no insulin gets produced. In order to maintain
balanced blood glucose levels, patients with this condition require insulin
injections. Type I accounts for only 10% of cases.
Whereas, the majority 90%
of cases of diabetes mellitus is type 2 diabetes. Formerly known as
‘non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus’, in type 2, the pancreas continues to
produce insulin, but the body develops a resistance to it.
Ayurvedic
Treatment Approach to Diabetes Mellitus
Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes mainly focuses on correcting
the lifestyle through changes in diet and physical activity.
The healing system of Ayurveda
offers valuable wisdom and guidance that can help to treat and manage this
complex disease especially when these changes are made early on in the
development of the disease. In fact, when early intervention is made with diet,
people with pre-diabetes can prevent development of the disease itself.
Scientific measurement
proves that herbs can successfully assist in the treatment of diabetes, but
changing dietary and lifestyle habits are paramount. By addressing the physical,
emotional and spiritual beliefs that lead to an imbalance, herbs become a complementary
support to a greater Ayurvedic treatment plan that affects wellness and healing
on every level.
Following herbs have been proven
to be effectual in the management and stabilization of blood glucose levels as
well as in treatment of madhu meha.
Gurmar
has an astringent quality and is one of the primary herbs used in Ayurvedic
medicine to treat blood glucose imbalances. It prevents diabetes from getting
worse. It helps control the appetite and reduces sugar cravings. It also calms
and soothes the liver and pancreas.
Cinnamon
helps to reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. Also,
it has tested efficacy to successfully balance blood glucose levels.
Fenugreek is highly useful in the treatment of madhu meha. The seeds in particular have an affinity for regulating insulin. It is useful in reducing fat and regulating glucose metabolism as well.
Aloe Vera
is a potent and valuable herb in the regulation of blood glucose levels. It
regulates sugar and fat metabolism.
Shilajit is described as “one of the wonder medicines of Ayurveda”. It possesses great curative powers and is considered capable of treating many diseases including diabetes. Shilajit supports the pancreas in insulin secretion and so is beneficial in treating diabetes effectively.
Jambu
is an esteemed drug for diabetes mellitus. It is one of the important
anti-diabetic drugs due to its hypoglycemic agents.
Diet and Lifestyle advice:
- Keep a regular check on your blood glucose level, blood pressure, and cholesterol
- Lose weight or stay at a healthy weight
- Eat healthy and fresh,
- Avoid fermented, sweet, spicy, oily and canned food products,
- Stay active by performing any physical activity (aerobics, yoga, brisk walk etc.)
- Quit smoking and alcoholism
- Feel good and have more energy
Visit Here: Obesity treatment
