Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases plaguing India. India has the second highest number of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Though diabetes is not deadly in itself, but it severely impacts the quality of your life and can lead to complications which can be fatal. That’s why it’s very important to manage diabetes. In this blog, I will be sharing all about Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes.
There are three major types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) and gestational diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to use the energy found in food. With diabetes mellitus, either the body doesn’t make enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it produces or a combination of both.
When left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications like – cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, foot damage, skin conditions etc. It is a slow and a silent killer. Diabetes can also lead to blurred vision or blindness, increased infections. It also increases the risk of cancer, amputations and a cluster of other complications. And that’s why people suffering from diabetes should keep a constant eye on their health parameters.
Also Read: Is coconut water safe in diabetes?
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is a lifelong disease. It occurs either because the pancreas are not able to make enough insulin or because of the inability of the tissues to use the insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body’s cells use sugar or glucose for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus makes up about 90% of cases of diabetes, while the other 10% are diabetes mellitus type 1 and gestational diabetes.
What are the causes?
Obesity, sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exercise and sometimes genetics are the common causes of Diabetes Mellitus. The fact that a person’s body doesn’t have enough insulin or the insulin is not used properly, means that glucose (sugar) is unable to get into the body’s cells. When they don’t get into the cells, the only place they get built up is in the bloodstream. This can lead to a dangerous condition that could cause multiple damages.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms often develop slowly so much so, a person may have type 2 diabetes for years and not realize it. Hence it is important to look out for these symptoms:
- Increased thirst and frequent urination.
- Increased hunger.
- Weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Blurred vision.
- Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections.
- Patches of dark skin in the body.
Did you know?
Diabetes is predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death in the world by the year 2030. And total deaths from diabetes are projected to rise by more than 50% in the next 10 years. It is another epidemic we are staring at. And this is the time to do something about it!
Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes
Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Sangraha mentions about Madhumeha. Charaka Samhita mentions the causes of this disease as genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle. The scholar says that people with type 2 diabetes should walk barefoot for 3.5kms a day. Physical workout is as important as right diet when it comes to managing diabetes.
Ayurveda also uses the power of herbs in treating this condition. Shilajit, turmeric, neem, amalaki, triphala, bitter gourd, leaves of bilva, cinnamon, fenugreek, bay leaf and aloe vera are proven effective in many studies. Ayurvedic doctors commonly advice Triphala and fenugreek to manage diabetes. They also refer the use of Amalaki Churna and Haldi powder .
Also Read: Walking barefoot in diabetes
Yoga for Diabetes:
As I already mentioned, physical workout is very crucial for correct management of diabetes. Yoga is a great stress buster. It also helps in fighting obesity. Both of these factors are potent contributors of diabetes. Regular practice of yoga with meditation can help in keeping your blood sugar levels in check.
Also Read: Stress Management in Type 2 Diabetes
Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes – Diet for diabetes
If you want to correct any disorder from its roots then you must check your plate first. Dietary changes are very important for right management of diabetes. Ayurveda emphasizes on the importance of diet for a healthy body. The ancient science highlights a particular kind of diet for balancing the body.
In diabetes, Ayurveda says that the person should consume food that are bitter or astringent. Bitter gourd, fenugreek seeds, barley are helpful. The diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables that have rich fiber content. Also, spices like turmeric, cumin, cardamom and coriander can help!
Instead of eating three heavy meals, go for 5 to 6 small meals.
In addition, the patients should avoid dairy products. They should opt for almond/soy/skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt. Another great spice that helps is ginger. Drinking ginger tea or ginger juice can help in managing diabetes.
Home remedies you can try
The secret to managing diabetes effectively lies in your kitchen. Having the right items on your kitchen shelf is the first step to managing your diabetes. Though exercise and medication is mandatory, these simple remedies too can go a long way in managing your diabetes.
- Bitter gourd – Bitter is better when it comes to diabetes. Karela or bitter gourd is a staple in a diabetics diet. It’s rich in hypoglycaemic bio-chemical substances which help manage fluctuations in sugar levels. One of the best ayurvedic home remedies is drinking bitter gourd juice in the morning.
- Fenugreek seeds – I always say this, Fenugreek seeds are the best remedies to managing blood sugar levels. These seeds contain galactomannan which can reduce the rate of digestion and decrease carbohydrate absorption. Just soak some seeds in water and leave it overnight. Drink this first thing in the morning. This is also a great remedy for weight loss.
- Amla – Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, amla is no less than a medicine. The green gooseberries help in regulating carbohydrate absorption. Moreover, it contains chromium that helps in insulin sensitivity. Amla stimulates the pancreatic cells and reduce blood sugar. You can eat it raw or drink its juice.
- Jamun – This black fruit works magic in managing diabetes. It can help reduce blood sugar levels, helps to enhance the insulin activity and sensitivity and control the damage of diabetes. In Ayurveda, Jamun is one of the potent medicines.
- Neem and Tulsi are two other common herbs that are found in every household in India. These herbs are helpful in improving insulin management by the body. Giloy or Guduchi is yet another powerful herb that helps manage blood sugar levels.
Also Read: Methi in diabetes
Tips for prevention
1. Pumpkin, cucumber, watermelon, buttermilk, triphala are beneficial as preventive measures in prediabetes.
2. Regular exercise like brisk walking, swimming can help.
4. Use rasayana drugs like Amalaki rasyana on regular basis.
5. Avoid consuming sugar or sugar products, fried food and dairy products.
6. Even the sugar free products are not that good.
6. Avoid wine, excess use of oil, clarified butter, milk, and meat.
7. Avoidance of day sleep and laziness.
Testimonial: Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes Mellitus
Rani Sudha – 57 years – Housewife.
I had been obese for more than ten years. The day I was diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus made me realize the weight of the problem. I had never believed in exercising and hardly stepped out of my house. Ever since the onset of this health issue, Dr. Brahmanand Nayak, whom I consult for all ailments, advised that I go for regular walks. I walk for about 5 km every day now. It was not easy in the beginning. But now, the day does go by, without the morning walk. I take Ayurvedic medication every day and certainly feel vast improvement.