As the diabetes capital of the world, India has nearly 80 million diagnosed with diabetes. This Chronic metabolic disorder affects over 10% of the population worldwide. In this case, the body either does not produce or efficiently uses insulin — the hormone that allows cells to use glucose (a type of sugar) for energy.

Diabetes affects people of all ages and ethnicities. It is more common among people over the age of 45 and more common among African Americans than whites.

The most common type of diabetes is Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively to maintain sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the cells in the body do not respond efficiently to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels.

The good news is that there are many natural ways to help manage this disease naturally. It is essential to stay informed on all the types of treatments out there. Ayurveda is one such medicine system that can help you manage your diabetes naturally.

Understanding Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM), Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), and Type 3 Diabetes.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot properly regulate sugar levels in the blood. The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which breaks down sugars and starches from food into energy by cells throughout the body. In people with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cells don’t react to insulin appropriately.

Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM), Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM), and Type 3 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type of diabetes usually develops during childhood or adolescence, although it can begin at any age.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for up to 90% of all cases. It develops when muscles, fat, and other tissues become resistant to insulin or the pancreas cannot make enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.

Type 3 Diabetes arises when a gene called HNF4-alpha causes the pancreas not to produce enough insulin.

Symptoms of Diabetes

If you are experiencing one or more symptoms listed below, then know it is time to visit your doctor and get yourself tested for diabetes.

Frequent Urination

Rapid weight reduction

Vision distortion

Constant exhaustion

Constant hunger

Increased thirst

Tingling in hands or feet

Dry skin

Longer healing time for minor cuts and bruises

Parched mouth

Increased mood swings

Role of Ayurveda in Treating and Managing Diabetes

Ayurveda, a traditional healing system that originated in India, aims to treat the root cause of Madhumeha (diabetes), which is unique to each patient. The traditional healing system helps people with diabetes manage their condition with ancient, holistic practices.

Facts and Figures from Relevant studies

A study published in Diabetes Care found that following an Ayurvedic diet reduced fasting blood glucose levels by an average of 42 mg/dl. The Diabetes Prevention Program showed that a lifestyle intervention that included diet and exercise could result in a 58% reduction in Type 2 diabetes incidence over three years. Hence, providing much-needed results that Ayurvedic medicine may prove beneficial for people diagnosed with diabetes.

The root cause of diabetes, according to Ayurveda.

Any abnormalities in one of the three essential natures of the human body - Vata, Pitta, or Kapha can cause diabetes. The root cause for diabetes lies in the alterations arising out of poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle like:

Eating hard-to-digest meals filled with excess Snigdha (Oily food), Amla (Sour), and too much Lavana (Salt) rasa.

Atinidra or sleeping in excess

Avyayama or lack of physical activity or adapting sedentary lifestyle

Achinta means lack of mental activity

Abstaining from Samshodhana (purification) treatment

Working principle of Diabetic treatment

The best madhumeha Ayurvedic treatment includes balancing the five elements of the body:

Diagnosing the core cause

Administering medicines if necessary

Modifying dietary choices

Encouraging patients to adopt healthy lives by practicing yoga and pranayama daily.

What are some of the Ayurveda treatments?

Ayurveda works on the theory that every human being has a unique constitution (called Prakriti) and therefore requires a unique approach to treatment. Hence, the medical system focuses on identifying the root cause of any disease. Once done, the next step includes detoxification using Panchakarma Therapy. Based on different stages, Ayurvedic treatise recommends using combinations of treatments to cure or manage diabetes.

Case 1: The focus of the Ayurvedic treatment during the preliminary stages is on controlling diabetes using herbs and lifestyle modifications.

Case 2: When diabetes develops into a chronic condition, treatment involves prescribing Rasayanas and herbal medications to manage sugar levels in the body.

Case 3: The stage focuses on treating diabetes along with the comorbidities if present. The main focus will be on getting the sugar levels under control and reducing the risk of advancement of diabetes causing damage to other organs as well.

Treating diabetes with Ayurvedic Herbs

The endocrine system needs appropriate minerals, vitamins, and essential supplements to function efficiently. Ayurveda uses herbs, spices, minerals, and other natural substances to prevent and treat disease by fixing the working of the endocrine system.