Blog Topic: How is Diabetes becoming a growing concern and ways to treat diabetes in Ayurveda?
Diabetes a growing concern for India?
In India, there are estimated 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from diabetes (type 2) and nearly 25 million are per-diabetics (at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future). More than 50% of people are unaware of their diabetic status which leads to health complications if not detected and treated early.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions that affects over 10% of the adult population globally. In Ayurveda, diabetes is referred to as Madhumeha. Diabetes mellitus is referred to as Vata Prameha. It crops up because of an imbalance in the Vata Dosha (one of the three functional energies in the body). Diabetes insipidus is referred to as Kapha Prameha. Diabetes is one of the most common yet challenging health concerns that people face. Diabetes and Ayurveda have a healing link.
Diabetes mostly falls into 2 types i.e., Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes – In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Genes may play a role in attracting diabetes for some people.
Type 2 diabetes - Type 2 Diabetes stems from a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Having overweight or obesity increases your risk. Carrying extra weight, especially in your belly, makes your cells more resistant to the effects of insulin on your blood sugar. This condition runs in families (Hereditary). Family members share genes that make them more likely to get type 2 diabetes and to be overweight.
Some of the most common Type 1 Diabetes symptoms are:
- Extreme thirst
- Excessive hunger
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Urge to vomit
- Sudden weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Blurry vision
Some of the most common Type 2 Diabetes symptoms are:
- Extreme thirst
- Unusually frequent urination
- Excessive hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent urination
Diabetic patients may also have other health concerns, such as those relating to the heart or kidney. However, because of diabetes, they may not feel the symptoms and some people may not just show any symptoms of Diabetes. Ayurveda focuses on treating diabetes using a holistic approach rather than a symptomatic approach.
What causes Diabetes?
- Being physically inactive
- Excessive sleep, including sleeping during the daytime
- Excessive sugar intake
- Eating too many foods that cause an increase in Kapha
- Hereditary issue
How to treat Diabetes as per Ayurveda?
Shri Chyawan Ayurveda have carefully formulated a Diabetes Care Kit for natural treatment of Diabetes that helps regulate and maintain your Blood Sugar levels optimally. All our products are prepared using best quality herbs and strictly follow the principals of Ayurveda. All our products are 100% Pure, Natural and Safe to be used and do not cause any side-effects.
The Diabetes Care Kit consists of:
1. Madhumoksh Vati
2. Chandraprabha Vati
3. Karela & Jamun Ras
4. Giloy Ras
There are several ayurvedic-medicinal herbs that helps to treat and cure Diabetes. Many Ayurvedic herbal ingredients are commonly used in Indian cooking. Here are certain ayurvedic herbs apart from many other that help maintain/regulate blood sugar levels:
- Guduchi/Giloy: Giloy Ras: Giloy Ras is the ultimate herbal and ayurvedic remedy to get relief from diabetes and enables to control blood sugar level and maintains adequate sugar level. It acts as an immunity booster for your body. It’s generally bitter in taste but best for improving your body’s immunity, sugar levels and also is equally effective in treating cough/cold, flu, etc.
- Amla and turmeric: The combination of equal quantities of Amla and turmeric is known as Nisha Amalki. It is one of the best among the many anti-diabetic formulations.
- Neem and Gudmar: They are excellent diabetic medicinal herbs that are also bitter which helps to reduce sugar levels.
- Ashwagandha: It helps reduce stress, fatigue, boosts immunity and insulin sensitivity at the same time. It also improves sleep quality.
- Karela Jamun Ras: The combination of Karela-Jamun Ras helps in controlling blood sugar by reducing appetite and promoting utilization of blood sugar in the body and the jamboline and jambosine that is present in jamun that can help to lower the speed at which the body converts food to starch.
- Triphala: Triphala which is a combination of three ingredients/herbs Haritaki, Amla, and Bibhitaki, it also acts as an Ayurvedic medicine for attaining the right blood sugar balance.
- Fenugreek Seeds: Fenugreek seeds or methi dana is an excellent medicinal ingredient that we can find easily in our kitchen, which helps regulate Diabetes.
- Cinnamon Powder: It reduces the sharp spikes in blood sugar after meals, and increases your insulin sensitivity as well. It’s extremely useful in controlling diabetes.
Natural ways to reduce or control Diabetes/Home Remedy:
- Maintaining a balanced diet: Diabetic patients need to be very cautious and particular when it comes to their diet. A proper balanced diet is what helps in maintaining sugar levels. Reducing your carbohydrate consumption will help in diabetes. You must include fiber-rich foods like vegetables and bitter herbs.
- Drink ample water: It's ideal that you drink at least two liters of water a day, and when you drink enough water, it helps your kidneys to flush out toxins and prevents dehydration as well. When you drink water regularly, your blood sugar levels begin to stabilize, and the risk of diabetes getting worse also reduces.
- Schedule Meals: Maintaining a schedule for every meal from breakfast till dinner is extremely essential and you must ensure not to skip any meals or do fasting.
- Physical activity: It is very much required to engage in physical activity, may be a walk, run, yoga, etc. But one must engage in physical activity at least for half an hour.
- Adequate Sleep: You must make it a point to sleep for eight hours at least. A full night's sleep does an excellent job of promoting good mental and physical health. If you have improper sleeping habits, then it will reflect negatively on your blood sugar levels.
Other Key Takeaways for reducing/controlling Diabetes:
- Eat more fiber and avoid carbs.
- Exercise regularly
- Get adequate sleep
- Reduce sugar intake
- Stay hydrated
- Schedule all meals
- Do not skip any meal