Is Ayurvedic Medicine an Effective Treatment for Diabetes?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is one of the most common diseases plaguing humanity in the current times. The disease can be debilitating if not maintained correctly, but it is not impossible to live a happy and healthy life while living with diabetes. All that is required are a few lifestyle changes and some natural Ayurvedic remedies that will regulate blood sugar.

Most people rely on allopathy as it gives instant relief or gratification but Ayurvedic medicine is far more effective in providing long-term relief and freedom from all symptoms associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Diabetes has now been classified as a lifestyle disease more than something that occurs due to old age. Most common causes of diabetes are a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical exercise, and excessive consumption of processed foods. In India alone, it is reported that almost 30 million people suffer from type 2 diabetes. This disease is becoming a serious problem to the overall health and wellbeing of the country, especially since it is affecting those between the ages of 20-30.

The following are some symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes:

Hunger and lethargy

Insulin is required by the cells to convert glucose to energy. When not enough insulin is produced or if your body begins to fight off the insulin created, you feel fatigued as there is not enough energy being converted for the body to use. This results in an increase in appetite as well.

Frequent urination and thirst

Most people will urinate 2-7 times a day; someone with diabetes, however, will go more often than that. This is because the body absorbs glucose as it passes through the kidneys. In case of diabetes, the kidneys cannot effectively undertake this process signaling the body to urinate more often. As urination increases, thirst increases along with it.

Itchy skin and dry mouth

Diabetes can cause dry skin and dehydration due to constant urination. The body loses its moisture leading to itchiness and dryness of the skin and mouth too.

Blurred vision

When fluid levels fluctuate in the body it can affect your eyesight and cause the lenses in your eyes to swell up, change shape and lose focus too. It’s essential that you understand the symptoms in the earlier stages so treatment can be more effective.

Ayurveda classifies diabetes into 2 types – Avarana and Dhatuksyaya. Avarana is caused due to blockages in or aggravation in the Kapha dosha or other tissues in the body. Ayurveda defines tissues as ‘Dhatus’; when they are affected or depleted it causes the second type of diabetes. ‘Agni’, the digestive fire within needs to be kept at an optimum level for strong digestion. Here are some changes you can make to your eating habits to ensure proper digestion:

• The largest or heaviest meal of the day should be around noon.
• A light breakfast and dinner are ideal.
• Eat warm food to avoid aggravating the cold Kapha dosha.
• Avoid foods that are too sweet or too sour, especially processed foods.
• If your Kapha dosha is dominant, sip on warm/hot water throughout the day.
• Store water in a copper jug and drink as a traditional aid to diabetes treatment.
• Avoid snacking to reduce strain on digestive process.
• Use herbs and formulations that aid in digestion and enhance the digestive fire for insulin resistance treatment.
• Avoid stress as much as possible.
• Get as much sleep as you can.

According to Ayurveda, each stage of life is dominated by either Vata, Pitta or Kapha dosha. Childhood is influenced by the Kapha dosha. If children have a diet or lifestyle that aggravates the Kapha dosha, it can manifest as Type 1 diabetes. A combination of internal and external Ayurvedic treatments are used in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is known as ‘Apathyanimittaja’ and is caused by an aggravated Vata dosha that then aggravates that Kapha dosha. This is compounded by sedentary lifestyle and habits.

All in all, Ayurveda is 100% effective in alleviating, reducing and maintaining the symptoms of diabetes.