Diabetes Mellitus

Termed `Madhumeha' in Ayurveda, its incidence is higher amongst the older and the obese. Originating from an absolute or relative lack of insulin, it gives way to abnormalities in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fat in the body. Characterised by abnormally high levels of blood glucose and its subsequent excretion through urine.

Symptoms

• Constant feeling of hunger and thirst.

• Weight loss

• Quick exhaustion. Drowsiness. Low sexual urge.

• Possible anaemia, constipation, itching around genital organs, palpitation.

• Slow healing of wounds.

Root Causes

• Overeating and consequent obesity

• Excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates

• Overloading of proteins and fats which get converted into sugar if taken in excess.

• Excessive tension, worry, anxiety & grief

• Hereditary factors

Herbs that are useful in Diabetes:

Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem can be helpful in Kapha and Pitta conditions but may exacerbate Vata problems. Neem being bitter, stomachic, antipruritic, tonic and revitaliser works wonders in this disease. Neem leaf is a traditional herb for treating diabetes and has been scientifically proven effective in treating and preventing diabetes. One tablespoon ( 5 ml) of Neem leaves juice taken daily in morning on empty stomach for 3 months is helpful in diabetes. 10 Neem leaves chewed or powder taken daily in morning also controls diabetes.

Karela (Momordica charantia)

The bitter gourd is specifically used as a folk medicine for diabetes. The juice of karela with seeds or the cooked vegetable is beneficial for diabetics. This helps to reduce sugar levels in the blood as well as in the urine. If you choose to have this drink, it is advisable to do so on an empty stomach or before meals.

Several researches proved that it contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as 'plant-insulin', which has been found highly beneficial in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

Gurmar Leaves (Gymnema Sylvestre )

Its common name is "sugar destroyer", because chewing the leaves destroys the ability to discriminate the sweetness of foods. The primary clinical application for this botanical is as an antidiabetic agent.

Gymnema's antidiabetic activity appears to be due to a combination of mechanisms. It appears to greatly increase the number of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas, while returning blood sugar levels to near normal. It increases the activity of enzymes responsible for glucose uptake and utilization


Nayantatra (Vinca rosa)

This plant has recently been shown to be an effective treatment for diabetes










Lifestyle Solutions :

• Lifestyle: Don't indulge in day-time sleep.

• Should take care not to injure yourself as you take time to heal. As a result, there is a possibility of the wound becoming septic.

• Should take adequate eye care as the disease in serious condition might affect the eye.

• If you are afflicted by any other disease, you should take prompt actions since you lack resistance.

• Foot care.

Diet :

• Avoid sugar in any form-rice, potato, banana, cereals & fruits containing high percentage of sugar content.

• Do away with fatty stuff.

• Go for the following low-calorie, low-fat alkaline diet of high quality natural foods.

• Seeds: Paslane seeds .Seeds of bitter
  gourd & Fenugreek

• Vegetables: Bitter Gourd, string beans, cucumber, onion, garlic

• Fruits: Indian Gooseberry, Jambul Fruit, Grape Fruit.

• Grains: Bengal gram, black gram.

• Dairy Products: Home-made cottage cheese and various forms of soured milk such as curd and butter milk.

• Emphasis should be on raw vegetables & herbs as they play a part in stimulating the pancreas and enhancing insulin production.

Yoga :

• A must for you
  a) Cobra (Bhujang Asana)
  b) Locust (Shalabh Asana)
  c) Bow (Dhanur Asana)

• Apart from Yoga daily some exercise must be done like cycling, swimming, jogging etc.

Ayurvedic supplements helpful in Diabetes: