Diabetes and Ayurveda

Dr. Nilima Jainwww.ayurpride.co

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Status of Diabetes

Greek word meaning ‘siphon’ or ‘pass through’ or ‘drain’.

By the end of 18th century, the Latin term ‘Mellitus’ was added to Diabetes. Mellitus means ‘sugary’ taste.

It is estimated that every fifth person with diabetes will be an Indian.

Countries with the largest number of diabetic population

Says by

The transition from a traditional to modern lifestyle.

Rising trend of type II diabetes is in the urban areas.

Despite all therapeutic advancements….

As per WHO……

Morbidity and Mortality are alarming due to

burden of its complications.

Role of Ayurveda in D.M.

Ayurvedic medicines have lasting sugar control even after the withdrawal of drugs.

These are safe because these medicines do not lead to hypoglycemic episodes.

Though lots of medicines are available at most of the medical stores but it is advisable not to go in for over-the-counter medicines.

Self-medication should be strictly avoided, because under-dose or over-dose renders the medicines ineffective and fail to give the desired results.

Intake of Ayurvedic medicines, as in case of Allopathic medicines, should be result oriented.

• Medicine should not be taken with the mindset that they are harmless and so can be taken as and when required.

• Only medicines from standard & certified companies should be used with the prescription of the physician.

Ayurvedic medicines are helpful in:

• Newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (D.M.).

• Uncomplicated D.M.• Non-insulin dependent diabetes

mellitus (NIDDM).• Insulin dependent diabetes

mellitus (IDDM) (under strict supervision/monitoring of blood sugar levels).

• Early stages of complications, i.e., nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy.

Ayurvedic medicines are combined with regular anti-diabetic drugs already taken by the patient and the dose of the latter are tapered/adjusted

gradually by strictly monitoring the sugar levels at regular intervals.

The reduction of sugar levels is slow but progressive with continuous use of Ayurvedic medicines.

They ensure long lasting optimum sugar control through multiple actions.

Besides relieving the general symptoms such as thirst, excess urination, etc., they help to repair & regenerate beta-cells in pancreas to secrete insulin.

They have a great role in preventing complications.

The medicines increase peripheral utilization of glucose.

They overcome fatigue and tone up the body.

Have anti-oxidant properties.

Protect beta cells from oxidative stress.

ROLE OF SIMPLE HERBS

Many herbs are found to possess anti-diabetic properties and these can be used safely by the patients along with their anti-diabetic therapy

The results should be looked for after at least two to three months.

Bitter gourd (Karela) - Momordica charantia

• This lowers the blood & urine sugar levels.

• Take 1 tablespoon of Amla juice in one cup of bitter gourd juice once a day.

• This stimulates the islets of Langerhans in pancreas thus stimulating insulin secretion

Fenugreek (Methi) -Trigonella foenum graecum

• This is useful in early stage of diabetes.

• Soak 1 teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight. Take the seeds along with the water in the morning.

• This is a proven hypoglycemic agent.

Java plum (Jamun)- Syzygium cumini

• This is regarded as very specific against diabetes.

• Mix equal quantities of Jamun seed powder, amla powder and bitter gourd powder. Take one teaspoon of this mixture twice a day.

• This checks the progression of diabetes.

Indian gooseberry (Amla) - Embellica officinalis.

• This has high vitamin-C content & is useful in diabetes.

• Take 4 teaspoonful of amla juice + 2 teaspoonful of lemon juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of pure natural honey in the morning empty stomach.

• This acts on digestive system as a whole along with liver, spleen and pancreas.

For further queries drnilima@ayurpride.com www.ayurpride.com