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How to Control Your Diabetes with Ayurvedic Treatment

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus has been taken from the Greek word Diabetes which means siphon (to pass through) and Latin word mellitus means sweet.It is a chronic disorder of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism resulting from insulin deficiency or abnormality in the use of insulin.

Diabetes in Young Age

What Are The Leading Causes Of Diabetes?

Major Causes of Diabetes Mellitus Can Be Categorized Into 3 Categories

1. Agent

The fundamental cause of diabetes mellitus is deficiency of insulin which affects partially in Type I Diabetes and completely in Type II diabetes. This may be due to the following reasons

2. Pancreatic Disorders

Destruction of Beta cells by viral infections and chemical agents

3. Genetic mutations in genes

Autoimmunity

4. Host factors

Age and sex- Though diabetes mellitus can hit at any age but youth get affected by malnutrition-related diabetes.

5 Genetic factors

Studies show that in case of Type II diabetes there is 90% chances that it will pass on to the next generation while in case of Type I diabetes cannot be considered as a total genetic entity.

6. Obesity

Intensity of risk depends on the degree of duration of obesity because obese people requires very large amount of insulin to maintain adequate blood glucose levels. Increasing BMI (Body Mass Index), waist to hip ratio (reflecting, abdominal or visceral adiposity) are major determinants of Type II Diabetes. Obesity tends to reduce the no. of insulin receptors on target cells. It doesn’t play an important role in Type I diabetes.

7. Environmental factors

Sedentary lifestyle – Lack of workout and exercise induces the symptoms of diabetes mellitus.

8. Diet

Consuming a high saturated fat diet triggers insulin level and glucose tolerance in the body. Increased intake of dietary fiber on a daily basis helps in reduced blood glucose levels.

9. Malnutrition

This results in reduced Beta-cell functioning in infants and children.

10. Alcohol

This increases the risk of diabetes mellitus by damaging the pancreas, liver and symptoms of obesity.

11. Viral infections (rubella, mumps etc.)

Triggers Immune-responses which causes destruction of beta-cells.

Chemical agents (alloxan, cyanide etc.), stress (trauma, surgery etc.) are one of the factors inducing diabetes mellitus.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Other Factors

Type I Diabetes is a chronic condition which occurs when the body’s system against infection (immune system) initiates destroying the insulin producing beta cells of pancreas.

Genetics play a crucial role in diabetes
Increasing age
Obesity, physical inactivity are significant causes of diabetes as being obese resist insulin production
Stress affects normal functioning of pancreas
Unhealthy dietary habits like consumption of high carbohydrate and sugar level in body
Previous medication
Viral infections like rubella, mumps and coxsackie

Types of Diabetes

Type I-Formerly is known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)
Autoimmune disorder
Destruction of beta cells of the pancreas which leads to reduced or no insulin production.
May occur at any age but usually affects the age group below 15.

Type II Diabetes

Type II-Formerly is known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)
Probably caused by disturbances in insulin reception in the cells.
Reduced number of insulin receptors
Loss of beta cells responsiveness to glucose leading to slow or decreased amount of insulin released from pancreas.
Mostly occurs over age of 40 but can also occur in children.
Common in overweight and obese people.

Gestational Diabetes

This type affects females during pregnancy
Undiagnosed or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can raise the complications during healthcare
Pre-diabetes
Impaired fasting glucose (IFG)
FPG – 100-124mg/dL
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)
OGTT- 140-100mg/dL
Blood sugar levels
BSL- Random= 100-140 mg/dL
BSL-fasting = 70-110 mg/dL
BSL-after meal=less than 200md/dL
HBA1C- normal non diabetic HbA1c;

Who is at Risk?

Type I diabetes Risk factors

Family history
Improper eating habits
Damaged immune system

Type II diabetes risk factors-

Polycystic ovarian syndrome
High blood pressure
No physical work
A sudden increase in weight

Some of the Health Conditions Which Might Have Risk Factors Are

Obesity
Physical inactivity
Family history
Polycystic ovary syndrome
History of CVD
Gestational diabetes

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Polyuria (increased urination)
Polydipsia (increased thirst)
Polyphagia (increased hunger)
Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Nausea/vomiting
Severe hyperglycemia
Recurrent infection
Prolonged wound healing
Altered inflammatory and immune response
Genital pruritus
Blurry vision
Itchy and dry skin
Yeast infections
Feeling of numbness in feet and hands
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Deprived muscle strength in men
Increased appetite

Diagnosis of Diabetes

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
Random blood sugar test
Fasting blood sugar test
Oral glucose tolerance test
HbA1c value

Pathogenesis of Diabetes

Our metabolism converts food into energy which is done with the help of insulin.

About insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by pancreas, whenever we eat something sugar levels in our blood rise and simultaneously insulin is released in the bloodstream.

Role of insulin

Balances glucose levels in body
Inhibit the breakdown of glycogen
Stimulate the transfer of glucose into fat and muscle cells
Stimulate the storage of glucose in form of glycogen

It is believed that there is a direct link between nerve impulses and pancreas so when autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leads to a deficiency of insulin secretion results in the metabolic derangement associated with Type I diabetic patients. This results in loss of insulin secretion, abnormal functioning of pancreatic alpha cells and excessive secretion of glucagon. The resultant elevated glucagon levels disturbs the metabolic defects and suppressed glucose metabolism.

Whereas in case of Type II diabetic patients there are two main pathological defects i.e. impaired insulin secretion by dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells and insulin action through insulin resistance.

Complications

Acute and Subacute complications of diabetes mellitus
Metabolic- Ketoacidosis, Coma, hyper osmolar nonketotic-coma and lactic acidosis
Infections- UTI, lungs, bacterial and fungal infections
Hypoglycaemia

Chronic Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetic neuropathy- renal disease mainly affecting renal system i.e. visceral-cardiovascular, somatic-poly and mononeuropathy
Diabetic retinopathy- mainly affecting visual system
Diabetic foot/ulcer
Coronary artery disease/ cardiac diseases

What Are The Dosha Involved In Triggering The Symptoms Of Diabetes?

Diabetes which is also known as “Prameha ” is believed to have 20 types depending upon the type of dosha i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha (Tridosha). According to Ayurveda there are three main divisions of diabetes are-

Kaphaja- Kaphaja imbalance causes nausea, vomiting, indigestion and lack of hunger.
Pittaja- This causes insomnia, restlessness, urinary tract infections in women and diarrhea.
Vataja – This causes sleeping and digestive disorders.

According to Ayurveda, diabetes is caused due to Nidana sevana which aggravates Kapha and vitiates Meda Dhatu. Kapha and Meda are Jala tattva, kidneys and greater omentum are considered as seat (moolsthana) of Meda dhatu. This in turn causes excessive urination and thirst.

Herbal Products for the Management of Diabetes

1. Neem powder

Neem patra powder contains wonderful herb i.e. Azadirachta indica possesses a bitter taste which makes it an amazing anti-diabetic herb. This helps in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, pacifies digestive fires and is effective in wound healing.

2. Diableen capsules

Diableen capsules contains some herbal ingredients like Methika (Trigonella foenum-graceum), Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Karvellak (Momordica charantia) and Jambul (Syzygium cumini). Methika in this herbal combination is highly effective in diabetes as it contains galactomannan, a natural fiber present in methi seeds which slows down the sugar absorption into blood. Other herbs in this Ayurvedic product works tremendously in maintaining healthy sugar levels.

3. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki Rasayan is an herbal remedy which contains Emblica officinalis, which helps in eliminating toxins from the body. Indian gooseberry is very beneficial in reducing obesity, regulates blood sugar levels and revitalizes the nervous system. Amalaki Rasayan improves the immunity naturally and rejuvenates the body.

4. Digestion support

These herbal capsules contains various traditional herbs like Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica), Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Pippali (Piper longum) and Jeerak (Cyminum cuminum). This supplement strengthens the digestive system and triggers the liver, intestines to secrete digestive juices. It also has beneficial properties which relieves constipation and other digestive ailments.

5. Immune Booster Capsules

Immune booster is a classical Ayurvedic remedy which have been formulated by Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Cow colostrums (Bovine colostrums), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica). This product is a great detoxifying agent and improves the immune system. Bhumi amla or Indian gooseberry possess antioxidant properties which is beneficial in treating cold, cough, asthma and various liver disorders. Cow colostrums are enriched with vitamins, micronutrients, proteins etc. which makes it significant in improving immunity.

6. Neem Capsules

Planet Ayurveda’s neem capsules have been formulated from standardized extract of neem (Azadirachta indica) which possess anti-diabetic and anti-hemorrhoids properties. All the properties make it beneficial in treating various ailments like respiratory disorders, tooth decay, gum diseases and various skin related infections like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, etc. Neem tree is often considered as a Sarva Roga Nivarini which makes it beneficial in treating all ailments and disorders.

7. Karela Capsules

Karela (Momordica charantia) which is also considered as bitter melon and wild cucumber is an effective herbal supplement for diabetes. Some of the tremendous benefits of Karela capsules are-

Bitter melon contains lectin which helps in maintaining sugar levels by acting upon peripheral tissues and suppressing appetite.

Possess charanti and polypeptide-p (insulin-like compound) which provides karela anti-diabetic properties.

Contains vicine that helps in increasing insulin secretion, stimulates the liver, and glycogen synthesis.

8. Fenugreek capsules

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) which is also known as Methika and Methi, are rich sources of minerals (copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc.). Moreover, these capsules have been formulated by using the best quality of methi seeds. It’s tremendous chemical and phytochemical constituents make it beneficial in maintaining healthy weight and stable blood glucose levels.

Panchakarma

Panchkarma for diabetes involves Snehapanam, Thalapothichil and Thakradhara which will help in eliminating vitiated dosha from the body. After Purvakarma, a person’s body gets relaxed and loosened so for the proper management of diabetes Vamana, Virechana and Basti therapies of Panchakarma are commonly used by Ayurvedic experts.

Dietary Tips

What to Avoid?

Avoid bakery products, sauces, fruit jellies, jams, sweets, artificial sweeteners, soups, ice-cream, chocolate, coconut bar, chutneys, pickles and fried foods
You should not consume whole milk drinks and carbonated beverages.
Frozen pulses and red chilies must be excluded from the diet.
Whole refined flour, sugar and rice.
Mango, litchi, grapes, dates, peanuts, cashew nuts and pistachio.

What to Eat?

Veg upma, poha, porridge, idli, besan pancakes, Missi roti and plain chapati.
Whole wheat, oatmeal, whole grains cereals, and oats.
Okra, cauliflower, beans, cabbage, mushroom, spinach, eggplant, peas, capsicum, fenugreek and broccoli can be added to the diet.
Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, pepper, fennel, and cinnamon can be taken in adequate quantities.
Egg white, roasted, or grilled fish and chicken soup can be added to the diet.

Lifestyle tips

Make a habit of walking at least 30-45 min daily
Skipping meals should be avoided
Stay hydrated and drink 8-10 glasses of water regularly
Seasonal fruits and vegetables should be added to your daily
Exercise daily and avoid a sedentary lifestyle in order to prevent obesity
Regular follow-ups with a doctor should be conducted

Natural Ways to Prevent Diabetes

Select Healthy Carbohydrates:

All carbs influence the glucose level of the body. Select the foods that have healthy carbs. Some of the foods that can join you in general are whole grains like brown rice, white oats and buckwheat. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, pulses like beans, lentils and chick peas, dairy products like unsweetened yogurt and milk.

Also keep another thing in your mind, to some diets that should be avoided like the foods that have low fiber in them like white bread, white rice and highly processed cereals. If you still feel perplexed while choosing, look at their labels before you buy them, check the ingredients, foods with fiber are in and avoid all other foods that have low fiber content.

Eat Less Salt:

When you consume lots of salt, you run the risk of getting high blood pressure, which enhances the chances of getting heart disease and a stroke, might prove fatal for you. If you already are suffering from diabetes then you are more at risk of having a stroke.

Set a limit, not exceeding 6g (1 teaspoonful) a day. Mostly the food packages have their labels on them, better do the checking before you buy it. If you are cooking yourself, you can have a keen eye on how much salt are you putting in your dishes? You can also become creative by adding different herbs and swap salt with something that enhances the flavor of your dishes.

Avoid Meat products:

If you are having non-vegetarian food or you are habitual to, you have to set a limit or quit it completely as all kind of meat is related to cancer in one way or the other. Try swapping the meat with pulses like beans and lentils, which are rich in having fiber and don’t affect your blood glucose level too much and keeps your stomach in a hunky dory position. Try eating the herbs that have omega-3 fatty acids that protect your heart. Get vegetarian diet, it will also keep you fit & fine.

Eat more Fruits and Veggies:

Enhance your diet by eating more green veggies and fruits which can be eaten as snacks, whenever you feel hungry. This will get you more vitamins, minerals and fiber that is required by your body to stay fit & fine.

Fruits are sweet but contain natural sugar which is never harmful.

The whole fruit is great for everyone, even if you have diabetes.

As their juices do contain some added sugar, so better eat the fruit in its raw form.

Keep eating fruits all day long, don’t eat them in excess in one go.

It will keep your body satisfied and in a enthusiastic manner.

If you are already diabetic, choosing a diet gets tough that will help in keeping your diabetes in control.

However it is more important to eat foods that don’t allow diabetes to raise its ugly head.

Here are some of the foods that help in keeping your diabetes in check, type 1 or type 2, doesn’t matter.

Choose healthy Fats:

Everybody needs some fat to provide energy to the body to do any physical activity, but there are bad fats too that harm the body in different types.

Healthier fats can be found in foods like unsalted nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, grape seed oil and sunflower oil.

Some of the saturated fats can enhance the amount of cholesterol level in your blood; and cause the risk of some heart problems.

Such fats can be found in animal products like:

Red & processed meat

Ghee

Butter

Lard

Biscuits, cakes, and pastries.

Healthy Tips

It’s a wonderful idea if you never use any oil in your cooking, try grill, steam or baked different foods. Try this idea at least once, if like it tell others and let’s make this world a better place to live & enjoy.

I know cutting sugar is an uphill task initially, so some needs to be done when cutting the sugar intake as ‘longest journeys begin with a single step.’ You can try some sugar free sweeteners that are available in the market, but keep their number getting gradually less.

Tea and coffee without sugar also tastes the same. When you quit sugar, you can take care of your blood sugar levels in a perfect manner and help manage your weight too. If your dietary treatment requires these sweeteners to maintain your hypos, have a discussion with your doctor before leaving these sweeteners.

Quit Boozing:

Alcohol has lots of calories and is too dangerous if you already have diabetes quit all the things that have a tinge of alcohol in them. If you are habitual and find difficulty in giving up, try leaving it with getting actively involved in doing something else, play a game or get involved in any activity you love, just remain busy.

I know initially you might get tense, but give a break into your company of old friends, the binge drinkers, but think positive and a strong will power will give you lots of benefits in the long run, you will have more fun and your economic blues will also wither away and you can have lots of fun, thus making your family have more fun with you.

Alcohol can make hypos to happen regularly. So better say no when anybody asks you to give him/her company, which should be heard by everybody around you, in a loud & clear way.

You ought to follow the above mentioned natural and organic foods (fruits & veggies) to prevent, if already exist, then ways on how to control it in a natural way. But it will be much better if you take the advice of your doctor before proceeding.