Diabetes Management through the lens of Ayurveda

In this fast-paced world, we are all living on our toes. Our lives are greatly dominated by technology, and it makes us physically inactive. To cope with the speed of this sedentary lifestyle, we do not think twice before consuming high-processed foods, junk food, sugary delights, etc., which we all know is bad for our health. These habits trigger an imbalance in our bodies, which leads to many conditions and diseases, and there is one silent killer: diabetes.

Dr. Nature Wellness is on a mission of making India a Diabetic-Free Nation. Together, let us fight Diabetes and support the diabetics!

Diabetes, also known as "Prameha" in Ayurveda, has become one of the most rapidly growing conditions across the world.

Approximately 422 million people are suffering from this chronic condition, out of which 77 million are from India. And if this doesn’t startle you enough, this surely will: around 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the majority of the food you consume is converted by your body into sugar (glucose), which is then released into your bloodstream. Your pancreas releases insulin when your blood sugar levels rise. In order for blood sugar to enter your body's cells and be used as energy, insulin functions like a key.

When you have diabetes, your body either produces insufficient insulin or uses it improperly. Too much blood sugar remains in your bloodstream when there is insufficient insulin or when cells cease reacting to insulin. That can eventually lead to major health issues like renal disease, eyesight loss, and heart disease.

But what if we told you there is a way through which you can manage your diabetes and its symptoms naturally and effectively? Intrigued right? Read on and find out how!

Table of Contents:

1. Types of Diabetes
2. Ayurveda and Diabetes
3. Diabetes Management through Ayurveda

Types of Diabetes: 

There are mainly 2 types of Diabetes: 

a.       Type 1 Diabetes

b.      Type 2 Diabetes

1. Type 1 Diabetes

Even though type 1 diabetes isn't the most prevalent type of diabetes nowadays, one should be aware of it! Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can occur at any age. It is relatively less common than Type 2 diabetes, and it is caused by problems with insulin production in the pancreas. Whenever the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, glucose cannot penetrate the cell as it normally would. This produces a buildup of glucose in the bloodstream, which leads to high blood sugar, which harms the body and contributes to many of the signs and complications of diabetes. It is still not clear what triggers type 1 diabetes, but it is said to be caused by an autoimmune reaction that damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, known as the beta cells.

The result of this autoimmune reaction can cause the immune system to treat healthy body parts as threats and attack them.

Some of the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are –
 

• Frequent Urination
• Unexplained Mood Swings
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Blurred Vision
• Tiredness or weakness
• Sudden or Unexplained Weight Loss

These symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to several complications, like eye-vision problems, high blood pressure, the risk of a heart attack or stroke, and poor blood circulation. And, unlike type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. 

2.      Type 2 Diabetes:

Type 2 Diabetes is often diagnosed in people over 45, but due to this hectic schedule and poor lifestyle, every day, more and more children, teens, and young adults are also developing it. Just like type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes also involves high blood sugar levels, but many people with type 2 diabetes can produce enough insulin for their bodies. However, they face the problem of insulin resistance, which means that their cells cannot utilise insulin as effectively as they should. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels as the pancreas can’t meet the body's rising need for insulin.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, there are many factors that lead to the development of type 2 diabetes. Some of them include being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, having no activeness, family genetics of diabetes, age, and ethnicity.

 Some of the most common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes are –

· Increased thirst

· Frequent urination

· Increased hunger

· Unintended weight loss

· Fatigue

· Blurred vision

· Slow-healing sores

· Frequent infections

· Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

· Areas of darkened skin, usually in the armpits and neck

But the good news is that people can decrease their chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include increasing your physical activity levels, eating a balanced diet, trying to lose weight, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity. Similar actions and, if necessary, the use of medication are the main aspects of treatment for type 2 diabetes. Additionally, you'll need to routinely check your blood sugar. Ask your doctor what your goal blood sugar levels should be and how frequently you should check them.