Diabetes Prevention and Treatment is a big issue these days, as it is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of blood sugar.
It is a growing concern worldwide, with millions of people affected by it. While there is no known cure for diabetes, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing the condition. Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes include herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes.
In this article, we will explore the various Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes, backed by research. We will also discuss the long-tail keywords and tags related to Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes.
Types of Diabetes :
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot use blood sugar (glucose) properly. The exact cause of diabetes depends on the type of diabetes you have. Some of the possible causes are:
– Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This may be triggered by genes, viruses, or other environmental factors¹.
– Type 2 diabetes is a result of a person’s life when his/her body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make sufficient insulin. This may be influenced by genes, lifestyle factors such as overweight, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet, and other health conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol¹².
– Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the hormones of pregnancy make the body less responsive to insulin. This may be affected by genes, age, weight gain, and family history of diabetes¹².
– Other types of diabetes may be caused by genetic defects, diseases of the pancreas, medications, infections or other factors¹³.
You can learn more about each type of diabetes by clicking on the links below or by asking me specific questions.
- Diabetes – Symptoms and causes –
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
- Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes – NIDDK.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes
- Diabetes Causes: How Do You Get Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes – Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes-causes
- “Causes” of diabetes – Diabetes Canada.
https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/causes-of-diabetes
How to diagnose Diabetes :
Diabetes diagnosis is based on testing your blood sugar levels. There are different types of tests that can be used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes:
– **Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test** measures your blood sugar after you have fasted for at least 8 hours. A normal result is less than 100 mg/dL. A result between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes¹.
– **Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)** measures your blood sugar before and 2 hours after you drink a sweet liquid that contains glucose. A normal result is less than 140 mg/dL. A result between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. A result of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes¹.
- HbA1c (Haemoglobin A1c) test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. It shows how well you are controlling your blood sugar over time. A normal result is less than 5.7%. A result between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes¹.
Some factors that can affect the accuracy of these tests are:
- Age: Older adults may have higher blood sugar levels than younger adults, which can lead to overdiagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes².
- Race and ethnicity: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, have higher rates of diabetes and prediabetes than non-Hispanic whites³.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women may develop gestational diabetes, a temporary condition that affects how the body uses glucose during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby. It can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life⁴. Pregnant women are usually screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy using an OGTT.
- Medications: Some medications, such as steroids, antipsychotics, HIV drugs, and beta-blockers, can raise blood sugar levels and interfere with diabetes diagnosis or management.
- Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, and Cushing’s syndrome, can affect the production or action of insulin and cause diabetes.
(1) Diabetes – WHO.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
(2) Diabetes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and More – Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes
(3) Diabetes – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451
(4) Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes
Herbal Remedies for Diabetes in Ayurveda:
Ayurveda offers a range of herbal remedies for diabetes management. One of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes is bitter melon or Momordica charantia.
- Studies have found that bitter melon can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Another Ayurvedic herb used for diabetes management is fenugreek or Trigonella foenum-graecum. Fenugreek seeds have been found to improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
It’s worth noting that while Ayurvedic remedies can be a helpful addition to a diabetes management plan, they should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical treatments. It’s crucial to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for each individual’s needs.
In addition to herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring of blood sugar levels. This can help individuals with diabetes make informed decisions about their treatment and lifestyle.
In conclusion, Ayurvedic treatments offer a holistic approach to managing diabetes, with a focus on
- herbal remedies,
- dietary modifications, and
- lifestyle changes.
Research has shown that Ayurvedic treatments can be effective in improving glycemic control and reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including Ayurvedic remedies, to ensure safety and effectiveness.
By incorporating Ayurvedic practices into their daily routine, individuals with diabetes can lead a healthier and more balanced life.
Dietary Modifications for Diabetes Control:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for managing diabetes.
According to Ayurveda, people with diabetes should
- avoid foods that are high in sugar,
- carbohydrates,
- and fats. Instead,
- they should focus on a diet that is high in fiber,
- protein, and
- healthy fats.
- Some Ayurvedic foods that can help control diabetes include bitter gourd,
- turmeric,
- cinnamon, and
- amla.
Foods to Avoid:
Sugary foods and beverages: This includes sweets, desserts, sugary drinks, and processed foods with added sugars.
Carbohydrates:
Foods that are high in carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike, so it’s important to limit or avoid them. Examples include white rice, white bread, pasta, and potatoes.
Fatty foods:
High-fat foods can increase the risk of heart disease, which is a common complication of diabetes. Foods to avoid include fried foods, processed meats, and full-fat dairy products.
Alcohol:
Alcohol can cause a drop in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes. It’s important to limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Foods to Incorporate:
High-fiber foods:
Fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, making it an important part of a diabetes-friendly diet. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Lean protein:
Protein can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, making it an essential component of a diabetes-friendly diet. Examples include fish, poultry, eggs, tofu, and low-fat dairy products.
Healthy fats:
Healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Examples include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.
Ayurvedic superfoods:
Some Ayurvedic foods that can help control diabetes include bitter gourd, turmeric, cinnamon, and amla. Superfood listed products are Ragi, Sava, Kodo, Sattu etc.
Research has found that dietary modifications can be effective in managing diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes Prevention:
Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes in managing diabetes.
- One of the most important lifestyle changes is regular exercise.
- Studies have found that exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Other lifestyle changes that can help prevent and manage diabetes include stress reduction techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Research-backed Ayurvedic Remedies for Diabetes:
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments for diabetes.
A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2016 found that
- a combination of bitter melon and turmeric was effective in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Another study published in the Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders in 2015 found that
- a combination of fenugreek and cinnamon was effective in improving glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Here are the links to the studies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998099/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425146/
Conclusion:
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing diabetes, with a range of herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. Research has found that Ayurvedic treatments can be effective in reducing blood sugar levels and improving glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including Ayurvedic remedies. By incorporating Ayurvedic practices into their daily routine, people with diabetes can lead a healthier and more balanced life.
