Ayurvedic Herbs and Diabetes
Ayurvedic Herbs and Blood Sugar
Diabetes control is dependent on beta-cell physiology and pathology. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose in the blood. Apart from insulin, beta cells release C-peptide that helps to prevent neuropathy, and other symptoms of diabetes related to vascular deterioration. B-cells also produce amylin which functions as part of the endocrine pancreas and contributes to glycemic control. Several ayurvedic herbs are promising in the regulation of Beta cells functions.
The silent killer Diabetes has been gifted to us by today’s hectic unhealthy life style. There are so many causative factors of diabetes of which ‘tensions in life’ is number one. It is a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to make proper use of glucose resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (sugar in urine). Poorly managed diabetes can lead to a host of long-term complications like Heart attacks, Strokes, Blindness, Nerve damage, Impotence in men and Pruritus (Itching).
Pathology :
Diabetes mellitus type 1 is caused by the destruction or dysfunction of insulin-producing beta cells by the cells of the immune system. In Diabetes mellitus type 2, by contrast, beta cells decline gradually over time, and insulin resistance plays at least as large a role in the disease.
From pathogenesis point of view, Ayurveda has recognised five important components of DM viz: Dosha, Dusya, Srotas, Ama and Agni, all necessary factors to regulate beta cells function in the pancrease. The pathogenesis runs in a specific manner. (i) First, Sleshma -Dushti is the primary factor because of unhealthy life style. The Dushta (morbid) Shleshma circulates in the body. The Dhaus in the body are loose i.e. not compact and not properly metabolised. (ii) Th adipose tissue (Meda Dhatu) may be in excess, unbound and unutilized. (iii) The morbid Meda & Sleshma both, come in contact with Mamsa Dhatu (muscular tissue) and also with body fluids (Kleda) and vitiate them. (iv) If Mamsa is vitiated, skin lesions like dermatisis, acne, boils, fungal infections etc are produced. (v) If body fluid (Kleda) is vitiated, urinary frequency is increased and the Dhatus also flow out with urine. (vi) In the long run the nephrons and tubules (Mutravaha Srotas) are obstruted and diabetic kidney ailment (Nephritis) takes place.
Thus from Ayurvedic perspective we can understand that Diabetes is not mere high sugar level of blood and the disease is not only restricted to frequent urination. There is derangement in the fat (Meda) metabolism. We need to understand that fat is surplus and not properly metabolised. Also fluid balance in the body is disturbed.
Un-healthy life style is the real cause –
1] Diet increasing kapha dosha such as sugar, fats, potatoes, rice.
2] Lack of exercise.
3] Mental stress and strain.
4] Excessive sleep etc.
Common Symptoms –
1] Excessive urine formation & Frequent urination.
2] Burning of palms and soles.
3] Increased hunger
4] Excessive Thirst.
5] Weight Loss and Uexplained feeling of tiredness.
6] Blurry Vision
7] Wounds that take time to heal and lasting skin infections.
Diagnosis: -
The American Diabetes Association (ADA), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) have joined forces to recommend the use of the hemoglobin A1C assay for the diagnosis of diabetes. A1C has numerous advantages over plasma glucose measurement and it is a more stable chemical moiety.... It's more convenient. The patient doesn't need to fast, and measuring A1C is more convenient and easier for patients who will no longer be required to perform a fasting or oral glucose tolerance test.... And it is correlated tightly with the risk of developing retinopathy. The committee has determined that an A1C value of 6.5% or greater should be used for the diagnosis of diabetes.
Ayurvedic Treatment
There are two types of diabetic patients, the obese (Stula Pramehi) and the asthetic (Krish Pramehi). Purificative Panch Karma therapy is recommended for obese and strong diabetics. It aims at reducing the kapha aggrevating diet (i.e. carbohydrates diet) apart from decreasing the total quantity of diet. The idea is to cut the caloric over load.
The weak and thin patients should be given improved ayurvedic nourishment (Brimghana therapy). Barley (Yavagu) is important diet for diabetic patient. Fresh Amla juice (Emblica officinalis) taken with Curcuma longa (Haridra) gives good results. Sensible diet planning and regular Yogic support is the cornerstone of managing diabetes. Some ayurvedic herbs such as Tinospora cordiflia (Gulvel), Swertia chirayata, Jambhul (Eugenia jambolana), Gurmar (gymnema sylvestre), Bel (Aegle marmelos), Shilájit, Turmeric, Neem and Triphala are useful in the lond term management of Diabetes.
Gulbetic Forte is a promising ayurvedic supplement . It is natural blend of Tinospora cordifolia, Gymnema sylvestre, Swertia chirayata processed with Neem and Shilajit. It regulate beta cells nutrition and boost insulin production. It absorbs Kleda and digests abnormal fat (Meda) and also removes the toxins from Meda dhatu. Gulbetic is safe formula for weight conscious diabetic patients.
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