Diabetes Control in Ayurveda: Natural Remedies, Diet, Yoga & Lifestyle Tips

One of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the world is diabetes mellitus (DM). It ranks as the fourth or fifth most common cause of mortality in the majority of high-income nations, and there is strong evidence that it is widespread in many newly developed and economically developing nations.
Diabetes, according to Ayurveda is frequently caused by an excess of kapha dosha, which is made up of the components earth and water. Features like weight, slowness, stability, firmness, coldness, softness, and oiliness are all embodied by this dosha. An excess of kapha can influence weight gain, a less active lifestyle, and even the development of diabetes.
The main causes of Prameha include prolonged periods of inactivity, sloth, excessive consumption of foods that are difficult to digest, such as dairy products, aquatic and marshy animals, sugar/jaggery preparations, fresh grains, etc., and similar foods that raise kapha.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 and type 2
Causes for type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes has no recognized main cause. The immune system may, however, begin targeting the pancreatic cells that produce insulin in this state. The body’s insulin levels may consequently fall sharply.
Your blood sugar levels rise as a result of this. Type 1 diabetes is thought to develop as a result of a combination of environmental factors and predisposition. However, type 1 diabetes is not thought to be caused by being overweight.
In addition, type 1 diabetes is brought on by insufficient insulin synthesis.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can result from prediabetes. Your cells may, however, develop resistance to insulin and its effects in this scenario. Additionally, because the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, your body can have trouble overcoming this resistance.
Although the precise etiology of type 2 diabetes is unknown, it is thought to arise due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In contrast to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is mostly caused by being overweight. But not all people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Clinical features

• Polyuria – increased urination
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Itching of the skin, especially in the region of groin or genitals
• Slow-healing of sores or cuts in the skin / mucosa
• Polydipsia – excessive thirst
• Unusual weight loss or weight gain
• Nausea, perhaps vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Polyphagia – excessive appetite
• In women, frequent vaginal infections
• In men and women, yeast infections

Ayurvedic treatments

Panchakarma, a thorough cleansing and revitalization procedure, is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal administration), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) are the five primary treatments that make up Panchakarma. Each of these treatments aims to boost immunity, rid the body of toxins, and bring the doshas back into equilibrium.
According to Ayurveda, diabetes is a metabolic disease brought on by an imbalance in the body’s doshas, namely the Kapha dosha. By cleansing the body, promoting better digestion, and strengthening the pancreatic function, panchakarma therapies aid in balancing these doshas. This all-encompassing strategy not only aids in blood sugar regulation but also tackles the underlying cause of diabetes, providing a longer-lasting remedy.
Benefits
• Detoxification: Removes toxins from the body, which can enhance blood sugar regulation and metabolic health in general.
Dosha balance improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation by balancing the body’s doshas.
• Digestive Health: Promotes healthier digestion, which helps with glucose management and nutrition absorption. •

• Stress Reduction: Lowers cortisol levels, improves blood sugar regulation, and lessens stress and anxiety.
Improved Circulation: Increases blood flow, which aids in insulin production and cell absorption of glucose.
Weight management: Encourages weight reduction, which is essential for managing diabetes well.•

Routines changes

Limit the consumption of kapha dosha, curds, the flesh of domestic and aquatic animals, marshy areas, milk and milk preparations, fresh grains, and puddings prepared with sugar and jaggery.
Limit fatty meals and hefty diets that raise body weight and cholesterol.
avoid day sleep
Engage in regular yoga or exercise, and boost your calorie-consuming activities (cycling, swimming, brisk walking, etc.).
Food
A range of rice preparations that grow in 60 days include Godhuma (wheat), Adhaki (red gram, Cajamus cajan), Kulattha (horse gram, Dolichos biflorus), Kodrava (grain variation, Paspalum scrobiculatum), and Mudga (green gram) and, it is recommended to consume astringent and bitter leafy greens.
Bitter vegetables such as Karavellaka (Momordicacharantia), Bimbi (Coccinia Indica), Marica (Piper nigrum), Saindava lavana (rock salt), and Methika (Trigonella foenum-graecum) ought to be utilized.
Home remedies
• It has long been recommended to drink water from copper containers. This can assist restore the body’s equilibrium and stop blood sugar swings. Tamra Jal is the name of the water that is kept in a copper vessel and is believed to aid in balancing all three doshas. Overnight, fill a jug with copper vessel and consume it the next day.
• Eat sprouts or sip fenugreek water first thing in the morning when you’re not hungry.
• Jamun aids in both boosting insulin synthesis and controlling insulin levels. Sugar levels may undoubtedly be lowered by chewing four to five jamun leaves.
• In a glass of water, add half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, whisk to combine, and then slowly drink. This may be done once per day.
• Cut a few fresh slices from aloe vera leaves and consume it with buttermilk.
• Inian gooseberry and turmeric make it as a paste or juice consume it daily morning.

Common medications

• Kathakakhadiradi kashayam
• Nisakathakadi kashayam
• Chandraprabhavati
• Shaddharanam tablet

Yoga and diabetes

Yoga aids with diabetes management. This is mostly due to yoga’s ability to monitor the causes of diabetes. Obesity and stress are the two primary factors that might cause diabetes. Frequent yoga combined with meditation lowers stress and delays the body’s fat buildup. Among the effective poses are Pranayam, Surya Namaskar, Balasana, Vajrasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, and Dhanurasana.