Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of diseases that affect how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues. Diabetes is characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar) due to either insufficient insulin production, ineffective use of insulin, or both. In Ayurveda , Prameha translates to "pra" meaning profuse and "mehati" meaning "excessive urination." It refers to the imbalance in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) especially kapha dosha.

There are three main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body absorb glucose from your blood. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood instead of entering your cells.
• Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It often develops over many years and is characterized by insulin resistance, which means your body doesn't use insulin as well as it should. Eventually, your body may not produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal.
• Gestational diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, although the exact reason why this happens is unknown. Genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
• Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and lifestyle choices. Being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, and being inactive are all risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes is caused by hormones produced during pregnancy that can make it harder for your body to use insulin.

Treatment and Management:

• Dietary Changes: A core principle. It emphasizes whole grains, vegetables, and specific spices like turmeric and fenugreek. Sugary foods, processed foods, and unhealthy fats are discouraged.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management through yoga and meditation is recommended, along with regular exercise to promote overall well-being.
• Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs like bitter melon (karela) and Gymnema Sylvestre (Gudmar) have blood sugar-regulating properties.

Therapies:

Panchakarma therapy -

• Vamana (Therapeutic Emesis): Helps remove Kapha-related toxins through induced vomiting.
• Virechana (Purgation): Clears excess Pitta and balances metabolism through induced purging.
• Basti (Enema): Administered with medicinal oils or decoctions to cleanse Vata and Kapha toxins.
• Udvartana (Herbal Powder Massage): Stimulates circulation and improves metabolism.

Naturopathy -

• Hydrotherapy: Use of water treatments like hot and cold packs to improve circulation and detoxification.

Yoga asanas -

• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
• Balasana (Child's Pose)
• Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
• Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)

Pranayama -

• Kapalbhati Pranayama
• Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
• Bhastrika Pranayama.
• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
• Ujjayi Pranayama.

Home remedies -

• Cinnamon Tea: Drinking cinnamon-infused water or tea to help regulate blood sugar.
• Aloe Vera Juice: Consuming aloe vera juice, which may have blood sugar-lowering properties.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Taking a small amount of apple cider vinegar before meals can help control blood sugar spikes.
• Methi (Fenugreek) Water: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning to aid in blood sugar management.
• Bitter Gourd Juice: Regular consumption of bitter gourd juice to help lower blood sugar levels.