Diabetes Mellitus Type II: An Ayurvedic Perspective

By Ranjana Chawla, AyD

Samsara Ayurveda & Yoga

. https://www.ranjanachawla.com/

Diabetes Mellitus Type II: An Ayurvedic Perspective

Diabetes mellitus has gained negative attention as one of the world’s largest silent killer diseases. The complications of diabetes include: blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and foot amputation. Which is why the prevention of diabetes and its management should be undertaken with urgency.

The causal factors for diabetes mellitus are either a result of malfunction in the hormone that moves the glucose into the cells (insulin) or an inadequate amount of insulin produced.

In Ayurveda, diabetes mellitus is seen as a buildup of toxins (ama) in the body, specifically at the receptor sites disabling the hormone’s ability to pass through the cell and perform its specific metabolic action. Diabetes is a direct result of improper eating habits that lead to a buildup of ama and fat, poor lifestyle choices and lack of exercise. Often Ayurveda doctors will prescribe a treatment to remove the excess ama, provide a jumpstart to weight loss, and clear the receptors to potentially enable the liver to receive the initiation message to break down the sugar and process it.

Here are some of the best natural practices that will help you to manage diabetes better:

Weight management and exercise

Moderate and sustained weight loss can help improve your body’s insulin action and decrease fasting glucose concentrations. Exercise and staying active will keep your blood glucose level in the correct range, preventing long-term complications, such as nerve pain and kidney disease.

Avoid smoking and drinking

Smokers are 30-40% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers. Also, alcohol may cause your blood sugar to either rise or fall and has a lot of calories.

Diet

Avoid excess intake of sweets and simple carbohydrates and include more green and leafy vegetables. Eating regimented meals that contain less fatty foods thrice a day is very important. Avoid dairy products and opt for skimmed milk and low-fat yogurt.

Spices

Intake of turmeric, aloe-vera and cinnamon can be beneficial in diabetes management. Diminished functioning of agni (digestive fire) can also trigger high blood sugar levels. Ginger tea helps stimulate digestion, which is very beneficial in reducing the excess fat in your system.

Everyone has very specific root causes which, when not treated properly, can turn into a diabetic condition.  In Ayurveda we don’t treat diabetes as a disease, it’s an impact of a malfunction in the body which if fixed will stop this condition. Ayurvedic treatment can provide an effective and sustainable solution to the condition.